Confidence for Life. Respect for All.
Pupils demonstrate an extremely high level of achievement in their academic studies and through their co-curricular commitments. This reflects the successful realisation of the school’s ambitious aims to cultivate in pupils a desire to succeed in all that they attempt.
- ISI Inspection Report (2023)
The Governing Body of Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation is committed to widening access to the benefits of a Durham School education through the provision of financial assistance in the form of scholarships and/ or bursaries.
Reasons to Choose
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation
1. All-Round Achievement
Pupils at Durham School are encouraged to excel both in the classroom and beyond. Academic achievement is strong, with 55.9% of all results in the grade A*-B range in 2025.
Many of our pupils progress to leading Russell Group universities, including the University of Oxford and Durham University.
Excellence extends well beyond the classroom too. Pupils have gone on to compete in sport at the very highest levels, from British championships and professional cricket to representing their country at the Olympics.
Our pupils also excel in the arts, with opportunities to develop their creativity through Art & Design, Drama, Music and Design Technology at A Level. We regularly stage unmissable musicals and plays in The Luce Theatre, as well as host stunning art exhibitions.
2. Values in Action
The Foundation’s values of Moral Integrity, Ambition, Responsibility, and Kindness underpin everything we do. These values are not just taught in lessons; they are lived out by both pupils and staff each day, shaping the way we learn, work and grow together as a community. We do not just talk about our MARK values — we weave them into daily life, encouraging pupils to practise them in class, in Chapel and beyond the school gates.
Moral integrity is about having the courage to do what is right, both in public and in private. It means standing firm in your beliefs, being open to challenge and taking responsibility for your actions and outcomes.
Ambition encourages every pupil to strive for excellence in all they do. It is about making the most of every opportunity at Durham School and Foundation, growing not only in achievement but also in character.
Responsibility calls pupils to be active members of our community, to take ownership of their choices and to develop their leadership potential in ways that benefit others as well as themselves.
Kindness reflects the Christian ethos that underpins our values. It means treating others with respect and tolerance, embracing diversity and working together as one Foundation family.
Our motto — Confidence for life. Respect for all. — captures exactly what we hope to instill in every
3. Your Path, Your Way
At Durham School, you don’t have to choose between your passions – you can be a sports champion and a talented musician, a promising actor that excels in mathematics. Here, you’re encouraged to be everything you want to be, and more.
Our wide range of co-curricular clubs and activities means there’s something for everyone, from animation and debate to sport, music, drama, and beyond. Whatever your interests, you’ll find opportunities to explore them and discover new talents along the way. We’re committed to supporting every pupil on their own unique journey.
All pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of co-curricular activities, not only to support their personal development but also to promote relaxation and wellbeing after periods of study.
4. Dedicated Staff
At Durham School, our teachers are not only highly qualified but also deeply passionate about what they do. Many have experience in their fields, which brings learning to life in the classroom. Their enthusiasm makes lessons engaging and enjoyable, helping pupils feel inspired and supported as they learn. Teachers take the time to get to know each pupil as an individual, building confidence and encouraging a love of learning. They are also available outside of lesson time for bespoke support.
We have a brilliant team of Learning Support Staff who work closely with pupils to ensure that every individual’s learning needs are met with care and expertise. Additionally, we offer EAL support to international pupils who may need it.
Our House staff create warm and welcoming spaces where pupils feel at home. Whether you are a day pupil or a boarder, you’ll quickly get to know them. They are there to support you, listen when you need it, and share in your successes. The close relationships built within the Houses mean that every pupil feels part of a caring community, with staff who know them well and are always ready to celebrate their achievements or offer a helping hand.
5. House System
At Durham School, our House system is at the heart of school life. Each House develops its own identity, built by its community, and every pupil represents their House with pride.
Because each House includes pupils from every year group, you’ll build friendships across ages – connecting with people you may not otherwise meet. Younger pupils benefit from the guidance and support of older peers, while older pupils enjoy the chance to mentor and share in the fun of school life with their younger peers.
Our Houses are not just communities, but physical spaces where pupils can spend time outside of lessons. They provide a true “home from home,” with common rooms to relax and socialise, kitchens for snacks, and study areas for focused work.
Throughout the year, Houses join in a wide range of events – many organised by pupils themselves – that bring everyone together, build teamwork, and create a real sense of community. From House Music and House sports competitions to House barbecues and regular socials, there’s something for everyone to get involved in.
