The PL u21 league is being replaced with an u23 from next season. It's reckoned to help bridge the gap between the Academy and the 1st team.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/premier-league/10637493/Premier-League-chief-Richard-Scudamores-crusade-to-lift-England-football.html
That article says Newcastle have Category 1 Academy status. It still hasn't been officially confirmed by NUFC has it?
Thought Boro had Cat. 1 for years now too