Durham High School For Girls
History and current status
The school was founded in 1884 and has occupied various sites during its history. It now has premises south of the city at Farewell Hall. The school is a member of the Girls' Schools Association.
Durham High School was judged as "Excellent" across all areas by the latest inspection carried out by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in October 2022. The report highlighted pupils' "excellent" progress and achievement, their "outstanding" attitudes to learning and their "strong moral awareness".
Leadership and staff
The school is a Church of England foundation, whose current Headmistress is Michelle Hill.
Academic results
Academic results are higher than average, even for the independent sector. Government performance figures show 98% of students achieving 5 Grade A* - C grades or better in their General Certificates of Secondary Education.
In 2022, 62.3% of GCSE entries achieved grade 9-7. At A Level 69.4% of the entries achieved A* or A. Pupils invariably obtain a place at the University of their choice, including Oxford and Cambridge, and other Russell Group universities.
Scholarships
The school offers a number of scholarships and bursaries, including one which offers up to a 100% rebate on the fees for seven years. Scholarships and exhibitions in sport, music, drama and exam entrance awards are frequently awarded.
Notable former pupils
- Amy Tinkler - Olympic Bronze Medallist (Gymnastics)
- Anne Williams - Church Army Captain and member of the General Synod of the Church of England
- Helen Bond, Professor of Christian Origins and Head of the School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh
- Mica McNeill - Olympian (bobsled)
- Wendy Craig - actress
- Wendy Gibson- actress and news presenter
References
- ^ Girls School Association
- ^ "Durham High School for Girls :: Independent Schools Inspectorate". www.isi.net. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
- ^ DfES results for Durham High School for Girls
- ^ Details of Scholarships and Bursaries
- ^ "Amy Tinkler got her GCSE results and she is 'over the moon'". Metro. 26 August 2016. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
- ^ Northern Echo article on Anne Williams Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
Further reading
- Alison Utley, ed. (2009). 125 Years of Durham High School for Girls: A Birthday Celebration. ISBN 978-1-906507-07-7.