The present foundation dates from 1883 derived, partially, from St John's Hospital (founded in the 13th century by John Balliol, whose widow founded the Oxford college). Both the senior and prep departments are on a fine, 50-acre site in the Teesdale countryside on the outskirts of Barnard Castle. The main Victorian building is used for pupil accommodation and administration; all the teaching is done in purpose-built classrooms. In the last 25 years there has been much modernisation and development and facilities are now excellent. Originally a boys' school, it first admitted girls to the sixth form in 1984, becoming fully co-educational in 1993. Examination results are very good. Chapel assembly on all weekdays; compulsory Sunday chapel for boarders. Strong on music, drama, sport and design technology. Vigorous local support and commitment to the community.
Pupils: Total age range 4-18; 726 pupils, 543 day (322 boys, 221 girls), 183 boarding (120 boys, 63 girls). Junior department 4-11, 195 pupils (108 boys, 87 girls). Senior department 11-18; 531 pupils (334 boys, 197 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own entrance exam used; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C. No special skills or religious requirements. 40% of senior intake from state schools (plus 25% to sixth form), 50+% from own prep school.
Variable number of scholarships in senior school (awarded at 11, 13,16) including academic, sport and music. School assisted places. Bursaries for pupils whose parents' circumstances change dramatically. Parents not expected to buy textbooks; no other compulsory extras.
Headmaster: Alan Stevens, in post since 2010. Educated at Queen's University, Belfast (history) and the Open University (managment and leadership). Previously Assistant Head at Trent College and Head of History and Housemaster at Campbell College. Prep School Headmaster: Carl Rycroft, in post since 2009. Teaching staff: 63 full time, 5 part time, plus music staff. Small annual turnover.
GCSE: 83 pupils in Year 11. 70% gained at least grade C in 8 + subjects; 18% in 5-7 subjects (82% of pupils included English, maths, a science, a humanity and a modern language). A-levels: 66 in upper sixth. 22% passed in 4+ subjects; 70% in 3; 8% in 2 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 320.
96% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (12% after a gap year). 11% took courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 33% in science and engineering, 7% in law, 44% in humanities and social sciences, 5% in art and design. Others typically go on to foundation courses.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 22 AS/A-level subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. 46% take science A-levels; 40% arts/humanities; 14% both. General studies taught and examined. Special provision: Specialist dyslexic teaching; EFL teaching. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level. Regular visits to France and Spain. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject (key skill and GCSE). 120 computers for pupil use (10 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Up to 44% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestras, jazz band, wind band, brass ensemble, various choirs. Drama: High standards in school plays and musicals, involving large numbers of pupils. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 12 A-level.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, cross-country, athletics, swimming, squash, netball, tennis, lacrosse, golf, badminton, cricket, rounders, soccer. Activities: 90+ activities on offer. Pupils take silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award; 24 silver and 4 gold awards a year. CCF and community service optional at age 14. Up to 45 clubs, eg music, drama, sporting, service and academic.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects appointed by the Head and house staff. Religion: Inter-denominational school. Compulsory Sunday chapel for boarders; chapel assembly each weekday. Social: Organised trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school; cars as privilege. Meals self-service, few formal. School stationery shop. Alcohol allowed in sixth-form club.
Pupils failing to produce homework once would be dealt with according to circumstances; those caught in possession of cannabis on the premises could expect to be expelled.
40% have own study bedroom, 60% share. Houses of 58-65. Qualified medical staff. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook some own food. Visits to the local town allowed at housemaster's/mistress's discretion.
is run by Miss Dorothy Jones (01833 696061 or djones@barneyschool.org.uk)
Craig Raine (poet); Kevin Whately (actor); Bentley Beetham (climber); Rory and Tony Underwood, Mathew Tait (rugby internationals), Giles Deacon (fashion designer), Tony Aikenhead (Project Director for Team Stadium, 2012 Olympics).
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