FIDES NOSTRA VICTORIA
Est. 1909

St John’s College, Durham: a community of belonging.

A distinctive, independent college at the heart of Durham, where tradition and innovation meet.

St John’s is a place of belonging, grounded in the values of curiosity, gratitude and kindness. Set on the historic Bailey beside Durham Cathedral, we combine the best of tradition with a forward-looking spirit. Whether studying, performing, rowing, worshipping, or simply sharing life together, Johnians make this community thrive.

young people in academic dress stand in front of a brick building

John’s attracts people who genuinely want to help – Each of us helps shape the college in our own way, and that’s what makes it such an inspiring place to be and grow.

Ahmed, Computer Science 

Welcoming Rev Dr Matt Seddon as Visiting Scholar Applications open for the Etchells Fellowship 2026–27 A Greener Future for St Mary the Less

College news

Discover what’s happening across College with the latest updates and news.

Welcoming Rev Dr Matt Seddon as Visiting Scholar

7 July 2026

Welcoming Rev Dr Matt Seddon as Visiting Scholar

We’re delighted to welcome Rev Dr Matt Seddon to St John’s College as a Visiting Scholar this month. Matt is an archaeologist and priest in the Episcopal Church, serving at Trinity Episcopal Church in Bloomington, Indiana, in the Diocese of Indianapolis. During his time at St John’s, he will continue his research into how the […]

Applications open for the Etchells Fellowship 2026–27

29 June 2026

Applications open for the Etchells Fellowship 2026–27

Applications are now open for the Etchells Fellowship 2026–27, a unique opportunity for a scholar, writer or artist of Christian faith to spend a term in residence at St John’s College. Commemorating Ruth Etchells (1931–2012), the College’s first female Principal, the Fellowship offers time and space to pursue creative work while becoming part of the […]

A Greener Future for St Mary the Less

12 May 2026

A Greener Future for St Mary the Less

St Mary the Less, the Chapel of St John’s College, Durham, has recently completed the installation of air source heat pumps to power underfloor heating throughout the building, marking a significant step forward in the College’s environmental sustainability work. For me, it’s about leaving the estate in a better condition environmentally than we inherited it, […]

Events

St John’s calendar

Tue 14 Jul 2026
What is Anthropologically Engaged Theology and why would we want it?

Vice Principal’s Office

What is Anthropologically Engaged Theology and why would we want it?

Join our visiting scholar Rev Dr Matt Seddon for this conversation

Multi-day 28 - 30 Aug 2026
Five Year Reunion

St John‘s College

Five Year Reunion

A weekend reunion centred around the year group who began in 2018

Wed 9 Sep 2026
Secret Gardens of South Bailey

St John's College and St Cuthbert's Society

Secret Gardens of South Bailey

Secret Gardens of South Bailey is an annual public event hosted by St John’s College and St Cuthbert’s Society, featuring guided garden tours, local history talks and cream tea in the heart of Durham’s historic peninsula.

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