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Houses

Lodge House MacLeod Pimlico House
The Caffinites School House Poole House

 

Lodge House

Mrs Naomi Fordyce is the Acting Senior Housemistress for Lodge House. She has oversight of all the girls in the House and is responsible for their wellbeing. Mrs Fordyce works closely with the Deputy Housemistress (DHM), Miss Tracey Black, and liaises with tutors and academic leads to ensure that the girls make good academic progress and thrive in School. She leads the staff in Lodge House in working together to ensure that the girls are as happy as they can be and feel able to embrace all the opportunities that Lodge House, and being part of Durham School, offers. Mrs Fordyce is the main point of contact for parents throughout their daughter’s time in Lodge House and is available to answer any questions or queries, however big or small.

A second home full of friendship, loyalty and support. A community where girls can prepare for their future aspirations, develop as individuals and become part of a team.

Lodge Senior Housemistress - Mrs Fordyce

Mrs Fordyce is the Acting Senior Housemistress and works closely with Mrs Black to ensure that all the girls are well looked after and achieving their best. Mrs Fordyce has been connected with the School for more than 14 years and once lived in what is now Lodge House when it formed part of The Caffinites, where Mr Fordyce was Housemaster. They have three children: Chris is at university in Edinburgh, while Innes and Calli both attend Durham School. Usually found at the swimming pool, Mrs Fordyce teaches pupils from FS2 to Year 13 and coaches the Swim Team, as well as dabbling in athletics coaching. With a keen interest in mental health support, she is also part of the Peer Mentor programme. Outside School, she can usually be found with a book in her hand, creating something from her extensive craft collection, or hiding behind a cushion when Scotland play rugby.

Lodge Deputy Housemistress (DHM) – Miss Black

Miss Black is the Acting Deputy Housemistress and works closely with Mrs Fordyce to ensure all the girls are looked after and achieving their best. She is also the Year 7 tutor.

Matron - Mrs Sharon Taylor

Sharon, as the pupils know her, has been part of Durham School for many years and is the shared Matron for the two Day Houses. She has a different role from the Housemistresses and tutors, and becomes a caring, reassuring presence within the House. Cuts and bumps can be quickly attended to, while a cup of hot chocolate is often on offer when a chat is needed on more emotional days. Sharon has a deeply understanding ear when working with teenage boys and girls and is a strong advocate for the community spirit fostered within the House system.

Lodge House Contact Information

Housemistress

Mrs Naomi Fordyce

n.fordyce@dcsf.org.uk

Deputy Housemistress

Miss Tracey Black

t.black@dcsf.org.uk

Matron

Mrs Taylor

s.taylor@dcsf.org.uk

Resident Tutors

  • Head of House
    Lilly Martin

MacLeod House

This House is named after Norman MacLeod, who taught at Durham School for 35 years and was a well-respected member of staff. He passed away in 2005, but his legacy remains an important part of the School community. He was Housemaster of Caffinites for many years and was always forward-looking in his support for girls joining the School.

Although MacLeod was a new addition to the Durham School House system in 2005, it has clear aims and objectives that uphold the traditions of the School while also reflecting modern values.

House Motto: Hold Fast

This handbook should be read alongside the general School information booklet. It is a guide to MacLeod and to the matters that are important in building community, loyalty and care within these four walls. Please do not hesitate to ask House staff if you are unsure about anything in this handbook or have any other questions relating to the House.

MacLeod Acting Senior Housemistress - Mrs Fiona Gowland

MacLeod is a very friendly and warm House; we pride ourselves on having an open-door policy where we are accessible to the girls. We are very lucky to have an experienced and involved tutor team in MacLeod and we all work together to support the girls, both academically and pastorally.  One of the most important things about MacLeod is for everyone to get involved, the more you put into life in MacLeod, the more you will get out of it.

As well as this pastoral role, I am Head of Chemistry which provides me with the opportunity of teaching many of the girls and sharing my passion for all things Chemistry and generally promoting women in STEM.

