High Life
Mrs Michelle Hill Headmistress
Welcome from the Headmistress
It gives me enormous pleasure to share with you a snapshot of what has been a vibrant, ambitious and joyful start to the year at Durham High School.
Since our last issue in June, there has been so much to celebrate: our epic fundraising event, DHS Live; Sports Days across Senior Department & Prep and Pre-Prep; our inspiring Speech Day in September; our whole school Remembrance Service in November; and our beautiful Carol Service in the magnificent Durham Cathedral. There have been many other highlights in between, each one a testament to the energy and spirit of our school.
It has been wonderful to see how naturally and confidently the boys have settled in. Children are incredibly adaptable, and watching boys and girls learning side by side, collaborating in lessons, exploring our diverse curriculum and making full use of our excellent facilities has been a real joy. There is a palpable sense of excitement in classrooms and on the playground, and a richness that comes from shared perspectives and experiences.
incredibly proud of our staff and pupils, not only for their determination to achieve their very best, but for the enthusiasm, generosity of spirit and sense of fun they bring to school life each and every day.
As we look ahead to next term, we do so with gusto and great anticipation. There are exciting trips and learning opportunities planned, music concerts to enjoy, and our Sports Presentation Evening where we celebrate the outstanding sporting achievements within
“Together, we continue to grow, to achieve and to look forward with confidence and optimism.”
The moment that has filled me with the greatest pride this term has been welcoming boys into our Pre-Prep and Prep Departments. In the months leading up to September, our pupils thoughtfully considered how we could ensure that when the boys joined us, they would immediately feel a sense of belonging. The care, maturity and inclusivity shown by our children has been remarkable.
Our community has embraced this new chapter wholeheartedly. We look forward to welcoming boys into the Senior Department and Sixth Form for the first time in our history in September 2026, marking another exciting milestone for Durham High School.
Throughout this issue, I hope you gain a true sense of what makes our Durham High community so special - its warmth, its ambition, its creativity and its unwavering support for one another. I am
our community. And of course, there is our forthcoming Hadestown Gala production, which I cannot wait to see. Since October, the cast, crew and staff have worked tirelessly to bring this epic story, rooted in myth, to life. Its themes of love, hope, resilience and the courage to hold on to what matters most feel strikingly relevant today. At its heart, it reminds us of the power of community: standing together, lifting one another up and choosing compassion over fear. I do hope you will join us for one of the performances.
Cambridge Delight
Two Upper Sixth pupils are celebrating after securing offers to study at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.
Both girls have been offered places at the renowned all-female Newnham College at the University of Cambridge, marking an outstanding achievement and a proud moment for the Durham High School community.
April, who joined in Reception, studies English Literature, Psychology and Drama and Theatre Studies and hopes to read Education at Cambridge, with ambitions to work in educational psychology. Her interest has been shaped through volunteering at a specialist school, where she has seen first-hand the positive impact of educational psychology on young people.
House FUN
April values the close-knit, supportive environment at Durham High and enjoys balancing her academic studies with a love of drama. She is currently preparing to take to the stage as Orpheus in the school’s upcoming production of Hadestown at the Gala Theatre.
“I’ve loved being able to explore so many opportunities here,” she said.
“The support from my teachers has been incredible, both academically and beyond the classroom.”
Pupils are supported in exploring and securing a variety of post-18 routes, from university study to degree apprenticeships, with personalised guidance throughout the application process.
Headmistress Michelle Hill said:
“We are extremely proud of all our pupils and the destinations they go on to achieve, and offer our warm congratulations to the two girls who have secured the offers for Cambridge. At Durham High, pupils are encouraged to aim high and enjoy a balanced education that supports both academic success and personal development.”
Our House competitions bring pupils of all ages together in a vibrant celebration of teamwork and house spirit. From the glitter and glamour of the annual Lip-Sync battle, to the creativity of the House Bauble competition, there is always plenty of talent on show.