6. Boarding
Boarding at Durham School is more than just a place to stay, it’s a vibrant community. You’ll form friendships across year groups, creating bonds that last well beyond school. With no daily commute to worry about, you’ll have more time and energy to focus on your studies and enjoy school life to the fullest.
Boarders enjoy a full programme of activities and trips each week, from shopping and exploring Newcastle to go-karting, hiking, and even catching musicals at the theatre. In your House, you’ll enjoy cosy evenings by the fire pit toasting marshmallows, fun movie nights, and lively board game sessions with friends.
You’ll always be known and supported as an individual, with caring staff on hand to listen and guide you. In our boarding community, there is always someone to talk to.
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 and the support you provide them with. It means a lot to our family.
- Durham School Parent
7. Connection Across Cultures
Durham School is home to a thriving international community, with pupils from over 25 countries. We are proudly diverse and welcome many international pupils each year.
As an international pupil at Durham School, you will have the opportunity to strengthen your English, experience local culture, and gain a global perspective through your peers.
Our diverse boarding community offers a welcoming environment where pupils build meaningful connections across cultures.
8. Beyond the Classroom
As a Durham School pupil, you’ll have the opportunity to enrich your learning experience through a wide range of insightful events and trips. As part of your A Level courses, you can experience Geography field trips, English trips to Stratford-upon-Avon and much more.
Outside of lessons, your learning and development can be supplemented through exciting trips like our international Sports Tours. These opportunities not only enrich your studies but also help you build confidence, develop independence and create lifelong memories.
In daily school life, you’ll have the chance to cheer on friends at sports fixtures, celebrate their talents on stage in the Luce Theatre, support them in concerts held in Chapel, and share in many more memorable moments.
Additionally, we are located on the doorstep of Durham City, which pupils may visit after school with friends. Our boarders often spend some time on the weekends here, exploring Durham Cathedral, walking by the riverside or browsing in the Durham University Library.
9.
Dedicated Pastoral Care
Our Houses act as the heart of pastoral care at Durham School. Each morning, pupils meet in their House for roll call and have the opportunity to speak with staff about any concerns or challenges they may be facing.
As our House system ensures that every pupil is known as an individual, pastoral needs are more easily recognised, and there is always a trusted member of staff available to offer guidance and support.
Pastoral care is led by a dedicated team of specialist staff who oversee this vital area. They also ensure that all members of staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to provide effective, appropriate care, so that every pupil feels supported throughout their time at Durham School.
10. Building Your Future
As a Durham School pupil, you won’t just grow academically — you’ll also experience valuable opportunities for personal and professional development throughout your time here. Chances to build confidence and transferable skills are integrated throughout daily life. From speaking in Chapel to organising events, every pupil benefits from these opportunities to grow.
Year 11 pupils can apply to become Peer Mentors, who work with other pupils who may need some extra support. Additionally, pupils who move up into our Sixth Form will have the opportunity to become Monitors who act as ambassadors for Durham School and regularly help the community through responsibilities such as organising events. Our Peer Mentors and Monitors are recognised and appreciated by our community for the important work that they do.
Following their time at Durham School, pupils are welcomed into the Old Dunelmian Society, the Foundation’s alumni network. Founded in the 1880s, the Society keeps ODs connected with one another while supporting the School and its current pupils as a united body. The OD Society organises a number of popular and enjoyable reunions and events each year as well as career events and networking opportunities.
The teachers are there to support you, and if you work hard, you will do well.
- Year 11 Pupil (2025)
I cannot thank the entire Teaching staff and Pastoral staff enough for this amazing celebration. You took our 12 year old daughter and turned her into an academic weapon!
- Durham School Parent
King’s Scholarship Award
11+ and 13+
These academic awards are available for candidates at 11+ and 13+ entering Years 7 and 9 in the following academic year.
The heritage of the King’s Scholarship dates back to 1541 and the time of King Henry VIII. The King took a personal interest in the continuation of Durham School following the Reformation. Records show the Crown paid an annual grant for the education of King’s Scholars at Durham School.
At 11+, scholarships are awarded on the basis of performance in the entrance assessments.
At 13+, there is a separate scholarship examination in English and Mathematics, followed by an interview. This is offered to candidates who perform well in the 13+ entrance assessments as well as any internal applicants.
