• International Day pupils are welcome to apply from FS1 (age 3).
  • Boarding Admissions to Durham School are considered at any stage of a child's education from Year 7 (age 11) through to Sixth Form. 
  • We only consider Year 11 entry into our One Year GCSE programme.

We greatly value the richness and diversity that our International students bring to our community.

We regularly celebrate this through our International School events such as Chinese New Year celebrations, Thanksgiving, Holi, International student dinners and themed school lunches.

For more information, please take a look at the links below:


Support for International Students

Living and learning in a different country, often with major cultural differences, can be a daunting experience but our international pupils settle quickly into their new life with the help of our friendly community and caring staff. 

International students are supported by the community as a whole and in particular, by the boarding Houses and boarding staff.

Our excellent English as an Additional Language (EAL) Department also provides support and input that goes beyond the mere teaching of English. 


Our International Boarders

Currently, we have 100+ international pupils from 28 different countries and several of our boarders are from British National Overseas families.

A number of our boarders are British as many of our British parents’ have decided to limit their daily travel time and give their children the opportunity to board which brings greater access to the co-curricular programme before and after the normal school day. 

We also have a number of International day pupils whose parents have moved to the area or are seconded to Durham University. 

In addition, we regularly host Short Stay pupils who attend for a range of periods from half a term up to a year. 

Discover more about boarding at Durham School as an international student in our latest Guide to Boarding below:

Million thanks to dearest Durham School that has become a second home for our daughter. Thank you for your special attitude to all international students in such hard times, cordial support you provide them with and much sympathy. It means a lot to our family.

Mrs Safonova, Parent

Where Next?