DCSF Easter Term Update

Update Easter 2026 dcsf.org.uk

Moral Integrity Ambition Responsibility Kindness

U P D A T E DC SF

The year has been a time of energy, achievement, and reflection across the whole Foundation community. From the youngest pupils in Early Years through to Sixth Formers, it has been wonderful to see pupils embrace the opportunities offered by a Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation education.

Any summary is an act of selection, and we cannot hope to capture the full tapestry of all that has taken place; this update aims to provide a snapshot of key highlights of the Easter term.

The Foundation brings together two remarkable schools, Chorister School and Durham School, each with its own character and history, yet united by a shared aim: Within a community shaped by moral integrity and kindness, the Foundation aims to cultivate responsibility and ambition, to ensure that every Dunelmian can thrive, be happy and make a positive mark in the world. Across both Schools this year, pupils have regularly demonstrated these values in action. In classrooms, on sports fields, on the stage, and through service projects, and in the everyday life of the School, pupils have shown the moral integrity, ambition, responsibility and kindness that sit at the heart of the Foundation.

As we reflect on the past year, we are pleased to share our annual strategic update with you.

This update highlights the progress we have made toward our key priorities, celebrates the achievements of our pupils and staff, and outlines the steps we are taking to continue improving the educational experience for every child in the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.

Dr Michael Alderson Principal

We remain committed to providing a supportive, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment. With your ongoing support and partnership, we are confident in our ability to build on our successes and address the challenges ahead.

Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.

The Foundation at a Glance Across classrooms, sport, music, performance and service, pupils have shown the MARK values in action.

Moral Integrity

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Chorister School and Durham School

Moral Integrity, Ambition, Responsibility, and Kindness

schools

Ambition

shared values

Responsibility Kindness

Academic Excellence

Pastoral Care

High-quality teaching, assessment, oracy, STEM and enrichment.

Belonging, pupil voice, peer mentoring and wellbeing.

Co-Curricular Life Music, drama, sport, outdoor learning and clubs.

Community & Stewardship Partnerships, outreach and responsible investment.

Within a community shaped by moral integrity and kindness, the Foundation aims to cultivate responsibility and ambition so that every Dunelmian can thrive and make a positive mark in the world.

DCSF Update | Easter 2026

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Academic Excellence Beyond the classroom, pupils participated in a wide range of academic enrichment opportunities

80+

50

UKMT entries

Awards

Intermediate Mathematical Challenge participation

UKMT Silver or Gold certificates, with several progressing to follow-on Olympiad rounds.

Mocks

Year 12

GCSE & A level

Live research

Targeted support and parent conversations

Chemistry sessions with Durham University and the Royal Society

Bronze, Silver, Gold certificates

Year 6 At Chorister School, leadership and service are embedded in the Year 6 MARK Award.

The award gives pupils ownership of projects that reflect the Foundation’s values of Moral Integrity, Ambition, Responsibility and Kindness.

Through initiatives such as fundraising, collections and community projects, pupils take an active role in serving others.

Chorister School Strong communication, vocabulary and oracy built into daily learning.

Inquiry-led projects developing curiosity, evaluation and critical thinking.

Growing STEM experiences, including the Centre for Life visit and the International 1% Challenge.

Creative and historical workshops, from glass artist projects to Jarrow Hall and Year 6 World War II learning.

Book of Excellence relaunched to celebrate achievement.

DCSF Update | Easter 2026

Maths Success

House Quiz

Reading Week

Year 12 Chemisty

Outdoor Learning

World Book Day

Chorister School Science Week

Durham School Elevate Education sessions on revision strategy and exam preparation.

Reading Week themed around mystery, including a virtual author talk for Year 7.

The inaugural House Quiz and Scholars’ Dinner with Durham University speaker Professor Christian Liddy.

Year 12 Chemistry research work in university laboratories.

A wider culture of learning that extends beyond examinations alone.

