Key Information Summary
- School Type: Co-educational independent day and boarding school
- Age Range: 4-18 years
- Location: Barnard Castle, County Durham
- Headmaster: Mr A C Jackson
- Total Pupils: Approximately 698 students
- Day Fees: £2,988 - £5,665 per term
- Boarding Fees: £8,580 - £10,810 per term
- Entry Points: 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9), Sixth Form
- Scholarships: Academic, arts, music, drama, and sports scholarships available
About Barnard Castle School
Barnard Castle School, affectionately known as "Barney" amongst its community, has been providing exceptional education since its founding in 1883. Nestled within the stunning North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in County Durham, the school occupies a magnificent 50-acre campus that perfectly balances historic charm with modern facilities.
The school's distinctive character stems from its strong Methodist heritage and commitment to developing well-rounded individuals. With nearly 700 pupils, Barnard Castle maintains an intimate feel whilst offering the breadth of opportunities typically found in much larger institutions. The school's house system fosters close relationships between pupils of different ages, creating a supportive family atmosphere that extends beyond the classroom.
Academic excellence remains at the heart of Barnard Castle's ethos, with consistently strong GCSE and A-Level results placing it amongst the top-performing independent schools in the North East. The school's commitment to small class sizes ensures personalised attention, with an average teacher-to-pupil ratio that allows for individualised learning approaches.
Beyond academics, Barnard Castle boasts an exceptional range of co-curricular activities. The school's outdoor education programme takes full advantage of its stunning location, with activities including Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, fell walking, and outdoor leadership courses. The performing arts flourish here, with outstanding music, drama, and dance departments producing regular concerts and theatrical performances.
The 11+ Assessment Process
Barnard Castle School's 11+ entrance assessment is designed to identify pupils who will thrive in the school's supportive yet challenging academic environment. The process typically takes place in January for September entry, allowing families ample time to prepare.
Assessment Components
The entrance examination consists of several key elements:
- English Assessment: Evaluates reading comprehension, creative writing, and language skills through varied texts and creative tasks
- Mathematics Examination: Tests fundamental mathematical concepts, problem-solving abilities, and numerical reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning: Assesses logical thinking, vocabulary, and language pattern recognition
- Interview Process: Personal discussion with senior staff to understand interests, motivations, and suitability for the school community
Assessment Day Experience
The assessment day is carefully structured to put candidates at ease. Pupils arrive in the morning and are guided through each component by friendly staff members. The atmosphere is supportive rather than intimidating, reflecting the school's nurturing ethos. Parents often comment on how welcoming and organised the process feels.
Scholarship Opportunities
Barnard Castle offers various scholarship programmes for exceptional candidates. Academic scholarships recognise outstanding intellectual ability, whilst specialist awards are available in music, art, drama, and sport. These scholarships not only provide financial assistance but also offer additional enrichment opportunities and mentoring.
How to Apply
The application process for Barnard Castle School's 11+ entry is straightforward and well-supported by the admissions team.
Application Timeline
- September - November: Initial enquiries and school visits encouraged
- October 31st: Application deadline for following September entry
- January: Entrance assessments and interviews conducted
- February: Offers communicated to families
- March: Acceptance deadline and deposit payment
Required Documentation
Families must submit several documents as part of the application:
- Completed application form (available online)
- Current school reports covering the previous two years
- Character reference from current headteacher
- Copy of birth certificate or passport
- Registration fee of £100
School Visits
Barnard Castle strongly encourages prospective families to visit before applying. Regular open days showcase the school in action, whilst private tours can be arranged for families requiring more flexibility. These visits provide invaluable insights into the school's culture and help determine suitability.
How Taylor Tuition Can Help
Taylor Tuition's comprehensive preparation programme for Barnard Castle School ensures your child approaches their 11+ assessment with confidence and competence. Our expert tutors understand the specific requirements and culture of this exceptional County Durham school.
Tailored Academic Preparation
Our specialised Barnard Castle preparation programme addresses each component of the entrance assessment. We provide targeted English tuition focusing on the creative writing and comprehension skills particularly valued by the school. Our mathematics preparation ensures pupils are comfortable with problem-solving approaches and can demonstrate clear mathematical thinking.
Interview Coaching
The personal interview forms a crucial part of Barnard Castle's selection process. Our experienced consultants prepare pupils through mock interviews, helping them articulate their interests and demonstrate the curiosity and engagement the school seeks. We help pupils understand what makes Barnard Castle unique and how they might contribute to its community.
School-Specific Insights
Our consultants possess intimate knowledge of Barnard Castle's ethos, academic approach, and community values. We help families understand whether the school aligns with their educational aspirations and guide them through the application process with confidence.
Comprehensive Support
From initial consultation through to offer acceptance, Taylor Tuition provides unwavering support. We assist with application completion, prepare pupils for assessment day, and offer guidance on scholarship applications where appropriate. Our holistic approach ensures families feel fully prepared for this important educational milestone.
Contact Taylor Tuition today to discover how our expertise can help your child secure their place at Barnard Castle School and embark on an exceptional educational journey in one of England's most beautiful settings.
Taylor Tuition
Educational Consultancy
Contributing expert insights on education, exam preparation, and effective learning strategies to help students reach their full potential.