Welcome to Barnard Castle School, an independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 4-18. We are delighted that you are interested in the school and our Admissions team is ready to answer any questions you may have, to help you learn more about what makes Barney unique and to guide you through the application process. For some, it may be familiar ground, or you may be choosing a school for the first time. Whatever your particular circumstances or needs, we are here to help.
First and foremost we encourage you to come and visit us. Once families see first-hand what we offer, and talk to our staff and students, they quickly appreciate that not all schools are the same. Once registration is completed, we offer taster days for children and even the chance to stay overnight for prospective boarders.
Please view our Arrange a Visit and How to Apply pages for Prep School, Senior School, Sixth Form or Overseas Students.
You can also view and download useful Barnard Castle School materials and brochures by visiting the Resources section of our website.
For all enquiries regarding admissions, please contact our Registrar on:
Tel: +44(0)1833 696030 or email: admissions@barneyschool.org.uk
Prep School
The Prep School is where the foundations of our children’s learning are laid, where they enjoy an inspiring and nurturing experience that sets them on a rewarding and happy journey in education.
Pre-Prep – Reception to Year 2
Parents wishing to apply for their child or children to join our Pre-Prep are invited to enjoy a personal tour of the School and to meet the Headmistress Mrs Laura Turner.
Children may be able to join the Pre-Prep at any time during the school year, however, owing to demand for places especially for September enrolment, parents are advised to register their interest as soon as possible by contacting our Registrar on Tel: +44 (0)1833 696 030 or email: admissions@barneyschool.org.uk
Prep School – Years 3 to 6
Children wishing to join the Prep School in Years 3 to 6 are asked to undergo a short series of tests in English, mathematics and non-verbal reasoning skills. There may be opportunities for pupils to join the school at other times during the academic year and we welcome registration all year round. Appropriate competence is required but, above all, we look for the potential to do well.
A Registration Form must be completed and returned to the School for both Pre-Prep and Prep.
Senior School
Applications to Senior School begin with registering an interest, then the completion and submission of an Admissions Registration Form. Early registration is advised.
All communications should be via Registrar, Barnard Castle School, Barnard Castle, Co Durham, DL12 8UN.
Tel: +44 (0)1833 696 030 or email admissions@barneyschool.org.uk
To proceed with an application we require the following information:
School Entrance Days
Visit the Admissions section of our website for further details relating to our Entrance Days and Examinations all prospective pupils complete. Alternatively, contact admissions@barneyschool.org.uk or 01833 696030.
Attainment tests in:
English:
A comprehension test and a written test lasting 60 minutes in total.
Mathematics:
A competency test lasting 60 minutes for Year 7 applicants, 30 minutes for Year 8-10 applicants.
And for Year 8-10 applicants:
A Computer Adaptive baseline test (MidYIS/Yellis) lasting 45 minutes, divided into verbal, numerical and perceptual sections
The award of places is also linked to the following:
Results of Entrance Exams are confidential to the school. Offers of places are normally sent by letter within ten days of sitting the exams. The school uses the Entrance Exam results to determine whether the candidate is able to access the curriculum appropriately and whether the school can meet the candidates’ educational needs.
Those candidates who are unable to sit the school Entrance Exam can be examined at another mutually convenient time in the academic year.
Prospective parents should be aware the school has a range of important policy documents to share with current parents, pupils and staff. These include policies on child protection, counter-bullying including cyber-bullying, the complaints’ procedure, and the rewards and sanctions procedures. These are available on request and to download from the website.
Sixth Form
Parents and students are advised to register their interest as soon as possible by contacting our Registrar on: Tel: +44 (0)1833 696 030 or email admissions@barneyschool.org.uk or by completing a Barney Sixth Form Application Form.
School Entrance Days
Visit the Admissions section of our website for further details relating to our Entrance Days and Examinations all prospective pupils complete.
In addition, the School awards Academic Scholarships to girls and boys entering Sixth Form on the basis of their performance at GCSE. Sport, Music, Art and Drama Scholarships may also be awarded to those who show outstanding potential, which will enrich the life of the school.
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