Weekly Update for Families – W/C Monday 13th July 2026

By Julie Mosley12th July 2026

Dear Families

Welcome to our final weekly update of this academic year. 

Last week was another exciting week for us at XPG with our G30 PoL (presentation of learning), our final Crew Day of the year, a Sports Day on Thursday which took place at Gateshead International Stadium and a chance for new G33 families to meet their child’s new Crew Leaders.

There was great work achieved as always last week and our students continued to work hard, get smart and be kind even as end of term tiredness kicked in. Seeing students work together supporting each other to be their best versions, leaning in on crew and culture was a real strength. An external consultant spent the day with us on Thursday for our safeguarding and attendance review and emailed this weekend to say:

”…as well as being a strong school, you are a strong XP school. Knowing all of the XP schools, I know what you’re about as a trust, and Gateshead really lives that”. 

We look forward to reading her full report when we receive it later this week.

Here are a some of the highlights from our week:

G30 What a Wonderful World PoL

On Thursday we enjoyed a fantastic evening with year 9 students and their families where students shared their final expedition products as well as their learning from their current expedition: What a Wonderful World, with the guiding question: “What is our relationship with the natural world?”.

The evening was structured in three parts, with poetry, artwork and a hosted discussion in our outdoor area. Thanks to all families that left feedback on our exit tickets:

“The PoLs just keep getting better and better”

“Impressive use of the school grounds to teach us more about our relationship with nature.”

“Beautiful poems, well read.”

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G33 Meet your child’s Crew Leader 

On Tuesday it was great to welcome back our G33 families to a final transition meeting of the year. Like our students, our new ‘family crews’ circled up and got to know XPG staff, each other along with some of the protocols we use at XPG. Can I thank all families for their time on Tuesday, especially our already established families who were on hand offering advice , guidance and support to new families.

Here is a link to a post with the slides from the event.

Crew Sports Day, Friday 10th July

On Friday we had our final Crew Day of the year, our Sports Day. The whole school travelled together by metro to Gateshead International Stadium to spend time in crews competing in field and track events. It was great to see staff and students enjoying time with their crew, supporting and celebrating each other. 

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This week

G32 Presentation of Learning, Tuesday 14th July, 4:30-6:00pm

We are looking forward to our final Year 7 PoL on Tuesday. Our students will be hosting a gallery walk sharing images and articles from their current expedition, Hold Back the River, which explores the guiding question: How does water shape our world? The evening will also feature the launch of our G32 students’ published book, What’s the Story of Our Community?, as promised back at our first POL in St Mary’s Church in December. Guests will be welcomed in our theatre space with a glass of spritz and a selection of sweet treats as we come together to celebrate the launch of this very special book showcasing the Beautiful Work of our G32 students. More details here.

G29 Presentation of Learning, Thursday 16th July 

As our final in person PoL for G29 won’t be held until their performance of Romeo and Juliet in term 1 of the next academic year, we are hosting a watch along of the digital final product they have created during the course of this term.

Our Year 10 students have created two episodes of the historical TV show ‘An Elizabethan Street Through Time’. This will be posted on the XP YouTube Channel at 4.30pm, and we would love everyone to watch along and leave comments praising the students hard work. Please enjoy our first TV show produced by students at XPG. Look out for a link later in the week.

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PE sessions this week

After a day of sports and physical activity on Friday, there will only be PE sessions for our Key Stage 3 students (Y7-9) this week. Our PE sessions this week are as follows, please ensure that your child has their full PE kit.

  • G32 students (Y7) 
    • Class 1 have PE on Thursday this week
    • Class 2 have PE on Wednesday this week
  • G31 students (Y8) have PE on Tuesday this week
  • G30 students (Y9) have PE on Monday this week

No Extended Study and Clubs

Due to the Presentations of Learning we are not running clubs or extended study this week.

Staffing Update

This week we will be saying goodbye to three members of staff – Rebecca Marshall, Charlotte Fielding and Victoria Downes. Please see the staffing update posted last week for full details. 

As is always the case, it’s sad to see staff leave our school but we will always be grateful for the work they have done and the part they have played in shaping our school and its culture whilst they have been with us. I know that as parents and carers you will join me in thanks to these staff for the care and compassion they have shown to your children. 

