A historic County Durham school marking a very special anniversary this year has released a collection of photographs from over a century of educating.

Durham High School has begun a programme of events to mark its 140th anniversary this year with a colour run, school picnic and a time capsule burial penned in this summer.

The school was founded in 1884, initially in Claypath in Durham's City Centre but since the 1960s has been located off South Road close to the A167.

As part of the celebrations, pupils received a special visit from Lord Lieutenant Sue Snowdon who watched them perform and even received some school memorabilia.

Headmistress Michelle Hill, said Mrs Snowdon was delighted to see how Durham High had continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of its students while staying true to its founding principles.

"It was wonderful to see her so interested in our students,” she said. “With 140 years of experience in girls' education, Durham High School understands the unique needs and challenges faced by young women.

“The spirit of sisterhood is ingrained in every aspect of school life and students learn the value of championing each other, creating a strong network of support that lasts a lifetime.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating our anniversary with pupils past and present and their families and welcoming more girls to Durham High in the future.”

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Jenifer Blair, who attended the school between 1949 and 1969 and is a member of the OGA (Old Girls’ Association) committee, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my school days and I still keep in touch with friends who were made during that time. The camaraderie of our school days has endured for more than 60 years.”

To mark the anniversary, the school has also released old photographs as well as some modern ones to mark the visit of Sue Snowdon. 

Take a look below: 

The Northern Echo: Victorian era photographs from Durham High School for Girls.Victorian era photographs from Durham High School for Girls. (Image: DURHAM HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS)

The Northern Echo: Victorian era photographs from Durham High School for Girls.Victorian era photographs from Durham High School for Girls. (Image: DURHAM HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS)

The Northern Echo: Victorian era photographs from Durham High School for Girls.Victorian era photographs from Durham High School for Girls. (Image: DURHAM HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS)

The Northern Echo: Victorian era photographs from Durham High School for Girls.Victorian era photographs from Durham High School for Girls. (Image: DURHAM HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS)

The Northern Echo: Durham High School for Girls.Durham High School for Girls. (Image: DURHAM HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS)

The Northern Echo: Old Girl Jenifer Blair and current Head Girl, Phoebe Flavell, cut the ribbon to the new mural which marks the school’s 140th birthday.Old Girl Jenifer Blair and current Head Girl, Phoebe Flavell, cut the ribbon to the new mural which marks the school’s 140th birthday. (Image: DURHAM HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS)

The Northern Echo: New mural to mark Durham High School for Girls' 140th anniversary.New mural to mark Durham High School for Girls' 140th anniversary. (Image: DURHAM HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS)

The Northern Echo: Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Sue Snowdon, recently visited the school to meet students and enjoy afternoon tea. Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Sue Snowdon, recently visited the school to meet students and enjoy afternoon tea. (Image: DURHAM HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS)


The Northern Echo: Headmistress Michelle Hill with students Ava Garnham and Yasmeen Hussein.Headmistress Michelle Hill with students Ava Garnham and Yasmeen Hussein. (Image: DURHAM HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS)

The Northern Echo: Michelle Hill is the current Headmistress at Durham High School.Michelle Hill is the current Headmistress at Durham High School. (Image: DURHAM HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS)