Barnard Castle School Sixth Form is unique. We provide structure whilst also affording independence. We expect students to be integrated within and role models for the whole school community.
Director of Sixth Form’s welcome
Barney Sixth Form is unparalleled: a place where the individual is championed whilst the community remains at the heart of everything we do. The plethora of opportunities, academic, extra-curricular and supra-curricular, allow students to explore and pursue varied and individualised interests and career paths, carving out future possibilities, developing their own set of transferable skills, and all the while generating confidence in their own character.
Today’s workplace demands agility and resilience, balanced with the softer skills of empathy and moral poise. All of these strengths are encouraged as a Barney Sixth Former, and every Sixth Former is a leader in our school; it could be through the Charity Committee or as an Academic Mentor for younger students, through public speaking in our Lectern Club, Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions, opportunities on the sports pitch, as a music scholar or member of the Sixth Form Common Room – we promote and foster opportunities and interactions to prepare our students to be future leaders.
Barney’s Sixth Form provides the vital link between the foundation years in school and the career, opportunities and adventures that lie beyond. We inspire our Sixth Formers to engage with their journey with spirit, confidence and good humour, and to become open-minded and successful young adults. Whatever their ambitions and aspirations, Barney Sixth Form promotes a thriving and ambitious learning culture whilst nurturing and celebrating the growth of each individual character.
Rachel Johns
Director of Sixth Form
We understand the need for nurturing intellectual curiosity whilst balancing the value of well-being and character, and this underpins all aspects of school life, from target setting and reflection, to Sixth Form debates and Thoughts for the Day.
The Sixth Form experience at Barney
Academically, Barney offers A Levels, BTECs, Cambridge Technical and the Extended Project Qualification, and all subjects are delivered in small classes by expert classroom practitioners. These forums enable interactive tutorial-style environments rich with discussion, debate and dialogue. This is further supported by each student having a personal tutor providing academic and pastoral advice and support. Below is an overview of what is on offer for students considering Barnard Castle School Sixth Form:
- Academic stretch from a range of highly valued A Levels and BTEC/CTEC courses
- Outstanding pastoral care within a nurturing environment so that every student finds their niche and can embrace new challenges and opportunities with confidence
- An individual programme of guided independence, encouraging a productive and reflective approach to independent study
- A dedicated Sixth Form study and social centre which places us among the top centres in the region for academic study and resources
- Experienced and inspirational subject specialists offering individual attention in small classes, tutorials and lectures
- Exceptional facilities and opportunities for high-quality sport, science, music and creative arts
- Genuine opportunities for leadership development in the daily management of our school community
- Boarding provision, both full and flexi, for the chance to experience life away from home before university
- Expert advice on higher education, careers and future pathways supported by an extensive programme of external speakers and trips
- Opportunities for character development through programmes like Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award,
- Peer Support Mentoring and charitable service
- The chance to join a 5,000-strong Old Barnardians alumni community offering outstanding career links and continuing the lifelong bonds made at school
We also offer and encourage a plethora of opportunities to lead and through our extra-curricular activities, the service and community engagements and societies, the Personal and Professional Development programmes and our daily interactions, we nurture their potential to do so.
We are defined by a happy, supportive and inclusive culture whereby our students feel safe to dare and grow both in character and in their academic ambition.
Our Sixth Form team
An experienced team, comprised of the Head of Higher Education and the Head of Careers, offer personalised guidance for university and apprenticeship applications, as well as mock interview processes and overall employment route support. On top of this, all students take part in our Professional Development Programme, crafting the crucial softer skills that we all need to traverse the complex world of work.
Additionally, our comprehensive HeadSpace programme provides an advantageous insight and understanding of national and international career opportunities from an extensive network of speakers.
Access to the Old Barnardian network
Barney Sixth Formers also benefit from the global reach and generosity of the Old Barnardian network – a remarkable community of former pupils working across an extraordinary range of sectors and professions. Whether seeking career insight, industry advice, or hands-on work experience, our students are supported by OBs who are not only leaders in their fields but who also share a deep affinity with the School.
Rich in character, conversation and connection, this international network adds a unique vibrancy to the Barney journey and is a powerful springboard into the world beyond.
Explore the Old Barnardian network
Book your Visit
If you are interested in learning more about the Sixth Form experience at Barney and would like to visit our school, please follow the link below and fill out a visitor registration form.
Open Events