Boarding Houses
This is without doubt the best start to their education we could have wished for.
Linda Grierson
The recent inspection of boarding at Barnard Castle School recognised boarding to be one of its strengths. We have three boarding houses in the senior school: York House for boys aged 11-18, Northumberland House for boys aged 11-18 and Longfield House for girls aged 11-18. Each boarding house is run by a Houseparent assisted by a team of Tutors and Matrons. The senior pupils take an active role in guiding and mentoring the younger ones. The Medical Centre is staffed by two qualified nurses, and all our pupils are registered with the School Doctor who holds regular surgeries. The school also provides a counselling and listening service where it will be of benefit to pupils.
In the past three years we have invested over £500,000 in the boarding facilities. We know how important it is for children to feel happy in their living space, and equally how important it is for them to look forward to the three square meals they receive every day.
In recent years we have seen more and more pupils opting to board. Increasingly parents recognise the benefits this can bring to their son and daughter, not only in developing their independence, but also in helping them to learn to live with other people.
Our boarders are able to enjoy the extra opportunities afforded by living on site, both in terms of using the facilities on offer, and in taking part in the weekend trips organised by the staff. Last term alone saw trips to premiership rugby and football matches, ice skating, Wet n’ Wild, ten pin bowling, cinemas and shopping excursions to the Metro Centre and other places. Each term there are two exeat weekends, and those pupils who have to stay over are taken by staff to visit places like Scarborough and York.
