Chorister School
Artwork by J Barber, Chorister School
Art Teacher
Chorister School is an environment where every child is encouraged to be ambitious in their learning, emotionally resilient and respectful of everyone’s individuality. Rich and diverse opportunities provide an education with character where children learn, grow and feel confident in themselves. We benefit from an exceptional community of happy and engaged children, dedicated staff and supportive parents who all contribute to a strong sense of community and are key to our success.
A tailored academic programme ensures high standards are achieved right across the School, and we encourage all children to strive to fulfil their potential. Pupils’ progress is closely monitored as they transition through School and this allows us to support, stretch and challenge our children as individuals. Our co-curricular programme is an important part of who we are and through a wide range of clubs, workshops and educational visits, we are able to introduce our children to valuable experiences that take their learning beyond the classroom. These opportunities allow the children to develop important personal, social and emotional skills.
Our unofficial motto ‘Confidence for Life. Respect for All’, coupled with our strong core values ‘MARK’ (Moral Integrity, Ambition, Responsibility, Kindness) show our value for the traditions of independent preparatory education, whilst embracing the need to be a forward-thinking school. Here and throughout Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation we aim to develop our children to become well-rounded individuals who are prepared for life at every stage of their journey.
Sally Harrod Head of Chorister School
Our Values
MMoral Integrity
We want our pupils to leave us as mature and responsible young people, imbued with the skills required to tackle the challenges ahead of them.
R KAAmbition
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation encourages pupils to be ambitious in the classroom and beyond.
Responsibility
Our pupils are punctual and prompt in all that they do. We use our resources responsibly, developing and caring for the environment around us. We are pioneers in discovering better ways of doing things.
Kindness
We encourage our pupils to be open and approachable, to listen with respect to the views of others and to support and stand up for fellow pupils.
At a Glance
EYFS Early Years Foundation Stage Nursery education
Flexible morning & afternoon sessions in the nursery
Part-time or full-time options
Holiday Club at Durham School
Swimming lessons from FS2
Term-time wrap around care from 8am to 6pm
Outdoor learning at our Forest School Specialist teachers 8
EYFS to Year 2
Childhood is precious; we believe passionately in educating the whole child and in education in the fullest sense.
Chorister School is a friendly, exceptional place for children. We kindle curiosity and promote collaboration, focus, and originality. We capture imaginations, giving our children a life-long love of learning in all its forms.
Our caring atmosphere enables them to flourish whilst having the confidence to take risks, embrace opportunity, be reflective, show initiative, and enjoy their journey of self-discovery. Our pupils are proud of their achievements and do their best to be their best at all times.
We combine an inspiring academic curriculum with passionate teaching, developing an infectious enthusiasm for learning, coupled with outstanding pastoral care. We celebrate individual milestones, however small, understanding they are integral in developing self-esteem. Our established cooperative partnership between home and school supports the success of all children.
Without a doubt, our youngest pupils are provided with an unrivalled experience, giving them the best possible start to their learning journey. Everything we do is ultimately about helping them grow to become grounded, happy, resilient individuals.
A very warm welcome to our Pre-School (FS1)
Our beautiful Pre-school provides quality childcare and Pre-school education for children from the age of 3.
Our classrooms are thoughtfully designed to encourage your curiosity, creativity, independence and natural passion for learning at each stage of development. At the heart of Chorister School’s ethos is our commitment to the development of each individual child in a warm and stimulating environment. Our team of well-qualified and experienced staff guide each child’s development, responding to their individual needs and interests. We encourage individuality, kindness and inquisitiveness. We want our children to ‘learn through laughter’, to be happy, confident and resilient.
We never underestimate the trust you place in us to look after your children. Childhood is special; when you enter Chorister School, you will see the wonderful atmosphere in which your child can grow and develop. Our calm, nurturing environment provides the best possible start to school life.
A Typical Pre-School Day
An example of a typical day might look like....
8.00am Our doors open
8.30am Registration
9.00am Morning Activities
9.50am Playtime
10.40am The children continue to learn through play & exploration
11.30am Free flow play, indoors & outdoors with adults scaffolding the children’s learning & supporting their development
Lunchtime with adults, encouraging them to try new foods, develop independence & modelling good table manners
12.30am Playtime
2.15pm Snack & Playtime
3.20pm End of School Day
3.20pm After School Clubs or Extended Day Supervision - 6.00pm
Throughout the week, the children will have the opportunity to take part in structured outdoor learning sessions and participate in physical activities with specialist teachers for PE and swimming (FS2).
