Caffinites

Caffinites House, one of the three boys' Houses at Durham School, is clearly visible behind the privet hedge as you approach Durham School along Quarryheads Lane from the direction of our Preparatory School. It is an elegant sandstone building dating back to 1913-14 and is currently 'home from home' for some 120 day boys. It owes its unusual name to Benjamin Charles Caffin, Second Master of the School from 1863 until 1877.

There is a Housemaster in overall charge of the House, a Junior Housemaster who is in charge of the pastoral care of the boys in Years 7 and 8 and an Assistant Housemaster in charge of Years 9, 10 and 11.

Mr Colin Fordyce, BSc (Heriot-Watt)

Housemaster

After completing an Honours degree in Mathematics at Heriott-Watt University, Edinburgh in 1999, Mr Fordyce took a year out to set up and manage swimming lessons for Ravelston Sports Club, Edinburgh. After completing his PGCE (Mathematics) course at The University of Edinburgh in 2001, he taught Mathematics and coached swimming at The Mary Erskine School, Edinburgh. He joined the Maths department at Durham School in September 2004 and was appointed Housemaster of The Caffinites in September 2009. Mr Fordyce is also Head of the Mathematics Department, assistant examination officer and master in charge of swimming.

Mr JG James, BSc, PGCE (Wales)

Assistant Housemaster

After completing his A levels at Llandovery School, Wales, Mr James went on to earn a degree in Applied Sports Science and represented Wales Students in Rugby League. After university, he then lived abroad in Australia for nearly two years, travelling and playing semi-professional rugby in Sydney. After returning to the UK, he then undertook his PGCE at the University of Bangor and joined Durham School in 2004. He enjoys all sports but is a keen Muay Thai kick-boxer. Mr James was appointed Junior Housemaster of The Caffinites in September 2009 and Assistant Housemaster in September 2010.

Mr S Thompson, BA, PGCE

Junior Housemaster

After completing his English degree and PGCE at the University of Sunderland, in-between studies, Mr Thompson joined Durham School as an English teacher in 2005 and was appointed Junior Housemaster of The Caffinites in September 2010. Mr Thompson has represented the North of England in rowing and won various medals at the National Championships. His interests also include running and football.