Join our Crew at XP Gateshead

16th December 2025Geoff Hewitt

At XP Gateshead, we believe that every child can achieve extraordinary things – and every adult in the building plays a part in making that happen.

We’re looking for a Pastoral Lead and a Learning Coach. We need people who are passionate about helping young people thrive. Someone who brings positivity and the belief that relationships are the foundation of great learning.

If you want to make a real difference, work in a strong and supportive team, and be part of a school that values kindness, collaboration and creativity – this is the place for you.

Find out more about both roles here:

https://xptrust.org/xp-gateshead-learning-coach-teaching-assistant/

https://xptrust.org/xp-gateshead-pastoral-leader-phase-leader/

End of term update – Friday 19th December

19th December 2025Julie Mosley

Final Post of 2025

Thanks to our families for your support this term, the last couple of weeks of Presentations of Learning (PoLs) are always a special time, giving students an opportunity to present the best versions of themselves to their families. We have had fantastic feedback from all who attended the PoLs in Years 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 and look forward to showcasing work on our website where we will curate each expedition and link to our final products.

G32 PoL at St. Mary’s church in Heworth, Tuesday 16th December

What a fabulous first PoL for our Year 7 students. This was a truly impressive and packed culmination of their cross-curricular expedition. It seamlessly interwove centuries of North East history, from the Romans through the Industrial Revolution, with core science concepts, culminating in a published book of creative writing and compelling performances of music and drama. The deep dive into local figures and events like the Felling Pit Disaster demonstrated a profound and personal connection to their community’s story.

What a great way to finish the term, alongside their fantastic advent challenge.

G28’s Final PoL at XPG, Wednesday 17th December

G28’s final PoL was a truly spectacular and powerful abridged performance of Romeo and Juliet, staged across a range of spaces within the school to immerse the audience in the world of the play. The students delivered their lines with passion and provided insightful scene analysis, demonstrating a deep understanding of the text’s themes and characters. It was a production that truly made their final PoLone to remember! As one might say, ‘O, it doth teach the torches to burn bright!’

   

Staffing Update 

As you may be aware, we have recently advertised a Learning Coach/Crew leader role and a Pastoral Leader (Phase Leader) role at XP Gateshead (see website post).

We are unfortunately losing Saoirse Blaine from our team at the end of our first week back to school in January. Saoirse is resigning from her position as Learning Coach and Y8/9 Phase Leader at XP Gateshead and going to work with the NHS as a Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner. 

Expert in school – Craig Buglass

On Thursday, Craig Buglass Co-Founder of Spark Design Academy and world-renowned designer spent the morning at XPG talking to our students from Y8, 9, 10 and 11 about his work in design and his creative career which has ranged from fashion design to football kits including world cup winning Brazil shirts and the Arsenal invincibles team. Craig also talked about his progression to leading teams of designers and consulting for organisations on their brands.

It was great to hear Craig talk honestly about his journey, stressing the importance of curiosity, resilience, and backing yourself, and how unconventional pathways can still lead to meaningful and fulfilling work. 

Craig has since been in touch with high praise for our students and school culture:

“It was genuinely inspiring to see the school in action. The sense of purpose, strong Crew culture, and the way learning is brought to life through expeditions and real-world relevance really stood out. I was grateful for the opportunity to share my own life journey and introduce the work we’re doing with Spark Design Academy. The learners’ openness and thoughtful questions were brilliant. I left feeling genuinely energised and optimistic about what schools like XP Gateshead are enabling young people to become.”

We want to thank Craig and the team at Spark Design Academy for the time they have given to our students and are excited to be at the start of a partnership with their organisation.

XPG – above all, compassion 

As is always the case at Christmas, our crews come together to support charities and this year it was great to see G32 support Gateshead Foodbank in their Reverse Advent Challenge – see post.. 

Crews from the rest of the school put shoeboxes of kindness together to support the CHUF (Children’s Heart Unit Fund which delivered to the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital – see post.

Finally, we would like to thank you all for your ongoing support this term and the contribution you make to our crew. Can we take this opportunity to wish all of our students and families a very Merry Christmas and restful holiday period. 

 

We return to school on Monday 5th January 2026 and look forward to another successful New Year at XP Gateshead.

Julie Mosley

Principal, XP Gateshead

Bagels Sent Home Today

19th December 2025Rebecca Jones

Students were sent home this afternoon with bagels that have a best before date of 16/12/12. A best before date is an advisory date, indicating when a food is at its best quality, not when it becomes unsafe to eat.

Please check the label and do not consume the bagel if you feel it is not suitable (for example, if there is an unusual smell, appearance, or taste).

A Seasonal Message from XP Trust

19th December 2025Andy Sprakes

A number of deaf and hearing pupils from Plover School and the ARChi team have been working collaboratively on a British Sign Language version of the Twelve Days of Christmas. 

This is another example of diversity and belonging that runs through our schools and is a concrete example of our culture of Crew.

On behalf of XP Trust, we would like to wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and New Year.

Andy Sprakes

Chief Academic Officer 

XP Trust

Sharing our Stories: 19/12/2025

19th December 2025Geoff Hewitt

Beautiful work this week

Here’s a selection of beautiful work from across the XP Trust!

To read about other stories from across the XP Trust, visit xptrust.org.

