Welcome from the Principal

If you have been accepted to Durham University and will be joining the community of St Cuthbert’s Society, you have my warmest congratulations. 

Durham is an historic and globally significant centre of learning, and its distinctive collegiate system – where every student belongs to one of seventeen constituent communities – is one key to its enduring strength. Each Durham college has its own history and ethos, cherished by its members; St Cuthbert’s Society is no exception! 

Founded in 1888 as an association of students, St Cuthbert’s (also known as Cuth’s, Cuthbert’s, and the Society) is unique. Marked by an independent and pioneering ethos, it was originally home to many local and mature students who eschewed traditional college membership. Cuth’s students were also the first to organise into a vibrant independent – i.e., charitable – junior common room (JCR), which continues to thrive; the College itself was the first to become mixed sex in 1969; and, in 2026-27, it will be one of only four participating in Durham’s inaugural flagship educational partnership with Wuhan University. In short, you are becoming part of a community with a fascinating and entirely distinctive unfolding story. 

Aspects of life at Cuth’s celebrate history and tradition. Since 1895, it has been dedicated to Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, the seventh-century bishop and holy man – icon of the North East, famous wonder-worker, and pioneer in the conservation of his natural environment – who is now buried in Durham’s magnificent Romanesque cathedral. When you officially enter upon your University career at the ceremony known as matriculation, you will have the privilege of doing so in close proximity to your college’s medieval patron! There is much in Cuthbert’s spiritual, psychological, and ethical sensitivity that continues to provide inspiration to members of the Society today. 

St Cuthbert’s is a dynamic community of learning, with a distinguished tradition of academic excellence. At the same time, one of the great strengths of Durham’s collegiate system is that college communities allow intellectual flourishing to take place within a context of holistic personal development. It is my hope that you, like so many Cuthbertians before you, will find Cuth’s to be a place of encounter, opportunity, challenge, encouragement, and support. 

The Society’s motto is key to understanding our ethos: gratia gratiam parit or ‘friendship begets friendship’. Whether you choose to throw yourself into one (or more) of the forty clubs and societies hosted by the JCR, or to get involved in our unique enrichment programme, Evergreen; whether you are a UK undergraduate or an international postgraduate; whatever your background, or heritage, you will be welcome here. Our aspiration is simply to co-create with students a collegiate environment in which all may flourish into exceptional graduates who especially exemplify three core values: curiosity, creativity, and compassion. 

The first semester of our academic year is called Michaelmas Term. If you will be joining St Cuthbert’s as a new member, we look forward to meeting you, to the contributions you will make, and to marking your progress and achievements! 

In the meantime, many congratulations – enjoy your celebrations! 

Dr Matthew Mills 

Interim Principal of St Cuthbert's Society