Private secondary schools in Durham offer exceptional educational opportunities, celebrated for their high academic standards and selective admissions processes.
Barnard Castle School, as part of the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, upholds a tradition of academic excellence, providing rigorous curricula within a supportive environment that fosters both intellectual growth and personal development.
Private schools in Durham, such as Durham High School and Red House School, also offer outstanding educational experiences. Durham High School provides a nurturing environment where students excel academically and socially, supported by dedicated faculty and modern facilities. Red House School similarly offers a comprehensive education with a focus on individualized attention and holistic development.
Below, you can find an updated list of all the private schools in Durham. Click the links below for individual school/admissions information, as well as some free 11 Plus exam papers in a similar style to those the school uses for its admissions test for year 7.
All Private Schools in Durham
Barnard Castle School
Address: Barnard Castle School, Newgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8UN, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1883.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 4–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam, testing English and maths.
Notable Features: Barnard Castle School, established in 1883, offers a rich and diverse educational experience, combining academic excellence with a strong emphasis on character development, extracurricular opportunities, and pastoral care, fostering the growth and success of each student.
Resources:
Barnard Castle School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation
Address: Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, The College, Durham, DH1 3EQ, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1414.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day and boarding school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, with origins dating back to 1414, upholds a distinguished tradition of academic excellence, holistic education, and a strong sense of community, providing students with a supportive environment where they can thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.
Resources:
Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Durham High School
Address: Durham High School for Girls, Farewell Hall, South Road, Durham, DH1 3TB, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1884.
Type Of School: Independent, girls' day school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam testing English, maths and verbal reasoning.
Notable Features: Durham High School for Girls, established in 1884, is renowned for its academic excellence, supportive community, and commitment to providing a well-rounded education, empowering girls to achieve their full potential and become confident and compassionate leaders in their chosen fields.
Resources:
Durham High School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Red House School
Address: Red House School, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees, TS20 2QY, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1929.
Type Of School: Independent, co-educational day school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam in English and CAT4.
Notable Features: Red House School, founded in 1929, prides itself on its nurturing environment, academic excellence, and commitment to holistic education, providing students with a supportive and stimulating atmosphere where they can thrive academically, socially, and personally.
Resources:
Red House School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information