 

MacLeod Acting Deputy Housemistress (DHM) – Mrs Karen Wilkinson

I joined Durham School in September 2001 and will celebrate 25 years at the School this coming September. Since the opening of MacLeod House in 2005, I have proudly served as a tutor within the House community.

Over the years, I have held a variety of pastoral roles, including supporting pupils in Years 10 and 11 as a GCSE tutor for approximately 15 years, before moving into the role of Junior Tutor with Year 8. In 2023, I was delighted to take on the position of Year 7 Tutor, a role I continue to enjoy immensely.

Pastoral care and building strong relationships with pupils have always been at the heart of my work, and I greatly value being part of such an important stage in the girls’ school journey. Outside of school, while I do not have children of my own, the girls in the House are very familiar with stories and updates about my much-loved tortoise.

MacLeod Contact Information

Housemistress

Mrs Fiona Gowland

f.gowland@dcfs.org.uk

Currently on maternity leave:

Mrs Laura Myers-Bruin

l.myers-bruin@dcsf.org.uk

Deputy Housemistress

Mrs Fiona Gowland

f.gowland@dcsf.org.uk

Matron

Mrs Wendy Nattrass

w.nattrass@dcsf.org.uk

Resident Tutors

  • Head of House
    Lottie Jordan

Pimlico House

A warm welcome to all members of Pimlico House, Durham School’s day and boarding House for girls.

The House was established in 1985, originally for Sixth Form girls, but over the years has expanded to welcome all year groups from 7 to 13. Pimlico is currently home to approximately eighty girls, over twenty of whom are boarders. A number of day girls also choose to flexi-board, perhaps for early morning sports training, revision and exams, or for other practical reasons.

Pimlico boasts a distinctly cosmopolitan community of pupils and staff. This year, we welcomed girls from at least fifteen different countries, as well as girls from both local and further afield within the UK. Such an exciting mix of people brings with it new and interesting ideas, creative energy and an invitation to broaden our horizons.

Here, Pimlico girls can forge friendships with people from different backgrounds and places in ways that will benefit them for life. The diverse profile of the House offers a unique and valuable educational environment in which girls can learn, develop and prepare for the future.

Staff and senior girls in Pimlico work hard to ensure that all girls are supported, guided and nurtured in ways tailored to their needs. Whether these be academic, emotional, physical, or even linguistic, we have an experienced team who can address all manner of challenges girls may encounter. Home to those who board, Pimlico also aims to offer that same feeling of ‘home’ to those who leave us in the evening. The Pimlico building comprises a few ‘real’ houses joined together and, as such, enjoys a cosy sitting room, a friendly kitchen and a homely back yard where girls can relax and socialize.

This House handbook aims to provide you with all the information you require to ensure you are happy, healthy and successful during your time in Pimlico.

Delighted that you have chosen to join us, I look forward to welcoming you, in person, in September.

L.Hinde

Senior Housemistress.

Pimlico Senior Housemistress - Mrs Louise Hinde

Miss Hinde is the Senior Housemistress of Pimlico House. She has an overview of all pupils in the House and is responsible for their well-being. She spends time getting to know the girls and encourages them in all aspects of their school life, including an involvement in the school’s extra-curricular programme and any interests they may pursue outside of school.

Miss Hinde also liaises with Tutors and academic leads to support girls in their academic progress and to ensure that they are happy in their studies. Miss Hinde is the main point of contact for teachers and Tutors and, as such, follows the successes and problems of pupils closely. She is often in touch with parents, with the aim of forming close co-operation between parents and school. Miss Hinde lives at 4 Pimlico with Dr. Wiese and Betty, the border collie. She is also to be found in the languages department as she spends a lot of her time teaching German and French.

Otherwise, Miss Hinde is a keen outdoor enthusiast. In the holidays, she always heads to hills and has, over the past few years, led three World Challenge Expeditions to Costa Rica, Ethiopia and Madagascar.