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Pastoral Care & Wellbeing A culture designed to help every pupil feel safe, supported and known.

What matters most Belonging, consistency and trusted relationships remain at the centre of pastoral work from EYFS to Sixth Form.

100+

10

Chorister School pupils Particpating in the walk to School initiative.

Pupil Voice House Councils, School Council and Food Council are helping pupils shape School life.

You said: Pupils should have more opportunity to share their views and shape School life We did: Held House Council meetings each half term Begun relaunching the School Council Introduced a Pupil Food Council, with the first meeting including taste testing

New Durham School peer mentors Sixth Form pupils trained, with a junior pilot also developing.

Active Habits WOW Walk badges, the walking commute and active travel are encouraging healthy routines. Bike-Walk-Scoot!

Leadership House Captains, Wellbeing Ambassadors and junior leadership roles are becoming more visible.

‘Girls on Board’ sessions are helping Year 7 and 8 girls navigate friendship issues confidently.

Chorister School Senior and Junior Wellbeing Ambassador (WBA) collaborated with House Captains to deliver Children’s Mental Health Awareness talk.

Week activities on the theme of ‘Belonging’ and shared their work in a whole-school assembly.

WBAs also organised new Wellbeing Room resources.

House Captains led House Music preparations, including theme and script creation, speaking during the event, and planning summer house competitions and rewards.

School Council reviewed School initiatives, giving feedback on ‘No Ball Wednesday’, snack options, and DCSF Update Easter 2026 event|planning for Fun Day and the KS2 Glow Disco.

Durham School Strong House-based pastoral support Attendance closely monitored with early intervention 10 new Sixth Form Peer Mentors trained Junior Peer Mentor programme launched House Councils meeting every half term School Council relaunch underway New Food Council introduced Girls on Board delivered to Years 7 and 8 Growing pupil leadership and voice Clear focus on wellbeing, belonging and confidencebuilding 4

Co-curricular Life Breadth of opportunity beyond the classroom, from music and drama to outdoor education.

70+

160

60+ / 20+

running across the Durham and Chorister School day each week

individual instrumental lessons each week

pupils involved on stage and behind the scenes

activities

music lessons

Chitty Production cast & crew

Chorister School

Durham School

Creative, outdoor and globally minded experiences remain a strong part of the pupil offer.

The programme combines performance, music, adventure and enrichment to build confidence and commitment.

House Music inspired by Queen

LAMDA provision for around 30 pupils Forest School and outdoor learning Professional theatre experience at the Gala Book of Excellence celebration Chapel Choir

Handel’s Messiah and Cathedral music Duke of Edinburgh preparation Ryton & District Music Festival World Challenge Slovenia 2026 Dean’s Public Speaking Competition Whole School House Cross Country

Colour Run (with Durham Kenya) Pirates versus Mermaids’ Years 3 & 4 Play

DCSF Update | Easter 2026

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Sport & Performance Pathways Participation, teamwork and ambition from grassroots involvement to elite opportunities.

130+

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Pathways

cricket fixtures

new racing boats

multi-sport

Looking forward to 130 cricket fixtures for boys’ and girls’ teams in the Summer term.

plus new blades funded by PODS, ODs, and other supporters.

regional and national representation across rugby, hockey, netball, swimming and cricket. Two new Sports BTECs for Sept ‘26.

Chorister School Sporting opportunities play an important role in school life, encouraging participation and personal challenge.

This term included House Rowing events, giving pupils the opportunity to experience teamwork, resilience and healthy competition on the water.

These sat alongside a wider range of sporting opportunities across the Chorister School calendar, including the U11 ISFA Regional Finals.

The overall aim is to ensure that all pupils can enjoy physical activity and develop a lasting love of sport.

DCSF Update | Easter 2026

Netball The 1st VII reached the second round of the National Schools Tournament and recorded notable regional wins.

Rowing Senior rowers earned GB assessment invitations and offers from leading international universities.

Rugby The senior VII squad reached the final of the North of England Sevens tournament.

