The history of our schools is intrinsically linked with the history of Durham and the North East. From its foundation, Durham Cathedral almost certainly had several small schools associated with it, and as the need for both an educated clergy and laity grew, so too did the number of children educated within its cloisters.
Over time, it became necessary to streamline these various schools, and in 1414, Thomas Langley, Bishop of Durham, re-founded the Cathedral’s schools into "a School for Grammar and a School for Song." The Grammar School would become what is now Durham School. While the School for Song closed in the 17th century, records from the 1410s also saw a man named William Chantour being paid "for the instruction of youths in singing", starting a thread of education that would become the Chorister School.
Durham School received its Royal Charter from Henry VIII in 1541, and to this day continues to award King’s Scholarships in recognition of this honour.
Durham School was once located on the east side of Palace Green, until war in 1640 led to the destruction of Langley’s buildings. Teaching continued, though without a permanent home, for nearly 20 years. In 1661, following the Stuart Restoration and the return of stability, the school was rebuilt on the west side of Palace Green, in a building now occupied by the University’s Music Department.
In 1844, however, a rising number of pupils and plans to expand the new Durham University meant that more space was needed. The school moved to its current site across the river on Quarryheads Lane. This move allowed the school to flourish, and under Headmaster Henry Holden, Durham became the leading independent school in the North of England.
The growing interest in education during the Victorian era saw many small preparatory schools emerge across the city. The most successful of these was perhaps Bow School, founded in 1885 by W.H. Bramwell in buildings opposite Mary-le-Bow Church, next to Hatfield College. Bow joined Durham School in 1976, before merging with Chorister School as part of the creation of Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation in 2021.
Music has always been important, and today our schools reflect nearly 1,000 years of choral tradition. We have also played a key role in more modern music-making, with composer Will Todd, musician Rod Clements (of the band Lindisfarne), and performer Alexander Armstrong all among our current Old Dunelmians (former pupils)..
Sport has also played a significant role in the history of the Foundation. A founding member of the Durham Regatta, Durham School has been rowing on the Wear for over two centuries. Durham School Football Club is one of the five oldest rugby clubs in the world and will celebrate its 175th season in 2025/26. Cricket and hockey also have deep roots within the Foundation, with success at pupil level complemented by strong community partnerships.
Over 610 years on from Langley’s re-founding, Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation continues to go from strength to strength, both inside and outside the classroom. Our historic roots inform the values and traditions that help today’s pupils develop confidence for life and respect for others.
Famous alumni coming from the Foundation include Prime Minister Tony Blair, actor Rowan Atkinson, historian Mandell Creighton, author Hugh Walpole and England Rugby Captain and Administrator Michael Weston.