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 

A Remarkable Three Weeks at St John’s Welcoming Rev Dr Matt Seddon as Visiting Scholar Applications open for the Etchells Fellowship 2026–27

College news

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

A Remarkable Three Weeks at St John’s

17 July 2026

A Remarkable Three Weeks at St John’s

The past three weeks have been one of the busiest periods in our college calendar.  From Summer Congregation celebrations in Durham Cathedral to conferences, visiting scholars and welcoming guests from around the world, St John’s has been abuzz with activity. Over the past three weeks, our teams have delivered an exceptional level of commercial and […]

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 […]

Events

St John’s calendar

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.

Tue 27 Oct 2026
Once a Johnian Formal: Science & Innovation in a Changing World

St John‘s College

Once a Johnian Formal: Science & Innovation in a Changing World

Calling all our alumni, colleagues and friends working across science, technology, engineering, innovation and research.

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