Students, parents and staff have worked together to reach out to those in need both in their local community and around the world. Thanks to a range of fundraising events, we have recently donated gifts of food, toiletries and money to various charity organisations, including Bishop Auckland Foodbank, TFM Radio’s Cash for Kids and Christian Aid.

A group of ambitious Science and Psychology students, accompanied by Miss Newton, have recently visited a section of Newcastle University, which is attached to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI), to attend a post-mortem examination. Here, Year 13 Applied Science student, Callum D talks about the trip.

Mr Shearer’s Aim Higher residential visits take place throughout the year to a host of universities across the UK. The trips raise aspirations by giving students an opportunity to sample university life.

It has been a busy term for students in Religious Studies with educational visits, fundraising events and visits from various speakers.

Once again, our A-Level Maths students are celebrating great success in the prestigious UKMT Maths Challenges, which recognise the abilities of the top Maths students in the country.

Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans (BATH) at King James has won the National Award from the England Illegal Money Lending Team for their outstanding production of ‘Loan Sharks’.

Last term, we launched our own Academy Bank for students in conjunction with Darlington Building Society. The bank offers our students the opportunity to develop valuable life skills and watch their money grow through a number of incentive-based savings initiatives.

Fifteen Martin Gray Football Acadaemy students, accompanied by Mr Laybourn, have recently returned from a trip to the 'Match for Children' in aid of UNICEF fundraising event at Old Trafford, which was organised by David Beckham.

In a moving tribute to the many servicemen and women who lost their lives in conflict, student members of the ongoing World War I history project at King James stood alongside 95 year old WWII veteran, Mr George Iceton, The Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Cllr Lee Brownson and other special guests at our new war memorial.

Following the recent Martin Gray Football Academy (MGFA) contract signing, our new Year 7 members have quickly demonstrated why they were selected to join the elite football squad at King James.