Durham Cathedral offers bursaries to help bring in schools

The scheme will support eligible schools across the Diocese of Durham by contributing up to £500 towards transport costs for educational visits to the cathedral between September 2026 and August 2027.

The Very Reverend Dr Philip Plyming, Dean of Durham, said: “Durham Cathedral belongs to the whole Diocese, and we want every child to have the opportunity to experience it as a place of learning, inspiration and welcome.

“This bursary reflects our commitment to widening access and helping schools overcome practical barriers so that more young people can benefit from the rich educational opportunities the Cathedral offers.”

The bursary is open to schools in the Diocese of Durham with a high proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals and who have not previously built a visit to Durham Cathedral into their learning programme.

The programme is designed to encourage first-time visits and help build lasting relationships between schools and the cathedral.

Each bursary offers up to £500 per school to contribute towards transport costs for visits that include guided learning activities delivered by Durham Cathedral’s Learning and Engagement team.

Sarah Dellar, Learning and Engagement Manager at Durham Cathedral, said: “We know that the cost of transport can be a real challenge for many schools.

“This bursary allows teachers to focus on the learning experience itself, confident that support is available to help them get here.

“We hope it will encourage schools to take that first step and begin a rewarding relationship with the Cathedral.”

The scheme has been made possible thanks to funding from the Friends of Durham Cathedral.

Details on eligibility and how to apply are available on the Durham Cathedral website at www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/visit-us/groups-schools/learning-visits/school-transport-bursary.