Applications into Year 7 for September 2026 at Duke’s Secondary School are filling up extremely fast. This is a final reminder that the last opportunity to apply is this Friday, 31st October 2025– Tomorrow!
Please be aware that sending an application does not automatically mean that your child’s place is guaranteed. Where the number of applications for admission is greater than the published admission number, applications will be considered against the criteria as set out in the Academy’s Admissions Policy.
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, an application received after 31 October 2025 will be considered late. This will lower your chance of being offered a place at your preferred school. If you return your application after 31 October 2025, you must give a reason why it is late.
If you have not yet submitted your child’s application, we urge you to do so as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. To apply for admission into Year 7 at Duke’s Secondary School, please visit the website below immediately.
Welcome to the next chapter – Where student curiosity and growth meet…
We are thrilled to officially announce the fantastic news regarding the improvements and developments made to Duke’s Library… We’ve had a major refresh!
With over 7,500 physical books and over 3,000 eBooks that can be translated into any language on our Dukes E Platform – making it an easily accessible and fantastic resource for multilingual students. We’re bringing in a scannable QR code which takes you straight to the login so it’s easily accessible on mobile phones and can be translated by the click of a button; ‘edit’. There’s also 500 loan books from the School’s Library Service that will go hand-in-hand with our new suggestion box, ensuring our collection continues to reflect students’ interests. Students can anonymously request books they’d like to see added to our shelves.Â
Meet our new Librarian
Our wonderful new school Librarian Mrs Bonham has been at the heart of these new developments – bringing passion, expertise and a fresh vision to the role. Going above and beyond, Mrs Bonham has carefully curated a diverse, up-to-date and engaging collection by keeping a close eye on popular trends through trusted sources like Waterstones, The Times and even ‘BookTok’, a large community on Tiktok popular with teens. The library is now a vibrant and welcoming hub for student discovery and growth. Whether you’re into fantasy, non-fiction, graphic novels or the latest viral reads – there’s bound to be something you’ll love!Â
Thanks to the hard work of Mrs Bonham and numerous donations from members of the community, including local groups Reduce Waste and Get Creative Community Hub, Ashington’s Everything Must Go and various people from Facebook – the library is fully stocked and raring to go.
Library Lessons
All Key Stage 3 students have a fortnightly library lesson and within these, Mrs Bonham will be leading small group reading sessions of up to 15 students at a time. The sessions are designed to give every child the opportunity to explore their interests, ask questions, discuss what they’re reading and receive personalised book recommendations tailored to their unique tastes and skill levels. Students don’t need to wait until their next scheduled session to return books or seek advice, Mrs Bonham is always happy to speak with them outside of lessons. The goal is to give every student time and space to connect with reading in a way that feels personal, exciting and most importantly enjoyable. The library is open over break and lunchtime as well for those students wishing to access the space outside of lessons.
Accelerated Reader Programme:
Year 7 students will be continuing with the Accelerated Reader programme that they are familiar with from Primary School. In support of the accelerated reader programme – a computer-based reading management system that helps schools encourage independent reading – the library books are now colour coded to represent different reading levels. Inside there will be a code, which will lead to a quiz about that particular book. There will be competitions, incentives for points gained and an awards programme to reward students for their developing reading skills. Accelerated Reader aims to foster a love of reading and to improve students literacy skills through a structured reading programme.
Thank you to all of the lovely parents who came to the opening of the Library.
We hope you enjoyed visiting the new and improved space for our students and enjoyed chatting with us about how we can best support your children together. For those who couldn’t make it and wish to visit us, you are invited to the Library on the 25th November between 3pm – 4pm to browse the book selection of our Scholastic Book Fair, which will also give you the opportunity to buy books, journals and stationary if you wish.
Save the date…
Scholastic Book Fair – Monday 24th November 2025 – Friday 28th November 2025.
Christmas display in the Library – 1st December until the Winter Break.
We are excited to share the first edition of the Duke’s Careers Newsletter, designed to support parents and carers as they help their young people explore the wide range of pathways available beyond school.
This newsletter brings together valuable information from employers, universities, and local opportunities.
These resources are intended to help you support your child’s interests, inspire new ideas, and guide conversations about future careers and ambitions.
We hope you find this newsletter a useful tool to help your child explore and plan their future opportunities.
Fortnite’s latest season is packed with eye-catching features – but that can mean longer screen time, pressure to spend, and the lure of party chat with strangers.This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide shines a spotlight on what parents and educators need to know to help young players stay safe.
From comical dance emotes to realistic weapons and big-name collaborations, Fortnite is a cultural heavyweight. But even with its PEGI 12 rating, many younger children are joining the action. Our new guide explores the risks – and offers useful, clear advice for trusted adults.
They’re everywhere online, but do you really know what memes are saying? This week’s #WakeUpWednesday guide explores the role of memes in youth culture – and why they’re not always as harmless as they seem. From hidden messages to misinformation, we break it down.
Plus, we share four simple ways parents and educators can guide young people to engage more safely with memes – encouraging empathy, critical thinking and healthier digital habits.
Duke’s Students Kickstart Their Engineering Journey at Northumberland College
Our 14–16 Engineering Skills Academy students have officially begun their exciting journey — swapping the classroom for the workshop as they pull on their PPE and get hands-on with real engineering projects!
As part of this flagship pathway, students spend three days a week at Duke’s studying English, maths, and science, and two days at Northumberland College, working towards a Level 2 Engineering qualification.
Alongside their studies, they’ll be taking part in a range of industry-focused experiences, including:
Work experience and industry placements
Expert-led masterclasses
Visits and experience days
Employer-based project learning
The Engineering Skills Academy is designed to give students a strong academic foundation and valuable practical experience — preparing them for future success in further education, apprenticeships, and the engineering industry.
We’re incredibly proud of how well our students have started and can’t wait to see what they achieve next!
( Pictured: Duke’s Engineering Academy students at Northumberland College in their PPE, ready to take on their first practical sessions.)
When young people go through something traumatic – such as bereavement, bullying or a family crisis – it can take time to make sense of what they’re feeling. That’s where adult guidance can make all the difference. This week’s Wake up Wednesday guide offers helpful tips for parents and educators supporting children and young through difficult experiences.
From fostering a sense of safety to recognising when specialist help might be needed, the guide is full of practical ideas for creating a compassionate, stable environment that supports recovery. It’s a reassuring read for anyone who wants to be there for a young person going through tough times.
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