Pimlico Deputy Housemistress (DHM) – Mrs Louise Pollard

Mrs Pollard is the Deputy Housemistress of Pimlico House. She primarily oversees the welfare and well-being of younger girls in Years 7 to 10 but works closely with Miss Hinde to ensure the smooth running of the House. Mrs Pollard is on duty in the House every Monday evening and is based in the office in our reception area. She teaches English and English as an Additional Language throughout the senior School and has worked with our international boarders for a number of years, especially those are working on their English skills for university entry.

In her spare time, Mrs Pollard enjoys family holidays, reading and walking, and is regularly a spectator at local rowing events.

Matron - Mrs J Haley

We are extremely lucky to have Mrs J. Haley, our Resident Matron, who is trusted and respected by the girls and staff alike. Mrs. Haley has been the Matron at Pimlico for a number of years and she is responsible for making Pimlico House a comfortable, safe and cosy environment for both boarders and day girls. She is also a source of practical help and moral support. Matron lives in a flat on the ground floor of Pimlico between the Common Room and Medical Centre.

Mrs Haley likes to be called Matron. It is not her job to tell girls off, but she does enforce the House expectations. For example, she expects girls to make their beds every morning, to manage their laundry baskets and to keep rooms tidy.

Pimlico Contact Information

Housemistress

Miss Louise Hinde

l.hinde@dcsf.org.uk

Deputy Housemistress

Mrs Louise Pollard

l.pollard@dcsf.org.uk

Matron

Mrs Haley

j.haley@dcsf.org.uk

Resident Tutor

The Caffinites

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to The Caffinites, the boys’ day House at Durham School.

The House dates back to 1847 and takes its name from Benjamin Charles Caffin, who was then Second Master of the School. The Caffinites is based in the sandstone building shown on the front cover, which dates from 1913. The Caffinites is a community of boys supported by a dedicated team of House staff, with values centred on enjoyment and participation, alongside the expectation that every boy will be a good ambassador for the distinctive red and black House tie. The aim of the House is to support the development of each individual boy, whatever his background, ability or interests, and to enable him to discover what he can achieve in life. The Caffinites focuses on individual needs and, through care, support and encouragement, helps each boy grow into a confident and successful young man, ready to take on the world when he leaves.

As part of Durham School, The Caffinites provides boys with many opportunities to forge new friendships, discover new skills and work together towards common goals. With a wide range of opportunities on offer, the House encourages boys to challenge themselves each day, push themselves to reach their potential and discover what they can achieve, often to their own surprise.

This handbook provides the information needed to help boys make the most of their time in The Caffinites. That said, if there is anything further I can help with, please do get in touch, no matter how big or small the question may be. I am delighted that both pupils and parents will be joining the House community and look forward to all that The Caffinites can achieve together in the years ahead.

Caffinites Senior Housemaster - Mr Andrew McMillan

Mr McMillan is the Senior Housemaster of The Caffinites. He has oversight of the pupils and is responsible for their wellbeing. Mr McMillan liaises with tutors and academic leads to ensure that the boys make good academic progress and enjoy School. If boys are finding aspects of School difficult, teachers and tutors will let Mr McMillan know, and he will help to address any concerns. He is a main point of contact for parents, as we believe it is important that School and home work closely together.

Mr McMillan lives in Northumberland with his wife, Jo, and their Border Terrier, Molly. He has a wide range of personal interests, from kitesurfing to converting vans into motorhomes, both of which he pursues with enthusiasm and varying degrees of success. He competes nationally in the British Kitesurfing Championships and has enjoyed a number of podium finishes over the years. In his spare time, Mr McMillan can often be found chasing the wind on the beaches of Northumberland.

Caffinites Deputy Housemaster - Mr Steven Thompson

Mr Thompson is our Deputy Housemaster. He is responsible for the junior boys, from Years 7 to 11. Mr Thompson works closely with Mr McMillan to ensure that the House runs smoothly and that any day-to-day issues are dealt with promptly.

Mr Thompson lives near Durham and his family are connected to the School in a number of ways. Mrs Thompson is Director of Wellbeing, and his children, Faye and Alec, are pupils at Durham School. Mr Thompson is passionate about rowing and is a committed rower and coach, spending many hours on the water. He has enjoyed great success in the sport, both as an athlete and as a coach. Mr Thompson teaches English across all year groups and also contributes to the co-curricular life of the School through football coaching.

