Welcome to Prep School
Where we cultivate a vibrant, nurturing community
At Prep, we put the well-being and happiness of all of our children at the forefront of everything we do. We believe that when children feel cared for and valued, they are empowered to flourish both academically and socially. Our dedicated team takes pastoral responsibilities to heart, ensuring that every child knows there is always a trusted adult ready to listen and support them. From their very first day, each child builds a strong relationship with their class teacher, who is committed to understanding their unique needs and helping them thrive in all aspects of their journey. Plus, with a full-time School Counsellor available, we reinforce our commitment to their emotional well-being.
Our ethos, embodied in the ‘Barney Way,’ instills a sense of community and responsibility in our children from the outset. These core values are woven into the fabric of our school life – visible in our hallways, celebrated during assemblies, and embraced in our Chapel gatherings. Through engaging PSHE lessons, we empower our children to cultivate their social skills and learn the importance of kindness, empathy, and respect for one another.
At Prep School, we are not just preparing children for the next academic step; we are igniting a lifelong passion for learning and equipping them with the skills they need to navigate a dynamic future.
Together, we are building a community where every child feels valued, inspired, and ready to take on the world!
Laura Turner
Prep School Headmistress
Barnard Castle Preparatory School is a happy and thriving day and boarding school for boys and girls from 4 to 11. From their earliest years, children are encouraged to enjoy the learning experience and develop their interests and talents in a caring and stimulating environment. The Prep School, situated adjacent to the Senior School site, retains its distinct character whilst drawing on the excellent facilities of the wider school community.
Holistic learning
Cultivating well-rounded excellence
The Prep School offers a broad education, focusing on the whole person and based on huge variety and all-round excellence. As a member of the Independent Association of Prep Schools, we are committed to an education both in and out of the classroom, which enables the academic, artistic, musical and physical potential of each child so they can thrive and reach their potential. Our focus is on the academic and we offer an extensive extra-curricular activities programme to suit all children that complements work in the classroom.
A nurturing environment
Where every child thrives
The School is a warm, caring and happy one, where self-esteem and confidence are developed and grown. Our high-quality teachers are passionate about their subjects, deeply committed to the School and keen to draw the best from every child. The Prep School is a success because we value uniqueness. Every member of staff knows, and has an excellent understanding of, each child – what makes them happy, what makes them sad, how to make them smile and feel confident; they know their strengths, their weaknesses and their talents. We help each child to flourish, but most importantly, we support them along the way when things get tough. As the children move through the Prep School, we help to prepare them for life at Senior School and beyond.
Pre-Prep
A launchpad for discovery
In Pre-Prep, which encompasses Reception, Year 1, and Year 2, we introduce our youngest learners to the joy of education. Starting School is a thrilling milestone, and we ensure that every child experiences a rich tapestry of exhilarating and fun activities within a safe, friendly environment. Our creative curriculum sparks curiosity and fosters independent thinking, allowing children to develop positive attitudes towards learning and grow in confidence and self-esteem. With small class sizes, our teachers are able to provide personalised attention, meeting the needs of every learner, whether they require extra support or showcase exceptional talents that we are eager to nurture.
Prep School
Embracing growth and independence
As our pupils transition into Years 3 to 6, we embrace their growing maturity and individuality with open arms. Our curriculum offers a diverse range of opportunities that challenge and inspire young minds, both inside and outside the classroom. With a friendly and encouraging atmosphere, our pupils thrive in a culture that promotes good manners, a love of learning, and a sense of responsibility as they embark on their path towards greater independence.
Facilities
At Prep School, we cultivate a modern educational experience that prepares our Preppies to thrive in a dynamic world. Our children enjoy exceptional facilities designed to enhance their academic experience and foster creativity in the arts, sports, and play.
With access to a dedicated Science Laboratory and a state-of-the-art all-weather sports pitch, Prep School provides an inspiring environment for holistic learning. Outside, the children can explore a vibrant Science Garden, an Outdoor Stage, an allotment, and an expansive Forest School area, all integral to our innovative curriculum.
We take pride in our investment in Science, offering a dedicated Laboratory for Chemistry, Biology, and Physics. Our Preppies benefit from two weekly Science lessons in the Lab, with the chance to further their interest through an engaging Science Club. In Year 6, the experience expands as Preppies gain access to the Senior School’s advanced Science facilities as well as having opportunities to learn from Senior Teaching Staff.
From science labs to forest school, our facilities support dynamic, hands-on learning every day.
The Science Garden adjacent to the Lab is a versatile space designed for year-round, multidisciplinary exploration. It includes an area for dynamic experiments, such as combustion, and features an outdoor workbench with a water supply. There is also a sensory garden and natural plants that attract local invertebrates, enriching our understanding of ecology.
Our expansive Forest School setting encourages den building, foraging, climbing, and survival skills, where children grow, harvest, and cook their own food over a campfire.
Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, our Forest School ignites a passion for learning, fostering skills that lead to remarkable growth in the classroom. Come rain or shine, our Preppies of all ages embrace outdoor learning, making wellies a necessity!
Weekly swimming lessons in our heated indoor pool ensure every Prep School child from 4 to 11 has the opportunity to develop essential swimming skills while enjoying a safe and stimulating environment.
Our well-resourced Library sits at the heart of our Prep School, serving as a vibrant hub where Preppies regularly engage with literature and foster their love for reading.
Learn more about our Prep School
Interesed in exploring Prep at Barney? Come and take a look around our thriving, supportive community for children aged 4 to 11.
Open Events