We have been at the heart of Chester-le-Street since 1911, first as the town’s grammar school and latterly as its largest academy. Our roots in the community are long-established and inform all that we do: thus, although we are innovative and offer children a 21st Century education of real worth, we cherish and foster traditional values.

We passionately believe that all young people can achieve if challenged to do so, that each has in them special qualities, talents and strengths which it is the duty of true educators to develop. It is this moral imperative which drives us, providing an unflinching focus upon the continued improvement necessary for us to realise our ambition: to be an outstanding school which provides the very best educational experience for all in our care.

To succeed in our ambition, we work closely in partnership with parents and carers. We rely upon support from home and are delighted that the vast majority of our families make an unconditional commitment to trust their children to our care, reinforcing our standards by supporting school actions. It is this mutual trust which sits at the heart of the school and is one of our greatest strengths.