Jesmond Park Academy has received national recognition for its exceptional work in supporting disadvantaged pupils, following a letter of congratulations from the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson.

In her letter to the school, the Secretary of State praised the excellent outcomes achieved by their disadvantaged pupils in the 2024/25 academic year. She highlighted that the school's performance places them among the very best nationally, describing this as a significant achievement.

Ms Phillipson attributed this success to the dedication and ambition of both their staff and pupils, noting that it demonstrates what can be achieved when ambition and commitment come together. She expressed her gratitude to everyone involved for ensuring that pupils receive the best possible opportunities to succeed.

The letter also recognised that the school has an exemplary model within the education system. The Secretary of State encouraged Jesmond Park Academy to continue sharing its expertise with other schools by engaging with regional networks, contributing to professional communities, and advocating for collaboration to help raise standards more widely.

She emphasised the national importance of supporting disadvantaged pupils and encouraged the school to lead the way as a system leader while maintaining its strong focus in this area.

The Secretary of State concluded her message by offering warm congratulations to all staff and pupils, expressing her hope for ongoing collaboration as part of broader efforts to elevate standards for all children.

Steve Campbell, Executive Headteacher of Jesmond Park Academy, shared, "We are incredibly proud of this recognition and would like to thank our staff, pupils, and the wider school community for their hard work and dedication. This achievement reflects our collective commitment to the values upheld across our Trust. At Gosforth Group Trust, we place children and young people at the heart of everything we do. It underscores our collective commitment to creating a nurturing environment where every pupil feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. With equity and inclusion at the core of our work, we strive to open doors to opportunities that enable all children and young people to thrive, regardless of their background or starting point."