Schools

If your child is between the ages of 5 and 16, then they are required to be in full-time education. It is the parents' responsibility to ensure that their child has access to full-time education, and attends. After 16, children can decide to study for A levels or a vocational qualification, or they can leave the school but must stay in education or training until the age of 17. They can continue their education at school or at a further education institute or Sixth Form College.

State schools are free for children between the ages of 5 and 18 and all state schools in County Durham are co-educational which means that boys and girls are taught in the same class.

Durham also has a selection of Independent Schools (fee-paying). Independent schools can offer single-sex classes.

Younger children may attend nursery school from age 3. There are free state nurseries, but in private nurseries fees vary between £25.00 and £45.00 per day. Durham has a University Nursery where places may be available for your child and preferential fee arrangements are in place for staff.

• Durham County Council's schools and learning web pages
• Independent schools in Durham (Fee paying)