St John’s Sixth Form College Hosts Inspiring Careers Taster Day for Local Students
St John’s Sixth Form College in Bishop Auckland recently welcomed around 90 Year 9 and Year 10 students for a special careers-focused taster day, offering a valuable insight into sixth form life and future opportunities. Students from Wolsingham School and Bishop Barrington School were invited to attend the event, which combined subject exploration with guidance on potential career pathways. The initiative provided young learners with the chance to experience a wide range of sixth form subjects while considering how these options could shape their futures beyond GCSE.
From the fells to the Palace: St John’s Sixth Form celebrates Gold DofE success
St John’s Sixth Form in Bishop Auckland is celebrating an exceptional year for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, with an incredible 23 students achieving their Gold Award—a remarkable accomplishment that reflects dedication, teamwork and resilience.
St John’s Sixth Form Celebrates Year 13 with Annual BBQ
Students and staff at St John’s Sixth Form College in Bishop Auckland came together to celebrate the end of the academic year with their much-anticipated annual Year 13 BBQ.
Year 12 Maths Mentors: Inspiring the Next Generation
At St John’s Sixth Form, our students are not only committed to their own success but also to supporting others - and our Year 12 Maths Mentor Scheme is a fantastic example of this in action.
Year 13 Leavers – Class of 2026
"Love one another as I have loved you" – John 15:12 This beautiful message provided the theme for a truly memorable Year 13 Leavers’ celebration. Today, we gave thanks for a remarkable group of students who have truly lived out these words through their kindness, compassion and unwavering support for one another. They have been an inspiring presence within our school community and have left a lasting legacy.
St John’s Sixth Form Aspiring Teachers Programme Gives Students First-Hand Insight into Teaching Careers
St John’s Sixth Form in Bishop Auckland continues to support students’ future aspirations through its Aspiring Teachers programme, a dedicated initiative designed to give Year 12 students a realistic and practical insight into the profession of teaching. The programme is run by Jo Somers, Assistant Headteacher and PE teacher at St John’s, and has already helped countless students better understand what life as a teacher involves. Offering a unique opportunity to experience teaching first-hand, the programme allows students to explore the skills, responsibilities and challenges that come with working in education today.
The Jaquie Holloway Prize at St John’s Sixth Form
The Jaquie Holloway Prize is an annual celebration of excellence in the Performing Arts at St John’s Sixth Form. Named in memory of Jaquie Holloway—former teacher and Performing Arts Coordinator at St John’s until her passing in 2019—the award honours her unwavering dedication to inspiring creativity, expression and opportunity for young people.
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A Late Christmas Present That Made a Big Difference
A late Christmas present is always appreciated — especially when it brings joy to children spending the festive season in hospital. Two St John’s Sixth Form students, Caitlin Bell and Lily Atkinson, were recently awarded the Team Volunteering Award 2025/26 at the Bishop Auckland Town Council Awards. They received this recognition for organising Christmas gift donations for the Children’s Ward at Darlington Memorial Hospita
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Balancing Study and Sport: Hannah’s Journey in Acrobatic Gymnastics
Hannah Singlewood in Year 13 writes… Acrobatic gymnastics is a discipline that is often overshadowed by the more widely recognised artistic gymnastics. It involves athletes working in partnerships to perform routines that combine artistry, strength and teamwork through balances and dynamic sequences, relying heavily on trust and coordination to execute complex skills.
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Sixth Form Spotlight: Beth Teasdale Balances Football Success With Academic Study
Year 13 student Beth Teasdale plays football for the Newcastle Under 21s Women’s Team. They compete in the Professional Game Academy, playing against other academy teams from across England.
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Expedition 2025 – A Year to Remember
St John’s Sixth Form in Bishop Auckland is proud to recognise the incredible achievements of twenty‑three students who completed their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition in summer 2025. The expedition was truly an experience of two halves. One group faced blistering 27‑degree heat in the Langdale Valley in August, while the other battled days of relentless rain and 50mph winds across Borrowdale and the Ullswater Valley. Sunshine made an appearance only at the very end of their journey.
Be Adventurous, Be Bold: The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at St John’s Sixth Form
At St John’s School and Sixth Form in Bishop Auckland, we are proud to offer an active and supportive Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. The DofE Award is a nationally recognised scheme that encourages young people to be adventurous, build confidence and develop valuable life skills that last a lifetime.