One of the oldest schools in England, it has been closely associated with the Dean and Chapter of Durham Cathedral for 450 years. It was re-endowed by Cardinal Langley in 1414 and re-founded in 1541 by Henry VIII. It has occupied its present site since 1844 and enjoys a magnificent position below the west towers of the cathedral. First-class facilities have been added over the years, including a new girls' day house, a state-of-the-art language labaoratory, an all-weather sports pitch, ceramics room and enhanced ICT facilities. It is physically compact with playing fields nearby and it makes full use of the advantages of an ancient cathedral and university city. The prep department (Bow, Durham School) is half a mile away, also in a beautiful, compact location within sight of the cathedral and with excellent facilities. It is now fully co-educational: girls have been admitted to the sixth form since 1985 and from age 11 since 1998; the prep department has accepted girls since 2006, when it formally became part of the school. The Anglican tradition prevails with regular services in the school chapel. A high standard of education is provided (staff:pupil ratio of about 1:10) and examination results are good. The emphasis is on an all-round education, which encourages all pupils to achieve their full potential. The school is strong in music, drama and sport, with many players at county and national level.
Pupils: Age range 3-18; 608 pupils, 489 day (354 boys, 135 girls), 119 boarding (78 boys, 41 girls). Prep department (Bow) 3-11, 126 pupils (98 boys, 28 girls). Senior department 11-18, 482 pupils (334 boys, 148 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (preferably grade A in sixth form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements but school is C of E foundation. 75% of new intake at 11 from state schools (plus 30% of new pupils to sixth form). Many senior pupils from own prep department and The Chorister School.
Number of scholarships awarded each year (academic, music, drama, art, design and technology, sport) to pupils aged 7, 11, 13 and 16. Financial bursaries are also available.
60% live within 30 miles, up to 10% live overseas.
Headmaster: E Martin George, in post from 2009. Educated at Durham School and Manchester University (politics & modern history). Previously Deputy Headmaster at The King’s School, Tynemouth. Head of Bow (prep school): R Nick Baird, in post since 2000. Educated at Fettes College and Sunderland University. Previously Headmaster of Gresham Preparatory School. Teaching staff: 100 full time, 27 part time. Annual turnover 10%.
GCSE: 67 pupils in upper fifth: 95% gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects (55% of pupils included English, maths, a science, a humanity and a modern language). A-levels: 58 in upper sixth, 31% passing in 4+ subjects, 75% in 3 subjects - with an average final tariff score of 318.
Almost all sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (5% after a gap year), 2% to Oxbridge - taking courses in medicine, humanities and social sciences, teaching, agriculture, journalism, leisure management. A few typically go on to foundation art courses or work in family business.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, most take AS and A-level general studies or critical thinking. Special provision: Dyslexia and EFL teaching available. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; also Italian and Chinese. Annual visit to France. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 75 computers for pupil use, all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 8 musical groups including orchestra, choral society, chapel choir, big band, concert band. National Chamber Music Competition finalists (3 times in last 4 years). Drama: Many pupils are involved in school productions and majority in house/other productions. 3 productions annually ranging from Shakespeare to musicals, often staged in our own Luce Theatre. Art and design: On average, 40 take GCSE, 10 A-level in art and design or design technology.
Sport: All pupils do games at least 3 times a week (twice in the sixth form); choice from rugby, cricket, athletics, swimming, tennis, rowing, hockey, netball, shooting, squash, cross-country, badminton. GCSE and A-level PE may be taken. Many international representatives in recent years - rugby (12), cricket, cross-country, chess, fencing, rowing. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. World Challenge expeditions. CCF optional at age 14. Clubs include media, debating, chess, drama, design and technology, art, computing, fitness.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout, some flexibility in sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects (called monitors), head boy/girl, head of house appointed by the Headmaster through an application process. Religion: Church of England school. Social: Many organised trips abroad eg language trips to France, skiing trips, Word Challenge expeditions. Meals self-service. On-line uniform ordering service.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to repeat work; those caught smoking cannabis could expect expulsion.
All sixth formers in single or double study bedrooms; middle and lower schools in rooms of 2+. Single-sex houses. Qualified nurse on site. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own food. Part-time and weekly boarding available. Visits to local town allowed according to age.
is run by Rod Hepple-Wilson, President of the OD Society (Rod.hepplewilson@btinternet.com) or c/o the school.
Granville Sharp (involved in the abolition of the American slave trade); Sir Peter Vardy (chairman of the Vardy Group plc); Mike Weston, Michael Stephenson (rugby players); Charles Spedding (Olympic athlete); Alexander Armstrong (actor); Jamie Atkinson (show jumper); William Todd (composer).
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