Our Schools

Four Schools – One Shared Educational Concept

Since 1414, in the historic city of Durham in the north of England, Durham School has been a prestigious seat of learning. Now established in Dubai, its pupils benefit from the knowledge and expertise accumulated over those 600 years.

Durham School UK

Durham School UK

The Durham Cathedral School Foundation’s mission is to provide its students with a complete education; one which instils in them an aspiration for achievement, a respect for others and a “Confidence for Life”.

With its reputation for excellence inside and outside the classroom, the Foundation is committed to educating its students in the very broadest sense of the word, preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century whilst retaining a sense of traditional values, which are timeless.

The Durham Cathedral School Foundation comprises the Cathedral School for ages 3 – 11 and Durham School for ages 11 – 18.


1414

Bishop Thomas Langley refounds the Cathedrals Schools, one for “song”, one for “grammar”. These are the direct roots of Durham School and Chorister School. The 1st School Building is built on the Right hand Side of Palace Green.

1541

King Henry VIII gives Durham School a Royal Charter and makes provision for 12 King’s Scholars. These awards are sponsored by the crown until 1837.

1640s

1st School is burnt down by the Scottish Army. The school continues in the home of the Headmaster.

1660

A new school is built directly outside the cathedral now the University Music School.

1837

Durham School is influential in the realisation of Durham University. Headmaster Carr becomes first Professor of Mathematics at the University.

1844

Durham School moves to its current site. Cricket (1844) and Rugby (1850) take advantage of the large grass “Playground” – the name that has stuck for the 1st XV and 1st XI pitches.

1847

Second Master’s House – Caffinites opens.

1850s

Durham School adopts Green and White as its sports colours, based on the Heraldic Arms of Bishop Thomas Langley. These colours are passed to Gosforth Rugby Club – founded by Old Boys, and then to Newcastle Falcons away kit.

1885

Bow School opened opposite Mary le Bow Church on the bailey.

1913

Langley House opens.

1924

Poole House opens.

1924

Foundation stone laid for war memorial chapel

1932

Langley House becomes Caffinites.

1948

Chorister School accepts first non-singing Choristers and becomes a full prep school in its own right.

1950s

Chorister School moves to current buildings after they were vacated by St Mary’s College in 1952.

1974

Bow School agrees to a merger with Durham School.

1985/86

Girls First Admitted in Sixth Form – Pimlico House created.

1994

First Female Head of School Katie Geiser.

1996

Durham School becomes independent from Durham Cathedral.

2005

MacLeod House opens as second Girls House.

2014

Durham School celebrates its 600th Anniversary.

2016

Chorister School celebrates its 600th Anniversary

2021

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation formed by the merger of Durham School and Chorister School. The name Bow is given to the Bow School site, and Cathedral site to the old Chorister School site.


location

Quarryheads Lane, Durham, DH1 4SZ, United Kingdom

location

info@dcsf.org.uk

Durham School for Girls Doha

Durham School for Girls Doha

Following in the footsteps of Durham School UK, Durham School for Girls Doha offers an environment where girls can flourish and develop to reach their full potential.

At Durham School for Girls there is a strong emphasis on holistic education grounded in its mission and values. Centered around the girls’ individual development, the school aims to ensure that it offers a balance of academic and social progress, ensuring Confidence for Life.

location

Building No 81, Street 970, Zone 36, Al Messila, Doha, Qatar.

location

info@durhamqatar.com

Durham School Kenya

Durham School Kenya

Durham Kenya is committed to delivering an education that is engaging, challenging, motivating and fun. Using a holistic and rigorous approach to education, our students learn through stimulating and creative experiences, in the classroom and beyond, in lessons and co-curricular activities.

We aim to ensure that every Durham student’s experience of school is positive and productive laying the foundation for academic success.

location

Thigiri Hilltop, Thigiri P.O. Box 43045-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.

location

info@durhamkenya.com

Durham School Dubai

Durham School Dubai

Durham Dubai is an exciting, vibrant school, where six centuries of experience meet 21st century technology, the best in modern teaching methods and – most importantly – educators of unsurpassed commitment and quality.

At their beautiful, state-of-the-art school, they provide a broad and rounded education, fostering academic achievement and nurturing the talent of each and every student.

location

P.O. Box 451536, Green Community DIP 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

location

info@durhamdubai.com

Durham

In Numbers

1414

Durham School established

2019

Durham Qatar opens

2021

Durham Kenya opens

2022

Durham Dubai opens

Notable Alumni

of Durham

Sir Tony Blair
Sir Tony Blair
Former British Prime Minister
Rowan Atkinson CBE
Rowan Atkinson CBE
English actor, comedian and writer.
Geoff Parling
Geoff Parling
Former English Rugby UI Player
Alexander Armstrong
Alexander Armstrong
Influencer
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Confidence for life
Respect for all

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