Alongside our strong academic focus, we have an extensive co-curricular programme which is unrivalled in the region.
We believe that co-curricular opportunities enrich and develop the individual, fostering skills such as leadership, collaboration and teamwork.
Our mission is to provide pupils with a complete education; one which instils in them an aspiration for achievement, confidence for life and respect for all.
At Durham School for those aged 11-18, we offer a range of academic societies helping to further students’ knowledge. Led by pupils, they incorporate lectures given by external experts and presentations, debates and academic activities delivered by staff and other pupils throughout the year.
These societies are open to all, however, due to the level of the content, will usually appeal to those in Year 11 and Sixth Form.
Every Academic Department also offers a range of weekly workshops to allow students to explore their subject further and also access extra study support in that subject.
Take a look at our extensive list of academic societies currently running at Durham School:
Durham School’s A level historians attend an academic society named after Mandell Creighton, an Old Dunelmian who was the University of Cambridge’s first Dixie Professor of Ecclesiastical History. Sebastian Collins is the Society’s President in 2022-23. Creighton Society meetings are held half-termly and consist of lectures by historians who are invited to speak on a wide range of historical topics; our pupils then pick the speakers’ brains in the discussions that follow. Over the last two years, we have welcomed (among others): Richard Rex, Professor of Reformation History at Queens’ College, Cambridge; Alec Ryrie, Professor of Divinity at Gresham College; Alexander Morrison, Tutorial Fellow at New College, Oxford; and the inimitable Dr David Starkey.
Aimed specifically at pupils studying Government and Politics at A Level but open to all with an interest, the Politics Society aims to generate an interest in current affairs, political concepts and practical issues of government in the UK and abroad. Debates, visits, lectures and competitions are run throughout the year. The Politics Society is supervised by members of staff, but is run by elected student officers.
The Heretics Society gives pupils the opportunity both to present and debate heretical subjects. In each session, one pupil will present a defence of a controversial viewpoint before opening the subject up to debate and, ultimately, defending the argument, often against fierce opposition. The Heretics Society is supervised by Mr Muttitt, Director of Scholars, but is run by the pupils.
Aimed specifically at potential scientists, but open to all pupils with an interest in this discipline, the Tristram Society offers targeted sessions focused on the world of science. Lectures from leading academics, seminars and visits allow pupils the opportunity to explore various scientific fields from a real life, practical and hands-on perspective which will develop their understanding of the subject far beyond the confines of the A Level syllabus. The Tristram Society is supervised by a member of staff, but is run by the pupils. Named in honour of polymath Old Dunelmian Canon Henry Baker Tristram MA, LL.D., DD, FRS.
MedSoc is a group which aims to support and challenge pupils who are considering a career in the medical field; however, it is open to anyone with a general interest in applied science. The group is organised by pupils and involves a variety of provisions, including lectures from academics, practical ‘hands on’ sessions at local universities, workshops with professionals relating to the various medical careers and tips on how to ensure a pupil’s application to study medicine at university is as competitive as possible.
The Hillard Society is run exclusively by Sixth Form linguists, and supervised by Mrs. K. L. Wilkinson (Head of MFL) and Mr. C. J. Hope (Head of Sixth Form). It is named after A. E. Hillard, renowned Classicist and Headmaster of Durham School [1899-1905], and aims to promote the learning of Modern and Classical Languages, both to pupils at Durham School and to guests from other local schools, through an exciting series of lectures. By introducing pupils to the wider philosophical, historical, literary, and cultural aspects of modern and classical languages, we hope to encourage fellow pupils to pursue the learning of these subjects, both at school and beyond.
Every year Durham School welcomes a number of guests who provide interesting and informative lectures and discussion groups on a variety of topics. Leading academics, prominent public figures, authors and successful business people have all contributed to this exciting and ever developing series which provides pupils with the opportunity to explore a range of thought provoking and relevant issues.
We have an eclectic mix of activities and clubs across Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.
Our weekly activity programme at Durham School provides all students with the opportunity to cultivate new or existing interests, making new friends and developing a broad range of practical and personal skills.
All our staff are involved in the delivery of the activities programme and they enjoy sharing their interests and enthusing students to participate. Some activities are student led and we also engage a team of volunteers and specialists where required.
