Over the weekend and into Monday, Barnard Castle School was delighted to welcome Ruth Benny and Lisa Kate Ackerman as part of the Great British Boarding Schools Tour 2026.
Their visit provided an opportunity to experience first-hand the sense of community that makes Barney such a special place to live and learn. Throughout their stay, Ruth and Lisa immersed themselves in many aspects of school life, gaining plenty of insight into the breadth of opportunities available to pupils both in and out of the classroom.
From boarding life and co-curricular activities to academic ambition and pastoral care, the visit showcased the many elements that contribute to the unique Barney experience. They were able to see the school in action across a busy period, meeting happy students and helpful staff along the way.
Their final day on Monday provided a particularly memorable snapshot of life at Barney. Following a tour of the school, they joined the community for the Headmaster’s Assembly and experienced some spontaneous singing for good measure.
They also spent time with pupils, learned more about our academic and co-curricular programmes, and enjoyed seeing the Combined Cadet Force activities in action. The visit offered an authentic picture of the opportunities available to our pupils, from sport, music, and leadership opportunities to boarding socials and exciting trips.
Everyone at Barney would like to thank Ruth and Lisa for visiting, and we look forward to welcoming them back in the future.
