Ages 
Regeneration is taking place at Barney, embracing traditional values whilst ensuring pupils have the life skills required for success in their brave new 21st-century world. Driven by the energy, commitment and enthusiasm of the newish head and his team and welcomed by the school community as a whole, it’s resonating with a wider new audience too. One to watch.
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Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 433 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 136 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Christian
- Fees
- Day £22,954; Boarding £44,203 pa
- Local authority
- Durham County Council
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Headmaster
David Cresswell
Since September 2024, David Cresswell, previously senior deputy head at Whitgift School, Croydon. This is not his first time at the school – he was deputy head (sixth form) here from 2017-2020. Before that, he taught MFL and theatre studies at his
Entrance
From independents Aysgarth, Mowden Hall, Terrington Hall and Cundall Manor; state schools in Richmond, Bedale and Darlington. Good school transport links and recruitment area extending even as far as the Lake District.
All interviewed – online if
- Open days
- Appointment Only
Exit
A third leave after GCSEs. Most sixth formers go on to university, around a quarter of them to Russell Group. Newcastle, Northumbria, Durham, Liverpool, Harper Adams, Exeter, Edinburgh, Bath all popular. Occasional few to Oxbridge, but none in the
Latest results
In 2025, 30 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 28 per cent A*/A at A level (51 per cent A*-B).
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Not a big hitter in the league tables but solid and consistent results over the last three years at A level. School a big fan of the EPQ for the depth of independent study undertaken and pupils are encouraged to take it on. Independent study lesson
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
A wide range of abilities and capabilities. Currently more than 60 pupils receive learning support – charged in half-termly blocks. Support focuses on English and maths, but also helps with specific topics, always working closely with class teachers.
Arts & extracurricular
Art popular and good take-up at GCSE and A level. Resourced well with opportunities to explore a wide variety of genres, including pottery and photography in class and in weekly activities programme. Three exhibitions a year and work proudly on
Sport
Barney is renowned for its sporting strength and has some OB rugby legends. All pupils have five timetabled games lessons a week, and practices and sports clubs form part of the activity programme between 4pm and 5pm daily. Matches most Saturday
Boarders
The junior boarding house is home to some 28 pupils aged 8-13 from the prep and senior school. It is staffed by senior and prep school teachers and a couple of recent OBs as ‘gappies’. At the end of the school day a welcome awaits in the kitchen with
Ethos & heritage
Barnard Castle was founded thanks to the combined efforts of Victorian visionaries who were determined to improve education in the north-east of England. It opened in 1882 as North Eastern County School and moved to its permanent location in Barnard
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
House system intrinsic to the Barney Way. Five day and three boarding houses, where pupils go to register, meet at break and lunchtimes and for house meetings and after-school sessions. Myriad house competitions range from the Barney Bash to cake
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Students in years 7-11 are not permitted their mobile phone in school. Other than their recognised school device no other device will be permitted in school, unless permission is granted in advance to meet a specific educational need. If parents feel that their child/ren need access to mobile phones for the journey to and from school, their phone must be stored in their locker during the school day as they will not be permitted in common rooms, classrooms or around the school site. Padlocks will be provided by the school to ensure that lockers remain secure.
Pupils & parents
Diverse backgrounds. Parents including wealthy landowners, business people and a declining but significant number of service personnel. Two-thirds are day pupils and there are nine bus routes, mostly up to 20 miles, but including an ‘express’ service
Money matters
Scholarships and discounts for Forces and Foreign Office families all 10 per cent. Some means-tested bursaries. Discounts for siblings.
- Fee information
- Day £22,954; Boarding £44,203 pa
The last word
Regeneration is taking place at Barney, embracing traditional values whilst ensuring pupils have the life skills required for success in their brave new 21st-century world. Driven by the energy, commitment and enthusiasm of the newish head and his
