Boarders’ Christmas at Barney!

07.01.21

Despite an unprecedented 2020, Barnard Castle School’s boarding community was able to enjoy a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in the Northern countryside.

Twelve international students at ‘Barney’ were unable to go home for the holidays as global travel restrictions were imposed in the run up to Christmas.

Boarding staff rallied round to ensure the pupils were able to have a relaxing and enjoyable festive period, arranging for a series of meals, including on Christmas Day, a New Year’s Eve celebration, a range of activities as well as access to facilities across the School site.

Barney’s alumni network of ‘Old Barnardians’ provided additional support after hearing about the international students’ situation, by setting up a fund and purchasing Christmas gifts for the pupils and food items for their celebrations.  

Peter Lavery, Head of Boarding at Barnard Castle School, said: “Christmas time and seeing in the New Year are always special times for families, and it was no different for our Boarding family here at Barney. These unprecedented times have brought about many challenges and much uncertainty, and we have continually persevered to make the best out of the current situation.

“We pride ourselves on creating a home away from home environment in which our pupils are happy, safe, contented, where they can thrive and achieve, and that shone through during the festive period.

“I am grateful to our staff who helped make the pupils’ experiences all the more special by including them in their own families’ Christmas celebrations.

“I would also like to thank our Old Barnardians for their selfless support over the festive period, which encapsulates the community spirit at the root of Barney that stays with our alumni forever.”