This incredibly busy term ends today with Sports Day on Top Ground. The fierce competition between houses concludes today with this whole school event that puts on show all that is best about the pupils at Durham School: friendly rivalry, collaboration, support for their peers and giving everything for the House. At the same time Chorister School are holding their Speech Days in the Chapel, celebrating the achievements of the younger pupils and saying goodbye to Year 6 as they make the (very) short transition to senior school. 

This week has been Activities Week and pupils have had a wide range of experiences, from solving maths problems, to surfing and wake boarding, to learning about the geology of Saltburn (and visiting the arcade). Last night were the annual House barbecues and there was more celebration of achievement in each House and pupils were rewarded for their demonstration of the MARK values. It is always a privilege to be able to share these moments with the Houses and see the delight with which awards are accepted. 

Tomorrow we say our final goodbye to Year 13 with the Leavers' service in Chapel followed by the annual Ball; if you are attending either or both events I will see you there and, if not, enjoy the Summer and we will meet again in September, if not before. 

This is my last Friday Flyer as Principal of the Foundation and I want to thank the whole school community of the support I have had this term; your kind words mean a lot and it has been an honour to hold this office. 

Floreat Dunelmia, Andrew Pearson.

The end of another academic year – it is quite astonishing that we are at this point! 

All of the children have been involved in a wide range of memorable activities this week and have thoroughly enjoyed their final week of the school term. It has been wonderful to see their engagement and enthusiasm, coupled with their teamwork and friendship.

My end of year letter will be with parents early next week and we will also share our Half-term Highlights newsletter summarising the vast range of events that have taken place over the last five weeks.

For now, however, may I wish all our school community a restful and rewarding Summer.

As the school term comes to an end, there is so much I could say about the achievements of the Choristers this year. If I tried to list everything I'd surely miss something as they've done so much! 

Over the next week and a half when the Choristers stay on for their summer Chorister period, there will be reflection on this, and previous years as we prepare for our year eights to be formally dismissed at the end of their Choristership. This experience is something they'll remember forever and we look forward to seeing what great things they go on to do.

We will also be saying goodbye and good luck to Mrs F-W after seventeen years at Chorister School. Of course we'll be doing something to celebrate her time here, and I'm sure we'll have many chats this week about her memories of her time here.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Mrs F-W for all she has done for the Choristers, their families, and the staff.  

While Durham School has persisted in some form or another since 1414, it has only been on its current site from 1844. It moved here from its place on the Palace Green site due both the interest from the University in creating a new lecture hall and a rise in the number of students at the school. The purchase of this land, then called Bellasis Field, was first proposed in February 1840, but it was not until the 4th December 1841 that the motion was officially cast to commission Anthony Salvin to begin plans for the school's construction. The cost of this was calculated in May 1843 as amounting to £2721 8s. Additional expenses came from the interior fittings of the School, as well as work on necessities such as the drains, gravelling, and the kitchen range. One listed expense was "on bringing down water in metallic tubes from a foundation in a field, to the West". These additional costs came to £663 13s, with a total cost of £3385 1s. This would be approximately £273,880 in today's money. 

As might be surmised, the news that the school was set to move was met with mixed reaction from the public. A letter addressed to the editor of The Durham Chronicle was sent by a "T.B." on the 27th December 1841, criticising the construction of new buildings and the selling of the Palace Green site to the university. "I am extremely sorry to hear that it is the intention of the Dean and Chapter of Durham to remove the Grammar School, from where it has been held for so many centuries, to another part of the Town," (began the letter) "in order to make way for a Lecture-Room for the University. I think it very unjust that an ancient Institution, such as the Grammar School, should be forced to submit to the dictates of a new-fangled University—that a school which has sent into the world so many eminent scholars should be removed for a University quite in its infancy… I myself was educated within its walls; and with many more of its old scholars, I feel most sorry for its intended demolition, especially as it is to make way for a University which, I am convinced, will be a considerable time in rising to the eminence which the Grammar School once possessed, and which, I feel persuaded, it will in a little time again acquire." 

