Chorister Together
Our world heritage site
The Governing Body of Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation is excited to announce that, as part of our commitment to providing the best possible education and experiences for our pupils, we will be consolidating our Early Years and Years 1–2 provision, currently at the Bow site, with our Years 3–6 provision at the heritage Cathedral site. This change will take effect at the start of the new academic year in September 2025.
We have a proud heritage across our schools, stretching back over 600 years, and this will remain central to our ethos as we look to the future. The rich traditions that have shaped our schools, including a commitment to nurturing each child’s unique talents, will continue to thrive in this consolidated environment.
This move ensures that we build on this foundation, celebrating our history while creating a more unified and vibrant community for all pupils.
Chorister School (DCSF) will continue to offer outstanding academic, pastoral, and co-curricular opportunities, supported by access to enhanced facilities, such as outdoor spaces provided at Durham School. This transition will allow us to grow and develop in strength, providing a seamless and enriched educational experience for every child.
We understand that this change may raise questions, and we are committed to keeping you informed throughout this process. To begin, we are sharing this digital brochure, which includes a set of FAQs to address common questions and explain the rationale behind this move. We hope you find this resource helpful.
We believe that this transition offers enormous benefits to all our pupils, both now and in the future. By celebrating our heritage, embracing new opportunities, and maintaining our commitment to individual education, we are confident in providing a strong and vibrant future for your children. Thank you for your continued support.
Mr Simon Dobson OD Chair of Governors
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation
Mrs Sally Harrod Head of Chorister School
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
From September 2025, all children from Nursery to Year 6 will be based on one site. This decision has been made to enhance the learning environment and streamline our operations across the school. We are confident that this move will provide significant benefits to our students and school community as a whole.
Chorister School has previously been home to the EYFS and Years 1 and 2 children, and has the facilities to cater for our youngest children. We want to reassure you that there is more than enough space with the use of the newly renovated No. 8 (parallel to the Main Building).
All timetables will be organised to allow free flow of internal and external areas.
Why Are We Moving?
This consolidation offers numerous advantages, including:
Enhanced Sense of Community: By bringing all year groups together, we will strengthen the sense of community within our school, fostering peer learning and collaboration across age groups. Additional Facilities: Chorister School will provide an adaptable learning environment for all our students. It will allow us to offer a range of classroom spaces and shared learning areas to support each child’s development.
Access to Durham Facilities: To ensure that our youngest students continue to benefit from quality outdoor experiences, we will provide shuttle buses to access Durham Schools' extensive facilities, including larger outdoor play spaces and sports areas.
Where will the EYFS classrooms be situated within the main building?
The EYFS children will be situated on the ground floor with access to the Secret Garden. Please see below for the proposed layout.
Years 1 and 2 will be situated in No.8, with beautiful airy rooms, and in the Main School Building.
How will the transition for the children be managed to minimise disruption?
Familiarisation programmes will be developed to introduce the site to the children.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Is this proposed change because of the impact of financial constraints?
Discussions have been ongoing to ensure efficiencies are optimised. We believe that the amalgamation of the Bow and Cathedral site is in the best interests of the DCSF community.
The current government decision on adding VAT has given added impetus to decision making as the financial pressures on the sector will grow - so this decision will help secure the future of the Foundation.
Teaching Staff
There are no planned changes to your children’s teachers and support staff. Pupils will continue to benefit from specialist teaching. Catering
We will still be using Chartwells who continue to provide well balanced nutritious meals.
Where will my child have access to an outdoor space?
We understand that this change may raise questions, particularly regarding outdoor space and travel. Please be assured that:
In addition to existing outdoor facilities at the Chorister School, shuttle services will also take children to nearby facilities, ensuring ample opportunities for outdoor learning and play. We have a secret EYFS sensory garden and this will be receiving a magical make over; see overleaf for a sneak peek.
We are creating a Woodland Forest School area at Durham School. The children will be involved in creating ideas for the area and will enjoy Forest School afternoons enhancing their educational journey.
How will traffic be affected to the Cathedral site and how will this be managed for pick up and drop offs?
The EYFS - Year 2 day ends at 15.20 which allows for a staggered pick up. There will be a shuttle bus to an off-site location for collection and drop off for EYFS - Year 2 children. Details of this will be released shortly.
We are considering a Breakfast Club from 7.30am which will ease congestion and allow varied drop off times.
We are liaising with the council for all families regarding access arrangements.