Excitement is building as the houses rehearse for this term’s much-anticipated House Singing Competition.
A Warm Welcome to our New Families
It is always wonderful to welcome the parents of our new starters to join our annual New Parent Supper.
This is a great opportunity to meet, connect and enjoy time together at the start of term. A big thanks to Chloe, Sophie and Fienna for their fantastic musical renditions during the event.
Bringing the Strictly Spirit to School
The Senior Department was buzzing with excitement as BBC Strictly Come Dancing star and Olivier Award winner Layton Williams paid a special visit for an unforgettable workshop and Q&A session.
The afternoon kicked off with a highenergy dance workshop that had pupils - and even a few brave staff members fully embracing the Strictly spirit. Led by Layton’s electrifying choreography, pupils threw themselves into the routine, refining their technique while exploring the power of performance, expression and teamwork.
Following the workshop, Layton shared his inspiring journey into the performing arts during a lively Q&A session. From attending an open audition for Billy Elliot at just 11 years old to becoming an Olivier Award winner, he spoke candidly about resilience, hard work and the dedication required to succeed. He encouraged pupils to develop versatility across acting, singing and dance, highlighting the importance of becoming a well-rounded performer.
It was a truly inspirational afternoon that left pupils motivated, energised and ready to take to the stage.
Feeling Welcome in Year 7
An insight from one of our new pupils
When I first joined Durham High, I felt nervous but also excited about starting somewhere new and making new friends. Going to an Open Morning before showed me how much there was to get involved in.
Some pupils had been at the school for years, but it didn’t make any difference at all because everyone was so welcoming and friendly. The teachers are really kind and always willing to help. Lessons are fun but still challenging. There are lots of clubs and activities to enjoy, from sport to
creative clubs, which makes school life exciting and gives everyone the chance to try something new.
I never feel lonely here. Everyone supports one another, which makes it easy to settle in and feel comfortable. I look forward to my lessons and enjoy coming to school each day.
For anyone starting at Durham High School, my advice would be not to worry, be yourself and get involved as much as you can.
Navy, Year 7
History in Action
Pupils brought their studies of the Norman Conquest to life with a visit to Durham Castle to learn more about how the powerful fortress was built and still stands today as university accommodation.
Bringing Cells to Life
Year 7 embraced creativity in their Science lessons as they took on the challenge of building plant cell models using food items. Carefully selecting ingredients to represent different organelles, they considered colour, shape and size to create accurate and imaginative designs.
The activity not only sparked enthusiasm but also deepened understanding. By the end of the lesson, everyone was confidently identifying plant cell structures and reflecting on how effectively their models represented each component.
It was an engaging, handson way to bring Biology vividly to life.
The Power of Performance
Drama is a vibrant and much-loved part of life here at Durham High School, with opportunities for pupils at every stage to shine on stage and behind the scenes. From Year 7 through to GCSE and A Level, performing arts play a central role in building confidence, creativity and teamwork.
Head of Drama Judith Lonsdale believes there is a place for every child in a production, whether performing, designing sets or working on sound and lighting. Close links with the Gala Theatre give pupils valuable experience working alongside professional technical staff, further enriching their learning.
“The power of performance is a wonderful thing. It brings people together, builds confidence and gives children a real sense of belonging.”
Judith Lonsdale, Head of Drama
Alongside school productions, our outreach performing arts programme brings together Year 5 pupils from local primary schools with DHS Performing Arts Scholars. Through shared rehearsals and performances, younger pupils experience the excitement of performing on stage, often for the first time, while older pupils develop leadership skills by inspiring and supporting them.
With multiple performances throughout the year and opportunities for every age group, Durham High’s performing arts programme continues to inspire pupils, strengthen community connections and celebrate the power of performance.