Learning with Laughter
“We appreciate the encouragement given to our children to develop their talents - whatever they maybe.”
A Typical FS2 to Year 2
The School Day
8.00am – 8.30am Our doors open (arrive by 8.30am)
8.30am – 8.40am Registration
8.45am – 9.50am Morning Lessons
9.50am Break
12.00pm Lunch* (Staggered start for each year group)
Afternoon Lessons
3.20pm End of Core School Day
3.30pm – 4.10pm Co-curricular Clubs or After School Care
4.10pm – 6.00pm After School Care Continues (chargeable)
*We have a cafeteria service with a wide choice of hot and cold dishes available from which children are encouraged to choose a balanced meal. Lunchtime clubs also operate at this time.
Reception (FS2) is where the foundations of all learning are laid.
Small class sizes enable us to take an individualised approach, where teachers know your child’s characteristics as well as their learning style. This helps your child grow in confidence as they learn to read, write and do Maths.
From Reception (FS2) to Year 2, your child will have weekly timetabled Art, Music, Swimming, Sports, French lessons (from Year 1) and Forest School. Specialist teachers will help your child gain a deep knowledge and passion for subjects, developing your child’s interest and increasing their engagement, creativity and skills.
A Typical Year 3 to 6 Day
The School Day
8.00am – 8.30am Our doors open (arrive by 8.30am)
8.30am Registration
8.45am Assembly & Morning Lessons
10.40am – 11:00am Break & Snack
12.40pm – 1.40pm Lunch* & Co-Curricular Clubs
1.40pm – 4.10pm Afternoon Lessons
4.10pm End of Core School Day
4.10pm – 4.30pm Break
4.30pm – 5.15pm Co-curricular Clubs or Supervised Prep
5.15pm – 6.00pm Supervised Prep Continues (chargeable)
*We have a cafeteria service with a wide choice of hot and cold dishes available from which children are encouraged to choose a balanced meal. Lunchtime clubs also operate at this time.
We pride ourselves on nurturing our pupils to bring out the best in everyone, encouraging hard work, valuing good manners and enjoying learning. We believe that the journey a child makes is as important as the destination they eventually reach.
Creativity in our Curriculum
Our Curriculum is thoughtfully designed to be broad, balanced and inspiring, enabling every child to thrive and reach their full potential. While rooted in the National Curriculum, our approach goes beyond, embracing a holistic education that prepares children not only for academic success but also for life beyond the classroom.
At the heart of our teaching is a creative curriculum approach that blends knowledge and skills-based learning. Subjects are interconnected through engaging, thematic topics—often led by Science and Humanities—creating a rich, immersive experience for every learner.
From Pre-Prep to Year 4, pupils begin to experience specialist teaching in a growing range of subjects, including French, Computing, Religious Education, Science, Art and Design, Games, Swimming and Forest School. By Years 5 and 6, this specialist teaching is fully embedded, with purposeful cross-curricular links that enrich and deepen understanding.
Our curriculum is shaped by focused approaches to English and Mathematics, ensuring strong foundational skills are established early and consistently developed. These core competencies underpin learning across all subjects.
Enrichment
Trips & Residentials
We instil a sense of adventure into all of our pupils and going off site enables this further.
Guest Visiting Speakers
From dentists to historians, we have many special guests who visit the School throughout the year. Guest speakers not only engage the children in workshops but they also inspire future career pathways from a young age, whether that means becoming an author or a zoologist.
Parents as Partners
Alongside our fantastic Friends community, we have many opportunities for parents to be involved in the wider curriculum. We hold regular class assemblies and workshops for parents so that they can get involved with the learning process.
Clubs
Learning goes beyond the classroom. Our co-curricular clubs programme operates throughout the year, offering a wide range of activities to further develop communicative and physical skills. Here is an example of what we can offer:
• Football
• Chess
• Choir
• Lego club
• Performing arts
• Rugby
• Art • Tennis
Community
• Ballet
• Music Activities
• Maths Club
We connect with our local community through partnership, charity and fundraising.
Sports Programme
Pupils are introduced to a wide range of sports, ensuring every child has the opportunity to explore and enjoy physical activity before progressing into more specialist disciplines.
Our sports programme places a strong emphasis on team sports such as rugby, football, netball, cricket and hockey, while also encouraging participation in individual pursuits like dance, swimming, athletics and gymnastics. Additional sports, including tennis, are also offered, giving children even more opportunities to discover their interests and strengths.
