Introduction

An outstanding specialist school. Inspiring the next generation of mathematicians. Opening opportunities for young people in the North East and Cumbria.

The only of its kind in the North East, Durham Mathematics School currently plans to open its doors for talented young mathematicians in the near future.
We will offer state-funded A Level courses to Year 12 and 13 students who would not otherwise have access to post-16 mathematics education. Our school will serve young people in County Durham, Tyne & Wear, Northumberland, Cleveland, the North Yorkshire Coast, and Cumbria.
Our base in Durham City will provide a vibrant and inclusive community, where our students will grow in confidence and thrive in their studies. Here, students will be able to explore their passion for Mathematics. They will be challenged, but supported to succeed.
We will deliver professional development opportunities for teachers and outreach activities within schools. Through this, we will attract the brightest mathematicians and the most innovative teachers to the region, raising the bar in mathematics education for all.
Developed in partnership between Durham University and Durham Sixth Form Centre, the School will benefit from the expertise of both outstanding institutions. Together, we will ensure the next generation of students in the North East and Cumbria have the mathematical skills needed to succeed, whatever their chosen pathway.

Our Values

High Quality, Inspirational Teaching And Learning

Excellent Support, Care And Guidance

Personal And Professional Integrity

Ambition And Progress For Our Students

Our Vision

Ensure the students within our trust continue to achieve above the National Average and are able to successfully progress as a result of the high quality, inspirational teaching and learning which we value.

Establish our academy trust with an emphasis on wellness, resilience and challenge, developing the skills needed to thrive in a dynamic, innovative and ever changing educational landscape.

Lead and champion excellence in post-16 education through extensive and sustainable partnership networks.

Our Partnerships

Opened on the 3rd September 1913, the ‘School on the Sands’ was initially built to accommodate 248 girls. The building, now Durham Sixth Form Centre, was officially opened on 21st January 1914 by Dr Hensley Henson, the Bishop of Durham.
The school was designed by W. Rushworth and was built in the Neo-Georgian style costing £16,250. It was originally suggested that the school should be called the ‘Johnston School for Girls’ as a tribute to the illustrious benefactor of the original school, James Finlay Weir Johnston.

However, it was also felt that the part played by Durham County Council in establishing both schools should be reflected, so the name Durham Girls’ County School was granted. In 1969, the school became co-educational and, in 1984, predominantly a sixth form provider. In 2013, we celebrated 100 years of education at Durham Sixth Form Centre, as the ‘School on The Sands.’

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“All staff are committed to providing whatever it is the students need to succeed” - Ofsted

Results

Students and staff at Durham Sixth Form Centre are celebrating success today following the publication of Level 3 results, marking yet another year of outstanding academic and personal achievements.

In our A Level and other academic qualifications we achieved a 100% pass rate and an average Grade B, with two thirds of the grades awarded being impressive A*-B grades.
We enjoyed similarly outstanding success in vocational subjects with almost 90% of the grades awarded being the very highest Distinction*-Distinction grades.

We are pleased to have maintained our track record of excellent results especially given that the DfE announced a return to pre-pandemic standards this year.

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