 Strong words indeed. The editor of the Durham Chronicle responded by explaining the plan to move the School over the River Wear, although he also signalled his doubt on the matter. "Though the situation is pretty and romantic enough, and would be a snug retreat for 'learned leisure', it seems us to be inconvenient and ill-adapted for the purpose to which it is proposed to be devoted. We agree with out Correspondent in deprecating the removal of the present School." 

One argument from the anonymous T.B. asked how the new building would accommodate the King's Scholars. "Can they be expected to walk in their surplices from their new School to the Cathedral, even in the finest weather? And if a place near the Church has to be provided for them to assemble in every Sunday, I think that both inconvenience and expense might be greatly diminished by allowing the old School to remain." The centrality of the Cathedral to the King's Scholars has since diminished, but this was a genuine concern at the time. John Mitchinson, who attended the school from 1842 to 1851, recalled the solution: "We King's Scholars had a vestry assigned us, part of the undercroft of the Monks' dormitory, entered from the W. cloister alley."

If religious concerns impacted the School from a sacral perspective, the fact that the School was set to be built on the Bellasis farmland merited further consideration. The 4th October 1843 saw the second Annual Meeting of the Durham Agricultural Meeting take place on the site of the future school, with the use of the field being offered to the society gratis. "The field chose for the show is… immediately in front of the Grammar School, now in course of erection, and to which it is intended to be attached as a play-ground for the young gentleman." Horses and agricultural implements where placed in the upper half of the Playground, while the bulls and cows were at the lower end. "Steers and heifers, sheep and pigs" occupied the rest of the field. Prizes were awarded to the best short horns, while several of the horses, sheep, pigs and goats were sold. Of the agricultural implements, according to the 7th October 1843 issue of Yorkshire Gazette, "the Uley Cultivator (an implement which supersedes the common plough in preparing the land for barley) attracted most notice". A room was even set apart for refreshments in the under-construction School buildings. 

The School itself opened a year later, on Monday 14th October 1844. The Durham County Advertiser provided an overview of the new building: 

"It is built in that style of domestic architecture which commonly prevailed about the reign of our first James, and the school-room, with its projecting gable and long mullioned window, and the dormer windows and bell-turret of the other part of the structure, as seen from the south road and other neighbouring points view, combine in a picturesque and pleasing manner with the dark masses of trees which form its back-ground. The school-room has an open timber roof, is lofty and well proportioned, and is capable of containing about 200 boys. A spacious cloister unites this with the house which is henceforth to be occupied by the head-master, in which provision has been made for the accommodation of 40 or 50 boarders." 

The covered cloister, now the arcade, also served as an indoor play area for the boys during rainy days. Of note was the lack of proper classrooms; the 'Long Room', now Big School, was occasionally used for examination and teaching purposes, while the Headmaster's study was used for the education of the Sixth Form. While the Old Caffinites building was built in 1847 and used for teaching, specialised classrooms were only built in 1884 with the construction of the Science Laboratories.  

Recently, we announced a new partnership with Bishop's Key and The Auckland Project! All of our parents and staff can now enjoy: 

10% off Bishop's Key Passes - Use code: DCSF10

20% off event tickets – Use Code: DCSF20 

Tickets for passes and events can be purchased from the link here: https://aucklandproject.org 

Bishop's Key Passes give you access to over five fantastic attractions in Bishop Auckland, including Auckland Castle, The Faith Museum, and The Mining Art Gallery. A yearly pass allows unlimited entry to all of these sites throughout the year, making it the perfect way to enjoy family days out this summer! 

BUT did you know that Durham School has had a connection to Auckland Castle since the late 1800s? Hensley Henson, a former Bishop of Durham, resided at Auckland Castle, which has been the home to Bishops of Durham since 1183. Henson had strong ties to Durham School, and his close relationship with several Headmasters meant he regularly attended our Speech Day and was present when the foundation stone of Langley House (now Lodge and Caffinites Houses)was placed in 1913.