A Musical Celebration
in Years 1 - 4
From Ed Sheeran to much-loved nursery rhymes, our pupils in Years 1 to 4 delighted their audience with a wonderful music concert, showcasing the fantastic progress made in their music lessons. It was especially impressive to see pupils as young as six confidently taking to the stage to play their instruments. The afternoon was a real celebration of hard work, courage and musical growth.
Scholars Take to the Stage
More than 30 talented musicians and performers delivered a truly magnificent evening of artistic entertainment at the annual Scholars’ Concert. The depth and diversity of performance was aweinspiring, as was the level of confidence displayed by the student scholars who showcased a wide array of talents.
Pupils have been taking part in two enterprise initiatives as part of Durham High’s commitment to providing a holistic education and offering a broad range of extra-curricular opportunities.
Future Business Magnates
Future Business Magnates (FBM) is a prestigious annual business planning competition for Year 8 students in County Durham. Organised by Business Durham, it pairs school teams with local business mentors to develop entrepreneurial skills, create products, and pitch ideas, fostering key skills like teamwork and problem-solving.
Our Durham High team is currently joint top of the competition with a full 300 points, the maximum available, an impressive achievement that builds on last year’s success.
In June, our previous team attended the official Awards Ceremony at Hardwick Hall Hotel in recognition of their outstanding performance. After being shortlisted for Best Final Presentation, they were named Bronze Winners, securing third place following seven months of challenges and presentations.
Congratulations to our 2024–25 team: Zarah, Katie, Zoe, Charlotte, Kate, Eliza, Sobia and Senuri. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and wish our current Year 8 team every success as their competition continues.
Tycoon Business Competition
Tycoon is a national enterprise competition for students aged 6 to 18, giving teams the opportunity to create and run their own business with the support of a school mentor and the Foundation, which has decades of experience supporting young entrepreneurs. The initiative develops valuable enterprise skills, and enthusiasm at Durham High has been so strong that we are running three Tycoon businesses this year. Each team will operate within a defined trading window, opening in May 2026 and closing in late June 2026, adding focus and momentum to their enterprise journey.
Business name: Abielle
Product: Plant serum that helps to attract bees.
Business name: Bellora
Product: Clothing
Business name: Flora Urbana
Product: Personalised images on a range of products, including mugs and t-shirts.
at Durham High Turning Pages
Our English Department is passionate about encouraging a love of reading, both through school initiatives and wider national events. As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, pupils have been invited to bring in a book of their choice to enjoy during the school day. Staff are building on this enthusiasm by sharing recommended reads and organising
Sports Science in Action
GCSE and A Level students took part in an action-packed fitness testing workshop at Durham University’s Sports Science department. From VO2 max testing and the Illinois agility test to hand grip strength, vertical jumps measured on force plates and sprint speed tracked through speed gates, they experienced first-hand how sports scientists analyse performance at the highest level.
further activities to inspire even more readers across Key Stage 3.
A new ‘Unusual Place’ competition has also been launched, inviting pupils in each KS3 year group to submit photos of themselves reading in imaginative or unexpected locations.
Meanwhile, the Year 10 Book Club
continues to thrive, welcoming new members as they explore The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. Winter sessions have been made extra cosy with hot chocolate and a digital crackling log fire, with plans to take discussions outdoors in the spring. A new book choice will follow as the lighter evenings arrive.
From Durham to the Great Wall of China
Two of our Sixth Formers were selected by UNESCO to represent its Youth Ambassador Programme in China. Isla and Yasmeen share their reflections on a truly unforgettable experience of cultural exchange, learning and personal growth.
Isla
From the moment we arrived in Beijing, the pace of the trip was exhilarating. Exploring bustling markets, visiting the Olympic Park and travelling on the high-speed bullet train gave us an immediate sense of the scale and energy of China before arriving at our first destination, Qinhuangdao.
School visits were at the heart of the programme. At Qinhuangdao No 1 High School, we were welcomed with traditional music, dance and opera, and enjoyed sharing our experiences as UK students. Visiting a local primary school was especially memorable, where a marching band and the pupils’ pride in their school made the welcome unforgettable.
