King James I Academy

King James I Academy (formally known as King James I Community Arts College) is a medium size academy school and sixth form centre for mixed gender aged 11–18 in the town of Bishop Auckland in County Durham in northeast England. It traces its history to the early 17th century. The site currently consists of two large two-storey buildings as well as a few small cabins, including the "Kings Feast" which is used to sell food at breaks, lunches and special occasions. The others are used as classrooms or form rooms similar to the rooms inside the other buildings.

King James I Academy
Address
South Church Road

Bishop Auckland
,
County Durham
,
DL14 7JZ

England
Coordinates54.6598°N 1.67°W / 54.6598; -1.67
Information
TypeAcademy
Established1605 (1605)
Local authorityDurham County Council
Department for Education URN136770 Tables
OfstedReports
ChairElizabeth Varley
HeadteacherS. Whitehead
GenderCoeducational
Age11 to 18
Colour(s)Black and Gold
Former namesKing James I Community Arts College
King James I Community College
King James I Comprehensive
King James I Grammar School
Websitehttp://kingjames1academy.com/

History

Opened in 1605, by King James I of England it went through multiple transformations and renaming.[1] It was mainly known as King James 1st Grammar School and became the first secondary school in south-west Durham to be upgraded to academy status.[2]

In an interview, Elizabeth Varley (Chair Of Governors For The Academy and former student) described how many years ago, students had to pass a test to be able to attend the academy since at the time it was a Grammar School where boys and girls were educated separately. She also revealed that the current Art block was not part of the original Middle School building, and that it was added at a later date to house a school swimming pool (which has since been blocked up).

In 2022 there were 944 students in the academy, with 136 of them being sixth formers.[3] Its staff including representatives from Connexions and the NHS.

Ofsted inspections

As of the last inspection in 2022, Ofsted reports this in regards to attending the school:[3]

Pupils are involved in shaping life in the school. Leaders’ high expectations of pupils are set out in the school’s '7 Standards'. These include values such as ‘be prepared’ and ‘engage and succeed’. Pupils understand the importance of these expectations. They enjoy coming to school. Pupils conduct themselves well in lessons and make visitors feel welcome. Pupils feel safe. They value the help that they can get from the student support team. Pupils who are less confident speaking to staff can ask for help by email or put a message in the letterboxes around the school. Most pupils told us that when bullying occurs, it is handled well by staff. Students in the sixth form enjoy a wide range of academic and vocational courses. This includes programmes to support students who otherwise might struggle to stay in education at the end of Year 11.

Uniform

The uniform exists for students in years 7 to 11 and consists of:

  • Black trousers or skirt.
  • A blazer with the King James logo or a plain black v-neck jumper.
  • Smart, black shoes. (No trainers or sandals).
  • A plain white t-shirt or shirt.
  • A school tie (black, blue and gold in colour).

Notable former pupils

References
  1. Dorothy Wearmouth. King James I Academy, Bishop Auckland, Heritage Statement & Statement of Significance, Archaeo-Environment Ltd, May 2013. A Brief History of King James I Academy: "The school has had a number of names throughout its history. It started as Bishop Auckland County School for Girls, then became Bishop Auckland Girls’ Grammar School. In 1962 it amalgamated with King James I Grammar School (for boys) and became known as Bishop Auckland Grammar School. In 1974 it became the Bishop Auckland Comprehensive Secondary School. (and Community Centre) and then King James I Community Arts College. In 2011 it became King James I Academy and the original girls’ school formed the Middle School."
  2. King James School, Bishop Auckland, celebrates academy status, Northeast Life, 25 August 2011
  3. https://files.ofsted.gov.uk/v1/file/50181046
  4. Walker, Dani (4 February 2012). "Stan Laurel's former Bishop Auckland school 'left to rot'". The Northern Echo. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
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