Matron - Mrs Sharon Taylor

The House benefits from the ‘best Matron in School’. Mrs Sharon Taylor provides a caring and reassuring presence for the boys, offering practical as well as emotional support throughout the day. She is invaluable to the House community and greatly appreciated. I have no doubt that you will get to know her very well, very quickly.

High standards of hygiene are maintained by our Housekeepers, Kay and Wendy. They are both incredibly hardworking and loyal to the House, and they should be treated with the utmost respect, as the work they do is vitally important. We all work hard to make their lives easier by keeping rooms tidy and equipment safely stored in lockers.

The Caffinites Contact Information

Housemaster

Mr McMillan

a.mcmillan@dcsf.org.uk

Deputy Housemaster

Mr Thompson

s.thompson@dcsf.org.uk

Matron

Mrs Sharon Taylor

s.taylor@dcsf.org.uk

Resident Tutor

School House

Firstly, a very warm welcome to School House. I hope you are looking forward to becoming a Bungite* in September. School House dates back some 175 years and, although pastoral care has evolved considerably, the traditional values that epitomise the House have remained ever-present: good manners, honesty, respect, kindness and tolerance, all underpinning a strong sense of community.

Our aim in the House is to provide an environment in which the boys feel comfortable, confident and supported; we strive to understand each pupil’s individual needs and to do all we can to meet them. Come September, School House will be a community of more than 100 boys, each with his own skills, interests and areas of expertise. You will have the chance to share in one another’s successes, forge friendships that will last a lifetime and enjoy many new experiences.

Bungites* have always had a strong sense of House spirit and a real loyalty to their House. We are involved in many different competitions over the course of the academic year, and I look forward to seeing these qualities come to the fore.

There are sure to be competitions in which you feel more confident, as well as those in which you do not. My advice would be to give everything your full effort, enjoy the experience of competing alongside your friends and fully embrace the camaraderie and togetherness that such competitions inspire.

This handbook provides all the information you need to help you make the most of your time in School House. That said, if there is anything else I can help with, please do get in touch, no matter how big or small the question. Durham School offers a tremendous array of opportunities, and I hope that, as a Bungite, you make the most of each and every one of them.

*Bungites is the name often used to refer to boys in School House. A former Headmaster and Housemaster, Henry Holden (1853 to 1882), was nicknamed ‘Bung’ by the boys in his House, hence Bungites. The boys are proud of their name and the tradition it carries.

School Senior Housemaster - Mr Mark Younger

Mr Younger is the Senior Housemaster of School House. He has an overview of all pupils and is responsible for your wellbeing. Mr Younger will liaise with tutors to ensure that boys are making progress and enjoying school. If you are finding aspects of school difficult, your teachers and Tutor will let Mr Younger know and he will help with your concerns. He will be a main point of contact with your parents: as it is vital your school and your parents are working together.

Mr Younger lives in private side (separate from the pupils) with his wife Victoria, sons James, Jacob and Jack, and daughter Isla. Mrs Younger is a teacher at Chorister School. Mr Younger is a keen golfer and enjoys following the much-improved fortunes of Newcastle United.

School Deputy Housemaster - Mr Ben Brownlee

Mr Brownlee is our Deputy Housemaster. He is the Year 10 Tutor and oversees the welfare of boys in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. He works with Mr Younger to ensure that the House runs smoothly and that any issues are dealt with promptly.

Matron - Mrs Jo Heeley

Our Matron is Jo Heeley, and she acts as a second mum to the boys. She is well liked for being approachable, friendly and always willing to help. Matron is on hand for a chat, ensures that washing is submitted and helps maintain high standards in the House. Matron’s flat is on the first floor of the House.

Our House Cleaners are Corrine and Amanda. They are both incredibly hardworking and very loyal. They are here to clean, not to tidy, so please make sure your rooms are tidy and your belongings are stored appropriately. They should be treated with the utmost respect, as the work they do is vitally important.

