Durham School Academic

We encourage each pupil to adopt the motto “work hard and then play hard”.

Not every pupil at Durham School will receive a prize on Speech Day, like the pupils picture above. However, we strive to ensure that all pupils, regardless of their ability, fulfil or exceed their academic potential. Furthermore, we are just as delighted when a pupil of modest ability achieves correspondingly modest results as we are when our brightest pupils gain their expected top grades (and perhaps a place at Oxbridge, as some do most years).

The results of our top set pupils compare favourably with any independent school in the region. However our intake covers a wide range of ability, including a number of pupils for whom English is not their first language. Many of our pupils have to work very hard for their success but our careful monitoring and reporting system ensures that they are given frequent help and encouragement.

This system is administered through the Directors of Studies and includes target-setting for each subject from Year 10, half-term effort and achievement symbols sent to parents, a full report sent each term to parents, an annual parents’ evening for each year group and frequent opportunities for tutors and pupils to meet to review progress.

Valuable academic scholarships are available each year for entry at 11+, 13+ and 16+. Examinations and interviews take place in December/late January/early February.

next event

National Schools' Biathlon semi-final
Sunday, 05 February 2012

More forthcoming events.

recent news

‘Six Weeks’ talk by Historian & Author John Lewis-Stempel
Friday 2 March at 7 p.m.

Read more recent news.

photo gallery

See more photos of the senior school in the photo gallery.

Testimonials

"The House system at Durham School is like no other. Every member becomes part of a family of closely bound boys or girls who always look after and support one another."
Scott Gimby