Alongside this, we explored museums, temples and night markets and shared meals with students and their families, giving us a genuine insight into everyday life. These experiences strengthened my confidence and communication skills and deepened my cultural understanding, all of which will be invaluable for my future career as an advanced paramedic.
Our journey ended at the Dragon’s Head of the Great Wall, a perfect moment to reflect on the friendships and connections we had made. It was an experience I will always treasure.
Yasmeen
Our adventure began in Beijing, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Temple of Heaven and Lama Temple, before testing our haggling skills at the Pearl Market. Travelling by bullet train to Qinhuangdao marked the start of an incredible cultural exchange through school partnerships.
We were met with warmth everywhere we went, taking part in traditional performances, learning Chinese art and poetry and even joining volleyball lessons. Visiting a primary school was a standout moment, with pupils eager to talk, take photos and share their school life with us. Being invited into students’ homes for dinner was another highlight, offering a true taste of Chinese hospitality.
In Tangshan, we continued our visits to schools, tried curling, explored a robotics museum and toured a train factory, seeing cutting-edge technology alongside centuries-old traditions. The trip developed my confidence, independence and global outlook and confirmed my ambition to pursue a career with an international focus.
Representing the school on such a global stage was an honour and an experience I will never forget.
ESU Schools’ Mace
Our debate team has progressed to the Regional Final of the English-Speaking Union Schools’ Mace, a prestigious national debating competition for secondary schools across England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
The Sixth Form team has impressed throughout the competition, successfully competing at both local and North East rounds. They will now face leading schools from across Yorkshire, with just one team progressing to the semi-finals and finals in London later this year.
Excellence in Ethical Debate
Our Year 11 and Sixth Form students delivered an outstanding performance at the Ethics Cup, competing for the first time and securing an impressive second place.
Hosted by Durham University and judged by academics from the Department of Politics and International Relations, the competition brought together ten schools. Our students rose to the challenge, showing exceptional preparation, teamwork and confidence in every match.
They spoke with clarity and insight, challenged opposing arguments thoughtfully and worked together with maturity and respect throughout the competition. Their achievement is a real credit to their hard work and commitment.
Difference in Sri Lanka Making a
Twenty-four Year 11–13 students took part in an unforgettable three-week trip to Sri Lanka, combining community service, cultural immersion and adventure through a partnership with Projects Abroad.
Based in Kalutara, the students worked closely with younger pupils at Tissa Central College, where they received an extraordinary welcome, complete with a silver band, local media coverage and a flag-raising ceremony. During their time at the school, the girls delivered engaging English lessons, often planning at short notice and rising impressively to the challenge.
Alongside teaching, students helped refurbish the school’s science facilities, painting classrooms, furniture and creating colourful science-themed murals to brighten learning spaces. They also represented the school in cricket and netball matches, narrowly missing first place in a local tournament by just one goal.
Beyond the school, the group explored Sri Lanka’s rich culture and landscapes, visiting cities including Galle, Kandy and Trincomalee, sampling traditional food, cooking over an open fire, cruising the Madu River and visiting Buddhist and Hindu temples. A standout experience was supporting a turtle conservation centre, where students learned about marine sustainability and helped care for rescued turtles.
The trip also saw students donate vital resources to three local schools using their fundraising, including a donation made in memory of Old Girl Poppy.
This remarkable journey brought together service, sport, culture and friendship, leaving a lasting impact on both the students and the communities they supported.
Beyond the Classroom Durham Detectives
From muddy bogs and windswept coastlines to castle walls, museums and city streets, our students have been learning well beyond the classroom. Recent weeks have seen pupils investigating real-world Biology, Geography, History, Politics and Textiles through hands-on experiences that challenge curiosity and bring learning vividly to life.
