Boarding

Boarding in the 21st century is fun! Ask any of our current boarders and they will tell you. The whole image of boarding schools has changed dramatically over recent years – and very much for the better! Modern boarding schools boast excellent facilities and our own boarders (both girls and boys) regard them as comfortable and civilised “second homes” run by friendly, experienced and caring staff who are dedicated to ensuring that all the pupils in their care are happy and well looked after in every way.

Boarding at Durham School (Age 11-18)

Boarders at Durham School fall into three categories: full boarders, weekly boarders and part-time boarders. They are accommodated in our two homely and recently refurbished boarding Houses – Poole (boys) and Pimlico (girls). Both Houses also have a number of day pupils. Whichever category of boarder you are, you enjoy all the benefits of boarding in the 21st century:- excellent facilities for work and leisure, friendship, first-class pastoral care and a lot of fun! Most of our boarders are in Years 9-13 but, as a result of growing demand, we have recently re-introduced weekly and part-time boarding for girls and boys in Years 7 and 8.

Full boarders (Age 11-18)

Most (but not all) of our full boarders live overseas and have a guardian living in the UK who can act as a first point of contact with the School when necessary and where you can go and spend the half-term holiday (when the School is closed). The School policy is that guardians should live within one hour’s distance from the School.  Guardians are normally responsible for collecting/returning pupils to/from the airport/railway station.  Guardians are requested to keep the School informed of their contact details and whereabouts. A letter from the Headmaster and a form for all parents of boarders to complete (dated 27 Sep 2009) appear as downloads at the foot of this page).

Most full boarders stay at school seven nights per week, although they can go home at weekends if they wish (and if this is practicable). They are also allowed to visit their friends who live locally and stay with them – an experience which is greatly valued by our overseas boarders. Excursions to places of interest, both locally and further afield, are regularly organised at weekends.

Weekly Boarding – “the best of both worlds!” (Age 11-18)

Weekly boarding is proving more and more popular with boys and girls who live within a 50-mile radius of the School. They regard weekly boarding as “the best of both worlds” since they can enjoy all the advantages of boarding through the week and still touch base with home and family every weekend. Furthermore, they do not waste all that time traveling to and from school each day. There is a special weekly boarding fee (considerably lower than the full boarding fee) that makes this a particul

arly attractive option. Weekly boarders can stay up to six nights per week but do not stay at school on Saturday nights.

Part-time Boarding (Age 11-18)

Part-time boarders can stay at school up to four nights per week (Monday to Friday only) and this option is therefore very popular with those who need extra flexibility. The cost of this depends on how many nights you stay per week.

Occasional Boarding (Age 11-18)

If the need arises, it is sometimes possible for girls and boys to be accommodated for short periods as temporary boarders, subject to there being space available and provided sufficient notice is given. There is normally a daily charge for this service. Parents wishing to avail themselves of this service should contact the Headmaster’s office in the first instance.

"I never realised boarding would be such fun. It is just like having 40 brothers to look after you." (A Year 8 Weekly Boarder)

Downloads

The following downloads are relevant to the current page.

GUARDIANSHIP FORM (143Kb)

GUARDIANSHIP LETTER (126Kb)

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Testimonials

"The House system is ideal. It helps new pupils to make friends easily and engenders a great team spirit. With experienced and approachable House staff, the pupils always have a familiar and friendly face to turn to should they need help, advice and assistance. The Head Boy/Girl of each House is another person that the pupils can turn to at any time. "
Bob and Yvonne Taylor