Barnard Castle School
Barnard Castle School is a co-ed boarding and day school in County, Durham, educating pupils aged 4 - 18 and founded in 1883. Boarding fees are £11,704 - £17,045 per term. Our advice on this school is independent and free.
- Type
- Co-ed boarding & day
- Boarders from
- 7 - 18
- Ethos
- Non-denominational
- Guardian required
- Yes
About Barnard Castle
The story, ethos and character of Barnard Castle.
- Setting
- Rural
- Ethos
- Non-denominational
- Head
- Mr David Cresswell
'Barney', as we are affectionately known, is a remarkable to live, learn and grow. Our greatest strength is the ability to create an incredibly supportive and welcoming environment which allows each and every pupil to flourish. At the heart of Barney's family is our boarding community, where students excel academically whilst also enjoying a wide range of co-curricular activities which help them develop happy, well-rounded characters.
Pupils here will find subjects being taught by inspirational teachers as well as strong pastoral care from our boarding staff and tutors. However, it is the life skills that children acquire that set Barney apart. The emphasis on building self-awareness, compassion, collaboration, leadership, resilience and courtesy through a wide range of activities including sport, music, art and drama enables them to express themselves and realise their true potential.
What the school is known for? Everyone comments the moment they enter the School on the happy, friendly atmosphere within the School. International students are fully immersed with the British pupils and friendships for life are instantly formed.
We call this our Barney Family. School history The school's origins lie in the medieval hospital which was established in 1229 to the present site by the Lord of Barnard Castle, John Balliol. By the nineteenth century, this community had shrunk and the buildings were falling into disrepair so Benjamin Flounders, a local wealthy businessman and philanthropist, bequeathed a sum of money to fund the building a new school which would incorporate the old foundation.
Read the full Barnard Castle profile
Enter your email to unlock academics, boarding life, admissions, fees & funding, location and photos — free, and for every school on this site.
- Full academics, boarding, admissions & fees detail
- Photo galleries and location guides
- Independent, free advice — no spam, ever
Academics at Barnard Castle
What pupils study at Barnard Castle — and where it takes them.
which parents would expect in a traditional, but forward looking school. Please see below a summary of the subjects Barnard Castle School offers at GCSE, A Level and BTEC. GCSE Core Subjects All pupils study the following subjects to GCSE level: English (with most adding English Literature) Mathematics One Modern Foreign Language - from French, German and Spanish Sciences - Biology, Chemistry and Physics are all studied, with some students doing three individual GCSEs and some doing dual-award Co-ordinated Science GCSEs.
Option Subjects Pupils select three other subject: Art Business Studies Classical Civilisation Computer Science Creative i Media (a Cambridge National qualification, rather than a GCSE) Design Technology Drama Geography History Latin Music Physical Education Religion, Ethics & Philosophy An additional Modern Foreign Language A Level Our A Level course options are as follows: Ancient History Art Biology Business Studies Chemistry Classics Computer Science Core Mathematics Drama and Theatre Studies Design Technology Digital Media Economics English Language English Literature Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) Geography History Latin Mathematics and Further Mathematics Modern Foreign Languages Music Physical Education Physics Politics Psychology Religion, Ethics & Philosophy BTEC Barnard Castle School currently offers a Sport BTEC option for Sixth Form students.
Programmes offered
Subjects offered
Where our leavers go
We are proud of the achievements of all Barnardians, many of whom will advance to prestigious universities, including Russell Group institutions. To view the most recent destinations of our leavers, visit the Barnard Castle School website by following the below: https://www. barnardcastleschool. org. uk/sixth-form/destinations/
Figures are indicative — contact us for the latest results.
Boarding at Barnard Castle
Day-to-day boarding life and pastoral care at Barnard Castle.
- Boarding houses
- Girls 1, Boys 2, Mixed 1
- Exeat weekends
- Yes
- Guardian required
- Yes
- Saturday lessons
- Yes
School provides girls and boys with a safe, happy and nurturing environment in a stunning area of County Durham. With its outstanding academic record, first class facilities and excellent pastoral care, it offers all students the chance to excel both inside and outside the classroom.
