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Where pupils go above and beyond what they thought they could achieve.

Years 5-8

The transition from Junior to Middle School is one which is met with excitement, but also, understandably, with a little apprehension. 

The degree of independence is developed further, and greater responsibility taken for oneself and their learning. This is a distinct stage in our pupil’s education and one where they must juggle academic and extra-curricular responsibilities, as well as learning to take on the additional duties associated with being in the senior years at Durston. Expectations are high and pupils meet the challenge with great integrity, high energy and careful support from their teachers. Form tutors take great care and effort to help pupils manage the increased workloads, challenges and their wellbeing, as they begin their teenage years. Parental partnership is as important now as it was in Reception, most pupils will have spent more time in their prep school than they will in any other educational setting. Which allows us to gain a far deeper understanding of who they are as people as they prepare for their next stage of education. 

“Durston House, through its’ nurturing and adaptive ways of teaching has brought out the best in each of our children to make each one shine in their own way.  They have developed beautiful friendships and go to school with a smile and a spring in their step!”
—Parent

Pupils follow a full and rigorous academic timetable often performing well above their age expected outcomes. Durston is unashamedly academically ambitious for every pupil, and this is evidenced through our fine results that our pupils achieve as they move onto some of the top senior schools in the country. The curriculum in the senior years allows for the development of twenty first century competencies whilst maintaining a content-rich focus. Pupils show evidence of their ability to think critically and to ask big questions. Alongside the traditional subjects, in which pupils excel, philosophy and ethics is introduced in Year 7 helping to develop the pupil in the round. 

Opportunities beyond the classroom allow pupils to take different approaches to their learning and to continue to inspire them. Mentoring and leadership opportunities form part of the Upper School experience, as pupils support each other as well as younger members of the school community. 

Middle and Upper School Stories

Durston House School: Celebrating the Final Events Before the Summer Holidays

As the academic year draws to a close, Durston House School is bustling with excitement and a flurry of activities. The final weeks before the summer holidays are marked by a series of events that celebrate the achievements, growth, and milestones of our pupils. From the highly anticipated Prize Days… Read More

Annual Fun Day 2024: A Joyous Celebration by DHPA

The DHPA’s Annual Fun Day 2024 was a smashing success! Held on Saturday, 6th July, this event brought together the community for a day of laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories. Organized by the dedicated parents of the DHPA, the event featured an array of activities and attractions that catered to… Read More

Celebrating Diversity at Durston House: The First Ever International Food Fair

The Durston House Parents Association (DHPA) proudly hosted its inaugural International Food Fair, a vibrant event celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our school community. The fair was a resounding success, drawing families, pupils, and staff together for an unforgettable afternoon of culinary exploration and cultural exchange. Read More

Middle and Upper School Sports Day at Perivale Athletics Track: A Day of Triumph for Year 5 – Year 8

On a bright and energetic day, pupils from Year 5 to Year 8 gathered at the Perivale Athletics Track for the much-anticipated Middle and Upper School Sports Day. This annual event has become a hallmark of our school community, fostering not only athleticism but also camaraderie and school spirit. The… Read More

STEM Week at Durston House School: A Celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

STEM Week at Durston House School was a resounding success, packed with exciting activities that engaged students from all year groups. The week-long celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) was designed to inspire a love for these subjects, foster curiosity, and develop problem-solving skills among students. From mesmerizing… Read More

Curiosity Unleashed: Highlights from Durston House School’s Year 8 Science Fair

The Year 8 Science Fair at Durston House School is always a highlight of the academic calendar, showcasing the boundless curiosity and ingenuity of our young scientists. This year’s fair was no exception, featuring a diverse array of projects that delved into fascinating questions and conducted intriguing experiments. A… Read More

Teamwork and Leadership: Highlights from Year 5’s Oppidan Education Day

At Durston House School, we are committed to providing our pupils with enriching and diverse educational experiences. This year, our Year 5 pupils had the exciting opportunity to participate in a dynamic Team Day, delivered by the esteemed Oppidan Education team. The event was designed to foster essential skills… Read More

Celebrating Musical Diversity: Our First Co-Educational Spring Concert

At Durston House, we believe in celebrating diversity and fostering inclusivity in every aspect of our community. Wednesday evening, marked a significant milestone in our journey as we proudly hosted our annual spring concert, the first since becoming co-educational. It was a spectacular evening filled with awe-inspiring performances and a… Read More

Nurturing Minds: Recap of Our Annual Wellbeing Week 2024

Last week, our school community embarked on a journey of self-discovery and growth during our annual Wellbeing Week. With a commitment to nurturing the holistic development of our students, we dedicated this special time to fostering mental, emotional, and physical wellness. The week commenced with an uplifting opening assembly, where… Read More

Y5 Character Journey with Oppidan Education

Last week, Year 5 pupils embarked on their Character Journey with Oppidan Education. This is the first of several sessions across the year preparing pupils for the Senior School Interview process. Miss Togher – Marketing Manager… Read More