 You can read more about Hensley Henson's story here:

While clearing out the attic of the Chorister School, staff found four paintings that had been stored up there, decades ago. One of the paintings was a black and white print of Hensley Henson, who was Bishop of Durham from 1920 to 1939. This is itself a print of a 1929 colour painting by Harold Speed that currently hangs in Auckland Castle. Of all of the Bishops of Durham, Henson was possibly one of the ones who had the greatest connection to Durham School.

Henson went to Oxford with Walter Hobhouse, who would later became Headmaster of Durham School from 1894 to 1899. On the 27th January 1898, his journal recorded staying at Durham School with Hobhouse. Henson also had good relationships with Headmaster Canon Budworth, of whom he calls in his 1942 autobiography Retrospect of an Unimportant Life "was the most self-effacing man imaginable, and gained the remarkable influence, which he undoubtedly possessed, by sheer force of personal character... I held him in high regard, and counted him among my best-loved friends."

As Dean of Durham, Henson was inextricably linked to Durham School, being close friends with the Headmaster Canon Budworth and Second Master R.H.J. Poole. He was present for the laying of the Langley House foundation stone in 1913, and during his speech he spoke of his dreams for what Durham School could be: "Durham School was the point at which their old foundation became progressive, and entered as an active and valuable force into the public life of their time… [it] is marked out conspicuously for a great future" This demonstrated Henson's ambition with the site; in a December 1917 letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury, he said that "Durham ought to be the Uppingham of the North." 

When he became Bishop of Durham in 1920 his closeness with the school diminished slightly as his attention was drawn to bigger things. He still attended various Speech Days and key events, however. An invitation distributed to the Tristram Society on the 8th June 1922 saw them visit Bishop Henson's new home at Auckland Castle: "Dr. and Mrs. Henson gave us tea in their delightful gardens. Later we were shown over the Palace. This proved exceedingly interesting to all of us; especially worthy of mention are the State Room and the Chapel, where we saw the splendid gold Communion Plate. It is a great pity that we were able only to devote threequarters of an hour to a building which deserved far more attention. Our sincere gratitude is due to the Bishop and Mrs. Henson for their kindness." 

Print Found in Chorister Attic

An Example of Henson speaking out about the Nazi Regime, Prior to WW2

A Book with an Introduction from Bishop Henson regarding his Views on the Nazi Regime.

 

We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with both the Foundation of Light (the charity behind Sunderland AFC) and the Newcastle Rugby Foundation (the charitable arm of Newcastle Falcons and Newcastle Thunder) to support our sport camp provision over the summer. 

This partnership will give our children the opportunity to learn from expert coaches in Rugby and Football, with Cricket also included in our sport camps, on a weekly basis throughout the summer. We are excited to welcome both Foundations to our sports camps and look forward to building on this partnership in the future. 

Taking place on the grounds of Durham School, our Sports Camp is available to all children, aged 7-13 years and is dedicated to providing the highest standard of sports coaching, led by experienced coaches from some of the region's top clubs. 

Each week will be broken down to two multi-sport days with three dedicated days for each sport: 

• Monday – Multi-Sports 

• Tuesday – Football with The Foundation of Light (Sunderland AFC)

 • Wednesday – Cricket with Durham School Coaches

 • Thursday – Rugby with Newcastle Rugby Foundation (Newcastle Falcons & Newcastle Thunder) 

• Friday – Multi-Sports 

Daily swimming sessions are also included, delivered by SWIM. 

Our passionate coaches focus on skill development, confidence building, and nurturing a love for physical activity in a safe, inclusive, and fun environment. Starting from £42 a day or £210 for the week, this is a fantastic opportunity for your children to learn from some of the best in north east sport. Our prices include wrap around care as standard from 8.30-5.30 and a hot lunch. 

You can also use childcare vouchers and your tax-free childcare account saving you 20% and reducing the cost down to £34 a day. Book your spaces here: kids.dcsf.org.uk 

 If you are a father or stepfather of South Asian heritage (this could include a heritage connection to India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and /or Bangladesh) to children under the age of 18 then please consider volunteering for our research aimed at understanding a father's role in the South Asian population. 

