List of Independent Schools in County Durham

There are a range of independent schools in County Durham covering mixed schools, schools for boys and schools for girls.

Below you’ll find a list of those schools that we have included which have entry into year 7 (11 Plus entry).

County Durham Independent Schools accepting entry into year seven

Barnard Castle School

Barnard Castle School is a mixed school.

Barnard Castle School- 688 pupils.

“Barnard Castle School is a happy, relaxed and purposeful school in which good academic results are achieved. Academic value-added is high per pupil and reflects effective teaching and learning. The quality of relationships between pupils and between pupils and staff is an outstanding feature of the school. The extra-curricular provision is first rate.”

School Website: www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk

Durham High School for Girls

Durham High School for Girls is an all girls school.

Durham High School for Girls- 425 pupils.

“At Durham High School a lively, friendly and caring community is provided for girls throughout their education. Education is based firmly on Christian principles where every individual counts. The aim is to encourage academic excellence and a lifelong love of learning, but a great value is also placed on personal development in creative arts, in sport, in community service and in leadership.”

School Website: www.dhsfg.org.uk

Durham School

Durham School is a mixed school.

Durham School- 559 pupils.

“Durham School is a caring, supportive community where the aim is to unlock and fulfill each pupil’s full potential.”

School Website: www.durhamschool.co.uk

Preparing for entry into an Independent School

We have developed a section on how to prepare for Independent school exams and how to prepare for Independent School interviews so do please feel free to use these resources if you would like to.

If you are thinking of trying for an Independent School scholarship or bursary then please see our information page on that topic.

Equally, many independent schools publish past papers and we have past papers and sample papers which are useful for preparation in all the core areas:

Free sample 11 Plus English practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Maths practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning practice and past papers

Free sample 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning practice and past papers