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Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation

County, Durham
1414
Founded
3 - 18
Age range
Co-ed
School type
£0 - £0
Boarding / term
In short

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation is a co-ed boarding and day school in County, Durham, educating pupils aged 3 - 18 and founded in 1414. Boarding fees are £0 - £0 per term. Our advice on this school is independent and free.

Type
Co-ed boarding & day
Boarders from
7 - 18
Ethos
Church of England
Guardian required
Yes
About

About Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation

The story, ethos and character of Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.

Setting
City
Ethos
Church of England
Head
Mr Michael Alderson
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation — around the school

Based in the heart of the historic and inspiring city of Durham, Durham School brings together six centuries of experience in nurturing our pupils. Our mission is to provide students with a complete education; one which instils in them an aspiration for achievement, a respect for others and a confidence for life.

Durham School, along with our prep school Chorister School, is part of the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation. What the school is known for? Our pupils are well rounded and have shown to be able to excel in the classroom, on the sports field and in the concert hall as well in social situations, leadership tasks and preparation for life beyond school at university and the world of work.

Indeed our Alumni include a long list of distinguished and eminent professionals working in such disciplines as medicine, law, business and the arts.
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation — school buildings and grounds

The Durham School Boat Club is the 3rd oldest boat club in the world and we have own our own boathouse only 5 minutes away. We are also the 5th oldest school rugby club in the world. We have links with Durham University and Durham Cathedral.

School history Durham School's history stretches back centuries, certainly to 1414 and the re-organisation of the school by Thomas Langley, Bishop of Durham and some would claim even further to the monastic settlement on Lindisfarne which came to Durham City 900 years ago.

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation — campus and groundsDurham Cathedral Schools Foundation — the school groundsDurham Cathedral Schools Foundation — around the schoolDurham Cathedral Schools Foundation — school buildings and groundsDurham Cathedral Schools Foundation — campus and groundsDurham Cathedral Schools Foundation — the school groundsDurham Cathedral Schools Foundation — around the school
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Academics

Academics at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation

What pupils study at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation — and where it takes them.

136
A-level students
6
Programmes
Yes
SEN / EAL support
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation — school buildings and grounds

will introduce the skills, and some the content, of the GCSE courses. Core subjects remain: English, Mathematics, French, Science - [now taught as Biology, Physics and Chemistry], Geography, History, Religious Studies, PE, PSHE and Games. Pupils also study a second modern foreign ; either Spanish or German, which they opt for at the end of Year 8.

In addition, at the end of Year 8, pupils opt for 4 subjects from a choice of 7: Art, Design, Music, Drama, ICT, Latin and Classical Civilisation. English, Mathematics, Science and French are set across the whole year. Class sizes again are small.

Programmes offered

GCSEA levelIB DiplomaFoundationEALSixth Form

Subjects offered

Art & DesignArt & Design: GraphicsBiologyBusiness StudiesChemistryCitizenshipClassical CivilisationComputer ScienceD&T - Graphic ProductsD&T - Product DesignD&T - Resistant MaterialsD&T - Systems & Control Technology+ 30 more — ask us
92.0%
9-4 · GCSE 2025

Where our leavers go

6th Form Leavers

Figures are indicative — contact us for the latest results.

Boarding

Boarding at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation

Day-to-day boarding life and pastoral care at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.

Boarding houses
Girls 1, Boys 2, Mixed 0
Exeat weekends
No
Guardian required
Yes
Saturday lessons
No
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation — boarding house life

Boarding encourages pupils to take full advantage of everything that Durham School has to offer, living their lives to the full as part of a community in which the individual flourishes. There are three boarding Houses and three day houses situated on or within easy reach of the main campus, with separate Houses allocated for boys and girls.

The Houses are at the heart of pupils' lives, and all boarders will experience a warm and supportive atmosphere in their House, each run by an experienced and dedicated team of Housemasters/mistresses, Tutors and Matrons. Boarders each others' achievements on the sports' field, in concerts, on stage and in the examination hall.

Pastoral care

A genuine home away from home

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation — pupils in their boarding house

Every pupil in the Senior School belongs to one of our six Houses: Caffinites, Lodge, Mac Leod, Pimlico, Poole, School Each House occupies its own distinct building with excellent facilities for private study and leisure, and is staffed by an experienced and dedicated team of Housemasters and Housemistressess, Tutors and Matrons, many of whom are full-time resident staff.

Through the Houses, we provide our pupils with the resources, and encouragement to take full advantage of everything Durham School has to offer. The Houses are where pupils enjoy and benefit from academic monitoring and guidance, pastoral , co-curricular activities, charity fundraising and leadership opportunities, and the fact that they are single-sex communities within a co-educational environment means that all of our pupils get the best of both worlds.

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation — boarding house lifeDurham Cathedral Schools Foundation — everyday boarding lifeDurham Cathedral Schools Foundation — pupils in their boarding houseDurham Cathedral Schools Foundation — boarding house lifeDurham Cathedral Schools Foundation — everyday boarding lifeDurham Cathedral Schools Foundation — pupils in their boarding houseDurham Cathedral Schools Foundation — campus and grounds

We can arrange trusted UK guardianship for international families.

