Head’s Welcome
Giles Entwisle
Why Durston?
Why Durston?Autumn Term 2022
Term Begins: Monday 12 September
Half Term Monday 24 October – Sunday 6 November
Term Ends: Thursday 15 December
NEW FOR SEPTEMBER 2023!
Durston House will be going co-ed, welcoming girls & boys from 3-13 years of age. Our new Pre-School provision for children aged 3+ will provide a safe and happy environment that enable children to become confident and independent.
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Durston Stories
Year 3 outing to St Peter’s Church
In November, Year 3 had the opportunity to visit St Peter’s Church as part of their T.P.R. (Theology, Philosophy & Religion) topic on Christianity. We were met at the church by Father David and Father Adam who welcomed us in and guided us towards the pews. The boys are familiar… Read More
Christmas Jumper Day & Christmas Bazaars 2022
On Friday 9 December, we kicked off our festive, charity fundraising by holding a Mufti-Day. Staff and pupils wore their best festive jumpers, raising money for our two chosen charities; Water Aid and Ealing Soup Kitchen! Following the success of previous Christmas… Read More
Music, Autumn Term 2022 Round Up
Pre-Prep (Reception – Year 2) In Pre-Prep, children learnt a number of carols and songs for their Christmas Production of ‘The Magical Christmas Tree’, they enjoyed singing with their full heart and happy smiles during performances. They also performed in the Harvest Assembly, with gusto and a great diction!… Read More
Year 3 outing to The British Museum
Year 3 have been learning about the Ancient Egyptians this term and so visiting the British Museum recently was an excellent opportunity for all the boys to put their learning into context and of course, learn more about this fascinating civilization. The boys took part in an Ancient Egyptian artefact… Read More
Junior School Festive Learning Walk
Last Tuesday, Junior School opened its doors to parents for a learning walk, with an appropriate festive twist of mince pies being served! This was the perfect opportunity for parents to see all the wonderful work their children have been working on since the start of Autumn Term! Children were… Read More
PSHME, Autumn Term 2022 Round Up
Junior School PSHME The Year 3 boys started their term exploring Emotional Wellbeing. They learnt about different feelings and emotions people experience; ways of expressing feelings and emotions; the impact of different life changes and strategies for dealing with grief and getting help, advice and support. The 2nd half of… Read More
PE & Games, Autumn Term 2022 Round Up
It has been an extremely busy term for the PE and Games department, with boys competing in various competitions and matches with other schools, and internally. Durston House has been involved in Football, Cross Country, Indoor Athletics and even some Rugby in preparation for the Spring Term. Throughout the Autumn… Read More
Pre-Prep Production of ‘The Magical Christmas Tree’
Merry Christmas! This year Pre-Prep were able to perform to full audiences once again for the first time since 2019. Their performances of ‘The Magical Christmas Tree’ were a resounding success. Reception were our very own magical elves, and they stole the show with their cute costumes and cheeky smiles!… Read More
Durston House celebrates Anti-Bullying Week 2022 – Reach Out
Here at Durston House we believe that every individual counts. Being our true authentic selves and appreciating the differences within each and every one of us lies at the heart of everything we do. We’re a diverse community of families and staff, where all are welcomed, a placed where people… Read More
Exploring Topics in Reception – Autumn Term!
