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. 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)

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 and a brief interview with the Headmaster and/or a senior member of staff.

Entry at 13 + (into Year 9)

Candidates for 13+ entry are reouired 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, Mathematics, Science and French (the subjects that determine our Year 9 sets) and a short interview. Other subjects can be assessed by the pupil's own school if desired and then moderated by our own staff. Candidates for the King's Scholarship Examination will not normally be required to sit the 13+ Entrance Examination.

Entry into the Sixth Form (Year 12)

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 C 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

"Durham School offers a host of opportunities for all interests. Our son enjoys everything he has encountered – but especially music, where the dedication and the ability of the staff is remarkable. We can’t keep him away!"
Mr and Mrs Thorpe