Summer Holidays

We break up for Summer holidays this Friday 17th July. Please remember that, as always, our students finish at 1:30pm on Friday to allow staff to de-gunge and replenish rooms and teaching spaces ready for the new academic year.

Looking ahead

GCSE Results Day – Thursday 20th August

GCSE results day is the 20th August. Students and families will be welcomed into school from 9am to collect their results. We look forward to seeing all of our G28 students and families and celebrating our first GCSE results and the hard work and success of our G28 Pioneers. 

Return to school ready to start our new term

Our new term begins on Monday 24th August and we will run a staggered return to school to ensure all students have a strong start to the new academic year.

For next year’s full calendar please see this page. Make sure that you click on Gateshead calendars (and not Doncaster).

Monday 24th August staggered start for G29 and G30 students (Y10 and Y11)

Tuesday 25th August staggered start for G33, G32 and G31 students (Y7, Y8 and Y9)

We will share full details of timings for the first week back to school in a post later this week. 

Can I remind all parents of the importance of attendance at XPG – every day at school matters. If students are not at school, they are not forming positive habits and are not performing academically, there is a direct correlation between regular attendance and academic achievement.

As you are aware, at XPG we have  a five week Summer Break and a two week October half term break and we do not authorise pupils to take holidays during our school term times. 

As usual if you have any questions about your son or daughter please get in touch with your child’s Crew Leader in the first instance or email general enquiries to [email protected].

Thank you for your ongoing support 

Julie Mosley

Sports Day Arrival Back at School

10th July 2026Martin Said

There are delays to the metro service. We have prioritised getting Year 7 back to school first. They are expected back to school at around 15.20pm. Year 8-10 will follow respectively, but with staggered arrival times of up to ten minutes between cohorts.

Sharing our Stories: 10/07/2026

10th July 2026Geoff 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

Year 3 to 4 Transition Days @ Green Top

Thank you Intake library @ Plover

Making our Final Product @ Carcroft School

Crew Irwin attending the ‘We Care’ event @ XP School

Year 9 Sporting Leaders Shine at Owston Sports Day @ XP East

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!

Unlock your child’s musical potential at XP Gateshead!

9th July 2026Geoff

At XP Gateshead, we believe music has the power to inspire and shape young minds. Each year, we offer a unique opportunity for children with a natural flair for music to gain a place in Year 7 through our dedicated Musical Aptitude Admissions route. 

Whether your child already sings or plays an instrument, or simply has a keen ear for rhythm, melody, and pitch, this pathway recognises raw musical potential. 

With access to expert tuition, vibrant performance opportunities, and a culture that celebrates creativity, XP Gateshead is the perfect stage for your child to flourish musically and academically. Click here to see highlights from our recent annual XP Festival of Arts and Culture 

Apply now, and don’t miss this chance to join a learning community where talent is nurtured and passion takes centre stage!

Find out more here: https://xptrust.info/XPGMA

iPad Scheme 2026/27

9th July 2026XP Gateshead Office

At XP, we are committed to ensuring that all students have access to the tools and experiences they need to thrive, both academically and beyond the classroom. As part of this commitment, we run an iPad Parent Contribution Scheme, which will place a personal iPad at the heart of each student’s learning journey.

We believe that having an iPad as part of daily school life is an essential part of modern education. It allows students to access resources, complete assignments, collaborate with classmates, and develop digital confidence – all skills that are increasingly expected in further education and future careers.

To make this possible, we are inviting all families to purchase or part-fund an iPad through the school’s supported scheme, which offers discounted pricing, extended warranty, and flexible payment plans to help spread the cost.

iPads are the most incredibly creative and productive device around, with GarageBand, iMovie, all the Adobe apps such as Photoshop and Illustrator and Google productivity applications and other Trust purchased apps available through our scheme included.

The iPad scheme includes:

  • iPad – 11th Gen 128Mb
  • Combo Touch Keyboard & Trackpad
  • Pencil (Skriva)
  • Screen Protector
  • AcademiaCare for 3 years
  • All apps included above

This academic year, 2026/27, we can provide this at a cost of £451 (RRP is £607, not including the price of apps) and parents can spread this cost across up to three years, to pay less than £3 per week.