Boarders from the age of 7 to 18 and day pupils from the age of 4 to 18 benefit from a strong family atmosphere. The school's ethos of openness means that it welcomes parents, former pupils and friends of the school to join in and promote a sense of pride, endeavour and tremendous fun.
A genuine home away from home
To learn more about our Boarding Houses, visit the Barnard Castle School website. The following takes you to the Boarding section of our website, which includes information about our Housemasters and Housemistresses, our Junior and Senior Boarding Houses and much more: https://www.
barnardcastleschool. org. uk/introduction-to-boarding/boarding/welcome-to-boarding/ York House, ages 13 to 18, Boys (Boys) York House came into existence on 2nd February 1886 when the incomplete school buildings were first employed as boarders' accommodation.
We can arrange trusted UK guardianship for international families.
Barnard Castle admissions
How children join Barnard Castle, and how we make it simple.
Tell us about your child
Share their age, interests and what you're looking for. Our advice is completely free.
We shortlist & introduce
We match you to the right schools and make the introductions to their admissions teams.
Assessment, offer & enrolment
We guide you through entrance assessments and interviews, and handle visas and guardianship if needed.
What you'll typically need
- Recent school reports or transcript
- Passport copy
- English-language evidence (if applicable)
- Completed registration form
- A reference from the current school
We can only offer short term stays after the main September entry if we have spaces available. Special notes to agents about entry to the school To view Barnard Castle School's latest brochures and useful documents, visit the 'Resources' section of our website here: https://www.
barnardcastleschool. org. uk/admissions/international-resources/ Please do not register applicants until we have seen the required documentation as listed below. Once we have reviewed the applicants profile we will indicate whether we will offer a .
As your advisors we manage the application end-to-end at no cost.
Barnard Castle fees & funding
What Barnard Castle costs, what's included, and how we help with funding.
What termly boarding fees include
- Tuition
- Boarding accommodation
- All meals
- Pastoral & house care
- Most academic materials
Funding & scholarships
Registration deposits, EAL tuition, uniform and trips are usually charged separately. Many schools offer academic, sport, music and art scholarships plus means-tested bursaries — ask us and we'll send a full, current breakdown for Barnard Castle.
Fees change year to year and by entry point. As your independent advisors we hold up-to-date figures and can compare Barnard Castle against similar schools so you know exactly what to budget.
Figures shown are the latest we hold — we'll confirm current fees on enquiry.
Barnard Castle location & travel
Where Barnard Castle is, and how to get there.
Travel details Address Newgate, Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8UN, England Travel time to London by train Less than 3 hours Telephone +44 (0) 1833 696030 Website https://www. barnardcastleschool. org. uk/ Most convenient airports Airport Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1.
Teeside International 25 45 2. Newcastle Airport 60 70 3. Leeds Bradford 62 78 4. Manchester 120 138 Most convenient train stations Station Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. Darlington 16 20 2. Penrith 40 60 Local accommodation Barnard Castle is a market town in Teesdale, County Durham, North East England.
Inside Barnard Castle
Barnard Castle — frequently asked questions
Where is Barnard Castle?
How much are Barnard Castle boarding fees?
What ages does Barnard Castle take?
Is Barnard Castle co-educational?
When was Barnard Castle founded?
Does Barnard Castle require a UK guardian?
How many pupils study A-levels at Barnard Castle?
What qualifications does Barnard Castle offer?
Does Barnard Castle support SEN or EAL students?
How many boarding houses does Barnard Castle have?
Are there compulsory exeat weekends at Barnard Castle?
Does Barnard Castle have Saturday lessons?
How do I apply to Barnard Castle?
Does Barnard Castle accept international students?
How much does Barnard Castle cost?
What's included in Barnard Castle's fees?
Are scholarships or bursaries available?
Where exactly is Barnard Castle?
Considering Barnard Castle for your child?
We've visited the schools and know the staff. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll guide you — our advice is always free.
Ask us about Barnard Castle