Cross Country 2024

This term saw our annual Cross Country take place for pupils in Reception-Year 8; the day remained dry and was a success! Well done to pupils for completing the course and our parents who turned up to cheer them on! Miss Togher – Marketing Manager… Read More

Y6 Amersham Field Trip

At the start of the year, Year 6 embarked on an educational outing to Amersham Field Studies Centre with the purpose of investigating the microclimates prevalent in the area. This endeavour formed an integral part of their Geography curriculum, emphasising the practical application of theoretical concepts. The day commenced within… Read More

Y7 Tower of London Outing

As part of the Year 7’s current History topic ‘Elizabeth I’, they had they chance of visiting the Tower of London. Here they explored the multiple uses of the Tower throughout time, from fortress, to palace, to prison. As part of their visit, their workshop also allowed them to uncover… Read More

Y6 Medieval Life Workshop

Year 6 were visited by Happening History to learn all about medieval life, spanning from the Norman Conquest in 1066 to the victory of the Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. As part of the hands-on workshop, the pupils learned all about medieval guilds, the weird… Read More

A Review of Les Trois Mousquetaires

Who would want to miss the opportunity to journey back in time to the turbulent streets of Paris?! It was a privilege for Middle School Children at Durston House to enjoy a workshop run by the Freshwater Theatre Company presenting the swash-buckling adventure Three Musketeers in French. The objective was… Read More

Oppidan Education: 1 Year Transition Journey (Year 6) and Leadership Training (Year 8)

Partners since 2022, over the next week Oppidan Education will be mentoring both our year 6 and Year 8 pupils. The Year 6 interview day forms part of their 1 Year Transition Journey whereas the Year 8 day is focused on developing leadership skills. Who are Oppidan? Oppidan is… Read More

Trips Week 2023!

All pupils from Years 4 – 8 attend a residential trip, spending at least two nights away from home. Trips, inspired by the curriculum, help pupils discover much about themselves, their friends and the world around them, experiences that can go on to form some of the happiest school memories. Read More

“Carpe Diem…Seize the day!”

At Durston House, we seek every possible opportunity to reward pupils and to recognise their successes throughout the academic year. The final week of the summer term saw various events take place including Vertical House Picnics, Prize Giving and Final Assembly. An occasion for pupils, parents and staff to gather… Read More

Sports Day 2023 Roundup!

Throughout the last two weeks of June, Durston House hosted their three annual Sports Days. The Pre-Prep Sports Day went ahead in a similar fashion to previous years. In the morning, pupils took part in an ‘Octathalon’ event, which included Running, Jumping and Throwing activities. Having competed in these Field… Read More

Year 8 Charity Fair

Last Friday, Year 8 boys prepared and ran a Charity Fair in aid of raising money for the School’s two chosen charities – Water Aid and Ealing Soup Kitchen. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed visiting and getting involved in what the Year 8 pupils… Read More

STEM Week 2023

The Durston STEM Week 2023 was launched with a full school assembly with an exciting Science show designed to entertain a whole school from Reception to Year 8 pupils with spectacular science demonstrations and discussions to inspire pupils’ curiosity and imagination. With audience participation and exciting demonstrations, our visitor demonstrated… Read More

Year 8 Pupils Shine in Spectacular Production of ‘Aladdin Jr.’

In an extraordinary display of talent and dedication, the Year 8 pupils delivered a captivating rendition of the classic musical ‘Aladdin Jr.’ The much-anticipated production, which took place last week, left the audience spellbound with its stunning performances and impressive stagecraft. Weeks of meticulous planning and preparation preceded the grand… Read More

Year 5 Interview Practice with Oppidan

The interview practice day in Year 5 was a resounding success. The enthusiasm and commitment exhibited by our pupils were commendable, and it was truly heartening to see their determination as they approached the task of talking to someone they hadn’t met before. The nerves and anxieties from the beginning… Read More

Y5 – Y8 Art Exhibition 2023

In early June, Durston House hosted it’s annual Young Artist Summer Exhibition. We were thrilled to showcase the incredible talent and creativity of our Middle and Upper School pupils through a captivating display of their artistic endeavours. This exhibition was a testament to the passion and dedication our pupils have… Read More

Year 6 – Year 8 Cross Country

This year, the House Cross-Country run was postponed for some year groups. Pupils in Reception – Year 5 completed the course in the Spring Term, however, years 6 to 8 could not. This was due to some very torrential rain and hail which meant the Cross Country was rescheduled to… Read More

John Lyon v Durston House Cricket Match

On Wednesday 17 May Year 7 and Year 8 first and second Cricket teams, were invited to John Lyon School to play cricket. Spirits were high as the sun was out after a few weeks of dreadful weather. We are a dominant bowling side, so when we won the toss,… Read More

Y3-Y5 Future Schools’ Fair 2023

On Thursday 18 May, we welcomed parents of children in Year 3 – Year 5 from both Durston House and Harvington Prep School to our Future Schools’ Fair for the second year running! It was a pleasure to welcome the following leading Independent Senior Schools from across London and beyond:… Read More

PSHME – Spring Term Round Up!