We encourage all our pupils to participate in a range of activities and ensure they have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Pupils are expected to demonstrate a commitment to activities they have elected to participate in. The activities take place at lunchtime and after school.
Our weekly activities programme at Durham School includes:
Drama inspires pupils at Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation to get creative and become performers, providing them with the opportunities to develop their skills and showcase their talents. The standard of drama across the foundation is extremely high and many talented pupils have passed through the school and gone on to read Drama and Theatre at University.
The drama facilities and support offered in the foundation allows pupils to pursue their interests in acting, technical design or even directing. Many pupils take an active interest in the full range of drama activity on offer; with the pupils technical and production team often providing the lighting and sound for performance.
At the Chorister School, pupils perform in productions throughout the year, from Nativities, musicals and shows.
At Durham School, pupils participate in a range of drama events, including House Drama competitions, drama clubs and school productions. Pupils are also offered the opportunity of taking private drama lessons and are encouraged to enter the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) examinations.
Across the foundation, staff help pupils succeed by nurturing their talents providing opportunities for those pupils pursuing a career in the theatre and also for those who simply enjoy taking part.
Sport has long been a stand-out aspect across the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation.
We’re home to the 5th oldest Rugby Club and 3rd oldest Boat Club in the world and our senior site is home to the Northern Pentathlon Academy (one of only eight in the UK).
Our sporting facilities consist of: an astroturf sports field, two sports halls, a cardiovascular suite, gym facilities, our own pool, and access to the Durham University Sports Centre. We are equipped to offer a sporting activity that every student will enjoy.
Whatever their ability, we want every pupil to enjoy sport. Our expert, experienced and enthusiastic coaching team work tirelessly to ensure pupils receive excellent coaching and enjoy their sport.
During the Games sessions, pupils take part in our traditional sports: rugby, rowing, cricket, hockey and netball. Alongside these, pupils can take part in a wide range of sports including athletics, badminton, basketball, cross country, pentathlon, rounders, swimming, and tennis.
We are proud to share that Durham School has been named a Top 100 best school for cricket in The Cricketer’s Schools Guide 2025.
We know sport is a crucial element to keeping a healthy body and mind, therefore our staff across the foundation are determined to promote the benefits of an active lifestyle.
Whether learning key motor skills in the Chorister School, doing five hours of physical activity per week at Durham School, or representing the school in weekend fixtures – we expect all pupils to take part in sport.
Every pupil, whether they enjoy competitive or participation sport, is also encouraged to get involved in our Inter House Sport competitions. These take place throughout the year and it gives every pupil the chance to represent their House at a sport they love or perhaps have not tried before. The House Sport events offer teamwork opportunities, new challenges and an enjoyment of sport.
At Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, we pride ourselves on offering our pupils a first-class musical education.
Pupils across DCSF will benefit from an excellent team of visiting music teachers, providing one-to-one lessons throughout the week.
The Foundation has one of the largest cathedral choirs in the country, providing pupils with the experience of performing regularly in the historic and iconic Durham Cathedral.
Other excellent resources include a music technology room, large rehearsal spaces, nine teaching/practice rooms, a three manual Harrison & Harrison organ in the school chapel and a harpsichord.
Regular concerts are held in venues such as the Sage, Gateshead and a large-scale musical, with a professional band and set is performed every other year at a professional theatre. Previous venues have included the Gala Theatre in Durham, the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle.
Pupils are entered regularly for ABRSM and other exams and also have the opportunity to apply for music scholarships at 11+, 13+ and 16+ levels.
Our pupils have the opportunity to participate in a variety of trips and excursions at home and abroad.
We recognise the value to our pupils of enriching the curriculum through learning outside of the classroom and we aim to ensure each visit develops the individual pupil, fosters leadership, collaboration and teamwork, offers a challenge and creates a positive and memorable experience.
Our annual programme includes trips to the theatre, museum visits, sports and music tours as well as Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions, an annual ski trip to the Alps and rowing camps.
Recent ventures include a Chinese Exchange Visit to Chengdu, World Challenge Expeditions to Ecuador, Borneo and India, a cricket tour to Antigua, a girls’ hockey tour to Portugal, a Geography field trip to Iceland, a History trip to the Battlefields in France and winter walking trips to Scotland.
Education that extends beyond the school walls
At Durham School, education isn’t confined to the four walls of a classroom. Our trips and expeditions open the world to our pupils, introducing activities that encourage inquisitiveness, build confidence and create memories that last a lifetime.