We are aware that for some families, financial contributions may present challenges. In such cases, we ask that you notify the school on the order form and someone will contact you in confidence to discuss your situation. The school will explore all available avenues to support families in genuine need, but it is important to note that resources are limited and we rely on as much parental contribution as possible to make this scheme viable for all students.

Our aim is that every student has their own device to ensure full access to the digital curriculum, both in school and at home. With the support of our parent community, this approach offers significant benefits for your child’s learning and future opportunities.

To order your device, please fill the form by clicking here.

 

Applying for a place at XP – Fair Banding Assessment

9th July 2026Geoff

To ensure a balanced intake of students across all ability levels, all applicants to an XP secondary school must sit a Fair Banding Assessment. 

This multiple-choice test focuses on non-verbal reasoning and helps us place students into one of five ability bands. There is no pass or fail, and results are used solely to support a broad and representative admissions process.

Completing the assessment is a key part of the application and must be done to be considered for a place. 

Please ensure your child is registered by 31st October 2026 and prepared to attend the assessment on 21st November 2026.

Find out more here – https://xptrust.info/XPTFBA

G33 Transition – Meet Your Child’s Crew Leader

8th July 2026Martin Said

Thanks to G33 families for attending our event yesterday evening.

A few important reminders:

iPad Scheme

The iPad scheme is now live.

Music Tution Form

To ley us know what your child’s preferences for music tuition are, please click here.

Ullswater Participant Form

To complete the Outward Bound participant form please click here.

Please remember if there are any changes, for example an injury to your child, please log in and change the information on the participant form. To contact the Outward Bound Howtown (on Ullsw centre to inform them of changes to the form you can call: 017684 86272

Here are the slides from the evening:

G29 Watch Along POL Thursday 16th of July

8th July 2026Hannah Simpson

Dear Parents and Carers of G29

As our final in person POL for G29 won’t be held until their performance of Romeo and Juliet in term 1 of the next academic year, we are hosting a watch along of the digital final product they have created during the course of this term.

This is two episodes of the historical TV show they have created ‘An Elizabethan Street Through Time’. This will be posted on the XP YouTube Channel at 4.30pm, and we would love everyone to watch along and leave comments praising the students hard work.

The link to the show will be posted on the day of the watch along.

Many thanks

Team G29

Crew Day – Sports Day Friday 10th July

7th July 2026Tom Devitt

This Friday is our school sports day for all of our students.

We are delighted to have use of both Gateshead International Stadium and Gateshead College Academy of Sport for our sports day this year, as part of our continued partnership with Gateshead College.

We do not have use of the stands at Gateshead Stadium so unfortunately we are not able to invite families to the event on this occasion.

Students will be travelling to the stadium on foot and via metro. Some students that require reasonable adjustments will travel on our school minibus.

The forecast is clear, sunny and high UV levels. The temperature is expected to peak at 25ºC in the shade. Therefore it is really important that all students have with them:

  • Appropriate clothing for sports i.e. their regular PE kit
  • A healthy packed lunch
  • Sports footwear (not crocs)
  • Water Bottle
  • Sun hat
  • Sun cream

We will be setting off soon after registration and kit check at 8.25am so punctuality is as important as ever.

We are staggering our departure times. G30 and G29 will be last to return to school so they may be back to school at around 15.30pm. We will update our website if there are any delays to our return.

We are looking forward to a great day, where Crews support and challenge each other, pushing themselves in healthy competition between Crews. Winners will be announced on Monday next week.

XPG Staffing Update – Tuesday 7th July

7th July 2026Julie Mosley

Dear Families

I wanted to write to you to update you on changes in staffing for the next academic year. We are really proud to have a committed Staff Crew. Even in the most dedicated of teams, there will be changes year on year.

At the end of this term we say goodbye to Rebecca Marshall, Charlotte Fielding and Victoria Downes who are leaving XP Gateshead for new adventures. 

