Welcome to our brand new website!

Dear Parents and Carers,

Further to my recent communications regarding changes at Gosforth Junior High Academy, I would like to share more details about the new structure and introduce the talented individuals who will be leading the school forward.

We are thrilled to announce that Ciara Swain, acting Principal at Gosforth Junior High Academy, will be taking on the role of Vice Principal at Callerton Academy after the Easter break. In her new position, Ciara will collaborate closely with Katie Innes, the Principal of Callerton Academy, to foster the school's growth, enhance student learning, and support overall development as they transition into their newly built premises this September. This opportunity will allow Ciara to support students through Key Stages 3 and 4, further enriching their educational journey.

Ciara shared these kind words with us:

"It has been an incredible privilege to serve as acting Principal at Gosforth Junior High Academy. I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved together. I am excited to join Callerton Academy and contribute to its bright future, while always cherishing my time here. I have had the pleasure of working with a fantastic team, dedicated to providing the best education and learning environment to support our pupils to develop and thrive."

Ciara has been an invaluable asset to Gosforth Junior High Academy, and we know she will bring the same dedication and expertise to her new role. We thank her for her outstanding leadership and wish her every success in this next chapter.

As I have already informed you, Mark Fryer will take on the role of Head of School at Gosforth Junior High Academy after the Easter break. Mark has been a valued member of the Trust since September 2009, most recently serving as Vice Principal at North Gosforth Academy. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership, Mark is committed to upholding the high standards of education and pastoral care that Gosforth Junior High is known for.

Mark expressed his enthusiasm, saying:

"I am honoured to take on this role at such a wonderful school. I look forward to building on the exceptional work done by Ciara and the team, ensuring that Gosforth Junior High continues to provide an outstanding environment for learning and personal development."

Ciara also shared her good wishes for Mark, saying, "Mark will bring great energy and vision to Gosforth Junior High Academy. I know the school is in the best of hands, and I wish him every success."

Finally, Steve Campbell, current Principal at Jesmond Park Academy, will assume the role of Executive Headteacher. In this capacity, Steve will provide strategic leadership across Gosforth Junior High Academy and Jesmond Park Academy, ensuring the continued success and growth of both schools and further enhancing collaboration between our schools.

Steve commented, "I am thrilled to work closely with Mark to ensure Gosforth Junior High Academy continues to achieve its educational goals and that students thrive during their time at the school. I am eager to contribute to the school's bright future and see our pupils flourish through strong partnerships and teamwork." 

As a Trust, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that your children’s education and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. We are confident that this transition will strengthen Gosforth Junior High Academy as we move into this exciting new phase.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

Dr Alexandra Thorp

CEO | Gosforth Group 

Please click below to view the before-school and after-school clubs and extra curricular activities offered at Gosforth Junior High Academy. These clubs and activities are run by our staff team and they are free to attend.

Below is the schedule of clubs and activities we are running from Monday, 3rd March to Friday, 11th April 2025.

School clubs and activities schedule

Please click below to view the before-school and after-school clubs and extra activities offered at Gosforth Junior High Academy. These clubs and activities are run by our staff team and they are free to attend.

Below is the schedule of clubs and activities we are running until Friday 21st February 2025.

School clubs and activities to 21st February 2025

Gosforth Group Admissions Consultation for 2026

The Gosforth Group follows the Department for Education's School Admissions Code (September 2021). As part of this Code, we consult on admissions arrangements whenever there is a change which requires consultation and at least once every seven years, even if there is no change.

Proposed changes for 2026 include amendments to the criteria used for determining admissions to Gosforth Group Academies and changes to the Published Admission Number for Great Park and Callerton Academies (following a move from temporary to permanent accommodation). There is also a proposed change to the Published Admissions Number for the Sixth Forms at Gosforth and Jesmond Park Academies to accommodate increased student numbers across Gosforth Group Academies.

This consultation process provides an opportunity for stakeholders to comment on the proposed changes. The consultation process will run for six weeks (not including school holidays) starting on Monday 25 November 2024 and closing on Monday 20 January 2025. At the end of the consultation period, responses will be considered and the final admission arrangements will be 'determined' by the Board of Trustees. The admission arrangements must be determined by 28 February 2025 and published by 15 March 2025.

Should you wish to participate in the consultation, please forward any comments regarding our proposed 2026 Admissions Policies to admissionsconsultation@gosforthgroup.org.uk

Today we have released revised admissions policies for September 2025 entry to Gosforth Junior High, Great Park Academy, Gosforth Academy and Jesmond Park Academy. These are now available on the schools’ websites.

Changes have been made following a small number of parental complaints to the School’s Adjudicator earlier this year, regarding the admissions process for September 2024. In particular, parents raised concerns regarding the fairness and legality of the Group’s admissions process.

The Schools’ Adjudicator subsequently completed a review of the Group’s admissions processes in the four academies and submitted reports, which included any changes which needed to be made, at the end of September.

The Schools’ Adjudicator reports confirmed that our admissions procedures are lawful and fair but highlighted the need for us to revise our policies to ensure greater transparency and clarity, especially regarding how our oversubscription criteria are applied.

We take the Schools’ Adjudicator's ruling very seriously and accept all the recommendations. We have sought legal support to ensure that our revised admissions policies are now easy to understand and transparent, whilst continuing to comply with all regulations.

We recognise and understand the frustration and concern that the lack of clarity in the admissions policies has caused, and on behalf of the Gosforth Group, I would like to apologise to those affected and thank parents for their patience whilst these changes have been made. 

We remain committed to providing equal opportunities for all families who wish to apply for a place in our academies. We will ensure that a consultation with parents on any proposed changes to the admissions policies for September 2026 will begin after the closure of the September 2025 admissions window.

Parents of children who have already completed their application for September 2025 will be notified by Newcastle City Council of the change in policy and sent further information as to how to make changes to their application if required.

Dr Alexandra Thorp, CEO Gosforth Group.