In Reception, we cover 6 topics. These develop learning in Humanities (Geography and History), Science, Art and Religious Studies, as well as giving opportunities for reading and writing. We kicked off the first half term of Autumn exploring the topic ‘People who help us’. We talked about people who help… Read More
Art in Junior School
Year 4 has been learning about the life and work of American artist, Jackson Pollock. Boys were mesmerised by his Abstract Expressionist pieces created in his unique style of Action Painting. Pollock’s work is non-representational, meaning it didn’t look like anything. Instead, he tried to show emotions, like happiness or anger,… Read More
A sneak peek of Maths in Pre-Prep
The boys in Reception have made steady progress throughout their first term of Mathematics at Durston House. During the first half of the Autumn Term they focused on numbers to 5. This half term they have progressed to working with numbers to 10. They have just been introduced to the… Read More
Year 1 Aboriginal Workshop
It was a very exciting experience for the Year 1 Durston Boys this year as it is the first time they shared a workshop with the Year 1 girls from Harvington Prep. The boys and girls both had a wonderful time together delving into the interesting, ancient and unknown culture… Read More
Junior School Science, Autumn Term 2022
At Durston House Junior School, the boys cover various topics in their curriculum. The Year 4 Autumn 1 term sees the boys learning about ‘Sound’ and the Year 3 Autumn 1 term covers ‘Health Eating’. Over the Autumn term, many experiments took place which allowed boys to use their investigative… Read More
Year 4 Outing to Ealing Synagogue
As part of their T.P.R. topic (Theology, Philosophy & Religion) on Judaism, Year 4 visited Ealing Synagogue to find out more about the religion and study the layout and features of this important place of worship. Rabbi Vogel met us at the synagogue and was our… Read More
Football and Rugby Tour to Salou, Spain
During the October half term, Durston House took 30 Year 7 and 8 boys to Salou in Spain for our bi-annual Football and Rugby Tour. It was an amazing week, filled with sightseeing, theme park rides, swimming, going to the beach and, of course, Football and Rugby. The boys had… Read More
Remembrance Day at Durston House
Yesterday, Thursday 10 November we held our Remembrance Day Assembly and paid our respects to those that have sacrificed so much for our country. Mr Stock, Head of Co-Curricular discussed with pupils the importance of Remembrance Day, its origin and the significance of Poppies, as well as reflecting that it’s… Read More
Bringing Mexican History & culture to life with Mexicolore!
Today ‘Mexicolore’ visited Durston House, where Year Two boys were lucky to have an amazing workshop and to be joined by their counterparts from Harvington Prep School. In the last half term the boys covered the Aztecs. You may be wondering who the Aztecs were? The Aztecs were a… Read More
Exploring Black History Month through Literature at Durston House
Our School Librarian Mr White has actively sourced a range of literature to support and promote Black History Month across the Pre-Prep, Junior School and Middle & Upper School. A combination of books were purchased that highlight the events and people who shape recent and more distant black history. Mr… Read More
A look at Maths in Year 5…
Working in small groups the year 5 boys put their determination and problem solving skills to the test by solving four problems. Each problem requiring the boys to draw from different skills and areas in mathematics. The first problem tested the boys knowledge on number facts. Using ten cards numbered… Read More
Y5 Battle Abbey Outing
As part of their History Norman Conquest topic, Year 5 had the opportunity to visit Battle Abbey, near Hastings. This is the site of the Battle of Hastings and the boys were able to get a feel for the environment that the Normans and Saxons would have experienced while battling… Read More
Welcome Back to Durston House!
I hope you had a wonderful, restful summer break. The welcome back to school after the long summer holidays was overshadowed by the sad announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Her reign was lived out in a life of selfless service and duty. Our thoughts and sincerest prayers… Read More
Queen Elizabeth II
The Durston community mourns most deeply the death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Her reign was lived out in a life of selfless service and duty. Our thoughts and sincerest prayers are with the Royal Family in their time of profound loss. May she rest in peace. Read More
Y7 Trip to Lake District – Trips Week 2022!
The Year 7 boys spent their trips week in at FSC Castlehead in Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria. Whilst away the boys reinforced and expanded their knowledge of the geography we had been studying in class. They developed their fieldwork skills, team building and tested themselves against Mother Nature. Monday: We arrived at… Read More
Year 8 Leavers’ Celebrations 2022
This year’s Leavers’ celebrations fell on a blue skied, bright sunny day; one brimming with bitter sweet celebration for our Year 8 boys and all that they have achieved here at Durston House, whilst the simmering emotion of a final farewell is fully felt. It was a chance for the… Read More
Final Assembly, Summer Term 2022
“Work hard, be kind and amazing things will happen.”Conan O’ Brien Today, our Final Assembly took place at Haven Green Church. Led by Mr Stock, pupils, parents and staff came together to honour each other’s achievements this year, from the STEM Week Science Fair winners, to announcing that… Read More
Prize Day 2022 Round-up!