School House Contact Information

Housemaster

Mr Younger

m.younger@dcsf.org.uk

Deputy Housemaster

Mr Brownlee

b.brownlee@dcsf.org.uk

Matron

Mrs Jo Heeley

j.heeley@dcsf.org.uk

Resident Tutors

  • Head of House
    Pardeep Liddar

Poole House

A warm welcome to all members of Poole House. This handbook is designed to provide all the useful information you need about the House, helping to ensure that you are happy, safe and able to work and develop to the best of your ability in all areas of School life.

Poole House was established in 1924 and is named after Robert Henry John Poole, a former pupil and Second Master of the School. It is one of the three Houses for boys at Durham School. It is currently home to just under 100 boys, and its quiet location is particularly well suited to our boarders, of whom there are around 30 each year. Some of these are part-time or weekly boarders who live within easy reach of the School, while others are full-time boarders, some from the UK and some from overseas.

There is a resident Senior Housemaster in overall charge of the House, supported by a Deputy Housemaster, a Resident Tutor and a Resident House Matron, who looks after the domestic side of House life. The House staff are also supported by House tutors, whom you will see both during the day and on duty in the evenings.

This handbook provides the information you need to help you make the most of your time in Poole House. That said, if there is anything else I can help with, please do get in touch, no matter how big or small the question. Durham School will offer you a tremendous array of opportunities, and I hope you make the most of every one of them.

Poole Senior Housemaster - Mr Joseph Jenkinson

Mr Jenkinson is the Senior Housemaster of Poole House. Alongside the House staff, he is responsible for looking after your wellbeing and ensuring that you achieve your potential in all areas of School life during your time at Durham School. He is the main link between your teachers and your parents, as good communication is vital in ensuring that you are happy and making progress. Your teachers will let Mr Jenkinson and your tutor know if there are any concerns about your work, such as time management, organisation, attitude or quality. They will also share how well you are doing so that we can celebrate your achievements. He is also responsible for ensuring that all boys in Poole House represent the House appropriately around the School and that it remains a positive and supportive place to be.

Mr Jenkinson and Mrs Jenkinson have both worked for the Foundation for more than 20 years in a variety of roles, and now live on site in Poole House with their two boys, Jacob and Harry, aged 9 and 4. They particularly love the beach and spend many days at Seaham or further afield at their favourite spots along the Northumbrian coastline. Mr Jenkinson is an avid golfer and enjoys getting out on the course with friends, always hoping to lower his handicap.

Poole Deputy Housemaster - Mr Theo Madigan

Mr Madigan has been Deputy Housemaster of Poole House since January 2024. Alongside this role, he is one half of the School’s History Department and teaches many of the boys who are members of the House. Mr Madigan joined Durham School in January 2023, having moved from a School in Cambridge.

Outside School, Mr Madigan is recently married to his wife, Katy, who is also a teacher. Together, they enjoy outdoor pursuits such as hiking, skiing and long walks on the beach, as well as musical interests including singing.

Mr Madigan has already made a great impression as our Deputy Housemaster. We are delighted to welcome him to the Poole House community and look forward to the opportunities the new School year will bring.

Matron - Mrs Janice Gill

Mrs Janice Gill is our Matron and is trusted and respected by boys and staff alike. She is responsible for making Poole House a comfortable, cosy and safe environment for both boarders and day boys. She is also a great source of help and moral support, has a wicked sense of humour and is an excellent listener. Janice is instrumental in the morning break-time toast rush and also provides snacks for the boarding boys each evening. If you are feeling unwell or have hurt yourself, Janice is your first port of call.

We are very lucky to have two cleaners who work in Poole House each day. Please remember that Lynn and Tracy are valued members of our House and must be treated with the utmost respect. Their role is to keep Poole House dusted and hoovered, but they cannot clean effectively if rooms are left in a mess. They are not here to tidy up or wash up after you, that is your responsibility.