Paths that influence and develop young minds
Whether exploring ancient sites, skiing in the mountains or representing the foundation overseas, these opportunities help pupils develop ambition, resilience and a natural drive for adventure. We are committed to ensuring that our programme is enriching and accessible: many trips are local and low-cost, while larger international tours are planned well in advance to support preparation. Our goal is to pair ambition with practical considerations for families.
A Classroom Without Borders
Our academic visits bring learning vividly to life. Geography pupils have travelled to the Lake District, the North Yorkshire coast, Iceland to deepen their understanding of the world. The Drama and Classics departments run a biennial overseas trip for around 40 pupils, visiting destinations such as Rome, Pompeii, Athens and Delphi. Open to those studying Drama, Latin and Ancient History, these experiences offer a powerful connection between past and present.
Sport at Durham is a source of pride and opportunity. This summer, more than 60 pupils took part in our biennial rugby, hockey and netball tour to South Africa — a blend of competitive fixtures and cultural experiences that stay with pupils long after they return home. Previous tours have taken teams to Australia, Canada, the USA, Holland and Hong Kong. Closer to home, pupils regularly compete in regional and national competitions, training camps and our much-loved Saturday fixtures, building teamwork, determination and friendships that endure.
Beyond academic and sporting opportunities, pupils can embrace challenge and adventure in many forms. Our biennial ski trip for Years 7–10 is a highlight of the calendar, offering pupils the chance to develop new skills and enjoy time together in a unique setting. The balance of adventure and cultural immersion that the World Challenge program offers inspires our older pupils to travel with Slovenia in July 2026 acting as the start of a two-year cycle that will lead to a long-haul expedition in 2028.
Options for all
Every trip — whether a single-day visit or a week-long expedition — is designed to add value and broaden horizons. Our programme is inclusive and diverse, ensuring that every pupil can discover something new, grow in confidence and enjoy shared experiences beyond the classroom.
At Durham, our MARK values are strengthened when pupils step outside their comfort zone. Trips and expeditions play a vital role in that journey, helping young people develop character, curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Rugby at Durham School combines a deep sense of tradition with a modern, inclusive approach to player development. As the home of Durham School Football Club, one of the five oldest rugby clubs in the world, the School has a long and distinguished connection with the game. That heritage sits alongside a clear commitment to helping every pupil enjoy rugby, develop confidence and grow as part of a team.
Rugby is a core part of the Games programme at Durham, and pupils benefit from regular training, competitive fixtures and expert coaching in an environment that is both supportive and challenging. With multiple rugby union teams across the senior age groups, alongside rugby sevens and tens, pupils have the opportunity to play regularly, to develop at the right level for their stage, and to build their understanding of the game over time.
The programme supports both broad participation and ambitious performance. Recent seasons have included a full sevens calendar, strong 15-a-side results, representative honours through regional and national pathways, and overseas touring opportunities. Durham pupils have progressed to England age-grade camps and professional academies, while the School’s rugby heritage includes distinguished Old Dunelmians such as Mike Weston, Geoff Parling, Garath Archer and Sir Carl Aarvold.
At Durham School, rugby is about much more than results alone. It is about commitment, resilience, teamwork and enjoyment, and about ensuring that every player, whether aspiring to representative honours or simply developing a love of the game, is known, supported and encouraged to improve.
Recent OD pupils have joined the following professional teams:
Newcastle Red Bulls; James Elliott, George Bolam
Sale Sharks; Patrick Hogg
Doncaster Knights: Cameron Nordi – Kelemeti
Grenoble; Pierce Phillips
Bristol Bears Steele Barker
SU Agen; Craig Willis
Cambridge: Jake Elwood
Moseley: Ollie Steadman
Leicester Tigers Head Coach : Geoff Parling
England U19; Sam Graham, Patrick Hogg, George Bolam
England U20; Patrick Hogg
England u18: Ajay Edwards
England u17: Titus Oshinowo, Dan Cassap.
Gareth Archer Geoff Parling
Carl Arvold
Mike Weston C, 1952–56 Centre / fly-half 29 England caps, five matches as captain, two British & Irish Lions tours, later England selector and 1987 World Cup team manager.
