Why Durston?
About us
Why Durston House?
Durston House is a vibrant, innovative and exceptional school. We have a rich and distinguished heritage of outstanding education and a fine record of achievement. We are forward thinking yet grounded in tradition. Established in 1886, we have been preparing pupils for some of the most prestigious senior schools in the country ever since.
Durston House has an enviable academic reputation and we are unashamedly ambitious for every single pupil. However, while we do offer a rigorous and broad academic curriculum, our pastoral care is of equal importance. We believe that pupils will fly further and higher if they are happy. Durston is a fun and interesting place to be, we are a warm and friendly school that creates a stimulating learning environment. Read our review in the Good Schools Guide here.
Why we’re different
We are non-selective at Reception, which is our main point of entry. Durston believes that academic success is achieved through excellent teaching and creating an environment where respect and values matter. We have the top KS2 results of any boys’ school in England according to the Parent Power List 2021 and while this is a superb accolade to have, we know that the key to success is through hard work and a desire to continually improve. Placing our pupils at the centre of everything we do and making sure every opportunity is taken so that each pupil is able to flourish.
Our 3 school buildings allow for each section of the school to operate with some autonomy. Children in Pre-Prep (Reception, Year 1 and 2) are in Middleton’s, which allows for a gentle start for pupil beginning their educational journey in colourful, welcoming and exciting surroundings. As they come to the end of Year 2 pupils are ready for Junior School, a place of burgeoning independence and curiosity. Junior school houses Years 3 and 4. Pupils in Junior School benefit from a welcoming and well-resourced library and a garden where they can take time to reflect as they develop into confident and capable pupils ready for the move to Main School to continue their Durston journey.
7 sports
With specialist sports teachers.
(Very) small
class sizes
An average of just 15 in a class.
One School, United
Although we may be housed in three separate buildings we are very much one school and make sure that there are plenty of opportunities for pupils to mix and for us all to be together.
Being an urban school we are incredibly lucky to have two huge sports fields. Castlebar Playing Field is a five minute walk from our teaching buildings and is tucked away behind houses, people often don’t realise it is even there. An unassuming gate masks the expanse of grass, tennis courts, pavilion, play equipment and a woodland area. Our other field is on Swyncombe Avenue, which is a ten minute drive away. There we have a cricket square, AstroTurf and grass pitches for football and rugby, along with a pavilion.
Our class sizes are small, even by Independent school standards. An average of 15 in a class means teachers are able to give even more individual attention to each pupil and tailor the activities accordingly.
Magical
Durston is a place where you will find a passion for learning, both in and out of the classroom. It is an innovative and ambitious school with kindness at its heart. We would love to welcome you and let you see first-hand what an engaging and magical place it is.