The research aims to record and understand how South Asian fathers interact with their young children and participate in childcare. This is an unresearched area and your participation will help us to better understand how men in the South Asian population embrace and perform their identities as fathers. 

The project has been approved by the Newcastle University Ethics committee and your data will be processed following the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the university's ethical research guidelines. You will not be named in the research as all entries will be anonymized and treated with utmost confidentiality.  

Taking part will involve: a daily digital journal entry, spread over seven days, which should take no longer than 5-10 minutes to complete; and an optional follow up interview, to discuss and reflect upon your journal entries.  

If you would be interested in taking part, please email raksha.pande@ncl.ac.uk  

Research Team : Dr Raksha Pande (Principal Investigator) and Abigail Hardcastle (Research Assistant) , Newcastle University.

Our Rowing Camps are ready to book.

Our Rowing Camps are always successful and spaces go quickly.

Available for the following year groups:

• Years 7 & 8: 23–25 July

• Years 9 & 10: 29 July – 1 August

With expert coaching, hot nutritious lunches, wrap-around care (8.30-5.30pm), each day is active, enriching and great fun.

Book your space here: Rowing Courses | Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation

What a brilliant week it has been in school with the boys enjoying all sorts of activities Monday to Wednesday, charity work yesterday, House Cricket and House BBQs last night. Today, we are working in the local community and doing what we can to help.

Shrek 

Last week, our junior pupils put on a quite brilliant performance of Shrek The Musical. The show was thoroughly enjoyable with the overall standard superb. 

Lauds 

Huge congratulations to Jesse E who wins the Laud Legend competition this year. Jesse has shown unbelievable consistency to hold of the chasing pack. 

Cricket 

Our 1st XI and U15 XI have been away this week playing in Liverpool and York respectively. Both teams enjoyed a great trip. Thank you to all staff and parents who supported the boys. 

Rowing 

Good look to Simon G, Luca RT, Johnny M, Alex PL, Matthew Wilson and Jason W who are representing he school at The British Rowing Championship later this month. Matthew W is also through to the next stage of Scotland trials so we wish him well. 

House BBQs 

Brilliant night was had by all for our Retro Dance Music themed, music and inflatable filled extravaganza. The boys were on fine form and a good time was had by all. It was great to have Poole House and Caffinites with us to listen to music and sign off for the year.

Fundraising 

THANK YOU so much to everyone who supported out Charity work yesterday. The boys worked relentlessly and completely transformed the two spaces we went worked on. The feedback from staff was overwhelmingly positive and I was so proud of how the boys conducted themselves. 

Leavers 

I would like to say a special thank you to our Year 13 leavers. They have been an absolute pleasure to have with me throughout the years. As a group, they have won every house competition and provided us all with so many fantastic memories. I will miss them greatly next year and they can leave knowing that they have made School House a better place. I also extended my best wishes to the boys lower down the school who leave us at the end of the year.

A final thank you... 

Finally, a huge thank you to every one of you for your support of the boys and the house. We are in a great place and that is thanks in no small part to everything that you do for us. I wish you all a restful and enjoyable Summer break.

As another school year ends, it is a time for reflection on the exciting events and activities that have marked this term. Throughout the year, we have experienced some incredible moments that showcased the unity, generosity, and enthusiasm of The Caffinites House. One of the most rewarding aspects has been our fundraising efforts in support of our chosen charity for the year – the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation. Despite the large amounts of sugar involved, we fully embraced the challenge, hosting a series of successful bake sales that brought the house together in the spirit of giving (and a bit of cake!). We also ran a non-uniform day and a festive Christmas jumper event, both of which were met with great enthusiasm and helped raise further funds for this important cause. To round off our efforts, we held a sponsored swim in the final week of the summer term. The energy, commitment, and house spirit on display were truly inspiring, with many boys pushing themselves to swim the 1 mile (76 lengths!), all for a cause that means so much to so many. 