Poole House Contact Information

Housemaster

Mr Jenkinson

j.jenkinson@dcsf.org.uk

Deputy Housemaster

Mr Madigan

t.madigan@dcsf.org.uk

Matron

Ms Gill

j.gill@dcsf.org.uk

Resident Tutors

  • Resident Tutor
    Mr Micklem
  • Head of House
    William McLaughlin

House Information

Start of term

The School organises an Induction Programme for all new pupils. There is an opportunity for you and your parents to meet your tutor and Housemistress, as well as look around the School. New pupils are paired with a buddy in their year group so that they can quickly find their way around the School. The School produces a termly calendar, which is published digitally on the School website. This calendar lists all events and fixtures, and pupils are encouraged to check it daily.

Access

Pimlico, Poole and School House are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as they are home to boarders.

MacLeod, Lodge and The Caffinites open at 7.45am and close promptly at 6.30pm. The main entrance to each House is protected by a digital lock. Pupils are given the code and must not share it with anyone outside the House. The door codes are changed regularly to maximise pupil safety. Day pupils may be on site from 7.45am to 4.30pm.

Day pupils must sign out at the end of each School day so that House staff know they have left the site.

Locker Rooms & Studies

Each pupil is allocated their own personal space within the House. Boarders have their bedrooms and day pupils have their studies, both of which provide access to a desk and a lockable cupboard. It is the responsibility of each pupil to ensure that these spaces are kept tidy so that our cleaning staff are able to do their job effectively.

If property in bedrooms or studies becomes damaged or mistreated, pupils may be removed from that space and required to use the Common Room instead. Any costs incurred will be charged to the pupils responsible where the damage is considered to be beyond reasonable wear and tear.

Security

Pupils are asked to bring a padlock to School at the start of term and to ensure that their belongings are safely locked away. Pupils are advised to carry only the equipment required for the next two lessons and to keep the rest locked in their study. Valuable items brought into the House are at the pupils’ own risk. These may include mobile phones, earphones, laptops, watches, bank cards and cash, and should always be locked away when not in use. Phones and laptops may be used only with permission from a member of staff. Mobile phones should not be used while moving around the School site.

Safety

Each half term, there will be a fire drill. Pupils are expected to know where their meeting point is and to leave the building quickly but sensibly.

The Grove Garden

House Competitions

The School arranges a variety of Inter-House Competitions, ranging from Drama and Music, to Sporting activities. All pupils are encouraged to take part in the activities as House points are also awarded for participation.

House Council

Pupils have the opportunity to become members of the House Council, where they can have a say in what happens in the House. The House Council is made up of representatives from each year group, who have the opportunity to raise concerns and share new ideas.

House Colours

Each House has a House Colours system through which pupils are recognised for consistent excellence across a wide range of activities. These may be academic, dramatic, musical or sporting in nature, or may reflect a contribution to the wider community through voluntary work.

During the School Day

Registration & Roll Call

A formal roll call is held each day at 8.30am, and every pupil must attend to confirm that they have arrived on the School site for the day. Registration takes place during Periods 1 to 6 and is completed by academic staff. Pupils who have a study period at these times should report to the designated area in the Sixth Form Centre. Roll calls also take place at House meetings and at other stated times.

The School is an Anglican foundation, and all pupils are expected to attend Chapel on Monday and Wednesday mornings and on Friday afternoon. On Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings, pupils are expected to go to their tutor classrooms following registration in the House.

House Meetings

Alongside roll call, extended House meetings take place on Friday mornings. These meetings are led by the Housemistress, House staff and Monitors. Attendance is compulsory and pupils are expected to arrive punctually.

Games

All pupils must participate in Games. Senior pupils have a little more flexibility and may swap their Games session for a study period, but pupils should recognise the value of exercise. At the start of each term, pupils are given a choice of Games option, and their attendance is monitored.

Pupils may be excused from Games only if they have a medical reason and have received an Off-Games slip from the Medical Centre or the Senior Housemistress. Pupils must attend the designated supervised off-games classroom, as set out on House noticeboards and in the timetable. Only the Housemistress and the Medical Centre can excuse a pupil from Games; non-attendance without a valid reason will be treated as an unauthorised absence.

