15 July 2026
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we reach the end of another academic year – my second as headteacher – I find myself reflecting on all that our students have achieved over the course of this year. Once again, I want to express my gratitude to you, our parents and carers, for your support and for continuing to trust us with your children. When I first shared my vision for our school, I spoke about protecting and upholding the core values that have always defined us. Two years on, seeing those values lived out every single day has only deepened my commitment to this community. It remains an absolute privilege to lead our dedicated staff and support the young people of Durham, working alongside you, our parents and carers, to give them the best possible foundation for their futures.
Over the course of this past year, our students have continued to inspire me with their curiosity, determination, ambition, and resilience. Whether they are pushing themselves in the classroom, exploring new interests in our clubs and societies, serving our local community, or simply enjoying their time together on the yard; they consistently show what outstanding character they possess. I am incredibly proud to lead a school where young people actively choose to be respectful, champion fairness, celebrate diversity, and look out for one another.
As we look ahead to next year, I have included below some important information and updates to support a smooth, confident transition, and ensure our students and their families are fully prepared for the return to school in September 2026.
Well-being
A reminder that we have some useful information for students and their families from our external partner agencies.
Mental Health and Wellbeing | Durham Johnston
In light of recent tragedies, we have been covering water safety in school in order to try and encourage all members of our community to stay safe over the summer break. You may wish to review these resources with your child to reinforce this at home, especially if your child was absent and missed the session.
Please click here to view the resources.
Transition to a Fully Phone-Free School (Years 7–11)
Following our thorough review of the DfE mobile phone guidance, we are taking an important step to support our students’ wellbeing, social interaction, and academic focus by transitioning to a fully phone-free environment for Years 7 to 11 this September. To facilitate this, we are introducing a secure pouch system where students will keep physical possession of their devices (including phones, smartwatches, and wireless headphones) but will not be able to access them during the school day. To ensure a smooth transition, this system will be rolled out gradually, one year group at a time, over the first half term of the new academic year. Pouches can be purchased via ParentPay for £10.50 starting tomorrow, throughout the summer, and during our first week back. We kindly ask that you read the accompanying detailed letter in full, as it outlines how the gradual rollout will work, guidelines regarding other smart devices, arrangements for our Sixth Form, and answer questions that our families may have about this change.
Click here to read the letter.
Results Days
Please note that, for security, the school cannot provide exam results over the telephone or by email. Examination results will be available for you to collect on the dates given below.
A Level Thursday 13th August 2026 from 8.00am
AS Level Thursday 13th August 2026 from 10.00am
GCSE Thursday 20th August 2026 from 9.00am
If you are unable to collect your results in person you may authorise a representative to collect the results on your behalf. You must provide the person you nominate with a written authorisation, signed by you, to allow the release of your results. Alternatively you can send an email from your school email address confirming details of the person authorised to collect your results.
Further details relating to results days can be found on a separate post on the school website.
Staffing Changes
We are saying goodbye to a small number of long serving teaching staff in school this year, namely Dr Johnston-McKee (English), Mr Clark (Biology) and Mrs Emsley (Maths). Our thanks also to Mr Branicki, Miss Cassidy, Mrs Drake, Mrs Dunn, Mr Fleming and Mr Henderson who have supported our students on a temporary basis this year. We also say farewell and best wishes to Mrs Prescott (cover supervisor) who is retiring after 23 years of public service to the school.
There have been a number of other internal changes to roles for individual staff, and we are also excited to welcome the following staff who will be joining us permanently in September.
- Mr Elgie - Maths Teacher
- Mrs Hillerby – Maths Teacher
- Miss Jones - Art Teacher
- Mrs Ramshaw - English Teacher
- Mrs Reilly - Subject Leader for Maths
- Mrs Wraith – English Teacher
There are also some internal leadership staff changes for 2026-27
- Mr Wilbraham – Acting Deputy Headteacher
- Mr Horn – Acting Assistant Headteacher
- Mr Bray - Acting Director of Sixth Form
Last Day of Term
A reminder that school finishes at the slightly earlier time of 12.15pm on Friday 17th July.
Buying the Correct Uniform for September 2026
Our school uniform is intended to be affordable, fair and to ensure that all students are members of the same, equal community. This represents the school’s strong commitment to equality and social justice. Please be aware that we have a selection of high-quality uniform available that has been donated by parents and carers and we have also purchased new uniform for students to use if they choose to wear incorrect uniform.
Please contact the school if you need any additional support with uniform. For those of you who will be buying new items of uniform this summer, the uniform requirements are set out in our uniform guidance, which can be accessed here: Uniform | Durham Johnston
Please do not buy inappropriate uniform over the summer. If in doubt, please use the uniform guide and contact the school with additional questions.
To avoid unnecessary issues that can impact upon student learning, please ensure that clothing is not made from stretch Lycra or knitted fabrics. Uniform should be functional, appropriate, and allow all students to move around the school freely.
In addition to the above uniform advice, a reminder that if your child is intending to get their ears pierced, they should do so at the very beginning of the summer holiday, so that their piercings can heal and be safely removed for September. Piercings are not allowed in school and students are fully aware of this fact. The same rule applies for false eyelashes and false nails.
These are small things, but our rules are clear, and Form Tutors and senior staff will work with all students on a weekly basis to ensure that uniform issues do not limit opportunities to be part of our community or to learn.
Please work positively with the school so that your child’s first interaction with school staff in September is a positive one, with a clear focus on being ready to learn and to play an active role within our community. Parental support for the school’s behaviour and uniform policies is paramount in ensuring a successful education for your child.
Return to School September
Years 7 to 11:
The school year begins on Thursday 3rd September. Students should be on site between 8am and 8:20am, in correct uniform. PE kits will not be required for the first day.
A reminder that students should not wear jewellery, and mobile phones are not allowed to be visible on site (the new policy will be rolled out in across the half term).
There will be no extracurricular activities on Thursday 3rd September
Students will spend time with their form tutor in the morning and receive their new timetables for the year. Formal lessons will begin Period 3.
Year 12:
Year 12s who studied for GCSEs at schools different from Durham Johnston are to be in for 8.20am on Thursday 3rd September. Please wear school uniform. Report to Sixth Form Area at beginning of the day.
Year 12s who studied their GCSEs at Durham Johnston are to be in on Thursday 3rd September for 10.45am.
Please wear school uniform. Assembly in James Hall begins at 11am.
Formal lessons begin for all Year 12s Period 4 and Period 5 3rd September.
Year 13:
Year 13s are back to school Friday 4th September, on site for 8.20am.
Assembly in James Hall begins at 8.25am.
Thank you for you continued support over the course of this year. I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable summer break and the opportunity to spend quality time with the people you care about. I look forward to welcoming all our students back in the autumn for another year filled with academic discovery, creativity and exciting opportunities.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs McFadden
Headteacher