Durham School Entrance Examinations

General Comments

All assessment procedures for admission to the School take place at the School in late January or early February for ages 11+ and 13+, and in December for 16+. Early application is advised as demand for places at all levels is currently very high. Provided there are still places available, late applications will be considered in which case assessment will be based either on a special examination sat at the School or (in the case of some 13+ entrants) on the Common Entrance Examination sat at the pupil's own school.

Entry at 11 + (into Year 7)

Saturday 28 January 2012. Assessment for entry at 11 + (i.e. into Year 7) takes place on one single day and takes the form of short tests in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning.

Entry at 13 + (into Year 9)

Saturday 28 January 2012. All candidates for 13+ entry are required to sit the Durham School 13 + Entrance Examination which is held at the School and spread over one day. The examination will consist of tests in English and Mathematics and a short interview. The award of academic scholarships at 13+ (King's Scholarships) will be based on a candidate's performance in both examinations as well as at the interview. 

Entry into the Sixth Form (Year 12)

Saturday 3 December 2011 for those wishing to sit the Burkitt Academic Scholarship Examination. Those wishing to enter into the Sixth Form without applying for an award simply sit their GCSE examinations. The minimum requirement for acceptance is 5 passes at Grade B or above and at least Grade A in those subjects to be continued at AS level in Year 12.

open mornings

Many people experience Durham School at an open morning. Find out more about our open mornings and individual visits.

photo gallery

See more photos in the prep school photo gallery or in the senior school photo gallery.

request prospectus

Find out more about the school by requesting our prospectus.

Testimonials

"An excellent atmosphere between pupils and staff with a really good House system, great teaching and a fantastic pastoral side. I thoroughly enjoyed attending Durham School and am very sad to leave."
Graham Thorpe