Durham School is investing further in girls’ education with the creation of a new Day House following a rapid expansion in the number of girls enrolling in the senior school. 

Lodge House will be the third girls’ House to open at the 610-year-old school and will combine the centuries of heritage with a modern pastoral environment. 

Lodge House will sit alongside our existing girls’ Houses, Pimlico and MacLeod, in providing a home-from-home for girls aged 11- 18. The new House will be ready for September 2024 in the footprint of one of our existing historic buildings.  

Kieran McLaughlin, Headmaster of Durham School and Principal of the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, shared his excitement: “I am delighted to announce our plans to open a new girls’ Day House at Durham School. Lodge House represents a key investment in girls’ education at the school and in the future of the Foundation.” 

Current and prospective parents are invited to sign up for our launch event on Wednesday 13 March. 

The House name has been drawn from our School’s rich history and celebrates Miss Millicent Lodge, Durham School’s first female teacher. Over her 43-year career across the Foundation, Miss Lodge inspired and educated thousands of young people. She was at the forefront of modernising Durham School after the First World War, and in developing the provision of high-quality prep education in Durham. Without her wisdom and business acumen, the Foundation would look very different today. By giving the new girls’ House her name, we will inspire another generation of Dunelmians. 

Pastoral support is fundamental to everyday life at Durham School and our House system allows the wellbeing of the pupils to be of the utmost priority, whilst providing a robust support system for pupils as they navigate their academic and personal adventures.  

Beth Spence has been appointed as the inaugural Senior Housemistress of Lodge House responsible for the overall welfare of pupils in her care. She said: “The development of Lodge House marks an important and meaningful moment, not just for girls at Durham School, but for the whole Foundation community.”  

Lodge House represents our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all our pupils. With modern and homely amenities and a dedicated staff, this new House will provide a space where young women can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.  

We invite both existing and prospective families to attend our launch event at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13 March, to book your place please sign up here. We have also shared a brochure which includes more detail on Lodge House and FAQs with parents of existing pupils at the Foundation. Prospective parents and families can request a copy of the brochure by emailing [email protected].