Beyond physical development, sport at Chorister School plays a vital role in supporting overall learning and well-being. It helps improve coordination, particularly hand-eye coordination, which is a crucial part of early cognitive development. Furthermore, physical education promotes healthy lifestyle choices and builds confidence, resilience, and teamwork.
Games, PE and Swimming are a popular and valuable part of the curriculum for every child. From Year 3 upwards, children begin to take part in regular competitive matches, which are keenly anticipated and enjoyed by pupils, staff and parents alike. These fixtures nurture camaraderie and sportsmanship, while giving children the opportunity to represent their school with pride.
At Chorister School, we recognise and nurture sporting talent. Children who demonstrate particular aptitude are given the opportunity to develop their skills through training and additional fixtures. We regularly play competitive matches against other schools across the region and, depending on ability, some pupils go on to represent the school at events and tournaments further afield.
We are proud to see our pupils thrive not only in school sports but also beyond, with many going on to join local clubs, academies and county-level squads. Through this balanced and inclusive approach, every child is encouraged to find joy in sport, to challenge themselves, and to realise that, with the right support and mindset, their potential is truly limitless.
Art & Design
Art and Design plays an essential role in providing all pupils with a broad and balanced education. Pupils are taught by a specialist teacher, and all pupils have access to our beautiful Art Room. It is an exciting and inspiring space which provides the perfect environment for children to explore their imagination, creativity and individuality.
Pupils gain a range of visual, tactile and sensory experiences allowing them to understand and respond to their surroundings. These include: drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, collage and photography. Importance is also placed on studying and experiencing the work of a wide variety of artists, designers and makers. Through studying art, craft and design from a range of cultures and times, pupils develop an appreciation for the richness and variety of the world in which they live. Pupils are encouraged to see themselves as artists and develop confidence in their own abilities. Exploration of a wide range of techniques and ideas allows all children to discover their individual strengths and interests, which in turn fosters a sense of achievement and enjoyment.
Drama & Public Speaking
Drama and Public Speaking feature strongly within Chorister School and aim to inspire pupils to be confident, articulate, and imaginative. Drama is taught and used as a tool, within English lessons as well as other areas of the Curriculum, and offers pupils the opportunity to gain life-long skills and enjoy the delights of self-expression.
Pre-Prep
Drama and public speaking are taught throughout the curriculum within the Pre-prep, whether this be through storytelling, role play, hot seating or the annual Nativity plays and family assemblies. Through these, children develop communication skills, learning how to listen and respond appropriately. This leads to an increase in self-confidence and self-awareness.
Prep
Throughout their time here, all pupils perform in dramatic productions, musicals, poetry recitations and the Dean’s Public Speaking Competition. We offer a supportive and nurturing environment, and above all, drama is fun! Further to this, pupils may opt to take LAMDA classes and compete in local festivals.
STEM
Our Innovative STEM Curriculum Scheme is a comprehensive and inclusive STEM programme designed specifically for our school. Developed by our STEM Leads to involve all children from EYFS to Year 6, it incorporates a fusion of Science, Design and Technology, Maths and Computer Science to create a seamless and engaging learning experience. The scheme aims to foster curiosity, creativity and critical thinking skills in students, while promoting diversity, inclusivity and equality in STEM education.
Our STEM scheme encompasses hands-on design projects, coding, robotics, a STEM week and a STEM fair, and promotes online safety and artificial intelligence (AI) awareness at each stage. It is designed to incorporate and extend from the National Curriculum in each area and complement topics covered in other subject areas.
Wellbeing
We believe that a happy child is a learning child. Wellbeing is central to school life, and each half term brings a new programme of carefully planned sessions to support pupils’ emotional and personal development. These are guided by the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation MARK values:
Moral Integrity, Ambition, Responsibility and Kindness.
Children who demonstrate these values are recognised weekly through our MARK Awards, reinforcing positive behaviour and emotional growth.
Our approach is both holistic and proactive, with regular updates shared with families about each child’s wellbeing alongside academic progress. Pastoral care is led by an experienced senior leader and our School Nurse offers one-to-one emotional support when needed. Children are further supported by Wellbeing Ambassadors, a group of pupil leaders who promote kindness, inclusion and peer support throughout the school.
We also benefit from regular visits by Senior School Wellbeing Mentors, who build relationships with our pupils and help reinforce a cross-school culture of care.
