Service of Thanksgiving for Matthew Courtney

(19 February 2007)

The whole school community joins Matthew's devoted parents, George and Margaret, Matthew's family, colleagues and many friends in mourning the sudden loss of an exceptional young man who experienced more in his far too short life than many do who live three times as long. A Service of Thanksgiving in celebration of Matthew's life will be held in the School Chapel on Saturday 24th February at 12.00 noon. Matthew would insist that all attending the service should dress as they please with black restricted to a minimum.

A Tribute to Matthew
By any standards Matthew was an exceptional young man with so many great achievements behind him and so much to look forward to. He left Durham School in 1998, so many of the staff here remember him very well and with great affection.

Matthew joined Durham School as a King’s Scholar and a Music Scholar in September 1993 from The Chorister School where he was Head Boy. Throughout his time at Durham School Matthew excelled at everything he did, whether inside or outside the classroom. He was a model pupil, studying French, German, Latin and English at A-level, at a time when only the brightest pupils took on the challenge of four A-levels. He gave so much pleasure to so many people in so many ways. An outstandingly talented musician (both singer and instrumentalist), he was a member of the National Youth Choir. He was also a talented actor and took major roles in many memorable school productions. He also loved his sport and represented the school at rugby.

Described by the university in their offer letter as “in all respects an outstanding candidate”, Matthew deservedly won a place at Christ Church, Oxford University to read Law and at the time of his premature death he had embarked on a very promising career with one of London’s top law firms.

We send our heartfelt sympathy to Matthew’s parents, George and Margaret, who supported him so brilliantly throughout his school career and beyond.

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Staff meetings
Monday, 06 September 2010

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