Durham School

Overview

Founded in 1414 Durham School is one of the oldest schools in country, and this year we celebrate our 600th Anniversary. The school enjoys a uniquely beautiful setting in the heart of Durham City, has a delightfully rural feel to it and yet is within walking distance of the world-famous cathedral, the castle, the River Wear and and the city center shops. We offer full and weekly boarding, and prestigious scholarships are available at ages 11, 13 and 16.

Unique Points

The school has a high reputation for music, sport and drama. With our own boathouse, rowing is an increasingly successful and popular choice for both boys and girls. The Durham School Boat Club is the third oldest boat club in the world and we are the fourth oldest school rugby club in the world. In 2012 we became the only All-Steinway Accredited School in the North of England, enabling our musicians to practise and perform on the best pianos in the world.

Entry Requirements

Although admission into the Senior School is possible at any stage between Years 7 and 12, the majority of our pupils join us at the start of Year 7, Year 9 or Year 12. Those wishing to join in Year 7 sit our 11+ Entrance Examination and those wishing to join in Year 9 our own 13+ Entrance Examination. Pupils wishing to join our Sixth Form can enter for a Burkitt Scholarship; otherwise admission is based on a satisfactory performance in GCSE examinations.