This year, our sports department has continued to thrive, with more pupils than ever before progressing through performance pathways and representing the school across a wide range of sports. From fixtures and tournaments to national competitions and representative honours, it’s been a year packed with opportunity and achievement. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights.
Autumn Term
Netball
It was a strong term for netball. The senior squad trained hard for the Durham Area and National Schools Tournaments, fielding two teams for the first time in years. The 1st VII placed 3rd in the Area Tournament and secured wins over Whitburn and Durham High. The U15s reached the quarter-finals of the Sister N Sport Shield in their debut season, and the U14s remained active throughout. Several players earned representative honours, including Jess W, co-captain of the Leeds Rhinos NPL team.
Hockey
Hockey continued to thrive, with many girls playing club and county-level. The 1st XI progressed in the County Cup with strong wins. The U14s beat Dame Allan’s 3-0 and played with great determination. The U13s and U12s trained with enthusiasm and showed exciting promise. Several pupils gained Talent Academy and County selections, reflecting the sport’s continued strength.
Rowing
The rowing squad enjoyed a strong winter, with the Senior Boys consistently placing near the top. Bel C and Matthew W worked towards Scottish selection, and Zack H was called up to represent GB in Beach Sprints.
Spring Term
Netball
All year groups were active in fixtures, including the Durham League and matches against strong regional schools. The 1st VII had an excellent run, securing strong wins over Barnard Castle, Dame Allan’s and Durham High. The 2nd VII also impressed with victories against Barnard Castle and Newcastle High. The U15s finished 2nd in the Durham League and reached the Sister N Sport Shield quarter-finals. The U14s went unbeaten and were crowned league champions, with wide participation across the year group. The U13s were runners-up in both the league and tournament, while the U12s developed well with wins over Hermitage Academy and St Bede’s.
Younger players Grace J, Ava F and Gabrielle P stepped up to the 1st VII, with representative honours also awarded to:
- Isla G (U13 County Pathway)
- Gabrielle P (U15 Leeds Rhinos and County Pathway)
- Jess W (U19 Leeds Rhinos NPL and Premier League)
Swimming
Two fixtures against Sedbergh saw strong swims from the U13s and an outstanding showing from the U15 girls, who continue to go from strength to strength.
Rowing
The club ended the Head Race season on a high, winning the Victor Ludorum at Ponteland Head. Twelve pupils were selected for the Northern Inter-Regional Regatta team. Bel C continued her GB pathway, preparing for trials in April.
Rugby & Sevens
The Easter term featured a full sevens season and hosted tournaments across all age groups. Newly qualified student referees helped officiate, with Lucas H leading at U18 level. The U17s went undefeated in their 15-a-side fixtures, and the 1st XV ended the term with a trip to Edinburgh Academy. It was a standout year for Year 13 leavers. George B signed with Newcastle Falcons, and Patrick H played for England U19s. Other representative honours included:
- Multiple players at U18–U16 levels with Newcastle Falcons
- Jackson M – England Lambs
- Several boys also earned DPP selection at U15 and U16
Cricket
Winter nets were busy, with many involved in the Durham CCC pathway. A squad of 25 boys toured Sri Lanka in April. Grace T, after competing in the U19 World Cup, captained the Girls’ 1st XI and toured Zimbabwe with Durham Women. George F led the Boys’ 1st XI. Teams were entered into national competitions across U13–U18, and both boys’ and girls’ squads were scheduled for multiple summer festivals.
Summer Term
Cricket
This year’s cricket season got off to a fantastic start with great weather and full fixture lists across our 17 boys’ and girls’ teams. The Boys’ 1st XI recorded wins over Ampleforth and RGS, while the Girls’ 1st XI played excellent cricket in the National 100 competition. All other year groups played every scheduled game, showing clear progress across the board. Post-exams, teams travelled for tours and festivals: the Boys’ 1st XI to Liverpool, Girls’ 1st XI to Edinburgh, and the U15s to York. The girls’ programme reached new heights this year, with record participation in both hardball and softball formats and growing links with local clubs. Grace T (Y13) earned a rookie contract and opened the bowling for Durham’s new women’s professional team – a standout moment for the school. Matilda C continued with Northumberland County, and Narjis R was selected for Durham’s U16 Super 4s. Among the boys, Oliver J and Louis M were promoted into the Durham senior academy alongside George F.
Rowing
The summer term saw strong performances across all age groups. Five Durham crews competed at National Schools Regatta. Bel C made the D Final at GB Trials and, alongside Matthew W, competed at the Scottish Championships. Bel also prepared to race at Henley Women’s Regatta. The club ended the season at the Durham Regatta and hosted the annual Boat Club Dinner at the Radisson—both memorable highlights of the summer.
Rugby
As part of our 175th anniversary celebrations, rugby remained a key focus this summer. Touch rugby sessions ran weekly for Years 7–13, and the senior squad began preparations for their South Africa tour. Fixtures were confirmed against Scarborough College, New Zealand touring sides, Merchiston Festival, RGS Newcastle, and Barnard Castle—ensuring a strong and meaningful calendar. Representative honours remained a strength of the programme, with multiple students progressing through DPP, county, academy, and national pathways. Notably:
- Patrick H – England U18 & U19
- Jackson M – England Lambs
- Multiple players selected for Newcastle Falcons at U16–U18 levels
- Strong representation in Durham County and DPP squads
These achievements marked a fitting celebration of 175 years of rugby excellence at Durham School.
Finally, the South Africa Sports Tour was an incredible end to the year, filled with sporting excellence and lifelong memories made. See our blog for a roundup of the trip.
Thank you and well done to all for such an incredible year of sport. Thank you also to all staff, coaches, families and supporters; we couldn’t do it without you.
