Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation Named Regional Independent School of the Year: North
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation (DCSF) has been named Regional Independent School of the Year: North at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2025, held at The Law Society in London on Tuesday 14 October.
The awards, run by Independent School Parent in association with Schoolblazer, celebrate excellence and innovation across the UK’s independent education sector.
Representing the Foundation on the night were Dr Michael Alderson, Principal, and Mrs Sally Harrod, Head, Chorister School, who accepted the award on behalf of the whole DCSF community.
Rooted in Durham – Defined by Durham
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation’s success lies in the deep connection between the school and the historic city it calls home. Situated in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, pupils at DCSF are surrounded daily by one of the most inspiring educational landscapes in the country, where the Cathedral, Castle and University are not simply landmarks, but living extensions of the classroom.
From performing in the Cathedral and debating in Durham Castle, to collaborating with Durham University academics and rowing under Elvet Bridge at sunrise, pupils experience an education that blends academic rigour with cultural richness and a strong sense of place.
“Our schools are proudly Northern – warm in spirit, strong in ambition,” said Dr Alderson. “In Durham, our pupils are surrounded by inspiration every day — from the Cathedral and Castle to the city’s world-class university. This award celebrates the way those influences come together to create an education that’s alive, relevant, and distinctive.”
A School and a Community
The Foundation’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Through outreach programmes, pupils have mentored in local primary schools, support foodbanks, sing in community choirs, and raise funds for regional charities. The Chorister Programme continues to make Cathedral music accessible to children from all backgrounds, preserving a centuries-old tradition while nurturing new talent.
“We are incredibly proud of our pupils, who understand that being part of a community means serving it. Moral Integrity, Ambition, Responsibility, and Kindness lie at the heart of everything we strive to accomplish – both within our school and beyond it. We encourage all our pupils to demonstrate their commitment to the world around them and to make a positive difference wherever they go.” Mrs Harrod, Head, Chorister School
Confidence for Life, Respect for All
This award reflects DCSF’s ongoing commitment to nurturing confident, compassionate young people who are grounded in the North East but ready for the world.
The Foundation’s motto, Confidence for Life, Respect for All, captures the essence of what makes its education distinctive; one that is academically ambitious, culturally rich, and deeply human.
