DURHAM JOHNSTON COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL in Durham, Durham

Education Centre Information: Durham Johnston Comprehensive School:

Establishment Type:Community School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Open
Local Authority: Durham
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: Does not apply
Nursery Provider: No Nursery Classes
Total Pupils: 1510
Number of boys: 736
Number of girls: 774
Admissions: Comprehensive
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Mixed
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Background:

Founded in 1899; became comprehensive when grammar school amalgamated with two secondary moderns in 1979; based in spacious grounds on two sites two-and-a-half miles apart, with Years 7 and 8 on the lower-school site; plans to bring school onto one site in 2008. Both sites within easy reach of, and overlook, Durham Cathedral. Good links with Durham University and visits cathedral for annual carol service. Strong traditions in debating, music, drama and the arts; outstandingly successful in wide range of sports. International school, with many opportunities for exchanges with students across world; hosted visits from China, Japan, United States, and most European countries, with return visits. Specialist language college status from September 2005. Over-subscribed, with 1.2 applications per place. DfES achievement award (2003). Ethos: 'An outward-looking, happy, socially-mixed school, an extraordinary place to work and learn. There is a good balance of age and experience on the staff and a strong working ethos in the school, which aims to provide a secure environment in which children can learn. The school provides a wide range of opportunities for children of all abilities. It has a particularly high reputation for the achievements of its sixth-form students'.