Our Year 9 Geographers turned detective on a trip into Durham City Centre where they explored how geography and community safety connect in real-world contexts. Working in groups, pupils visited 14 sites to assess crime prevention strategies and even spoke with local police officers in the Market Place for first-hand insight.
Lakeside Challenge
Year 9 had an unforgettable time on their residential trip to Lakeside where they enjoyed everything from raft-building and rescue missions to high ropes, archery and obstacle courses.
Back in Time to Beamish
Year 10 time-travelled back in time during a visit to Beamish Museum as they brought the literary tale of A Christmas Carol to life.
On the Coast
Our Year 11 Geographers had an invigorating trip up the Northumberland Coast to investigate longshore drift at Blyth as well as exploring coastal defences at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.
The Locomotion
Knit + Stitch
Our GCSE and A Level Textiles students had a fantastic day at the Knit + Stitch show in Harrogate exploring inspiring work from artists they study and speaking with makers about their creative processes. They also added their own stitches to the Embroiderers’ Guild group piece, building on contributions from previous years.
Biology in the Field
North Yorkshire was the destination for the Sixth Form Biologists where the conducted a range of experiments including snail counts and small rodent population studies.
As part of their A Level History course on Industrialisation and Social Change, our Upper Sixth Historians explored the early development of railways at Locomotion, a railway museum in Shildon. Students investigated the links between George and Robert Stephenson and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, and learned how their innovations shaped early locomotives. They also discovered the global impact of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, which helped inspire rail networks from Canada to India.
in Action SportingExcellence
Our U16 netball team have flown the flag superbly, taking on - and defeating many schools with significantly larger talent pools. Their success has been built on outstanding teamwork, relentless hard work, sharp skills and intelligent tactical play. A standout achievement this year was reaching the semi-finals of the Sisters in Sport (SiS) National Netball Competition. After a long journey to Blackpool to face a very strong side, the team fell agonisingly short of a place in the finals - a testament to just how close they came to national success. They also secured an impressive fourth-place finish at the U16 regional netball tournament.
It has been another stellar year of sport so far, with every pupil from Nursery to Upper Sixth actively participating in sport and physical education. Our commitment to inclusion, opportunity and excellence continues to ensure that every student develops confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of physical activity. On the competitive stage, our students have excelled on the court, in the pool, in the gym and on the mats, demonstrating determination, teamwork and true
Our badminton players continue to make their mark, with the Durham High team progressing to the Regional finals of the National Badminton Championships and competing strongly against top opposition from across the region.
In swimming, Poppy earned an individual bronze medal at the Northumberland & Durham regional competition, for which we are very proud.
Team Trampolining
Individual:
In the Year 7–9 Beginner category, Lemma achieved an outstanding 2nd place finish, with Iza P also performing brilliantly to place 5th.
Competing in the Year 7–9 Intermediate category, Katie G secured 4th place, closely followed by Tallulah in 5th.
In the Year 10–13 Intermediate category, Isla G delivered a superb routine to secure 4th place against strong competition.
Team:
In the Year 7–9 Beginner category, the Durham High C Squad (Iza, Navy, Ananya and Olivia) achieved a 2nd place.
In the Year 7–9 Novice category, the Durham High A Squad (Sopheah, Darice and Kate) also sewcured 2nd place.
In the Year 7–9 Intermediate category, Durham High B (Tallulah, Milly and Amelie) delivered a standout performance to claim 1st place.
Durham High A Squad (Cate, Esmee and Katie) earned 3rd place in the same category.
These achievements reflect the strength, depth and commitment within our trampoline programme. The pupils’ discipline, focus and teamwork continue to raise the bar, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments.
Colours, and Cheers Competition
Durham University’s £30m sports campus, Maiden Castle, plays host to the annual Sports Day where pupils run, jump and throw their best in a bid to earn their Houses points.
Sports Day is always a riot of colour with the four Houses strongly represented by the green, yellow, red and black of Booth, Heath, Neville and Tempest – all houses being named after famous Durham City families.
Porridge Perfect
After sharing the traditional story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, our Nursery children brought the tale to life through hands-on exploration. They compared the capacity of different-sized bowls before following simple instructions to make their own porridge, making sure it was just right. Through this fun activity, the children developed early maths skills, listening skills and independence while enjoying a much-loved story.
Homes and Castles
Years 1 and 2 have thoroughly enjoyed their recent topic on Homes and Castles. Bringing traditional tales and history together, the children tested the strength of different materials to discover which would make the safest home for the Three Little Pigs.
They also baked their own ‘coat of arms’ biscuits, exploring the symbolism behind heraldry, and designed and created imaginative puppet theatres in the form of castles.
Bee-Bot Adventures
Our Nursery children have been developing their early computing skills by learning to programme the Bee-Bot to travel to different story pictures on the mat. Carefully planning and sequencing their instructions, they explored direction, prediction and problem-solving in a fun and interactive way.
Discovering the Outdoors
In Pre-Prep and Prep, learning often extends beyond the classroom, where outdoor experiences spark curiosity, creativity and a deeper understanding of the world.
Early Years pupils have embraced Outdoor Learning through activities such as birdwatching, making feeders and observing wildlife in our Woodland Area and garden. In Years 1 and 2, regular outdoor sessions encourage teamwork, creativity and confidence as pupils explore and problem-solve using natural materials.
As pupils progress, outdoor learning continues to enrich the curriculum. Year 4 brought their Forces topic to life by exploring movement and load-bearing, while Year 6 created nature-inspired artwork influenced by Andy Goldsworthy.
These experiences make learning engaging, memorable and meaningful at every stage.
Little Learners, Big Adventures
School trips are a vibrant and valued part of life in the Pre-Prep and Prep Department, giving children unforgettable opportunities to bring their learning to life beyond the classroom walls. These enriching experiences inspire curiosity, build confidence and create lasting memories.
Year 1 and Year 2 stepped back in time during their visit to Raby Castle, exploring a magnificent Norman fortress, the children eagerly identified defensive features and immersed themselves in the sights and stories of the past –from imagining life as a knight to discovering how people lived, worked and dined centuries ago.
Year 3 and Year 4 travelled to the Great North Museum to enhance their Ancient Egypt topic and were enthralled by the fascinating Egyptian galleries. The beautifully decorated mummy case and real mummy captured their imaginations and brought their classroom learning vividly to life.
Year 3 and 4 also visited the Oriental Museum. Through artefacts, drama, art and guided meditation, the children explored the religions of India in an engaging and meaningful way. These hands-on experiences deepen understanding, spark thoughtful discussion and help children make powerful connections with their learning.
Winter Wonder
Nursery embraced the magic of winter last term with an exciting morning of snowy play. Rosy cheeks, joyful laughter and tiny footprints marked a truly memorable breaktime as they explored and discovered together.
Moments like these highlight the value of our spacious outdoor areas, where children have the freedom to explore, imagine and experience the changing seasons first-hand.
Making Waves
in Year 6
A Taste of History
In Design and Technology, Year 4 showed fantastic teamwork and responsibility as they prepared their own hummus and traditional Egyptian flatbread. Working safely and confidently in the kitchen, pupils enjoyed every stage of the process, from measuring and mixing to kneading and baking.
Inspired by ancient culinary traditions, they took real pride in their finished dishes while developing practical skills, confidence and an appreciation of food from different cultures.
Year 6 immersed themselves in the dramatic beauty of Hokusai’s Great Wave, creating their own vibrant interpretations of this iconic masterpiece. Using watercolour and pen, they combined careful observation with bold creativity, experimenting with colour and detail to bring the artwork vividly to life.
Achievement and Community A Celebration of
Speech Day 2025
Our annual Speech Day was a joyous and memorable occasion, celebrating the outstanding achievements of pupils and staff while reflecting the shared sense of purpose and commitment that defines life at school.