Junior School The Year 3’s started their Spring Term with Economic Wellbeing, looking into different aspects of money. They spent time analysing the value of money, why we spend, the importance of saving and what constitutes needs and wants. The latter part of the term was dedicated to understanding what… Read More

Merchant Taylors’ School Science Challenge 2023

We were invited to The Merchant Taylors’ School Science Challenge 2023 for pupils in Year 5 hosted this year by the Physics, Chemistry and Biology departments on Friday 28 April 2023. A team of four Year 5 pupils from Durston House completed experiments in three different Science challenges. The aim… Read More

Year 5 French Outing to Cezanne Exhibition

In the Spring Term in Year 5, the focus in the French curriculum is on learning how to produce accurate descriptions. In the first half-term, pupils learnt how to use a wide variety of adjectives to describe animals. This included describing their size, colour and characteristics. A bit of mental… Read More

Durston House hosts its very first Wellbeing Week!

This year, Durston House hosted its very first Wellbeing Week. The week kicked off with an assembly that introduced what wellbeing actually was! Many pupils shared that they didn’t really know what ‘wellbeing’ meant, even if they had heard the word a lot! The week centred around the 5 Pillars… Read More

U13 Rugby Tournament 2023

On a wet Saturday morning six teams arrived at Swyncombe Playing Fields eager to play our rugby tournament. Spectators lined up pitch side excited to see the action. It started off well for Durston as spirits were high and tries were being scored but after only a few minutes one… Read More

Cross Country 2023

On Friday 24 March, our annual Cross Country took place. Unfortunately, the event was cut short, meaning Year 6, Year 7 and Year 8 couldn’t race as the weather was extremely wet, windy and soft underfoot. Nevertheless a huge congratulations to all of the runners and to Harvington Prep School… Read More

Growing Great Science Minds in Y5-Y8

It has been another busy year in the Science Department for Years 5-8. Back in September, our Year 5 boys were introduced to the department, learning about safety aspects in the lab and how to take various scientific measurements. They were delighted to use Bunsen Burners… Read More

U11A Durston House Rugby Tournament 2023

On Saturday 4 March, Durston House hosted the annual U11A Rugby Tournament. The day started cold and wet but that didn’t stop the teams and their supporters all turning up enthusiastically to participate. Durston had not won this since 2015 but hopes were high. The Durston team were up against… Read More

Year 6 Investigate Pop Art

Year 6 boys have enjoyed investigating the Pop Art movement which is characterised by the deconstruction of images seen in popular and commercial culture between the 1950-60s in Britain and America. The boys created two self-portraiture studies during this topic. The first explored printmaking and the second included pointillism, a… Read More

Preparing Pupils’ for Senior School Success with Oppidan Education

Yesterday, Thursday 16 March, Year 6 pupils embarked on a half day camp delivered by Oppidan Education, which focused on supporting pupils’ leadership and collaboration skills, preparing them for success in the group interview phase that a number of Senior Schools now include as part of… Read More

Theology, Philosophy & Religion – Autumn Term Round Up

The Autumn Term started off as a busy time for some of the Year 8 boys. Candidates for Merchant Taylors’ School were doing their final preparations for the Setting Examinations. This examination will determine which sets the boys would be in when they arrive at Merchant Taylors’ and the TPR… Read More

Year 6 Medieval Life Workshop

Year 6 recently had the opportunity to experience life as medieval lords, ladies, servants, priests and peasants, taking part in a hands-on medieval life workshop. The year group were split into four households, tasked with completing a range of challenges to score the most points. Amongst the fun of each… Read More

Y6 Amersham Field Centre Outing

This was one of the best trips ever! At the start we got to school and headed onto the coach. It was an exciting 45 minute drive there and the coach was filled with loud chatter about how much they wanted to get to Amersham and what challenges awaited us. … 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

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

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

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

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

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

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… 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sports Update

This term the boys have enjoyed the full return of Football fixtures and tournaments. Over the past 5 weeks, we have played a number of schools for matches during Games, and taken many boys to school tournaments at weekends. We have won a number of matches, and placed 2nd in two… Read More

Bonjour à toutes et à tous!

This term the boys have enjoyed the full return of Football fixtures and tournaments. Over the past 5 weeks, we have played a number of schools for matches during Games, and taken many boys to school tournaments at weekends. We have won a number of matches, and placed 2nd in two… 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

This term the boys have enjoyed the full return of Football fixtures and tournaments. Over the past 5 weeks, we have played a number of schools for matches during Games, and taken many boys to school tournaments at weekends. We have won a number of matches, and placed… Read More

Preparation for Senior School

The Durston Journey, part 4

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