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Outreach, Partnerships & Community Widening participation, shared learning and collective support beyond the classroom.

£100,000+ Our Partnership with Donors for bursary enrichment, music, drama and wider pupil opportunity this term

Academic Partnerships Science collaboration with partner schools, the Ogden Trust, the Royal Society and Durham University.

UNESCO Learning City

Sharing Facilities

DCSF is supporting outdoor learning and helping shape academic and cultural programmes across the city.

Pitches, pool, AstroTurf and cricket provision to support local schools and clubs.

Charitable Partnerships Charitable partnerships help pupils engage in meaningful ways with local, national and international causes.

The Foundation continues its longstanding relationship with the Zambezi Sunrise Trust.

At Chorister School, pupils have supported charities including Durham Wildlife Trust, St Cuthbert’s Hospice, Great North Air Ambulance Service and the Red Sky Foundation.

Through these partnerships, pupils are encouraged to serve others with kindness, responsibility and moral integrity.

A standout example this term was the pupil-led Holi Colour Run, which combined cultural celebration with charitable fundraising.

ODs & Friends The Old Dunelmian (OD) Society and The Friends of DCSF have supported the life of the Foundation for well over a century through practical and financial contributions.

The Old Dunelmian Society and The Friends of DCSF continue to play an important role in Foundation life, bringing together pupils, parents and Old Dunelmians. These events help strengthen community ties and reinforce a shared sense of belonging.

Highlights this year have included the Young Old Dunelmian Reception, Old Dunelmian Society London Dinner, Sixth Form Dinner, and the Year 10 and 11 Charity Ball.

The Friends of DCSF have funded a wide range of pupil experiences and projects across both Chorister School and Durham School, including theatre visits and outdoor learning resources.

The Friends Business Club and the Old Dunelmian Society have actively supported careers engagement this term through a series of talks and the careers breakfast event in February.

Old Dunelmians and parents continue to make a valuable contribution through volunteering to offer careers guidance, support with school events, such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and sports coaching.

DCSF Update | Easter 2026

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Estates & Financial Stewardship As a charity, and in our responsibility to you, careful financial stewardship underpins the way we manage the Foundation’s resources.

What Sits Behind the Scenes • Essential maintenance, repair and safety compliance keep buildings safe, operational and fit for purpose.

• Chorister School has seen further support for outdoor learning and active travel infrastructure.

• Much of this work is unseen - but it underpins teaching, learning and the day-to-day pupil experience.

Vallance Building During the Easter Term, the Vallance building experienced a significant flood event, requiring it to be temporarily taken out of use while safety assessments and essential works were carried out.

As part of the recovery process, we are taking the opportunity to review how spaces within the building can best support pupils, especially our Sixth Form pupils.

This includes exploring improvements to study areas and social spaces, ensuring that the environment is well-suited to the needs of our pupils.

Further updates will be shared with families as plans progress, and work is scheduled for completion in the Summer term.

People First The largest single investment remains in staff, teaching and specialist support.

Historic Estate Managing older buildings requires long-term planning and disciplined prioritisation.

Careful Stewardship The majority of the Foundation’s expenditure supports the people and services that have the greatest impact on pupils’ day-to-day experience: 60% – staff and teaching; 12% – catering and cleaning;

Where resources are invested

Remaining expenditure supports estate maintenance and wider operational provision

Staffing Catering & cleaning Estates & utilities Departmental budgets, administration costs, routine provision

Quarryheads Lane, Durham, DH1 4SZ | dcsf.org.uk | principal@dcsf.org.uk | +44 (0)191 731 9270 Registered Charity No. 1023407 | Company Limited by Guarantee No. 2776914

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Read the lSI report here.

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation Quarryheads Lane Durham DH1 4SZ DCSF.org.uk principal@dcsf.org.uk +44 (0)191 731 9270 Registered Charity No. 1023407 Company Limited by Guarantee No. 2776914