Absence and Illness

In the event of illness, parents are asked to telephone the Housemistress or the Student Absence line. During the working day, unwell pupils should report to the Medical Centre or the House Matron’s office in the first instance. Matrons or nurses will assess the extent of any illness, and pupils should not call home before this has taken place. Should a pupil be too unwell to remain at School, the Matron or nurse will contact home to arrange collection and authorise leave from the School site.

Visitors

Visitors to Pimlico are welcome in the House with permission from the Housemistress and must be signed in using the visitors’ book at the front door. Visitors must remain on the ground floor and in public Common Rooms only. Bedrooms and studies are out of bounds.

Signing out

At the end of each day, day pupils are required to sign out to indicate that they have left the building; this is a health and safety requirement. Boarders must attend the 6.30pm roll call.

Cars

Sixth Form pupils may drive to School, but only once they have completed the appropriate forms and received permission from the Housemistress and the Deputy Head (Pastoral). School rules make it clear that abuse of this privilege may result in permission to drive being withdrawn. Pupils should also note that specific parking bays are allocated to them and must be used accordingly. If a pupil wishes to travel as a passenger in another pupil’s car, both sets of parents must provide written permission to the House staff in advance.

Behaviour

Rules

The School publishes an extensive list of rules and regulations which are given to pupils at the start of the academic year. All pupils are expected to demonstrate high standards of personal behaviour both within and outside of the House. Close definition of such behaviour is unnecessary; all pupils ultimately know how to behave. As a guideline, all pupils should be truthful, polite, respectful, kind, tolerant and avoid violence. All Durham School pupils should aim to live by the MARK values.

Manners

Good manners are universally accepted as an important aspect of life but may easily be forgotten. At the very least, all pupils are expected to treat others with consideration, to respond politely to requests from all staff and visitors, and to hold doors open for others.

Uniform & Appearance

The School publishes an outline of the school uniform in the prep diary.

Rewards

Good behaviour and contributions to the life of the School are constantly acknowledged informally. In addition, achievement is acknowledged in School and House assemblies through academic Lauds. Form prizes are available for the greatest contribution to the house in each year group and these are presented at the House BBQ at the end of the Summer term.

Prep Diaries

The prep diary is a valuable tool and will help pupils keep up with their work, plan work, set goals and help Tutors monitor progress. A prep diary is issued at the start of each academic year. Pupils should not deface their prep diary and it will be checked regularly in tutor periods. Prep diaries also function as an informal means of communication between teachers and parents; as such, parents are asked to sign the prep diary once each week.

Bullying

The School defines bullying as involving repeated and regular action on the part of the bully to humiliate, exert power, or hurt the victim. While bullying is often thought of as a deliberate act of cruelty, it may also be the consequence of thoughtlessness or what the perpetrator perceives as ‘banter’. Whatever form it takes, bullying is unacceptable and has no place in the House or School community.

If a pupil or other member of the House is being bullied, please report this immediately to the Housemistress, House staff or any other adult. If a pupil feels alone and does not know what they can do to solve the problem, there are various people to whom they can turn.

1. House staff: the Housemistress’s door is always open

2. Any member of teaching staff

3. Matron

4. School Monitors

5. Father Simon, School Chaplain

6. Mrs Abbott, Senior Mental Health Lead

7. School Nurses in the Medical Centre

8. Ms Thompson, Deputy Head (Pastoral)

Some national and confidential agencies offer support lines:

Childline 0800 11 11

Samaritans 08457 90 90 90

Social Media

Social Links

Main School Channels

@durhamschool1414 – Instagram

Durham School – Facebook

Science

@durham_school_comp_sci

Arts

@durhamvisualarts

@durhamschool_drama

Sports

@durhamschsport

@dsbc1847

@dsbc_juniors

@dsbc_pods

@duz_xv

@durhamnetball

@durham_hockey

House

@schoolhouse1844

@pimlico.house

@macleodhouseds

@poolehouse1924

@lodgehouse24

@the_caffinites_house

Alumni

@old_dunelmians

Facebook

Old Dunelmians

Friends of DCSF

LinkedIn

Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation

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