Garath Archer P, 1990–92 Lock 21 England caps, 1999 Rugby World Cup squad member, part of Newcastle Falcons’ Premiership-winning era and later Powergen Cup winner.
Geoff Parling P, 2000–02 Lock 29 England caps, 2013 Lions series winner, Premiership titles with Leicester Tigers and Exeter Chiefs, one of the School’s most prominent modern ODs.
Craig Willis S, 2011–13 Fly-half Professional career with Newcastle Falcons and Ealing Trailfinders, more than 1,000 career points, signed for SU Agen in 2025.
Pierce Phillips S, 2009–11 Lock Represented England Counties, captained Jersey Reds, played professionally for Worcester Warriors, Agen and Edinburgh Rugby.
James Elliott C, 2009–16 Scrum-half England Students international, part of Jersey’s 2022/23 Championship-winning side, returned to Newcastle Falcons in 2023.
Netball at Durham School gives girls the opportunity to play, improve and compete in a supportive and ambitious environment. As part of our extensive co-curricular programme, pupils take part in regular training, fixtures and tournaments, representing the School across a range of age groups and teams. In 2024/25, netballers across the School were active in the Durham League and in fixtures against strong regional opposition, with impressive performances from the 1st VII, 2nd VII, U15s and U14s.
At Durham, netball is about both enjoyment and development. Whether pupils are new to the sport or looking to perform at a higher level, they are encouraged to build confidence, game understanding and teamwork through regular match play and coaching. Recent successes included the U14s finishing the season unbeaten as league champions, the U15s finishing second in the Durham League and reaching the Sister N Sport Shield quarter-finals, while several players also earned county and Leeds Rhinos pathway honours.
Netball also plays an important part in the wider life of the School. Fixtures and results are a visible part of Durham’s sporting calendar, and senior players help set the tone for younger teams through their commitment and leadership. The School’s Year 13 players were recently celebrated at their final fixture for the contribution they had made to Durham netball over many years, reflecting the pride, teamwork and sense of belonging that the sport brings to School life.
Rowing is not just a sport; it becomes a way of life. I have been part of this life for over 25 years and my aim as Durham School’s Director of Rowing is to foster that same excitement and passion for rowing that I experienced during my own schooldays. Rowing requires commitment, dedication and organisation. It is not an easy sport to master, and the early starts and cold winter days are a test of one’s mettle but for the determined, the personal rewards can be great. While it is satisfying for all the hard work to result in achievement at competition level, the real reward from rowing comes from being part of the Club, part of a team and working with that team to develop your skill to the very best of your ability. Rowers often excel in other areas of school life. We have seen glittering arrays of A*s in the classroom from our Boat Club members over the years, with many moving on to world class universities. I believe that’s what makes Durham a very special place to row. Both inside and outside the classroom, there is a sense of purpose to pupils’ lives, a belief that they can and should aim high, supported by staff who are dedicated to helping them reach their potential. If you are interested in finding out more about Rowing at Durham, and how you might become part of our Club, please do get in touch.
Eddie Bryant, Head of the Boat Club
History of Durham School Boat Club
Durham School Boat Club (DSBC) was founded in 1847 and many of the traditions are still in practice today. However, history tells us that there was rowing at Durham School in the early 1830’s, making it one of the oldest clubs at the School and one of the oldest clubs on the River Wear. It is the third oldest club in the Country.
The first reference to a School boat was to the four oared wherry Argo in 1838, a large boat traditionally used for carrying passengers and cargo. The first Club rower to win a blue for Oxford or Cambridge rowing in The Boat Race was W. King who rowed for Oxford in 1854. The club itself is said to have won its first Challenge Cup in 1865.
DSBC were also a founding member of Durham Regatta in 1834, helping to establish the largest regatta in the North-East. The regatta is often referred to as the Henley of the North, with high performance athletes who travel from afar.
READ OUR GUIDE TO ROWING AT DURHAM SCHOOL
Cricket at Durham School offers pupils the chance to develop, compete and enjoy the game at every level. With opportunities across 17 boys’ and girls’ teams, pupils benefit from winter training, national competitions, overseas tours and strong county and professional pathway links. Recent highlights have included a tour to Sri Lanka, record participation in girls’ cricket and several pupils progressing into county, academy and professional environments.
We are proud to share that Durham School has been named a Top 100 best school for cricket in The Cricketer’s Schools Guide 2025.
