Nurturing Globally Minded Young People at Barnard Castle School

The following article comes from Dave Bates, Director of International Education and Enterprise at Barnard Castle School.

Set amid the beautiful landscapes of North‑East England, Barnard Castle School, fondly known as ‘Barney’, is a leading independent day and boarding school for girls and boys aged 4–18. Founded in 1883, it has grown into a vibrant community of around 600 pupils, with a clear ethos of Community, Character and Ambition. This commitment is woven through school life, but nowhere is it more evident than in the Sixth Form, where students, both UK and international, develop the confidence, resilience and cultural awareness needed to thrive in an interconnected world.

A Global Community with Shared Purpose

International students play a central role in shaping Barney’s identity. With pupils from more than 20 countries contributing to boarding life, the school offers a fully integrated experience in which international and domestic boarders live, learn and grow together. This global mix enriches Sixth Form culture, fostering curiosity, empathy and intercultural understanding; qualities that are essential preparation for life beyond school.

Barney’s admissions approach reinforces its commitment to global inclusion. Prospective students are encouraged to share their motivations, interests and aspirations, ensuring that every young person begins their journey with a sense of belonging and purpose within the community.

A Sixth Form Experience That Champions the Individual

The Sixth Form at Barney is distinctive: structured yet liberating, academically rigorous yet deeply personal. As the school itself emphasises, it is a place where “the individual is championed whilst the community remains at the heart of everything we do,” offering a rich blend of academic, extra‑curricular and supra‑curricular opportunities that encourage independence, leadership and self‑discovery.

Students benefit from a broad academic programme: A Levels, BTECs, Cambridge Technical qualifications and the Extended Project Qualification, taught in small classes by specialist teachers. These tutorial‑style environments allow for discussion, debate and the development of intellectual confidence; an approach supported by dedicated personal tutors who offer both academic and pastoral guidance.

For international students, bespoke English as an Additional Language (EAL) support strengthens their academic experience and enables full participation in the life of the school.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The Sixth Form experience extends far beyond academic study. Students are encouraged to engage in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, volunteering and charitable initiatives; all of which nurture resilience, teamwork and moral purpose. In addition, sport, music, drama and a wide choice of clubs offer varied pathways for personal growth. Barney’s inclusive culture ensures these opportunities are open to all, supporting each student’s journey towards becoming a well‑rounded, globally aware adult.

The boarding community adds a further dimension. Boarders enjoy a welcoming, multicultural environment with enriching weekend activities, trips and experiences that provide a home‑from‑home and foster connections that last long after students leave.

Preparing Students for the World Ahead

Life beyond Barney is a central focus of the Sixth Form. A dedicated team provides personalised guidance for university and apprenticeship routes, mock interviews, work experience placements, and support with UCAS and international applications and personal statements. Students also take part in a Professional Confidence course to develop the communication and employability skills needed in today’s global workplace.

This tailored approach ensures Barney students progress to a diverse range of universities and pathways, equipped with the competence and confidence to embrace future opportunities.

A Global Perspective: Lena’s Sixth Form Journey

For many international students, joining Barney means stepping into a community where they are known, supported and encouraged to flourish. This was certainly true for Lena Heil, who joined the school in 2020 and stayed through to the end of Year 13.

Reflecting on her experience, Lena explains how the Sixth Form became a place of personal and academic transformation:

“My time in the Barney Sixth Form helped me grow both academically and personally. The small class sizes meant teachers really understood how I learned best, and I always felt supported, especially as an international student. The encouragement I received gave me confidence in myself and my future, and I left Barney feeling well prepared for the next stage of my journey.” — Lena Heil (Longfield ’22).

Lena’s story encapsulates what distinguishes a Barney education: attentive teaching, holistic pastoral care, and a community where international students feel they truly belong. Her experience highlights the school’s commitment to nurturing confident, outward‑looking young people equipped to thrive in a global society.

Looking Outwards: Our International Strategy

As Barnard Castle School looks to the future, its international vision is both ambitious and purposeful. The school is actively developing a global community of exceptional partner schools, seeking to extend its ethos of Community, Character and Ambition to young people worldwide. This strategy focuses on nurturing conscientious global thinkers, students who act with courage, curiosity and a determination to make the world a better place.

By sharing its values and educational approach internationally, Barney aims to expand opportunities for pupils across continents, fostering resilience, intercultural competence and a deep sense of global responsibility.