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Our community
We are an academic community: our students, teaching and research staff and our Fellows all contribute to the intellectual and creative life of the College.
Home to around 600 undergraduates, 280 postgraduates, and 100 students at Cranmer Hall, St John’s is large enough to offer real breadth and opportunity, yet small enough for everyone to be known. Around 270 students live in College each year, but whether you live in or out, we encourage our students to see John’s as their home away from home.
What defines St John’s most is our people. Students and staff work side by side to make College life rich and rewarding – from academic and creative pursuits to sport, music, and volunteering. It’s a place where we encourage curiosity, practise kindness, and seek to live in gratitude.
Independent by nature
As a recognised college of Durham University, we are proudly independent in our governance and finances. That independence allows us to shape our own character, combining the best of tradition with innovation and inclusion.
It means we can respond to the needs of our community and take a considered, long-term approach to the future of the College. Our strategy, Our Vision 2025–2035, sets out how we are building a community of belonging, supporting students to thrive, and strengthening our academic and research life. It reflects what we are about as a College: a place where people are known, where ideas are taken seriously, and where students are supported to make the most of their time at Durham
College news
Discover what’s happening across College with the latest updates and news.
20 July 2026
Our Resident Tutors for 2026-27
We’re delighted to introduce the Resident Tutor team for the 2026–27 academic year. Resident Tutors are an important part of life at St John’s, responding to overnight incidents and emergencies, organising events and helping build our community. This year, George and Leanna join returning Resident Tutors Aurelia and Felipe. We’ve asked each of them to […]
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 […]
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 […]
St John’s calendar
Five Year Reunion
A weekend reunion centred around the year group who began in 2018
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.
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.
Cranmer Hall: a community within a community
Cranmer Hall, founded in 1958 as a distinct but integral part of the College, trains women and men in theology and for ministry in the Church of England and other denominations.
This means that Cranmer is a community within a community, enjoying the fellowship of a small college and the riches of a world renowned University.
