Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation

Scholarships and Bursaries

The Governing Body of Durham School is committed to widening access to the benefits of a Durham School education through the provision of financial assistance with fees. This assistance comes in the form of scholarships and or bursaries outlined below.

Academic Scholarships:

Headmaster’s Scholarship

Each year we award a Headmaster’s Scholarship, worth 100% of school fees, to one outstanding boy or girl on entry at 11+. The award is based on talent across a number of areas, including academic ability, and is a recognition of the importance the school places on an all-round contribution. The award is assessed in the same way as a King's Scholarship, plus an interview with the Headmaster.

King's Scholarships

These academic awards are available for candidates at 11+ and 13+ entering Year 7 and 9. At 11+ scholarships are awarded on the basis of performance in the entrance assessments plus an interview with the Headmaster. At 13+ there is a separate scholarship examination in English and mathematics, followed by an interview. This is offered to candidates who perform well in the 13+ entrance assessments. These scholarships are available for the entirety of a pupil’s education and are worth up to 50% of the day fee, subject to appropriate means testing.

Burkitt Scholarships

A number of Burkitt Scholarships are awarded to candidates at 16+ entering Year 12. Candidates must sit tests in English, mathematics and critical thinking and attend an interview. Burkitt awards are not a fixed amount but are funded by the Burkitt Trust and can range from £1000 up to 100% of fees subject to means testing. Burkitt scholars are also eligible for support worth up to £1000 per annum if successful in gaining entry to either Oxford or Cambridge Universities.

For admissions and scholarship information please contact our Admissions Office on 0191 731 9270 or admissions@dcsf.org.uk.