Secret Garden Secret Garden
*CGI image of potential areas
*CGI image of potential areas
EYFS Areas in the Main Building
*CGI image of potential areas
EYFS Areas in the Main Building
*CGI image of potential areas
We are delighted to invite you to see the EYFS - Year 2 areas
Opportunity for group tours throughout 2025 on the following dates:
March
Monday 17th March: 11.30-12.30
Tuesday 18th March: 11.30-12.30
Thursday 20th March: 2.00-3.00
May
Monday 12th May: 11 30-12 30
Tuesday 13th May:11 30-12 30
Thursday 15th May: 2.00-3.00
Mon 19th May:11.30-12.30
Tues 20th May:11.30-12.30
Bespoke transition programme in Summer Term 2025 for all Bow pupils: TBC
In addition we will have a dedicated Open Evening for our Bow parents:
Wednesday 2nd April, 4.30-5.30pm and 6.00-7.00pm
Monday 16th June, 4.30-5.30pm and 6.00-7.00pm
For any further questions please this Form.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. Will the class sizes remain small, and will year groups be combined?
We are committed to maintaining small class sizes, which are a hallmark of our educational approach. We will not be combining any year groups.
EYFS will have a dedicated outdoor play area.
Playtime scheduling will be staggered to ensure that all year groups have adequate access to outdoor areas. Younger children will have separate playtimes from older students to ensure safety and comfort.
2. How will the outdoor play space at the Chorister site compare to Bow?
Outdoor space is a vital part of children’s development, and we have made arrangements to provide ample opportunities for all students.
Additionally, students will have access to Durham School’s extensive facilities for physical education and outdoor activities. These spaces will supplement the play and physical activity opportunities available on-site at Chorister.
3. What is the school’s plan for the walking bus service and early drop-off options?
We anticipate that the minimum year group eligible to use the walking bus from the White Gates will be Year 1. This is to ensure appropriate supervision and safety standards are upheld.
To manage this service effectively, it will operate on a booking basis, allowing us to allocate staff resources accordingly.
To support families with early schedules, such as Cathedral Choristers with morning practice at 7:50 am, we are planning to open a breakfast club. This will allow earlier drop-offs for younger children, including those in FS1 and FS2. Further details on the breakfast club timings and operation will be shared once finalised.
4. How will lunch be provided, and is there sufficient space for all pupils?
Lunch schedules will be staggered to ensure all children have a comfortable dining experience. Dietary information will be managed by the Chartwell Team.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
The Chorister site has sufficient dining space to accommodate the student population. Careful planning will prevent overcrowding and ensure that all students have adequate time to enjoy their meals in a relaxed environment.
5. Will there be changes to swimming and other co-curricular activities?
The school continues to offer a broad and enriched curriculum, including performing arts, music, STEM activities, sports, and enrichment opportunities. We remain committed to providing a well-rounded education tailored to each student’s individual talents and interests.
6. What is happening to the Bow site?
The Bow site is currently leased from the University, and we are in negotiations regarding its future. No definitive decisions have been made at this stage.
7. How will the school commemorate the closure of Bow site?
We acknowledge the emotional and historical significance of Bow School to many families. To mark its closure, we are planning a summer celebration event, which will provide an opportunity for families, alumni, and staff to come together to celebrate Bow’s achievements and share memories.
Plans include unearthing the time capsule placed at Bow School and preserving key memorabilia such as honours boards in the school’s archives. This will ensure that Bow’s legacy remains an integral part of the school’s history.
8. How will the school manage increased student numbers at the Chorister site?
The Chorister site has previously accommodated similar pupil numbers to those planned and is well equipped to manage this capacity. We will implement staggered timetables and utilise additional spaces on-site to ensure a comfortable and engaging environment for all students.
9. How will the school address concerns about parking and site accessibility? We are reviewing options to improve parking and drop-off arrangements. Discussions are ongoing with the Cathedral regarding lighting improvements around College Green to ensure safety during the darker months.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
We are also exploring ways to ease congestion, including potential designated parking areas or improved access during peak times. We will update you in course.
10. What investments are being made to improve the Chorister and Durham School grounds?
With the consolidation into two sites, we are assessing opportunities for further investment to enhance the appearance and functionality of the Chorister and Durham School grounds. Improvements will focus on creating a welcoming and well maintained environment that reflects the exceptional education and care we provide.
Updates and enhancements will be made over time as part of our commitment to providing the best facilities for students, staff, and families.
11. How will parents be updated on after-school clubs and pick-up arrangements?
The after-school club will be based at the Chorister School site. Specific details regarding after-school pick-up arrangements, including designated areas and procedures, are still being finalised. We will provide updates in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition for families.
Thank you for your questions; they have played a valuable role in shaping and refining this feedback.