International Admissions

We would be delighted to hear from you and to guide you through every step of the international admissions process.

To get started, please send us:

• your child’s passport
• your child’s birth certificate
• your child’s most recent school report
• both parents’ passports

You are also very welcome to visit us on a guided tour, join a virtual tour or attend an Open Day. Taster days can also be arranged at this stage.

Reach us at International-admissions@dcsf.org.uk

Complete the application form and pay the £75 application processing fee.

Complete, entrance assessments remotely via Password (Maths – 1 hour and English 1 hour 30 minutes). These are invigilated via Teams.

We would love to talk to you…

Arrange an interview: all applicants must be available for either a virtual or in person interview

If an offer is made, you will be asked to sign the acceptance form, pay the deposit and complete the enrolment forms.

You will then receive your joining pack, including key information such as uniform, induction days and useful guides, including House booklets, the Parent Handbook and the Guide to Boarding.

A CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) is supplied by DCSF if required. We will put you in touch with our immigration partner who will assist with the whole process. Please note that there is a CAS processing fee of £480 that is taken from the deposit at the end of studies.

2024 Leaver’s destinations 2024 年毕业生去向

2025 leaver’s destinations 2025年毕业生去向

Maggie Qian Durham

2019-21 

At Durham School, we don’t just focus on academic results, we focus on developing the whole person. 

When this remarkable student first arrived at Durham, she was shy and lacked confidence. But with the support of our caring, highly qualified teachers and our warm, encouraging environment, she quickly began to flourish. 

She worked closely with subject specialists in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Further Maths, experts who not only challenged her academically, but also helped her believe in her own potential. Over time, she grew into a confident, independent young woman, achieving 4 As at A Level* and securing a place at the University of Cambridge. 

Today, she is working towards a Master’s degree in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at Cambridge, a world-leading programme. Her passion lies in solving complex engineering challenges through innovation and sustainability. At Cambridge, she’s involved in research and student societies focused on renewable energy, sustainable aircraft design, and science outreach. 

From a quiet, unsure student to a future engineer ready to change the world – her journey is a powerful example of what’s possible at Durham School. 

We are proud to help young people grow in confidence, find their voice, and reach their highest ambitions, guided every step of the way by our exceptional teaching staff. 

Stephanie Lu

2014-16 

We are committed to helping every student realise their potential — not just academically, but personally and professionally. 

When Stephanie Lu joined Durham School in 2014, she was bright but needed targeted support, especially in some areas in Mathematics to compete for a place at Cambridge. In particular, she found Statistics challenging, a subject that would later become central to her university studies and future career. 

Our specialist Maths teachers worked closely with Stephanie, providing not only academic tuition but also the encouragement and confidence she needed to succeed. Through tailored one-to-one support, small class teaching, and regular feedback, she made rapid progress. Her understanding of data, probability, and mathematical modelling grew stronger — and so did her belief in her own ability. 

Stephanie went on to study Mathematics at the University of Cambridge, followed by a Master’s degree in Systems Biology. There, she applied advanced statistical and computational methods — including machine learning, modelling of biological systems, and data visualisation — skills first nurtured right here at Durham. 

She’s now an expert in working with complex biological data, such as single-cell sequencing and network analysis — using mathematics and statistics to solve real-world scientific challenges. 

At Durham, we helped Stephanie gain not just top academic qualifications, but a competitive edge in an increasingly globalised world — combining analytical skills with confidence, adaptability, and ambition. 

Linda Lin

2017-1019

Wanshu (Linda) Lin, Cambridge student studying Economics. Linda joined us as a full Peter Lee scholar and studied 4 A Levels: Economics, Maths, Further Maths and Physics. She attended Oxford and Cambridge University Open Days for overnight stays at colleges with the Head of Sixth Form (Mr Hope) and ended up applying to Cambridge to read Economics.  

She applied to Peterhouse College and took an admissions assessment for Cambridge (the ECAA as it was called). She was duly invited to interview then offered a place, with an offer of A*AA. 

She secured 4 A*s in her A Levels and also took the Edexcel AEA (Advanced Extension Award) Mathematics examination, which is graded Merit or Distinction – she got a Distinction. 

Yuqing (Maria) Song 

2017-2020

(1YGCSE case study of student who has gone to G5 uni) 

Graduated from 1YGCSE and A Level programme in 2020, went on to UCL to do a bachelor of arts in History of Art (vice president of history of art society) 

Achieved all A’s and A* in 1YGCSE subjects then achieved A*, A and C at A Level, also did EPQ (extended project qualification with a research topic on Architecture) 

Awarded Burkitt Scholarship (for achievements in art), remissions of £1000 per year 

Awarded distinction in Grade 8 piano performance (ABRSM) 

Following on the 1YGCSE course, went on to be a school monitor (head of international), completed Duke of Edinburgh award and was part of Debate society 

Support for International Pupils

Living and learning in a different country, often with major cultural differences, can be a daunting experience but our international pupils settle quickly into their new life with the help of our friendly community and caring staff.

International pupils are supported by the community as a whole and in particular, by the boarding Houses and boarding staff.

Our excellent English as an Additional Language (EAL) Department also provides support and input that goes beyond the mere teaching of English.

Our International Boarders

Currently, we have international pupils from over 28 different countries and several of our boarders are from British National Overseas families.

A number of our boarders are British as many of our British parents’ have decided to limit their daily travel time and give their children the opportunity to board which brings greater access to the co-curricular programme before and after the normal school day.

We also have a number of International day pupils whose parents have moved to the area or are seconded to Durham University.

In addition, we regularly host Short Stay pupils who attend for a range of periods from half a term up to a year.

Boarders’ Induction

An induction timetable is arranged for all new pupils at the start of the Autumn term in September. The timetable, daily and weekend programmes, School layout, medical, spiritual and uniform matters will be covered, as well as a trip into Durham.

As part of this programme, all new pupils will be paired with an appropriate ‘mentor’ who will act as a guide to School life through these first days, weeks and months, as pupils settle into their new lives as boarders.

Discover more about boarding at Durham School as an international pupil in our latest GUIDE TO BOARDING.