Durham High School for Girls


Durham High School is a coeducational independent day school for children aged 3 to 18 years old in Durham, United Kingdom.
Until September 2025 it was a single-sex school for girls.
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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 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.
In 2025 the school announced that they would begin accepting boys for Pre-Prep and Prep starting in September 2025, as well as male students for Senior School and Sixth Form in September 2026.

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