Durham School
Durham, Durham, England
Durham School
Durham, Durham, England
Overview
Durham School's 35 acres of grounds lie just across the River Wear from the city’s cathedral and castle - together a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the UK’s oldest and fully co-educational since 1985, Durham 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. London is under 3 hours away by train.
At a glance
Academic
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.
Boarding
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.
Sports
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.
Creative arts
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.
Did you know?
- Durham School’s history dates back over 600 years to 1414. The School Rugby Club is the 5th oldest in the world and the Boat Club is the 3rd oldest in the world!
- Durham School is now home to one of 8 national academies for the Modern Pentathlon, which involves Swimming, Fencing, Horse Riding, Running and Shooting.
