Durham Sixth Form Centre

Durham Sixth Form Centre is an outstanding, oversubscribed organisation and one of the largest post 16 providers in the north east with over 1700 students on roll. We recruit from over 70 different feeder schools and our catchment extends beyond Durham county into Gateshead, Sunderland and Newcastle.   

We offer a broad, balanced curriculum including academic and applied general qualifications. Achievement is high. In 2023 we were placed in the top 12% of schools and colleges nationally, our A*-B grades are 17% above national averages and our applied general results are placed in the top 4% nationally. 

Housed in a 1913 former Grammar School we have over 110 years of educational heritage. In addition to the original building, there is a science block, theatre, resource centre, a visual arts centre, Freeman’s Quay leisure centre, a digital media centre and (opened in 2023) an onsite gallery, The Dead Dog Gallery.

A contemporary art space in the heart of our school and Durham City, The Dead Dog Gallery is a free space to experience exhibitions, create art and participate in a programme of residencies, events and classes. This safe, inclusive space serves to support people in our immediate, local and regional communities providing pathways to excellence in the arts and bringing communities together. In the short time since our opening, The Dead Dog Gallery has thrived through events and exhibitions welcoming over 3000 visitors. 

Our well-established artist-in-residence programme has run since 2018 and in this time we have welcomed a diverse group of exciting creative practitioners. Through this programme we aim to support emerging artists and designers as well as those with a more established creative practice. Developing sector skills within an educational context, our artists are supported in their professional practice. With access to a well-resourced studio space, project flexibility and support in exhibiting their work, our resident artists and designers are also offered opportunities to engage with wider networks and professional development training events.

Our students benefit greatly from the opportunity to engage with our resident artists and designers. In addition to the anticipated outcomes of the residency, students are mentored, inspired and taught by our artists. Hosting this programme raises student aspiration and signposts viable careers within the arts. As a result, our students themselves model the ambitions and successes of the artists, creating a shared sense of belonging and creative culture.

Durham Sixth Form Centre is an Artsmark Platinum organisation that maintains strong relationships with cultural organisations across the region and advocates for the importance of arts and creativity. 

Find out more about Durham Sixth Form Centre here