At Durston House, we seek every possible opportunity to reward pupils and to recognise their successes throughout the academic year. This week our annual prize giving ceremonies took place, which were the perfect end to a busy term. An occasion for pupils, parents and staff to gather & celebrate the… Read More
Middle & Upper School Sports Day 2022!
On Thursday 29 June at Perivale Athletics Track, the Durston House Middle and Upper Schools competed in their annual House Sports Day Competition. Boys from Years 5-8 competed in both Track and Field events, during which each boy took part in a short distance race, a… Read More
Pre-Prep Sports Day Spectacular 2022!
Pre-Prep Sports Day took place on Thursday 23 June at Castlebar playing fields. The boys spent the first part of the afternoon completing a variety of Track and Field events in their Houses. These events consisted of High Jump, Hurdles, Javelin and Long Jump. The boys took turns at completing… Read More
STEM Week 2022!
Boys threw themselves whole-heartedly into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Week. Throughout the week, boys across the school had the opportunity to learn about the engineering world. We welcomed a variety of current parents to our Career Talks; where they delivered workshops surrounding their field of work; from forensic… Read More
Year 8 Production of The Wind in the Willows
A cast of 29 boys took the stage for our Year 8 production of The Wind in the Willows to a packed audience. Every boy sang, danced and acted skilfully in this tale of friendship, adventure and fun! Boys did a remarkably good job of learning their lines over… Read More
Durston House Staff Victorious in Parents’ vs Staff Cricket Match!
Last Friday saw the annual Staff vs Parents’ cricket match take place at Swyncombe Playing Field, on what was a typically beautiful summer’s evening. This is always a fun, competitive and relaxed family event with our DHPA providing wonderful food and drink throughout the evening. It was great… Read More
Pre-Prep Maths Day!
Mathematics Day in Pre-Prep was packed full of fun! The Reception boys used skittles, watermelon and fresh fruit smoothies to investigate statistics and measurement. Chocolate crackles, Multiplication Station and the Blooket App gave the Year 1’s a chance to put all of the Mathematical skills and strategies they have learnt… Read More
Junior School Science – Summer Term 20222
At Durston House Junior School, the boys cover various topics in their curriculum. The Year 4 Summer term sees the boys learning about ‘Habitats’ and the Year 3 Summer term covers ‘Light and Shadows’. Over the Summer term, many experiments took place which allowed boys to use their investigative skills… Read More
Junior School Sports Day 2022!
Last Monday Junior School pupils enjoyed a fun and activity filled afternoon! The day consisted of track events where boys competed to qualify for the afternoon track finals. All track events were timed, with the fastest six making it into the final. Boys then had a choice between a short… Read More
Year 3 Outing to Southall Gurdwara
As part of their T.P.R. Sikhism topic, Year 3 have an opportunity to visit the Gurdwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Southall. This is a beautiful, purpose-built Gurdwara in the heart of the Sikh community in west London. We are fortunate enough to live local to this landmark building, enabling… Read More
TPR in Junior School, Summer Term
This term, Y4 study the Hindu religion as part of the T.P.R. topic. We are fortunate that our boys come from a diverse and multicultural heritage, which they are more than happy to share during T.P.R. studies. The boys learn about the importance of worship: at home, in the… Read More
Y8 Trip to Devon- Trips Week 2022!
After an early start, Year 8 set off from Castlebar Field for their final trip at Durston. They were off to the Ultimate Adventure Centre in Bideford, North Devon. Following a 5-hour trip, the boys arrived and were swiftly onto their first set of activities before dinner: Mountain Boarding, Archery… Read More
Year 3 Visit to London Zoo!
