One of the oldest schools in the UK, Durham School’s 35 acres of grounds lie just across the River Wear from Durham’s cathedral and castle – together a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A cathedral school until 1996 and fully co-educational since 1985, the School provides a high-quality all-round education that instils aspiration, respect and a confidence for life. Strong local links enable the School to use Durham University facilities such as the Bill Bryson library and Durham Business School.
11 to 18
373 / Boys: 240 / Girls: 133
21%
13%
149
Senior school: 22 / Sixth Form: 12
19/20 £9,289
Yes
Newcastle (37km), Leeds/Bradford (123km)
The School stretches all pupils through innovative teaching styles across a broad-based curriculum that offers 25 subjects at A Level, whilst academic progress is carefully monitored and communicated to parents via a comprehensive reporting system. All pupils are baseline tested which allows staff to measure progress against national standards. On average a third of A Level candidates achieve A*/A and two thirds achieve A*/B. More than a third of leavers go on to Russell Group universities.
Each of the 3 boarding houses has a housemaster/mistress and a matron who live on site with their families, supported by a house tutor. Students are known as individuals and share bedrooms so each has a roommate, whilst interhouse competition fosters house loyalty. Boarders have access to the School’s extensive facilities outside school hours and there are 17 midweek extra-curricular clubs, whilst excursions range from shopping and cinema to sporting events and paintballing.
Sport is considered essential for confident and healthy all-round individuals and all pupils do at least 4.5 hours of physical activity every week. 30+ competitive sports drive a lively Saturday fixture list, including rowing, golf and biathlon. Facilities include a boathouse on the nearby river, an all-weather pitch (for Hockey and Tennis), a swimming pool, and strength & conditioning and cardiovascular gyms. Links with Durham University also provide access to top-class facilities.
Durham, an all Steinway School, seeks to make practical music-making available to all pupils and tuition is offered in all instruments and voice. The Music department has a fully equipped technical suite and a performance studio. Music venues include the chapel and nearby Durham Cathedral whilst regular productions are hosted in the Luce theatre. The combined Art & Design Technology Department, housed in its own building, has D&T and ceramics workshops with a laser cutter and a 3D printer.