Wellbeing is woven into the fabric of school life. Each classroom has a dedicated wellness area, offering space for calm activities such as mindful colouring and quiet reflection. We are also proud to introduce our newly designed Wellbeing Hub –a peaceful, welcoming space for pupils to reset, reflect or speak to a trusted adult.
Key national events such as World Mental Health Day and Random Acts of Kindness Day are also celebrated, encouraging empathy, self-awareness and community spirit.
At Chorister School, we are committed to nurturing the whole child – emotionally, socially and academically—so that each pupil can flourish in every aspect of their school journey.
Cathedral Choristers
Durham Cathedral Choir consists of girl and boy choristers who sing separately alongside the adult members of the Choir.
Choristers typically join the Choir between the ages of 8 and 10 and remain until the age of 13. Choristers receive a first-class professional musical education and experience performing to the highest of standards in one of Britain’s most iconic buildings. The majority of the Choir’s singing takes place during the daily worship of Durham Cathedral.
Occasionally, the Choir also takes part in concerts, recordings and live broadcasts on the radio. Although the Choristers have an extremely busy Cathedral schedule, they still enjoy the school full curriculum and are also able to participate in many co-curricular activities that the School offers.
Music
Enjoyment and self-fulfilment are at the heart of everything we do and we acknowledge the huge positive impact music lessons have on a child’s academic, social and emotional development and their wellbeing.
We pride ourselves on the inclusivity of our music provision, the array of musical opportunities our children are able to experience and our support for the most ambitious of our musicians. Therefore, we encourage children to participate in musical activities and to take up individual music lessons wherever possible. Currently 88% of pupils in Y3-6 take lessons in at least one instrument, and we have a flourishing musical environment, with 18 highly experienced Visiting Music Teachers, regular ABRSM exam sessions and cross-curricular opportunities touching on a wide range of musical genres.
In Pre-Prep, each child will develop confidence in singing and playing solos on a weekly basis, and build a strong understanding of Melody and Rhythm through performance and notation games. Children will listen to a wide variety of live and recorded music and cement their understanding of musical vocabulary. They will be involved in weekly whole-school sing and beat sessions and assemblies, and take part in regular performances, singing and instrumental, throughout the year. They will also be given opportunities to watch and perform with other musicians, including our many talented older students. Opportunities available: Choir, Recorder Group, Violin Group, individual instrumental lessons, supported practice.
Pupils in Years 3 - 6 have one class music lesson per week with a music specialist. We take care to support and develop musical interests and ambitions of every child, tailoring their education in order to nurture their skills and build their confidence whilst enabling them to access a broad programme of music education. Pupils will develop their aural and theoretical understanding of Melody, Rhythm and Harmony through games, songs and activities whilst developing instrumental skills. Singing in assemblies and services is considered very important, and weekly hymn practice develops a strong sense of togetherness and musical assurance. Children are given opportunities to take part in workshops and watch and perform with other musicians, often together with our senior musicians, including in regional competitions and festivals, with close ties with Durham Cathedral and Durham University enabling world-class experiences. Weekly activities available include: School Choir, Galilee Choir, Orchestra, String Quartets, String Group, Wind Band, Rock Band and Music Theory.
At Chorister School, we understand how busy our children and families can be, and also how important effective practice is for children’s enjoyment and practice. Therefore, we facilitate well-attended supported practice sessions throughout the day, including before and after school, which have seen a huge impact on children’s motivation, self-determination and musical progress.
Boarding
Barrington House is integral to the School buildings, and very much a ‘home’ for our boarders with a warm and family atmosphere and close-knit community, where long-lasting friendships and happy memories are made.
Boys and girls across the Prep School enjoy each other’s company and learn to build relationships that respect the individual whilst growing in self-esteem. The boarders are well supported and cared for by the boarding house staff, and this sense of belonging inspires confidence and develops strong social skills and independence. The boarders enjoy the use of a common room, the school sports facilities, dining room, IT suite and music practice spaces.
Boarding that works for you
In today’s busy world, many families find boarding a way of relieving pressure on family life by reducing time spent on long commutes and ensuring that the time they spend together is quality time, with most of the school commitments having been met during the week.
We offer a range of boarding options from the age of 7, which provide the overnight care and completion of homework ahead of the next day alongside having downtime before bed. Flexi boarding is popular amongst both children and parents whilst weekly (Mon - Fri) boarding is also available.