On a bright sunny day, all the Y3 boys had their rucksack filled with snacks, lunch, drinks and of course, sunblock. They were ready to embark on an adventure around the London Zoo. Upon arrival, boys were split into two groups which explored the zoo from either end. Each group… Read More
Y6 Trip to France – Trips Week 2022!
Le voyage scolaire en France lundi On Monday 13 June, we left school at 06:30 to be driven by Paul, our coach driver to Folkstone where we boarded the Eurostar. We got our passports checked and finished our film. When the coach drove into the station I saw the Eurostar,… Read More
Y4 visit to PGL – Trips Week 2022!
Rolling suitcases and chatty children down Longfield Walk indicated that it was finally the day of the Year 4 PGL trip! The bright sunshine and buoyant mood was palpable, with all boys brimming with excitement to wave goodbye to parents and head to Marchants Hill PGL. ‘Challenge by choice,’ is… Read More
Y5 History Trip to York – Trips Week 2022!
Year 5 spent their Trips Week exploring the ancient city of York and the surrounding area, deepening their knowledge and understanding of the history they are studying in the classroom. Whilst in York, the boys enjoyed stepping back to the time of the Norman Conquest with a visit to Clifford’s… Read More
Year 1 outing to Windsor Castle
Last Friday Year One took a trip to Windsor Castle to consolidate their learning on Castles and Knights. Pupils visited the beautiful grounds and state rooms where they were wowed by the amazing detail. After an action packed day, we embarked on our journey home feeling very excited –… Read More
Pre-Prep African Dance & Drumming Workshop
“YEAH! YEAH! HEY! HEY! AFRICA! ME AND YOU ARE FRIENDS!” Today Pre-prep attended an ‘African Drumming’ assembly and workshop thanks to the West-African dancing, singing and drumming duo of Gaspard (from the Ivory Coast) and Nii (from Ghana). The boys embraced dancing in barefoot and learning… Read More
Ranger Stu visits Reception!
Today in Reception Ranger Stu came to visit from Cedars Nature Centre, and with him came Coconut the Tarantula, Reggie the Boa Constrictor, Rambo the Bearded Dragon, Dobbie the Armadillo, Cinnamon the Tenrec and Leko Owl. The boys were all very brave to hold or gently stroke… Read More
Junior School Summer Arts Fair
Year 4, under the expert and encouraging eye of Mrs Hryschuk (Head of Art), showed off their striking creations using print and collage; their water colour interpretations of Monet’s bridge at Giverny formed an uplifting backdrop to our talented musicians. Year 3 boys highlighted the mood of summer and nature… Read More
Year 4 visit to London Wetlands Centre
The Y4 boys ventured to the London Wetlands Centre in Barnes which is a protected nature reserve. This trip forms part of Durston’s Summer Term on Habitats. Boys were split into two groups covering most of the wetlands from East to West. Upon walking, there was… Read More
Pre-Prep save the world in their Eco Workshop!