These scholarships are available for the entirety of a pupil’s education and are worth £1,000 per annum. Successful applicants can apply for up to 50% additional discount from the day fee, subject to appropriate means testing.
Criteria
• You must have formally applied for entry to Durham School for the following academic year.
Burkitt Scholarship 16+
The Burkitt Scholarships are awarded to candidates at 16+ entering Year 12. They are worth £1,000 per year and can be supplemented by meanstested bursaries up to 95% of the School tuition fees. The Burkitt Scholarship Examination for September 2026 entry into Durham School will be held on Saturday 6 December 2025. The deadline for applications is Friday 28 November 2025.
• Burkitt Scholars are eligible for support worth up to £1,000 per annum if successful in gaining entry to either Oxford or Cambridge University.
• Burkitt Scholarships are available to both external entrants and current Durham School Year 11 pupils. King’s Scholars need not apply.
Scholarships Process
Burkitt candidates must take assessments in English, Mathematics, and online reasoning tests. Applicants also attend an interview with the Headmaster or Head of Sixth Form.
Entry Requirements
Burkitt Scholarships are awarded provisionally in December, based on performance in the tests taken. Burkitt Scholarships are confirmed in August, subject to satisfactory achievement at GCSE. The threshold for provisional awards is benchmarked against standards in previous years.
Sports Award
Attaining a Sports Award is dependent on the candidate achieving the following criteria:
11+ & 13+
• An outstanding performer in one chosen sport.
• A very good school standard in a number of different sports.
• A high standard of performance and excellent attitude on the scholarship assessment day.
16+
• A minimum of County standard in one chosen sport.
• A very good school standard in a number of different sports.
• A high standard of performance and excellent attitude on the scholarship assessment day.
Durham School is committed to providing opportunities to stretch and challenge all sports scholars. Retention of the Award is, however, dependent on the candidate successfully demonstrating the following:
11+ & 13+
• Maintaining a high level of performance and being an ‘A’ team player.
• Attendance at all training sessions and extra skills sessions.
• Showing an exemplary attitude towards training and playing.
• 100% commitment and effort to all required sporting fixtures and interhouse competitions.
• Successful completion of an annual review.
16+
• Maintaining a high level of performance and being a 1st team player.
• Attendance at all training sessions and extra skills sessions.
• Attendance at all extra sessions; video analysis, nutrition, sport psychology.
• 100% commitment and effort to all required sporting fixtures and interhouse competitions.
• Successful completion of an annual review.
Drama Award
Attaining a Drama Award is dependent on the candidate achieving the following criteria:
• Experience of involvement in drama productions, festivals, qualifications and/ or related projects.
• Demonstration of outstanding potential in drama in the scholarship audition.
• Good to outstanding achievement in the scholarship audition.
Durham School is committed to providing opportunities to stretch and challenge all drama scholars. Retention of the Award is, however, dependent on the candidate successfully demonstrating the following:
11+
• Attendance at Lower School Drama Club.
• Participation in House drama activities.
• Participation in any relevant drama productions.
• Strong assessment marks in all work.
13+
• Study drama to GCSE level.
• Strong assessment marks in all work.
• Participation in House drama activities.
• Participation in whole school drama productions.
• Significantly contribute to co-curricular drama within the school; either as a performer or through contribution to the technical, stage management or design teams.
16+
• Participation in whole school drama productions.
• Significantly contribute to co-curricular drama within the school; either as a performer or through contribution to the technical, stage management or design teams.
• Promote and lead House drama for interhouse drama competitions and help to support lower school Drama activities.
Art Award
Attaining an Art Award is dependent on the candidate achieving the following criteria:
• Demonstrate highly developed drawing skills.
• Demonstrate a developed sense of design and compositional awareness.
• Demonstrate an ability to develop an idea from an initial starting point to a final outcome.
• Demonstrate an ability to explore different ideas and evaluate and change them according to intentions.
• Demonstrate an interest in and an awareness of other artists.
Durham School is committed to providing opportunities to stretch and challenge all Art and Design scholars. Retention of the Award is, however, dependent on the candidate successfully demonstrating the following:
11+ & 13+
• Taking Art and Design to GCSE level.
• Attending at least one extra-curricular subject related club on a weekly basis or equivalent.
