From Oxford to the Olympics – Durham School pupils achieve big this summer
The Durham School leavers of 2025 have demonstrated the breadth of their talents this summer, achieving exceptional results across A Level and BTEC courses and securing exciting destinations in the UK and overseas.
As the nation sweltered in another heatwave, Year 13 pupils reacted with joy – and in some cases delighted surprise – as they opened their results envelopes. Their achievements reflect the School’s distinctive ethos: combining academic excellence with a vibrant co-curricular life and a values led education that prepares pupils for success in every sphere.
This year’s cohort will now progress to an impressive range of destinations, including the Universities of Oxford, Durham, Exeter, Newcastle and Bath; specialist drama colleges; and medical schools. Others are heading further afield to institutions such as Notre Dame in the USA, while some have chosen to pursue professional sport or elite competition – including three pupils (Paddy, George and Grace) taking up professional contracts and one (Zack) aiming for selection for the 2028 Olympic rowing squad.
Among the top achievers, Theresa and Louie are celebrating being accepted by Oxford University to read Linguistics and French, and English Language and Literature respectively, after securing A*A*A*A and A*A*AA. Outstanding results that reflect their academic excellence.
Adam is leaving with AAA as he takes up his place at Durham to read Modern Languages while Beth is heading to Sunderland to read Medicine. We congratulate them both on their success. Both joined the School in the Sixth Form and have embraced all that Durham has to offer. Adam said “Thank you to my teachers, I wouldn’t have achieved these grades without them. They have been really nice and helpful and I’m excited for my next steps.”
Tom, a pupil at the Foundation since the start of his education, achieved AAAA and will read Economics at Leeds. Fellow ‘lifers’ Marni and Milly are heading to Bath Spa and Sheffield to study Interior Design and Psychology respectively. All three embodying commitment, confidence, and excellence.
Interim Principal, Andrew Pearson, said:
“We are so proud of this group of young men and women as they leave us. We have had the privilege of watching them thrive at Durham School and seeing them depart as confident, well-rounded young people ready to make their mark on the world is what makes this job special. They have embodied our MARK values – Moral Integrity, Ambition, Responsibility and Kindness – and have balanced academic success with sporting achievements, artistic excellence, leadership roles and service to the community. It has been an honour to know them and I wish them all the best for the next stage of their lives, whether that is in work, university, or a year playing cricket in Australia. I look forward to following their future successes.”
Durham School’s holistic approach means pupils are encouraged to pursue their passions without limits – excelling in the classroom while performing on stage, representing the School on the sports field, leading in their Houses, and serving in the community. This year’s results are not just a testament to academic hard work, but to the culture of opportunity, confidence, and inclusivity that sets Durham apart.