Today Pre-Prep attended an ‘Eco Workshop’ thanks to Perform. They became superheroes for the session with a mission to save Earth from global warming. Bad Bopper, the villain, was ruining the earth by destroying the plants and leaving rubbish everywhere. Armed with the 3 Rs (reduce,… Read More
Year 5 – Year 8 Art Exhibition
Last Thursday, we had the pleasure of hosting our first annual Durston House Art Exhibition which celebrated creations of Middle School and Upper School boys. Families and local schools were invited to take in a variety of 2D and 3D pieces whilst enjoying a glass of wine and nibbles. Read More
English in Pre-Prep at Durston House
In Pre-Prep, we start learning to read and write in our phonics lessons from the first day of school! In Reception, we have lots of opportunities to share stories and other books together, and to discuss our thoughts and ideas about what happens, and what might happen next. We learn… Read More
Future Schools’ Fair
On Wednesday 11 May we hosted our inaugural annual Future Schools’ Fair. It was a pleasure to welcome a vast number of leading Independent Senior Schools including; City of London School, Hampton School, Harrodian School, John Lyon, Lady Eleanor Holles, Merchant Taylors’ School, North London Collegiate School, Notting Hill &… Read More
Reception Trip to Odds Farm
Reception had a lovely trip to Odds Farm in the sunshine today! The boys enjoyed feeding the animals, petting the rabbits, riding the tractors and having fun in the adventure playground. Mrs Stiglingh – Head of Reception… Read More
PSHME in Middle & Upper School – Spring Term
Planning and teaching an effective PSHME curriculum is a unique journey. It helps children and young people to be safe, healthy and prepared for life’s opportunities. Year 5: The focus this term was on the benefits of a balanced lifestyle and its effects on wellbeing. It included aspects such as… Read More
Rugby at Durston House
During the Spring Term, Durston House competed in a number of Rugby fixtures and competitions against other schools. These took place both at Swyncombe and away at various sports grounds, including a tournament held at the StoneX Stadium, home of Saracens Rugby. Some of our fixtures/events this term include: Rugby… Read More
Junior School Production of Robin Hood
A special production of Robin Hood was brought to life by the Junior School boys at the end of Spring term. In this classic struggle of good versus evil, Robin is – of course – the hero of the hour, as he fights for good against the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham and… Read More
What Science looks like in Pre-Prep…
Last term, Science in the Pre-Prep was filled with many exciting opportunities for the boys to explore and develop their enthusiasm for Science. At the end of last term, many boys in the Pre-Prep entered the British Science Week Poster Competition with the theme of Growth. Read More
Junior School Maths, Summer Term
Swiftly moving into the Summer Term, Mathematics in Junior School is sizzling. Year 3 continue to acquire skills for mastering decimals, which develops knowledge and understanding to aid the concepts of pounds and pence when learning about money and 12-hour/24-hour digital clock too. They have used decimal sliding lines to… Read More
Junior School Art, Spring Term
Last term, the Year 4 boys immensely enjoyed investigating printmaking, an artistic process that involves transferring images from a matrix onto another surface, such as paper or textile. Traditional printmaking techniques include woodcut, etching, engraving, and lithography, while modern artists have expanded available techniques to include screen-printing. The boys began… Read More
French in Junior School, Spring Term
Last term, the Year 3 and 4 boys explored different ways of cultivating their knowledge of French language and culture. Spoken French was given a dramatic twist at the beginning of term, with a wonderful live performance of Le Petit Chaperon Rouge (Little Red Riding Hood ) and Jacques et… Read More
Durston House and Harvington Prep to merge
We are delighted to announce that Durston House and Harvington Preparatory School in Ealing are to merge, creating a new and exceptional co-educational offer for West London families. As close neighbours, the schools already share deep roots within the local community, and have in common a time-honoured commitment to delivering… Read More
Reception outing to Bekonscot Model Village & Railway
On Friday 18 March, Reception had a wonderful sunny day at Bekonscot Model Village & Railway as part of their topic ‘Transport’. The boys had a workshop on transport in the past, explored the model village, went on a train ride and played in the adventure… Read More
Computer Science in Middle & Upper School
Pupils in Middle and Upper Schools are greeted with a diverse and eclectic curriculum throughout their time at Durston House, preparing them for the next step of their academic journey. Year 5 After a successful half term on Online Safety, ranging from managing online information, to fake news, to… Read More
Y2 Outing to Headstone Manor