Rebecca Marshall leaves us to join the maths team at Kingsmeadow School. Rebecca has worked with us for the past 3 years and I’m sure that you will join me in thanking her for all of her high quality work at XP Gateshead as a Mathematics teacher, Crew Leader and STEAM School Faculty Lead. 

Charlotte Fielding has decided to leave teaching to explore opportunities in the historical sector, a real passion of hers. Again, I’m sure that you will join me in thanking Charlotte for all of her high quality work at XP Gateshead as a Spanish teacher and Crew Leader.

Victoria Downes has worked with us as a Learning Coach at XPG since we started. She has balanced her time as a children’s author and literacy expert working with schools and communities across the region. She leaves us to continue writing and sharing her beautiful children’s books. I thank Victoria for all the support she has given staff and students over the years.

Over this past half term we have had new staff join our team:

  • Gayle Crowder who joins us as a Mathematics Teacher, Crew Leader and Y7 Phase Leader 
  • Rebecca Denny-Holmes who joins us as a Spanish teacher and Crew Leader
  • Helen Chambers who joins our Trust to support Mathematics teachers across all XP schools. Helen will be based at XPG for a lot of her work and will be teaching Mathematics with us.
  • Mel Girling has joined us on a permanent basis as a Human teacher and Crew Leader

We have also made some internal leadership appointments this year which will start in the new academic year. Congratulations go to:

  • Stephanie Jamison who will be STEAM School Faculty Lead
  • Hannah Simpson who will be our HUMAN School Faculty Lead
  • Rebecca Jones who will be Leader of Crew across school
  • Tom Devitt who will be our Y8/9 Phase Leader 
  • Emmy Tatters who will be our Y10/11 Phase Leader
  • Michelle Ross who joins our Trust team to provide coaching capacity across schools. Michelle will be based at XPG.

The premise of our staffing model at XPG is based on the ‘schools within a school’ concept. We aim to put small teams around students so staff get to know them and their needs so they can provide the highest quality of support and challenge. We have created three phases in school; Y6/7 Phase, Y8/9 Phase and Y10/11 Phase. Staff working within a certain Phase are also a Crew Leader within that Phase so that they are able to work closely with students to produce beautiful work, develop character and ensure academic success. This does mean that there will be teacher and Crew Leader changes across the five years of secondary school but, as a small school, adults get to know students well to ensure every student feels a strong sense of belonging as they move from dependent to independent learner.

Within our phase teams we are developing expertise so that Year 7 Crew Leaders excel in inducting students into our culture and helping them to manage the transition to secondary school, Year 8/9 Crew Leaders are experts in developing independence and strong habits in readiness for Key Stage 4 and Year 10/11 Crew Leaders are well-versed in supporting and challenging students through the rigours and demands of GCSEs and Level 2 courses.

Here are our Phase Teams and Crew Leaders for next year:

Year 7 – Gayle Crowder, Y7 Phase Leader 

G33 (Year 7) Crew leaders – Leanne Diamond, Emily Bennet, Sevvandi Rajapakse, Gayle Crowder

Year 8/9 – Tom Devitt, Y8/9 Phase leader

G32 (Year 8) Crews

  • Crew Robson – Mel Girling
  • Crew Booth – Amy Rawcliffe
  • Crew Swan – Tom Devitt
  • Crew Hepburn – Joe Allan

G31 (Year 9) Crews

  • Crew Shakespeare – Stephanie Jamison
  • Crew Windsor – Rebecca Jones
  • Crew Pankhurst – Mr Azam
  • Crew Curie – Mrs Carter

Year 10/11 – Emmy Tatters, Y10/11 Phase Leader 

G30 (Year 10) Crews

  • Crew Einstein – Hannah Young
  • Crew Kahlo – Tilda Macphail
  • Crew Earhart – Emmy Tatters
  • Crew darling – Rebecca Denny-Holmes

G29 (Year 11) Crews

  • Crew King – Tim Macdonald
  • Crew Watson – Katy Horne
  • Crew Nightingale – Darren Mead
  • Crew Attenborough – Hannah Simpson

New Crew Leaders will be in touch with families to introduce themselves as your first point of contact at XPG.