• Achieving high assessment grades and marks throughout the academic year.
• Helping staff and other pupils, as appropriate and as instructed by their teacher.
16+
• Taking Art and Design, endorsed either Fine Art or Photography, to A Level.
• Achieving high assessment marks throughout the academic year.
• Supporting staff during the open mornings or curriculum evenings.
• Regularly working in the Department after school.
Design Technology Award
Attaining a Design Technology Award is dependent on the candidate achieving the following criteria:
• Demonstrate highly developed manipulative skills.
• Demonstrate a developed sense of form and design awareness.
• Demonstrate an ability to develop an idea from an initial starting point to a final outcome.
• Demonstrate an ability to explore different ideas and evaluate and change them according to intentions.
• Demonstrate an interest in and an awareness of other designers.
Durham School is committed to providing opportunities to stretch and challenge all Design and Technology scholars. Retention of the Award is, however, dependent on the candidate successfully demonstrating the following:
11+ & 13+
• Taking Design Technology, Graphic Communication or Three-Dimensional Design to GCSE level.
• Attending at least one extra-curricular subject related club on a weekly basis or equivalent.
• Achieving high assessment grades and marks throughout the academic year.
• Helping staff and other pupils, as appropriate and as instructed by their teacher.
16+
• Taking Design Realisation in the Sixth Form.
• Achieving high assessment marks throughout the academic year.
• Supporting staff during the open mornings or curriculum evenings.
• Regularly working in the Department after school.
Music Award
Attaining a Music Award is dependent on the candidate achieving the following criteria:
11+
• Standard equivalent to ABRSM Grade 3 high Merit or Distinction level on first instrument (or voice), Grade 1 or higher on a second instrument (or voice). If no second instrument or voice is offered the standard on the principal instrument would need to be higher. In all cases potential is an important factor.
• Ability to sight-read to pass level at the relevant grade.
• Ability to pass aural tests at the relevant grade.
• Satisfactory references from current music teachers.
13+
• As above, but performance at a standard equivalent to ABRSM Grade 5 high Merit or Distinction level on first instrument (or voice), Grade 3 or higher on a second instrument (or voice).
16+
• As for 11+, but performance at a standard equivalent to ABRSM Grade 7 high Merit or Distinction level on first instrument (or voice), Grade 5 or higher on a second instrument (or voice).
Durham School is committed to providing opportunities to stretch and challenge all music scholars. Retention of the Award is, however, dependent on the candidate successfully demonstrating the following:
• Membership of appropriate musical ensembles as required by the Director of Music.
• Exemplary attendance at all rehearsals.
• Performing regularly as a soloist and in ensembles.
• Evidence of musical development through regular practice, positive reports from music teachers and appropriate progression through graded music exams.
• Music scholars are required to take music at GCSE but not necessarily at A Level.
In addition, Music Awards offer free music tuition on two instruments (voice included).
Further Financial Assistance
If required, financial assistance in the form of a Governors’ Bursary may be available at any point in your child’s school career, including on admission. This is discretionary and is granted only after the assessment of parents’ financial circumstances.
Any financial assistance granted is reviewed on a regular basis and subject to satisfactory performance and conduct on the part of the pupil, and remaining upto-date with School fees payments. A Confidential Financial Circumstances Form can be obtained from the Finance Office once a formal admissions application to the School has been made.
A Bursary application is completely separate and confidential to the admissions application. You are strongly advised to make any Bursary application as soon as possible after applying for admission to the School. If we offer a place for your child to join us at the School and your acceptance is contingent on a means tested bursary, you must complete the bursary process prior to formally accepting the place.
How To Apply
Please complete our School application form and return together with a copy of your child’s most recent school reports and copy of their birth certificate and passport for identification purposes. Application fees can be paid by bank transfer, cheque to Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, or you can make a card payment by calling main reception. All applications should be returned to: Admissions Department, Durham School, Quarryheads Lane, Durham, DH1 4SZ, alternatively, please return scanned copies to admissions@dcsf.org.uk.
If you are interested in finding out more about our Scholarships, please feel free to get in touch with our Admissions Team.
• 0191 731 9270 • admissions@dcsf.org.uk.
The closing date for Scholarship applications is in late November or early December. Sample exam papers will be emailed to applicants at the end of the Autumn term so that candidates can practise before the formal exams should they want to do so.
