Durham School students are celebrating record-breaking A Level results, achieving the highest proportion of A*-A grades in the school's history. With 35.5% of all grades at A* or A — significantly surpassing the national average of 27.6%—their ambition and dedication have set a new standard of excellence. 

Durham School’s success was particularly pronounced in STEM subjects, where 81% of Maths grades and 79% of Chemistry grades were awarded A*, A, or B.  Across the STEM disciplines of Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Maths, and Further Maths, over 53% of grades awarded were A* or A, highlighting the school’s commitment to academic excellence. 

Among the standout performers, Nathan Brown achieved a flawless set of A* grades in Maths, Physics, and Chemistry, securing his place to study Engineering at Edinburgh University. Jaime Cortes-Vilaplana also excelled, earning four A* grades and will be going on to read Chemical Engineering at Imperial College London. 

Joint Head of School, Timon Basu's dedication earned him A*AA grades and a coveted place at Oxford University to study History. Fellow joint Head of School, Maddy Homes, is off to Liverpool to read medicine with her A*A* A. 

Ruby Beveridge, the School Newspaper Editor, also achieved A*AA in English Literature, History, and French, securing her spot at Exeter University to read Modern Languages and Arabic. First XV player Jackson Smurthwaite, has achieved AAA in Business, Chemistry, and Religious Studies, and is headed to Warwick University to pursue a degree in Law.  Meanwhile, Ruth Sinclair is also pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor, with her grades of AAB taking her to UEA to study medicine. 

Kieran McLaughlin, Principal of the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, commended his students, saying, “We are delighted with the results for our leavers this year. Despite the interruptions to their education, they have worked hard and performed fantastically well. My congratulations to them and thanks to all the parents and staff who have supported them in their endeavours.”