There’s a vibrant energy around boarding at Barney, and it’s all about you finding your place and truly thriving. Our boarding community is a warm and diverse family, where pupils from the local area, across the UK and around the world come together.
Your home from home awaits
A nurturing community
Boarding at Barney is a place brimming with warmth, enthusiasm, and incredible House spirit, all wrapped up in a powerful sense of family. Our dedicated team of Boarding House Staff, matrons, and tutors is here to ensure you feel secure, supported, and ready to embrace every opportunity. With supervised prep each evening, plus an exciting programme of activities, trips, and social events, you’ll live a busy, fulfilling life here. It’s an inclusive, integrated environment where everyone feels at home and part of something special.
Our boarding community is made up of four distinct houses:
- Old Courts – for girls and boys aged 7 to 13
- Longfield – for girls aged 13 to 18
- Northumberland – for boys aged 13 to 18
- York – for boys aged 13 to 18
Unlock your potential
Grow into the best version of you
Boarding at Barney helps you become a rounded, independent, and responsible Barnardian. You’ll develop empathy, kindness, and a deep appreciation for a community built on mutual trust and respect.
Curious to see what a day in the life looks like? Discover a typical day as a Boarder at Barney.
Life outside lessons
Weekends packed with purpose & fun
Our Evening and Weekend Activities Programme ensures that whether you’re a full or flexi boarder, you’ll have access to a full and enriching programme beyond the school day. We balance fun, exercise, and important downtime so you can relax with friends, connect with family, or pursue your own passions.
Weekday evenings are for a mix of focus and fun. After prep, junior boarders can enjoy activities like games in House, family nights, cooking, gym access, or sports like hockey and swimming. Seniors have their own dedicated activity time with options like formal dinners and Lectern Club.
After Saturday morning lessons for seniors, our junior boarders enjoy a full two-day weekend of fun. Expect firepits and marshmallows, movie and pizza nights, games nights, and discos on Saturday evenings.
On Sundays, our staff lead exciting trips to local attractions like Go Ape, High Force, or theatre shows. If you prefer to stay on site, you can access school facilities or take part in team-building activities designed to strengthen friendships and community bonds. For our examination year groups, dedicated revision sessions are also available to support your academic success.
Community · Character · Ambition
Community that lasts a lifetime
Barney is a down-to-earth, inclusive community where laughter matters and friendship runs deep. From our vibrant boarding houses to the daily rhythm of school life, this is a place where everyone belongs and everyone contributes. The bonds formed here last a lifetime, and the culture of support and belonging stays with our students long after they leave.
Explore Barney Open Events