Admissions

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation admissions

How children join Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, and how we make it simple.

01

Tell us about your child

Share their age, interests and what you're looking for. Our advice is completely free.

02

We shortlist & introduce

We match you to the right schools and make the introductions to their admissions teams.

03

Assessment, offer & enrolment

We guide you through entrance assessments and interviews, and handle visas and guardianship if needed.

What you'll typically need

  • Recent school reports or transcript
  • Passport copy
  • English-language evidence (if applicable)
  • Completed registration form
  • A reference from the current school
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation — the school grounds

We welcome all pupils willing to fully engage with the opportunities we can gave them. Whether they stay for 6 weeks or 6 years. Special notes to agents about entry to the school We rely very much on the expertise of our approved Agents and ask that they ensure that the correct testing is carried out to establish entry to Durham School (in accordance with our entry criteria and EAL requirements).

In addition we ask our Agents to arrange guardians for our international pupils (within 2 hours' drive of Durham School) and to assist the family with visa applications where appropriate. Application procedure and entrance tests Boarding Admissions to Durham School are considered at any stage of a child's education from Reception (aged 3) to Sixth Form.

As your advisors we manage the application end-to-end at no cost.

Fees

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation fees & funding

What Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation costs, what's included, and how we help with funding.

£0 - £0
Boarding / term
Yes
Guardian required
Available
Scholarships & bursaries

What termly boarding fees include

  • Tuition
  • Boarding accommodation
  • All meals
  • Pastoral & house care
  • Most academic materials

Funding & scholarships

Registration deposits, EAL tuition, uniform and trips are usually charged separately. Many schools offer academic, sport, music and art scholarships plus means-tested bursaries — ask us and we'll send a full, current breakdown for Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation — specialist facilities

Fees change year to year and by entry point. As your independent advisors we hold up-to-date figures and can compare Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation against similar schools so you know exactly what to budget.

Figures shown are the latest we hold — we'll confirm current fees on enquiry.

Location

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation location & travel

Where Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation is, and how to get there.

County
Location
City
Setting
Durham
Region
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation — school facilities

Travel details Address Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, Quarryheads Lane, Durham, County Durham, DH1 4SZ, England Airport transfer School transport can be arranged with prior notice. Travel time to London by train Less than 3 hours Telephone +44 (0)191 731 9270 Website https://www.

dcsf. org. uk/ Most convenient airports Airport Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. Teeside International 22 30 2. Newcastle Airport 24 35 3. Manchester 129 2.5 Most convenient train stations Station Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1.

FAQs

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation — frequently asked questions

Where is Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation?
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation is located in County, Durham, England. The full address is Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation Quarryheads Lane Durham, County, Durham DH1 4SZ.
How much are Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation boarding fees?
Boarding fees at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation are £0 - £0 per term, depending on year group. Day places and international packages may differ — contact us for current figures.
What ages does Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation take?
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation educates pupils aged 3 - 18, with boarders from 7 - 18.
Is Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation co-educational?
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation is a co-ed boarding and day school.
When was Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation founded?
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation was founded in 1414.
Does Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation require a UK guardian?
Yes — international boarders at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation must have a UK-based guardian. We can arrange trusted guardianship if needed.
How many pupils study A-levels at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation?
Around 136 pupils study A-levels at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.
What qualifications does Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation offer?
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation prepares pupils for GCSE and A-level examinations, with strong EAL support for international students.
Does Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation support SEN or EAL students?
Yes — Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation supports a range of learning needs and English as an Additional Language. We can confirm specific provision for your child.
How many boarding houses does Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation have?
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation has boarding houses (Girls 1, Boys 2, Mixed 0).
Are there compulsory exeat weekends at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation?
No — Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation does not have compulsory exeat weekends, so boarders can stay at weekends.
Does Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation have Saturday lessons?
No — Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation does not run Saturday lessons.
How do I apply to Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation?
Applications to Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation run through its admissions team. As your advisors we handle the introduction, paperwork and references for you — at no cost.
Does Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation accept international students?
Yes — Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation welcomes international boarders. We guide families through entry assessments, English requirements, guardianship and visas.
How much does Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation cost?
Boarding fees at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation are £0 - £0 per term. Fees typically rise with year group and exclude extras such as registration deposits, EAL tuition and trips.
What's included in Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation's fees?
Termly boarding fees usually cover tuition, accommodation and meals. Registration fees, deposits, uniform, EAL support and some activities are charged separately — we'll send you a full breakdown.
Are scholarships or bursaries available?
Many UK boarding schools offer academic, sport, music and art scholarships, plus means-tested bursaries. Ask us and we'll check what Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation currently offers.
Where exactly is Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation?
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation is in County, Durham. Address: Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation Quarryheads Lane Durham, County, Durham DH1 4SZ.
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