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Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation welcomes pupils of all ages from overseas.
  • International Day pupils are welcome to apply from FS2.
  • Boarding Admissions to Durham School are considered at any stage of a child’s education from Year 7 (age 11) through to Sixth Form.
  • We only consider Year 11 entry into our One Year GCSE programme.

We greatly value the richness and diversity that our International pupils bring to our community.

We regularly celebrate this through our International School events such as Chinese New Year celebrations, Thanksgiving, Holi, International pupils dinners and themed school lunches.

For more information, please take a look at the links below:

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 students 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 a strong cohort of international pupils from 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.

Discover more about boarding at Durham School as an international pupil in our latest Guide to Boarding below:

Guide To Boarding

Million thanks to dearest Durham School that has become a second home for our daughter. Thank you for your special attitude to all international students in such hard times, cordial support you provide them with and much sympathy. It means a lot to our family.

Mrs Safonova, Parent

Where Next?

Join Us at our Chorister Welcome Morning and our Teddy Bear's Picnic!

Welcome Morning at Chorister School.

Saturday 25 April 2026

10am – 12.30pm

Teddy Bear Picnic at Chorister School.

We’re inviting our youngest explorers (and their favourite cuddly companions!) to join us for a very special afternoon at Chorister School.
Bring your teddy, enjoy games, stories and time to explore our beautiful setting in the heart of Durham.
A perfect opportunity to experience the warmth, care and joyful curiosity that defines life at Chorister School.
We can’t wait to welcome you and your bears!
 Monday 11 May 2026
1.30pm – 3.00pm