On Friday 4 March, Year 2 visited Headstone Manor to complement their study of the Great Fire of London. Whilst there pupils participated in a Fire and Flames workshop and also got to make a clay fire plaque. Want to learn more about our Curriculum in… Read More
Lit Fest 2022
Lit Fest is an annual event at Durston House which celebrates literature and the spoken word. The theme of this year’s Lit Fest was ‘Around the World in Eighty Books’. This theme is clearly inspired by the adventure novel, Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne, published in… Read More
Maths in Pre-Prep
How helpful, purposeful and important the use of practical materials is in helping the boys understand and master new mathematical concepts was evident throughout Mathematics lessons in Pre-Prep this week. The use of equipment such as counters, blocks, tens frames, part-whole models, number lines etc allow the boys to physically… Read More
Year 6 Outing to Amersham Field Studies Centre
Last Friday forty-six Year 6 boys set off to Amersham Field Studies Centre to investigate the microclimates of the area and collect data for their fieldwork project as part of the work in Geography. The day started in the classroom where methods and equipment were discussed, along with where… Read More
Computer Science at Durston House Pre-Prep
2022 has only just begun, and we are already back in full swing during our Computer Science lessons at Durston House Pre-Prep. All the form teachers are putting a lot of hard work into getting the pupils acquainted with new technologies every week. Throughout a boys time at… Read More
Science Round Up – Autumn Term 2021
Science Round Up – Autumn Term 2021 It has been another busy term in the Sciences Middle and Upper School. Back in September, Year 5 were introduced to the Science labs with an introductory course on Safety as part of the Science curriculum. This… Read More
Welcome to our new website!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new website here at Durston House School. We hope you agree that it reflects the essence of what we are about – our impressive academic pedigree as well as the wonderfully diverse, innovative, welcoming and happy school, which was reflected… Read More
Anti-Bullying Week 2021
Kindness is more important today than it has ever been. The isolation of the last year has underlined how little acts of consideration can break down barriers and brighten the lives of the people around us. ‘One Kind Word’ was the chosen theme for Anti-Bullying Week. Whilst anti-bullying is a… Read More
Pre-Prep are immersed in ancient Aztec and Aboriginal Australian culture
Kindness is more important today than it has ever been. The isolation of the last year has underlined how little acts of consideration can break down barriers and brighten the lives of the people around us. ‘One Kind Word’ was the chosen theme for Anti-Bullying Week. Whilst anti-bullying… Read More
Reception and People who help us
Kindness is more important today than it has ever been. The isolation of the last year has underlined how little acts of consideration can break down barriers and brighten the lives of the people around us. ‘One Kind Word’ was the chosen theme for Anti-Bullying Week. Whilst anti-bullying is a… Read More
Sports Update
Kindness is more important today than it has ever been. The isolation of the last year has underlined how little acts of consideration can break down barriers and brighten the lives of the people around us. ‘One Kind Word’ was the chosen theme for Anti-Bullying Week. Whilst anti-bullying is a… Read More
English Storytelling
Kindness is more important today than it has ever been. The isolation of the last year has underlined how little acts of consideration can break down barriers and brighten the lives of the people around us. ‘One Kind Word’ was the chosen theme for Anti-Bullying Week. Whilst anti-bullying is a… Read More
Bonjour à toutes et à tous!
Kindness is more important today than it has ever been. The isolation of the last year has underlined how little acts of consideration can break down barriers and brighten the lives of the people around us. ‘One Kind Word’ was the chosen theme for Anti-Bullying Week. Whilst anti-bullying is a… Read More
Computer Science @ Junior School
Kindness is more important today than it has ever been. The isolation of the last year has underlined how little acts of consideration can break down barriers and brighten the lives of the people around us. ‘One Kind Word’ was the chosen theme for Anti-Bullying Week. Whilst anti-bullying… Read More
Headmasters Blog – Diversity at Durston
Diversity is a theme that I promised the boys that I would come back to this summer term, and the first assembly back provided me with the perfect opportunity. We first considered the critically important need for diversity in nature and the environment. It is a good starting point to… Read More
Maths Department – First Week Back
Kindness is more important today than it has ever been. The isolation of the last year has underlined how little acts of consideration can break down barriers and brighten the lives of the people around us. ‘One Kind Word’ was the chosen theme for Anti-Bullying Week. Whilst anti-bullying… Read More