Durham High School for Girls
· DH1 3TB
Durham High School for Girls is a well-established independent day school in Durham city centre, educating girls from age 3 through the Sixth Form. With 140 years of heritage, the school has recently earned an Outstanding ISI rating and maintains a strong reputation for academic excellence, pastoral care, and community spirit. The school is noted for its holistic approach across Pre-Prep, Prep, Senior, and Sixth Form, blending rigorous academics with a broad co-curricular offering.
- →Outstanding ISI inspection rating and consistent strong academic results (nearly 20% Grade 9s at GCSE)
- →All-through education from age 3, providing continuity and seamless pastoral progression
- →Strong Sixth Form with demonstrated Oxbridge success and Russell Group university destinations
- →Excellent pastoral care system with house structure and clear focus on pupil wellbeing
- →Located in Durham city centre with good accessibility; recent Parent Power recognition as top independent secondary in North East
Who thrives here
Academically ambitious girls who benefit from a structured, supportive environment with clear pastoral oversight. The school suits families seeking continuity from early years through to university entrance, and girls who engage with both academic rigour and a broad co-curricular life (sport, music, drama, service).
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Farewell Hall, South Road, Durham
DH1 3TB
Nearest stations
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Durham High School for Girls?
Day fees at Durham High School for Girls are approximately £19,323 per year (2025/26).
How do you get into Durham High School for Girls?
Durham High School for Girls admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Durham High School for Girls's exam results?
At Durham High School for Girls, 19% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 51.3% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Durham High School for Girls a boarding school?
Durham High School for Girls is a day school in England and does not offer boarding.
What is Durham High School for Girls's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Durham High School for Girls “Excellent” (2022).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Outstanding ISI inspection and strong academic results (GCSE Grade 9 rate, Sixth Form university destinations)
✓Excellent pastoral care and house system creating strong community and sense of belonging
✓All-through education providing continuity and established pastoral knowledge of each girl
✓Broad co-curricular life with sport, music, drama, and service opportunities
✓Strong leadership opportunities and sense of empowerment across age groups
✓Dedicated staff and headmistress leadership recognised in ISI report
Common concerns
!Day-only provision (no boarding) may not suit families seeking flexible childcare or pastoral immersion
!Limited transparency on fees and financial assistance in public materials
!Relatively small sixth form may limit subject breadth or peer cohort size compared to larger independent schools