It has been another remarkable term at Durham High School, and as we enter the final week, it is fantastic to be able to reflect on three months of relative normality, with key events and activities including Speech Day, Open Days, the Christmas Fayre and all our performances able to take place without any restriction.
The highlight of this term was most certainly being graded ‘Excellent’ across all areas in the our latest Independent Schools Inspectorate Inspection Report. This is the highest possible grading, and, to put into context for anyone not familiar with ISI inspection ratings, it is comparable to a state school receiving ‘Outstanding’ in an Ofsted inspection.
The report commented that “Pupils make excellent progress and achieve highly in both academic and other areas”, they “have a genuine desire to succeed” and that they “show outstanding levels of respect.” We are so proud of our staff and pupils for this remarkable report, which is a testament to their tremendous achievements.
There are still a number of events to take place, and below you will find the key upcoming dates:
| Monday 12 December | Year 3 and 4 Christmas Party
Year 11 Parents’ Evening |
| Wednesday 14 December | Nine Lessons and Carols at Durham Cathedral
Pre-Prep Christmas Party |
| Thursday 15 December | Christmas Jumper Day (£1 donation)
Pre-Prep and Prep Elf Run Hot Chocolate and Christmas Music Year 5 and 6 Christmas Party |
| Friday 16 December | Non-Uniform Day (no charge)
End of Term 11.30am – Nursery-Year 2 11.45am – Year 3 -Year 6 12.00 noon – Senior Department |
The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2023
The 30th edition of Parent Power, which is The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2023, has been published today. It identifies the highest-achieving secondary schools in the UK, based on factors including this year’s examination results.
We are thrilled that Durham High School ranks as the most successful secondary school in County Durham, the top girls’ school in the region and in the top 3 of the region’s independent schools. Furthermore, we are first in the independent league table for A Level results in the North East.
Sport Update
Congratulations to the U13 Hockey team on their successful performance against Dame Allan’s, which they won 7-2. The U18’s enjoyed their final fixture of the term against RGS, and it was a great team performance despite defeat.
Inspiring Holocaust Talk
We welcomed Professor Marek Szablewski, a Physics lecturer from Durham University, into school today to deliver a talk to pupils in Year 8 and 9 about the Holocaust and his own family’s history. It was fascinating to hear about how his grandfather Stefan used his skills to hide his third wife, who was Jewish, and their daughter during the Nazi occupation of Poland in the Second World War.
Christmas Concert
We hosted our Senior Christmas Concert on Wednesday evening, with fantastic performances by the Middle School Choir, Senior Choir, Orchestra and Rock Band. Well done to all individuals that took part, with classic Christmas tracks including White Christmas, Silent Night and Merry Christmas Everyone forming part of the diverse set list. Well done to everyone who performed and made the event possible.
Tumbling Success
Congratulations to Eliana in Year 6, who achieved a 1st and 3rd place in the North of England Tumbling competition last weekend. Well done Eliana on achieving such a fantastic result.
Christmas Performances
Pupils across Pre-Prep and Prep have been entertaining their parents and families this week with some fantastic Christmas performances. A huge congratulations to all pupils involved, who remembered their lines, lyrics and movements with great success, and to the staff for their remarkable efforts.
School Christmas Closure
A reminder no one will be monitoring telephone calls in school after 1pm on Friday 16 December 2022 until we return in January. If you have any need to contact the school over the holiday, please email [email protected], but be aware that you may not receive a response before we return. The entire site will also be closed for Christmas, from Friday 23 December until Tuesday 3 January 2023. A reminder that Monday 9 January 2023 is also a staff INSET Day. All pupils will return the following day.