The event was honoured by the presence of many distinguished guests, including His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, Dame Susan Snowdon; the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress of Durham, Councillors Amanda and Ellie Hopgood; the Vice-Chair of Durham County Council, Councillor Jackie Teasdale, accompanied by her Consort, Councillor Cathy Hunt. Old Girls, former staff and governors, Trustees of the DHS Educational Trust, Friends of the High School, alongside pupils and parents, also joined in the celebration.
This year’s guest speaker and prize presenter was Katherine Richards, General Counsel at Barbour. Speaking with warmth and authenticity, she shared her personal journey and offered inspiring insight into the resilience, determination and passion required to succeed in a competitive professional
world. Her message resonated strongly with pupils and parents alike, reinforcing the importance of ambition matched with hard work.
Throughout the ceremony, pupils and staff reflected on a remarkable year. Highlights included being named The Sunday Times Parent Power Independent Secondary School of the Year North East, exceptional GCSE and A Level results, scholarship successes and a
The stage at the Glow venue provided the perfect backdrop to showcase the school’s vibrant performing arts programme, with musical productions such as Chicago Teen, Matilda Junior, Annie for Kids and Scheherazade illustrating the breadth of creativity and talent within our community.
Speech Day was a powerful reminder that Durham High School is a place where ambition flourishes, talents shine and
Last term was filled with moments of reflection, celebration and togetherness. From moving services and cherished traditions to simple moments of connection, here is a look back at the events that make our school community so special.
Christmas at Durham Cathedral
The Durham High School community came together for the annual Carol Service, held in the magnificent splendour of Durham Cathedral — one of the highlights of the school year. Durham Cathedral extended a very warm welcome, and Reverend Daniel Parkinson gave a poignant address, reminding us of the dignity, worth and divine love present in every person.
It was a privilege to share this special occasion with so many members of the Durham High School community, both past and present. Gathered in a place steeped in history and tradition, Reverend Daniel Parkinson invited us to reflect on God’s love breaking into the world through the birth of Jesus Christ, and on the light that shines even in the darkest of places. As the voices of our pupils and staff rose within these remarkable walls, we were reminded that the glory of God is revealed not only in splendour, but also in the simplicity of the manger in Bethlehem.
Fienna’s beautifully clear and confident solo of the first verse of Once in Royal David’s City set a calm and reverent tone and was a delightful opening to the service. Pupils and staff then led the congregation through the Christmas story. Our Year 3 and 4 pupils brought to life the journeys of those who travelled to visit the baby Jesus, reminding us of the humility at the centre of the story.
The choir’s exquisite musical pieces, the clear readings, and the eloquently written Christmas monologues created by Iza and Navy in Year 7 retold the profound messages at the heart of the Christian faith - love, kindness, gratitude and hope.
We were honoured to be joined by Commander Ian Berry MBE RD DL RNR, Deputy Lieutenant of Durham; the Mayor of Durham, Councillor Gary Hutchinson; the Chair of Durham County Council, Councillor Rodiss and Mrs Rodiss; Dr Harry Yu, CEO of Galaxy Global Education Group; Mr Duncan Murphy; and our parents, staff (past and present), pupils, governors, alumni and friends.
Lest We Forget
Our whole school community came together to mark Remembrance Day. It was a moving gathering as generations joined in a moment of reflection on the significance of remembrance and the enduring power of the poppy.
Our Uniformed Service students set the tone as they processed solemnly into the Main Hall representing Beavers, Brownies, Guides, Rainbows, Scouts, Sea Cadets and St. John Ambulance.
We were deeply honoured to welcome Air Commodore (Ret’d) Tony Ford, President of the Durham SSAFA, who shared a moving reflection on why we remember.
Headmistress, Michelle Hill, spoke the Exhortation, followed by Musician Patterson from the Band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers who performed the Last Post and the Reveille either side of the solemn two-minute silence.
