Financial Assistance
Scholarships and Bursaries at 11+ & 13+
Durham High School for Girls seeks to attract bright, enthusiastic and gifted pupils who can make a real impact on the life of the School. For this reason, various Scholarships and Bursaries are available.
Governors’ Scholarship
One Governors’ Scholarship, worth 100% of fees per annum, i.e. an entirely free place at the High School, is awarded for seven years to an able girl joining Year 7 whose parents could not otherwise afford tuition fees.
Academic Scholarships
There are a number of Academic Scholarships worth up to 40% of fees per annum. These are awarded to the girls who perform best in the Entrance Examination, which is held in January. These scholarships are awarded for seven years (11+) or five years (13+) and may be supplemented in appropriate cases by a Governors' Bursary (see below), up to a usual maximum of 50% fee remission.
Music Scholarships
Music Scholarships and Exhibitions are offered to suitable 11+ and 13+ applicants. At 11+ girls should be Grade 3 standard, or higher, on at least one instrument or voice. At 13+ girls should be Grade 5 standard, or higher. Auditions take place shortly after the day of the Entrance Examination. Music Scholarships are worth up to 25% of fees and may be supplemented in appropriate cases by a Governors' Bursary (see below), up to a usual maximum of 50% fee remission.
Performing Arts and Drama Scholarships
These Scholarships and Exhibitions are offered to suitable 11+ and 13+ applicants. Applicants should have substantial performing experience, either in or out of school. Auditions take place shortly after the day of the Entrance Examination. The awards are worth not less than £500 per annum and may be supplemented in appropriate cases by a Governors' Bursary (see below), up to a usual maximum of 50% fee remission.
Sports Scholarships
These Scholarships are awarded to girls through evaluation of sporting performance at 11+ and 13+. Applicants should be competing to a high standard both in and outside of school. Physical ability, enthusiasm, leadership, teamwork skills and potential are taken into consideration. The awards are worth not less than £500 per annum and may be supplemented in appropriate cases by a Governors' Bursary (see below), up to a usual maximum of 50% fee remission.
Governors' Bursaries
A significant number of Governors' Bursaries are available at 11+ and 13+. Bursaries are usually worth up to 50% of the current fees. These are based on a means tested form and awarded to parents of girls who are roughly in the top half of the ability range but cannot afford full fees. Bursaries are reviewed annually.
Barbara Priestman Scholarship
The Barbara Priestman Scholarship, worth £600 per annum for seven years, is awarded annually at 11+ from the Sir John Priestman Charitable Trust. This scholarship is intended for daughters of practising Christians of any denomination. Candidates for this scholarship sit a Religious Studies test shortly after the Entrance Examination. The award may be supplemented in appropriate cases by a Governors' Bursary (see above) up to a usual maximum of 50% fee remission.
Clerical Bursaries
Daughters of clergy receive an automatic 10% fee remission which may be supplemented in appropriate cases by a Governors' Bursary (see above) up to a usual maximum of 50% fee remission.