Top of the Blogs

Reception Christmas Performance @ Green Top

Reception Christmas Party Day @ Plover

Year 4 Writing @ Carcroft School

Crew Rosa Parks @ XP

Christmas Crafts @ Norton Juniors

Crew CSP @ XP East

G32 Reverse Advent @ XP Gateshead

A Very Special Visit from Santa @ Norton Infants

Share your stories with us!

We now have a new dedicated news email so that you can send your stories, updates or ideas about potential news articles directly to us in Comms.

It might be something you or your students have achieved, a charity you’re supporting or anything at all that deserves a wider audience.

Write to us at [email protected] –  we want to hear about it, write about it and celebrate it!

Noughts and Crosses at Northern Stage

17th December 2025Emmy Tatters

This term, G31 students have been reading the play adaptations of Malorie Blackman’s book, Noughts and Crosses.

A professional performance of the play is coming to Newcastle’s Northern Stage from 27th February to 7th March 2026.

I know that lots of students would love to see this, it is unfortunate that the dates have not aligned to the expedition.

Here is the link to book tickets as a family if you are still looking for a last minute Christmas present that is a little different!

G30 also studied this last year so would also enjoy!

G32 Reverse Advent Challenge – Foodbank Drive

17th December 2025Michelle Ross

We are incredibly proud to share the impact of our Year 7 Reverse Advent Challenge, which has now concluded with a phenomenal collection of festive food items for Gateshead Foodbank.

 


Throughout Advent, Year 7 students have taken on the challenge of giving rather than receiving. Working together in their Crews, students and their Crew leaders have collected a wide range of festive treats including selection packs, mince pies, Christmas puddings, shortbread and much more, all with the aim of supporting families in the Gateshead area who may be facing difficulties at this time of year.
The response from our students was exceptional. The sheer volume of food collected was a powerful demonstration of generosity, empathy and compassion. We are delighted to confirm that the donations have now been collected by Gateshead Foodbank and will be distributed in food parcels to families who need that support during the Christmas period.

Activism and compassion sit at the heart of life at XP Gateshead, and this Reverse Advent Challenge is a wonderful example of Crew in action. Our Year 7 students have shown maturity, kindness and a real understanding of the challenges others may be facing, particularly at this time of year.
We are incredibly proud of our students and grateful to Gateshead Foodbank for the vital work they do in supporting our local community.

 

Shoeboxes of Kindness Head to the Children’s Heart Unit

17th December 2025Michelle Ross

We are incredibly proud to share that our shoeboxes have now been collected and will be delivered to the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital, supported by CHUF (Children’s Heart Unit Fund).

Students and staff from Years 8 to 11 at XP Gateshead stepped up to this challenge with care and generosity, creating a wonderful collection of shoeboxes filled with thoughtful gifts and festive treats. These will be shared with children and parents who will unfortunately be spending Christmas in hospital—many of whom have already been there for a very long time.

This initiative was inspired by Beatrix’s story and her family’s willingness to share their experiences of life on the Children’s Heart Unit. Their courage, kindness and determination helped both students and staff better understand the realities faced by families during long hospital stays, particularly at Christmas.

Activism is at the heart of much of what we do at XP Gateshead, and this reverse Advent challenge is a powerful example of Crew in action—bringing students and staff together to show compassion, responsibility and care for others. We are incredibly proud of the empathy and character shown by our community, and grateful to CHUF for the vital support they provide to families at the Children’s Heart Unit at such a challenging time of year.

Thank You for Your Support for G32’s POL

17th December 2025Michelle Ross

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all G32 parents and carers who attended the Presentation of Learning last night. Your continued support and engagement is so important, and it is essential that all students have a family member present at their Presentation of Learning, as these events are a vital part of our school model. They provide students with the opportunity to showcase their learning, reflect on their progress, and celebrate their achievements with the wider community.

As you saw on the evening, our youngest students stepped up confidently, reflecting on and sharing their learning in creative and engaging ways. Their clear speaking, impressive drama performances, and lovely singing were complemented by creative writing, including biographical narratives, diaries, and newspaper articles. Alongside some wonderful songwriting, this provided a clear showcase of their hard work and achievements.

We are also pleased to share the success of the raffle. Thanks to your generosity, £98 was raised for St Mary’s Church, which has kindly hosted our Year 7 Presentations of Learning for the past three years and has become a real friend of XP Gateshead. A special thank you goes to the winner of the Ringtons hamper, who very generously chose to donate the contents immediately to G32’s Foodbank drive.

Thank you once again for your continued support and for helping to make the evening such a success.

G28 Presentation of Learning Reminder

16th December 2025Hannah Simpson

Dear parents and carers of G28

As we look forward to tomorrow’s event, it should be noted that as well as an outstanding performance of Romeo and Juliet, our Year 11s will also be running a Christmas market and be providing refreshments.

There will be a selection of beautiful Christmas decorations and gifts, made by our Design Technology students, ranging in price from £10-£15. This is in addition to a bake sale and drinks, which are also for sale. Please bring cash as all proceeds are going towards the prom fund for G28, to give them the night they so deserve.

A reminder of the staggered start times as follows:

Doors will open at 4.15 for the first performance to start promptly at 4.30pm.
Parents and carers for Crew Angelou, your staggered start will be at 4.30pm.
Parents and carers for Crew Frank, your staggered start will be at 4.40pm.
Parents and carers for Crew Parks your staggered start will be at 4.50pm.
Parents and carers for Crew Stanton, your staggered start will be at 5pm.

We looks forward to welcoming you tomorrow

Team G28