We were also joined by members of our Alumni Association and representatives of the Local Advisory Board.
Hot Chocolate Break
Sometimes it is the small moments that mean the most. The Heads of Year Hot Chocolate break is a much-loved tradition that brings our school community together. Each year group in the Senior Department has a dedicated Head of Year who supports students' pastoral care and wellbeing.
During the event, students from Year 7 to Sixth Form gather in the Main Hall to enjoy hot chocolate and toppings served by their Heads of Year. It is a relaxed chance to chat, connect and enjoy a warm drink together, creating a genuine sense of belonging across the school.
Festivities and Nativities
Last term was filled with sparkle, song and celebration from all our students as they took to the stage for the much loved festive performances.
Sunshine, Songs and School Spirit
DHS Live is our much-loved annual music festival, bringing together students, Old Girls, staff, parents and friends of Durham High School for an afternoon of live performances and summer celebration.
Set against a relaxed, festival-style backdrop, the event saw our community come together to enjoy music, sunshine and shared moments, all in support of Poppy’s Light Foundation. Families and friends enjoyed picnics on the grass, food trucks, ice creams, face painting and bouncy castles, creating a joyful and welcoming atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
The stage was alive with talent, as performers of all ages lit up the event with confidence, passion and energy. From solo acts to group performances, the variety and quality of music showcased the incredible creativity within our school community and beyond.
DHS Live was more than a concert, it was a celebration of togetherness, generosity and community spirit, supporting a very special cause and creating memories that will last long after the final note.
Poppy’s Light Foundation is a charitable organisation set up in memory of Poppy, with a focus on spreading kindness, hope and positivity while supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing. The foundation works to raise awareness, provide support and fund initiatives that help others feel less alone and more supported.
Within the Durham High School community, Poppy’s Light Foundation holds special significance, and events such as DHS Live help raise funds and awareness in her memory, celebrating light, compassion and togetherness.
Making a Difference Together
Giving back to the wider community is an important part of school life, helping students develop empathy, responsibility and confidence.
Interact is a student-led initiative in the Senior Department that brings together year groups to take part in meaningful and enjoyable activities.
This year, Interact has organised a variety of events, including a Food Bank collection, whole-school fundraising for Children in Need and a much-loved Bake Off, all encouraging students to support others while having fun together.
Festive Fun for a Fantastic Cause
Pupils from Nursery to Year 6, alongside staff, ran, walked and skipped the course in festive outfits, all in support of St Cuthbert’s Hospice which provides free care and support to people with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
Thank you to everyone who took part and to our parents and friends for their generous support of this wonderful cause.
An incredible £1,530.45 was raised at this year’s Festive Friends Fun Run, filling the Astroturf with laughter, colour and Christmas cheer.
Supporting School Life Together
The Parents & Friends of Durham High School add a special finishing touch to school life, enriching the experience for pupils across all year groups.
Their flagship fundraiser, the Christmas Fayre, once again filled the sports hall with festive cheer, while a busy calendar of events throughout the year has included discos, film nights, a ceilidh,
carol singing, theatre trips and secondhand uniform sales.
Thanks to their incredible energy and commitment, Parents & Friends continue to make a real difference across the school. Recent fundraising has supported a wide range of initiatives, including study skills workshops, new sports equipment, reading schemes in Pre-Prep, the English
Department book club, Sixth Form gym equipment and memorable prom celebrations for Years 6 and 11.
Their impact can be seen and felt throughout the school, and we are hugely grateful for everything they do to support our community.
World Stage Bound
Annabel in Year 8 delivered an outstanding performance at the WKA Scottish Open, competing against 650 athletes in a packed 1,500-seat stadium.
She secured gold in Creative Weapons and silver in Traditional Weapons, an exceptional achievement.
These impressive results have earned Annabel a place at the WKA World Championships in America in November 2026.
We are delighted to announce Poppy earned an individual bronze medal at the Northumberland and Durham regional swimming competition.