Making the Move to Senior School
Durham School teachers work alongside their Chorister counterparts to ensure a smooth transition from Year 6 as pupils follow a curriculum that continues seamlessly into Year 7.
We find that the nurturing Chorister School environment and smaller class sizes build children’s confidence, so that when they join the Senior School in Year 7, they are self-assured and ready for the move.
Through our value-added educational programme, pupils can explore their interests and develop new passions. They have the opportunity to take leading roles in plays, join choirs, teams, clubs and sporting activities. It is about discovering what makes them happy.
Y O U R
J O U R N E Y
AN EXCITING FUTURE
If you start in Chorister Pre-school, we will welcome you into our school where you’ll have a personalised tour and meet the teachers We will get to learn all about you, and you can come for a taster session
Or, if you start further up the school, you can come and experience a Taster Day This involves being paired up with a Chorister Guide, meeting the teachers and spending time in and out of the classroom You even get to try one of our delicious school lunches!
s Harro Head of horister chool.
Sixth Form
Built-in
Dr. Alderson, Principal of the Foundation and Head of Durham School
A seamless transition into the senior school allows students to focus on studies and personal development.
In Ye our exceptiona subjects to life competitions
ISI AWARD 'EXCELLENT'
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Biology to Interior Design, n to succeed in an exciting s We’re here to support n finding their path and eving their goals.
In Years 10 and taught by passion Many have exper field of special into
Many extracurricular clubs throughout the school - from Music and Sport to Gardening and Lego
Year 7 - Year 11
FS1 - Nursery
A happy and enthusiastic environment
Daily literacy and mathematics
Introduction to specialist teachers for PE, Music and Swimming (FS2 onwards)
Woodland Classroom sessions (outdoor adventures) begins Purposeful play
You’ll make lots of friends!
Close communication with parents (continues throughout the school)
Pre-Prep
(Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)
Becoming independent learners
Structured learning develops
ar 7 and 8
l teaching staff bring through trips, clubs, , and experiences
ls are provided with the develop the key skills eir GCSE years, whilst love for learning
11, GCSE subjects are nate subject specialists rience working in their ism before moving teaching
‘Open Classrooms’ - parents visit regularly Specialist teaching increases to include French as well as PE, music and drama Prep Trainee Programme: in Y2 you’ll be well prepared for going up to Lower Prep with a selection of taster days in Year 3 classrooms with specialist subject teachers
Learning beyond the classroom
Year 3 - Year 4
In Years 3 and 4, the pupils are taught English, Mathematics and Humanities by their form teacher
With subject specialists for French, Art, RE, Music and Games amongst others. STEM
The Creative Curriculum approach is used to link learning to a topic theme, with additional subjects taught by specialist teachers. Residentials & Trips.
Year 5 - Year 6
ity Destinations
ears 5 and 6, the pupils follow a subject based timetable and are taught ecialist subject teachers Movement from class to class encourages dependence and is good experience for transition through to the senior ol. The curriculum continues to facilitate cross-curricular links across subjects where possible lar meetings with your parents to discuss academic progress in a vital year
very Year 6 pupil has a leadership role Year 5 & 6 Outward Bound residential
Joining Chorister School
We are here to help you through the journey of joining Chorister School. Our Admissions Team will be your main contact, welcoming you and your child to visit us at a time to suit you.
• Contact our Prep Admissions Manager by email prep-admissions@dcsf.org.uk. They will be able to answer your questions and talk you through the admissions process.
• Come and see us in person at an open event or for a personalised tour.
• Register your child. You can request our Registration Form. At this stage, we will ask that you provide us with the latest school reports for your child, if available. If your child has additional learning needs, we also ask for more information.
• Taster Day. Your child will be invited for a taster day with the opportunity to meet staff and pupils. Depending on the age of your child, they will meet with the Head of EYFS - Year 2 or Head of Chorister School.
• Reassurance your child. If they are going to be a Boarder, we ask (if possible) that they have a sleepover with us, so we can see how they settle.
• Offer of a place. When we have the information that we need and you are happy to proceed, we shall offer a place. Generally, you will have four weeks to accept the place for your child. Confirmation of the place is once the offer has been accepted, joining forms have been completed and the deposit has been paid.
• Stay in touch. We will invite you and your child to a range of events so that you all feel part of the School before you join us.
The College, Durham, DH1 3EL, United Kingdom
T: +44 (0)191 731 9270
E: prep-admissions@dcsf.org.uk www.dcsf.org.uk