Senior School Supper is one of those evenings that quietly captures what tradition means at Durham School — not something fixed or ceremonial for its own sake, but something lived, shared and shaped by the people who take part in it.
The evening began across the Houses, with pupils from Years 10 -13 and staff gathering together in black tie. A drinks reception hosted by our Year 13 pupils set the tone: relaxed, confident and inclusive. Conversations flowed easily across year groups, with older pupils drawing in younger ones, staff chatting alongside them, and Houses feeling exactly as they should; familiar, welcoming and social.
From there, pupils and staff made the short walk to Big School, our historic Dining Hall. With its long wooden benches, high ceilings and walls bearing the names of scholars past, it is a space that carries history, but on this evening, it was filled with warmth, laughter and anticipation.
Dinner was served by the Chartwells catering team, who were warmly thanked by the Head and applauded by pupils and staff alike. A full Christmas supper followed – turkey, pigs in blankets, sprouts, and all the trimmings – ending with chocolate yule log and, inevitably, mince pies. Grace was said by Father Simon before the meal, anchoring the evening in shared pause and reflection.
As the meal drew to a close, the whole room rose to sing the School Song. Sung loudly and with enthusiasm, sometimes with pupils standing on chairs by the final verses, it was less about performance and more about unity. Whatever year group, House or background, everyone in the room took part together, knowing they belonged there.
The evening then returned to the Houses, where Year 12 and 13 pupils had organised games ranging from ‘Imposter’ to festive tableaux using the costume cupboard. House awards followed, led by Housemasters and Housemistresses, recognising pupils who had gone above and beyond, for kindness, for sustained support of younger pupils, for commitment, improvement and contribution both in and beyond school. These moments were met with genuine celebration: high-fives, hugs, laughter, and visible pride.recognising pupils who had gone above and beyond, for kindness, for sustained support of younger pupils, for commitment, improvement and contribution both in and beyond school.
What stood out most was how natural it all felt. Pupils clearly see their Houses as home – places where they know the staff well, feel comfortable, and are encouraged to notice and celebrate one another’s successes. Staff are present not simply as teachers, but as mentors, guides and trusted adults, woven into the life of the community.
The evening ended around 10pm, with boarders heading back to their Dorms, a short journey home after an evening that will stay with them. Senior School Supper is tradition at Durham School as it is meant to be: shared, joyful, and rooted in belonging.
