DURHAM School, part of the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation, is proud to have hosted an exclusive event celebrating the official opening of Lodge House, a new girls’ Day House designed to offer a warm and supportive environment for girls aged 11 to 18.

The event took place on Thursday,November 14, and featured a special guest of honour: Katie Fraser (nee Geiser), the first female Head of School.

The addition of Lodge House to Durham School's historic campus marks a new chapter in the school’s 610 year history.

Designed with modern amenities within a historic building, Lodge House joined existing girls' houses, Pimlico and MacLeod, in nurturing academic, social, and emotional growth of our female pupils.

Katie Fraser, an alumna of Durham School’s first girls house, Pimlico House (1992 - 94), spoke at the event about her experiences as a pupil in the early 1990s, being the first female head of school in 1994, and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for young women in education.

Ms. Geiser’s leadership legacy continues to inspire current and future generations, and her return to Durham as Guest of Honour made the launch event memorable.

Lodge House is named after Miss Millicent Lodge, Durham School’s first female teacher, who served the foundation with distinction for more than 40 years, championing both educational excellence and modernisation.

Kieran McLaughlin, headmaster of Durham School and principal of the Foundation, said: “The opening of Lodge House is a remarkable milestone for the Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation. Lodge, our sixth senior house, is named after Miss Lodge. For over 40 years she shaped countless young lives at both at Durham School."

Beth Spence, the inaugural senior housemistress of Lodge House, will oversee the house’s pastoral support.

She said, “The establishment of Lodge House is an important and meaningful step, not only for the girls at Durham School but for our entire Foundation community. It paves the way for even more young women to benefit from an excellent Durham School education.”