MacLeod

MacLeod House is the newest of the five Durham School Houses and caters currently for approximately 70 day girls. It was formed in September 2005 when the rapid growth in the number of girls at Durham School meant we needed a second girls’ House in the School. It is named after Mr Norman MacLeod, a much loved and respected former Housemaster at the School who died in February 2005. It is situated close to the main school buildings, alongside Pimlico House, the other girls’ House, in Grove Street, a quiet road between the School and the river. The girls are fortunate to occupy a magnificent purpose-built extension (opened in September 2006).

There is a non-resident Housemistress in overall charge of the House and a Junior Housemistress who has responsibility of the pastoral care of the girls in Years 7 and 8.

Mrs NJ Thompson, BA, PGCE (Leeds)

Housemistress

Born and educated in Darlington, Mrs Thompson studied Art at Cleveland Art and Design School, then at degree level in Sunderland. She then moved to Leeds and worked for a bank for four years, before embarking on a PGCE. In 2002 she joined the Royal Grammar School in Newcastle, where she became that school�s first female Housemaster, before joining Durham School in 2005. She is married to Mr Steve Thompson (junior housemaster of Caffinites). They now have two children. Mrs Thompson declares that her hobbies and spare time are her children!

Mrs P Abbott, BA, RGN, Cert Ed

Junior Housemistress

Mrs Abbott qualified as a Nurse in 1986 and worked in a range of settings including Community Health, Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine. After completing a Certificate in Education she taught Health and Social Care and Child Health at St Bedes School, Peterlee. In 1999 she was able to combine these interests, implementing a training programme for the childcare workforce in social services. Prior to joining Durham School in 2011, she completed a BA in Learning in Families, Schools and Communities at Northumbria University. In her spare time she enjoys holidays in France, skiing and photography.