is durham strict w/ grades?

Hi I know this isn't answering your question directly but have you checked whether you're eligible for a contextual offer? This could reduce the grades you need to something more comfortable

i think i am, i just checked my home address postcode and it's valid for POLAR4 and my current school is a state school - these are the only ones that i meet at the moment, do you know if i'm at a sort of disadvantage for not meeting all criteria?

As far as I’m aware, you should be okay 🙂 I also had only those 2 criteria, the same as you, and I was still given a contextual for osychology! I can’t remember what the original grade requirements were but my offer was BBB.
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/how-to-apply/what-happens-to-your-application/contextual-offers/
If you have any doubts you could give this a read

great thank you so much!! did you take up your offer??

No problem!! I hope everything goes well for you 🙂 and yeah I did actually, I am studying there now as a commuter student so if you have any more questions feel free to ask!!

dunno how stupid this question is but was just wondering if Durham is super strict with their grade requirements. my predicted grades are currently at A*A*B and entry requirements for my course is AAA, would the two A*s like offset the B?