A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone who took part, donated, or supported the events in any way. The boys should feel incredibly proud of the contribution they have made this year to support the work of the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundation.

As we look forward to the next eight weeks away from school, the House staff can't help but think about the quietness that will descend upon the House, especially after the week we have just had. The constant hustle and bustle of boys coming in and out of the office will be missed. This week of action-packed activities has highlighted how much everyone anticipates the holiday, while also looking forward to the next academic year. 

The variety of trips and experiences this year has been staggering. One notable highlight was the Year 8 visit to Tynemouth Beach and Beamish Museum. Year 8 pupils impressed everyone with their imaginative scenario, persuading shopkeepers to donate to their invented Victorian charity. This activity taught the group a valuable lesson in confidence and persuasion. 

Year 10's water park trip, organised by Mrs Rochester, was another memorable event. The pupils enjoyed a climbing and jumping off inflatables as well as having a game of old school laser tag! 

To mark the end of the activity's week, the House hosted a BBQ that brought together pupils from the three boys' houses for an evening of celebration and camaraderie. It was brilliant to see everyone enjoying the festivities, sharing stories, and making lasting memories. 

This year has been both brilliant and fun, thanks to the boys' enthusiasm and participation. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the parents for their unwavering support. 

End of term prize winners: 

Year 7

Achievement: Yoochan C 

Effort: George M

Most improved: Myles B 

Year 8 

Achievement: Matthew W

Effort: Christopher M 

Most Improved: Dominik S 

Year 9 

Achievement: Harry B

Effort: Cuthbert W 

Most Improved: Dominic G 

Year 10

Achievement – Ciaran C

Effort: Reuben C 

Most Improved: Hiroto C 

Year 11

Achievement: Aidan C 

Effort: Alec T 

Most Improved: Sam B

Year 12 

Achievement – Chris T

Effort – Matthew J 

Most Improved – Rajan S

Year 13 

Achievement – Louie D 

Effort – Innes F 

Most Improved – Billy H 

The new term will commence on Tuesday, 2nd September 2025, with roll call in the house at 8:25am. As we prepare for the new term, can I ask that uniforms are correct and that all items of clothing are clearly named. Please can you make sure that hairstyles adhere to our school policy, which includes no mullets or extreme skin fades. 

Thank you for your support over the past year. I wish you and your families a restful and enjoyable summer break, and I look forward to the new academic year filled with exciting opportunities and continued progress. Have a great holiday! 

Wow! I can't quite believe that we have reached the end of our first year as a House. It has been exciting, terrifying, amazing, exhausting, but most of all rewarding. I am very grateful to Miss Black, the tutors, the girls and the parents for the support they have given all year long and I know Mrs Spence echoes those sentiments. Neither Mrs Spence or I had planned on me being in charge at this point but with the safe arrival of Little Miss Spence in June it's fair to say she deserves the time off! 

Mrs Spence and I opened the House in September with a shared vision of Lodge being a place for the girls to grow and find their own ways within school, all within the nurturing environment of a home away from home. And how the girls have grown this year! Every single member of the House has pushed themselves to try new things, we have discovered hidden talents and developed things they were already passionate about. There are far too many successes to name them all. I am proud of each and every one.

This week alone we have had girls rowing at Bradford, activities week, Y7 Science Fair, House projects including artwork, escape room and gardening, House cricket, House BBQ and Sports Day. It has been a whirlwind, so it was nice to take some time on Thursday evening to celebrate everyone and say goodbye to those leaving us for pastures new. Thank you to Niamh G, our first Head of House, for all your hard work and commitment. Good luck to Lilly M as she takes over. Special mention must also go to Amy G who was awarded the inaugural Lodge House Award for Outstanding Contribution. This will be awarded every year to the girl who has shown consistent commitment and dedication to the House. In our first year we could have awarded this to at least half a dozen girls but we could only pick one. Amy has defined House spirit all year long with roles in House Music, sports, upcycling and fundraising and she's an inspiration to younger pupils. Most recently she has been conspicuous in her presence in House while the 6th form has been busy with other things. She is a very worthy recipient and sets the standards high for future winners. 

Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to all the girls for living up to the House motto, you have truly flown with brave wings this year and I cannot wait to see what next year brings.

Have a fabulous summer, you've earned the break. Toodle pip!  

On Thursday the girls were put into mixed year group teams for a treasure hunt challenge around Durham. It is safe to say the girls (and tutors) got into the competitive spirit of it all and were dashing around Durham to find the answers to their clues. Many enjoyed ice creams en route too! The afternoon saw a Junior and Senior House Cricket Competition. It was lovely to see all the girls playing and supporting. Results to follow! 

House BBQ

The annual event is always much anticipated! This year we had a Hawaiian theme and there were grass skirts and flower leis in abundance! The final awards of the year were presented and then the party started! Many thanks to our Year 12 team who helped to organize and run the evening. Do keep an eye on our House Instagram @macleodhouseds for pictures and updates. 

macloud3

The big awards at the end of the year were awarded to the following girls:

The Head of House Cup is presented by the outgoing Head of House, Caitlin, to the incoming one, Lottie. 

The Hold Fast Cup, Spirit of MacLeod is presented to an individual who has relentlessly shown house spirit, contributed to house events, been kind and generally a wonderful role model to the girls. Well done and thank you, Parnia. 

My huge thanks go to our wonderful outgoing Year 13 girls; they have brought much fun and vibrancy to MacLeod over the years and have lead with such passion this year. To the prefect team of Caitlin, Libby, Parnia, Kate, Emily, Marni, Izzy, Millie and Bella, you have been just superb! Thank you! 

Sports Day

Quite possibly the best event to round of the year! With the girls donned in their green house tops and face paint, House Spirit was overflowing from the girls and tutors. Every girl in the house took part and it was brilliant to see the girls giving everything a go. I am particularly proud of the smaller year groups who joined together to chip in and ensure that we had girls in every event. Well done to the staff who flew around the track in the ever-competitive Staff Relay! Results to follow. Do keep an eye on our House Instagram @macleodhouseds for pictures and updates.

MacLeod Summer Art Competition

All girls are being encouraged to take part in our Summer Art Competition which has been launched in house this week. We hope the girls will tap into their creativity and produce some amazing entries which represent the best of MacLeod. 

• Theme: MacLeod 

     o Think Green, think Girls, think Team Spirit 

• Size: A4 upwards 

     o on card, paper, canvas etc 

• Materials: ANY can be used

     o painting, drawing, textiles etc 

Entries to be judged and then displayed in the house. Prizes up for grabs!! VIEW MORE DETAILS 

Pre-Season Hockey and Netball Training – End of the Summer Holidays 

We are already looking ahead to next term and preparing for the hockey and netball season. Pre-season training sessions will be put on for all year groups. It is expected that all girls who would like to represent the school next year and those who simply want to improve their skills make every effort to attend. A letter has been sent out to all parents with a link to confirm your daughter's attendance. VIEW MORE DETAILS. 

After a busy year, I will all MacLeod girls and families a restful summer. Good luck to the girls who are leaving us this summer, we look forward to seeing the amazing things you go on to achieve in the future. 

Thank you for all of your support this year and we look forward to coming back in September

As you can see from the pictures, girls' ideas for charity raising yesterday morning yielded a lot of laughter which was followed by helpful community service on the river banks. Thank you so much to our wonderful year 12s, supported by Mr. Hughes, for running the events of yesterday and for keeping morale high when everyone was tired.

House BBQ 

Pimlico House spirits rose to new heights in the evening as girls celebrated their year of achievements in the 2000s themed House BBQ. The Disco Dome and Pictionary (using a 6-foot long pencil!) proved particular highlights as did 'Just Dance' in the Grove Common Room. As I spoke to the House and gave out awards, I reflected on some of the (many) things that have made me so proud this year. Along with individual and House achievements, girls were commended for their resilience, ability to learn from mistakes, effort in trying new things and their kindness, examples of which I have observed on multiple occasions.

