175 (plus 40 postgraduates)
St John’s College is like no other Durham college. Founded in 1909 and set in a series of beautiful listed buildings in the heart of Durham city, our community enjoys stunning views of Durham Cathedral and boasts gardens and lawns stretching down to the River Wear. We are one of the smallest colleges, renowned for our lively and welcoming atmosphere. St John’s fosters a supportive community that will positively challenge, develop, and grow your individual strengths. The College has a degree of independence within the University, both financially and in its governance. Our students study for University degrees alongside members of other colleges, but we have the freedom to do things a little differently.
Our College is situated in the historic heart of Durham City, within a World Heritage site.
Explore our College Records from 2016 onwards.
Our new gym has ergs, cross trainers, treadmills, a weights room and much more.
Our library is light, spacious and congenial for study, with 86 study desks as well as a group study room for up to 8 people and an excellent stock of around 27,000 books.
Our College Chapel is the Church of St Mary the Less which was founded around 1140, extensively renovated in 1847, and acquired by St John's College in 1919.
Our dedicated music practice rooms have upright pianos, guitar amps, vocal amplification and a full electric drum kit, as well as an electric organ and instrumental practice space.
Social distancing rules over the summer of 2020 inspired us to repurpose our Upstairs Bar and neighbouring outdoor space on Linton, forming the Linton Garden Bar.
Gym equipment overlooking our green space
The Sir William Leech Library on the first and second floors of our purpose-built Learning Resource Centre
The Church of St Mary the Less on the Bailey just across the road from the main row of College buildings
Student performance in the gardens
Linton Bar accessed from the lawns at the back of the College where there are many large tables and parasols for socialising
Hear from our students at St John's and find out what College life is like.
Durham University
St John's College is home to Cranmer Hall, a vibrant and diverse evangelical Christian community rooted in Durham and the North East.
Contact us by phone or email below to find out more about accommodation, admissions and student support.
3 South BaileyDurhamDH1 3RJUnited Kingdom
Tel:+44 (0) 191 334 3500
St John's College, Durham is a constituent College of Durham University and is a registered charity.
Charity No. 1141701
VAT No. 334 636457
