Why choose Durham School?

Twelve reasons why we think Durham School stands out from the rest:

1. Durham School is one of the oldest schools in Britain with a rich tradition. It enjoys a uniquely lovely setting within sight and sound of Durham Cathedral – a World Heritage Site. It is a beautiful place in which to spend your formative years.
2. We offer weekly boarding. Boys and girls can stay at school during the week (saving time and money on travel) and spend the whole weekend at home with their family. We also offer full, “part-time” and occasional boarding.
3. Most schools that offer weekly boarding charge the full boarding fee. We have a special weekly boarding fee (substantially lower than the full boarding fee), making this alternative even more attractive.
4. We offer an extended day to all our day pupils with breakfast and supper included at no extra cost - ideal for today’s busy families.
5. Our extended day has built-in organised extra-curricular activities (not just homework clubs) so that our pupils are gainfully employed for longer.
6. All our pupils belong to a House which is more than just a group of pupils who compete against each other in sport. Each House has its own geographical location with its own work and leisure facilities. This means that our pupils can go there during the day when they are free (rather than stay in classrooms or in the playground) and can remain at school under supervision until well into the evening.
7. Each House has its own resident Housemaster or Housemistress, backed up by a Junior Housemaster or Junior Housemistress and a team of tutors. This makes for first class pastoral care and means that our staff are always available to pupils and their parents for consultation.
8. Our Houses are single-sex communities within a co-educational establishment. This means that our pupils have the best of both worlds.
9. We have a first class reputation for sport. Over 10% of our boys and girls represent either their county, their region or their country in one sport or another.
10. Our pupils can (if they wish) take part in sport most days of the week. This keeps them fit and healthy and helps them to develop important life skills outside the classroom.
11. The standard of our Music and Drama are exceptionally high. Come along and see for yourself the quality of our performances and what it means to our pupils.
12. Durham School is a caring, supportive community where we aim to unlock and fulfil each pupil’s full potential as an individual and to send them on to the next stage of their lives with quiet confidence.

next event

CCF Summer Camp departs for Cornwall
Saturday, 05 July 2008

More forthcoming events.

recent news

Four Very Distinguished Retirees!
Celebration for nearly 100 years of service to the School

Read more recent news.

photo gallery

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

Testimonials

"Durham School has provided an enriching environment for our two very different sons. The House system creates a support network for pupils where both individual and  team achievements are encouraged and celebrated."
Mrs Catherine Wood