Very sad to say goodbye to Mr. Hughes who has spent two incredible years with us, I would also like to thank him again for all he has done for Pimlico and the sixth form tutor groups he's looked after. We wish him well as he heads across the road to Poole House in September. With no less sincerity, I thank my wonderful team of staff in Pimlico House for all their incredible hard work in ensuring the House runs as it does. Thanks too to the outgoing monitor team as well as those coming in. Matilda A will be remembered fondly for all her energy and ideas as Head of House, her musical skills and the singing that has flooded these corridors since her earlier years. I wish her and her brilliant team very well. 

We finished speeches by saying goodbye to Izoenn H; Lola B; Louise B; Julia A; Bethany N; Clemmie W; Maria B; Sophia M; Hannah T; Varia V; Yi Chern C and Alva W in years 8-12. We wish our leavers the very best as they start new chapters elsewhere and hope they will retain very happy memories of their time here. 

Of course, this also goes for all of the Upper sixth. This is a big moment for them and Robert Frost's poem 'The Road Not Taken' seemed a fitting way of acknowledging this last night. I hope that our sixth form girls will feel that the confidence they've built over their years in Pimlico will enable them, in the years to come, to be who they are meant to be. 

I urge them to be courageous and to hold strong to the values we teach, here in Pimlico. Destitutus ventis, remos adhibe. 

What a week. It has been brilliant to see the boys throwing themselves into the many activities that have been organised, and hearing about all the fantastic adventures that have been going on. From trips to Beamish, to surfing lessons, to Newcastle University open days, the boys have had some excellent experiences. 

As I write, house cricket and sports day are yet to happen. I hope all the boys have a brilliant time at both events and do themselves proud.

On Thursday morning of this week our resident tutor Mr Micklem agreed to shave his beard off to raise further funds for our charity this year the MND association. Mr Micklem's efforts have added over £100, and we are hoping the final days of term we can increase this to make us reach the £5000 mark. 

If you would like any further information on the MND association, please follow this link https://www.mndassociation.org/ 

If you would like to donate to our JustGiving page, please use the link below. https://www.justgiving.com/page/poolehouse1924?utm_source=IG 

We say goodbye to Dr Hughes from Poole House at the end of this term, and I am sure all the boys will agree with me when I say that he will be hugely missed. On behalf of Poole House, I would like to thank Dr Hughes for everything he has done for Poole House.

I would also like to take the opportunity to thank all the boys for their efforts throughout the year across all areas of School life, both inside and outside of the classroom. There have been a great variety of amazing success stories, and I am excited to see what the future brings. The parents also deserve a special mention for their support throughout the year as well. It really is appreciated by all the staff.

Finally, I wish all our leaving Pooleites the best of luck for the future, and thank them for everything they have done. It is not goodbye, but see you soon. Once a Pooleite, always a Pooleite. 

Future Dates 

Monday 1st September 

Boarders return 

Tuesday 2nd September 

Term begins I hope you all have a wonderful, happy and healthy summer. 

LET POOLE FLOURISH 

Respect, Enjoy, Develop

Thinking about getting a slice of La Dolce Vita with a holiday to Italy?

Our travel partners at Not Just Travel, have a blog out right now to give you the lowdown on where to go - from city to beach to lake to countryside. Check it out - and if you book with them, remember that 10% of all profits will come directly to the school to help fund bursaries. 

Now is the perfect time to get your summer holiday booked for next year or look into some last minute getaways. 

Visit emmaoreilly.notjusttravel.com/blog/inspiration/benvenuti-in-italia

Friends run a second-hand uniform shop on behalf of parents. 

If you would like to pass on your old uniform, or are looking to get your hands on uniform at around 1/3 the price of new, please visit https://friends.dcsf.org.uk and click on Second Hand Uniform. 

Please drop off uniform at the School Reception. Uniform Orders can be collected form Durham School reception.