Meet the Durham School Staff

Mr E M George, BA (Manchester), MBA

Headmaster

Mr George took up his post as Headmaster in April 2009. Mr George was educated at Durham School and Manchester University where he studied Politics and Modern History, graduating in 1984. After ten years' service in the British Army, Mr George spent the next ten years teaching at Newcastle-under-Lyme School, during which time he was appionted Director of Studies and also gained an MBA in Education Administration. In 2004 he moved to the King's School, Tynemouth as Deputy Headmaster with special responsibility for pastoral issues. Mr George knows the North East very well and, as a former pupil of the School, already has a real affection for Durham School and a strong sense of its traditions.

Mr D R Best, BA (Belfast), PGCE

Deputy Headmaster, Head of History

Born and brought up in Northern Ireland, Mr Best studied at Queen’s University, Belfast where he gained a BA (1st Class Honours) in History. After doing his PGCE at Oxford, he started his teaching career at Norwich School where he was Housemaster of the Middle Boarding House. He came to Durham School in 1983 as Head of History and was subsequently appointed Director of Studies. He has been Deputy Headmaster since 1988.

Mr D W Goodhew, MA (Oxon), PGCE

Deputy Head (Curriculum), Classics

Born in London, Mr Goodhew gained a first-class honours degree in Classics at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, before training to teach at Nottingham University. He taught at Bancroft's School in Essex and Eton College before joining Bristol Grammar School as Head of Classics in 2000. In 2005 he was appointed Director of Studies at Arnold School in Blackpool from where he joined Durham School in September 2008 as Deputy Head with responsibility for the Curriculum.

Mrs F M Parker, BEd (Oxon)

Deputy Head (Pastoral), Modern Languages

Educated at Strathearn School for Girls in Northern Ireland and at Oxford University where she gained her degree in French and Sociology, Mrs Parker joined Durham School as a part-time teacher of French in September 1997, becoming full-time two years later. She was appointed Head of Modern Languages in 2003 since when she has introduced Italian and Spanish into the curriculum. In April 2005 she joined the Senior Management Team as Senior Mistress and was appointed Assistant Deputy Head (Pastoral) in September 2006.

Mr G Simpson, ACA, BSc

Director of Services and Development

Born and brought up in the North East of England, Mr Simpson studied at the University of Manchester UMIST where he gained a BSc in Mathematics and Management. A qualified Chartered Accountant, he joined the School in September 2004. Previously he was on the Operating Board of a UK plc, where he was responsible for a number of international manufacturing businesses. Mr Simpson is married with four children - two boys and two girls.

Mrs A de Lange, BA, MA, PGDip

Chaplain

Mrs Anna de Lange is an Anglican Reader, with a BA in History and Archaeology (Exeter), an MA in librarianship (Sheffield) and a Diploma in Theology (Durham). After a career-break to look after her two children (who are now grown-up and have left home) life took a different direction. She now works voluntarily in her parish church. She served from 1995 to 2000 on the Church of England General Synod and was appointed Chaplain to Durham School in Sepember 2002.

Mr P C Gerrard, BEd Hons (Carnegie)

Director of Sixth Form Studies, Head of PE

Mr. Gerrard was educated at Wirral Grammar School and Carnegie College. He has played representative rugby for Cheshire at U16, U18, U21 and senior levels (Rugby Union) and, as a student, for England Polytechnics (Rugby League). After teaching posts at Dulwich College, Sandbach School and Gosforth High School, he joined Durham School as Director of Sport in 1996. He is now Head of academic Physical Education and was appointed Director Sixth Form Studies in September 2006. In addition to his duties here, he coaches the North of England Under 18 rugby and Newcastle Falcons U18 teams.

Mr R A Muttitt, MA (Dunelm), BMus (Hull), ARCO, FRSA

Director of Middle School Studies (Years 9-11), Head of Music

Born and educated in Shropshire, Mr. Muttitt won a scholarship to the University of Hull where he won many prizes for outstanding performance. In 1987 he won the organ scholarship to St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle and studied at the Royal Academy of Music. He taught in schools in Kent and Essex before moving to Durham in 1994. He is an examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and is much in demand as an organist, pianist, conductor and adjudicator. Mr Muttitt was appointed Director of Middle School Studies in September 2006.

Mr T A Davies, BA (Newcastle), PGCE

Director of Lower School Studies, Head of Classics

Mr. Davies was educated at Doncaster Grammar School and at Newcastle University where he gained an Honours degree in Classics. After completing his PGCE, he began teaching in Sheffield and later accepted his first Head of Classics post in Bolton. On relocation to the North-East, he took up the post of Head of Latin and History at Bow School. In 2006 he moved up to Durham School as Head of our Classics Department where he introduced Classical Civilisation into the curriculum at both GCSE and GCE A level. In September 2007 he was appointed Director of Lower School Studies. Mr. Davies is married with two grown-up sons and one daughter.

next event

House Barbecues: Senior (Years 9-13)
Friday, 03 July 2009

More forthcoming events.

recent news

News From The Common Room
Mr Hallam leaves for pastures new

Read more recent news.

photo gallery

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

Testimonials

"I have seen my son develop into a nice person and I genuinely think the school has had a lot to do with that. He has made some really nice friends who we hope will become lifelong friends. After attending confirmation classes in the school chapel, he was baptised at Durham Cathedral - an occasion his father and I will never forget. "
Mrs Rich (son, Year 12)