Durham 2020

[nodtik]

Eldest is considering applying to Durham for entry next September.

We are not rich - we both work in the public sector, but have heard that Durham is only for those privately educated and or Oxbridge rejects.

Eldest is bright, but state school educated. UCAS predicted grades are A*AA and got full marks on their EPQ.

We don't want them to feel second rate and out of it, because of lack of background.

Neither of us went to university.

They are also looking at
Exeter
Bath
Sheffield
Leeds
Birmingham
Bangor
Southampton

What do the knowledgeable people of Mumsnet think,

School think that Durham is fine, but I've only heard negatives about it!

Thank you 😊

Either way (as firm or insurance) that’s a great offer, Hoghgyni. Will be keeping fingers crossed for your DD’s first choice but if not then Durham sounds like a great alternative.

Ex St Mary's student here (back when it was single sex, so light years ago!)

I'll admit that state educated me found Durham difficult at times, with a lot of my peers being privately educated and seemed to come from an entirely other world. However, I had an overwhelmingly positive experience, the education was excellent and it taught me a lot about not judging people based on your own prejudice about who you think they might be. I also really miss cross the bridges to the Bailey side of the river on a crisp autumn morning and watching the mist rise off the river. It's a truly special place.

Another Durham graduate here although years ago and back in the day when there were still single sec colleges . I was in Trevs, ds is applying this year .

DD liked Trevs. I haven't seen any of them, but I think she would be happy if she was put there.

DD is at Durham. Not just state school but state school crappy comp (not grammar!!), and she holds her own v well, although rolls her eyes at some of the behavoir and attitudes (and signet rings!!). She's in her final year and most of her contemporaries seem to want to go into banking/wealth management. She's a little odd because she wants to take a different direction.
There's lots of student centred activity - within colleges and university wide, and I think this is one of the strengths of Durham and one DD has run with

Not all colleges have gowns. At least one doesn't. And the pastoral care for my DD (eating disorder and physical disability) has been fab. I can't say they've solved the problems (only she can really), but it's definitely felt like they've been a cross things and responded quickly when she's been in touch.
As for public school culture well
I also think that's prominent in many other unis - Exeter and Bristol I'm talking about you! So don't discount Durham on that basis. Also I feel it's actually fine her good to see that other side of life. She was sheltered in her own way at her comp - top of the academic heap for years and years. Good to be out of that comfort zone!