Welcome

Welcome to Durham Sixth Form Centre.

Choosing where to take your next steps after Year 11 is a huge decision, and I’m delighted you’re looking at what we have to offer.

What makes Durham Sixth Form Centre unique is our size and our focus. We are a community of over 1,800 students coming together from more than 60 different secondary schools from across County Durham and beyond. That creates a fresh, energetic environment where you can meet like-minded people, make new friends and reset for the next stage of your education.

We specialise exclusively in 16-19 education. Because of that focus, we can offer one of the widest subject ranges in the region: over 30 A Levels and nearly 15 vocational courses. You will be taught by teachers who are experts in their subjects and passionate about working with young adults, helping you get the results you need for whatever comes next.

Your time here is about more than just exams. Alongside your studies, you’ll have access to fantastic extracurricular projects, clubs and work experiences to build your confidence and skills. When it comes to your future, our award-winning Progression Team will be by your side to help you secure a place at university, land a competitive higher apprenticeship, or step directly into employment.

The best way to get a feel for the atmosphere at Durham Sixth Form Centre is to come and see it for yourself. I warmly invite you to join us at one of our Open Events throughout the year, chat with our current students and staff and explore our campus.

I look forward to meeting you soon.

Ellen Beveridge

Principal

Our Values

High Quality, Inspirational Teaching and Learning

Excellent Support, Care and Guidance

Personal and Professional Integrity

Ambition and Progress for our Students

Our Aims

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 History

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 2023, we celebrated 110 years of education at Durham Sixth Form Centre, as the ‘School on The Sands’.

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