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Our Activity Weeks are open to children starting Reception in September through to those moving into Year 9.

Your children can expect a super fun-filled week of onsite activities and offsite trips during the weeks that they are with us.

They will have adventures to places such as Hamsterley Forest, TCR Hub or soft play at Jolly Jungle, and take part in engaging activities at Barnard Castle School, including Forest School, baking, capture the flag and inflatables.

Children are grouped by age and are assigned a group leader for the week, who is their key person, along with at least one student helper. The vast majority of Group Leaders are Barney teachers, and the student helpers are our very own Barney students (past and present), so expect a highly professional approach and a very warm welcome from them all.

Activity Weeks 2026

The Activity Weeks for Summer 2026 will run on the following weeks:

  • Week 1: Monday 27th July to Friday 31st July
  • Week 2: Monday 17th August to Friday 21st August

Bookings for Summer 2026 will open at the beginning of February Half Term and close at the end of Summer Half Term.

We look forward to seeing your child/children at our next Activity Week!

Pricing (no VAT charged)

2026 Early Bird Rate (*closes end of Easter Holidays)2026 Rate
Week (9am - 3pm)£165£180
Wraparound Week (8am - 5pm)£240£265
Day Rate (9am - 3pm) *min 3 days£35£40
Wraparound Day Rate (8am - 5pm) *min 3 days£50£55
Please refer to the below table for specific pricing for the 2026 Barney Activity Weeks

For further information, please contact Judith Pepper, Events and Enterprise Co‑ordinator, on 01833 696078 or JLP@barneyschool.org.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions

We have captured all frequently asked questions below, covering childcare vouchers, how to book and how to get information on scheduled activities.

How do I book?

Once you have completed the booking form, please complete the consent form and read the Parents’ Guide. As soon as you have booked please pay straight away. Please note your booking will not be confirmed until payment is made.

Is there a minimum number of days?

Parents need to book a minimum of 3 days in each week. You must specify which days when booking.

How do I pay with Childcare Vouchers?

If you are planning to pay via childcare vouchers, please use the code ‘BCSCC’ at the checkout. You will then receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to

We accept the following childcare voucher providers:

Below, we have outlined how to securely pay for Barney Activity Week using childcare vouchers:

  • Edenred – when making a payment for Edenred, you require our account number, which is P20910987
  • Sodexo (Pluxee) – when making payment for Sodexo (Pluxee), you require our Carer ID, which is 803572
  • Tax-free Childcare – search the TFC online portal for Barnard Castle School, and our regulator reference is 114336, and postcode is DL12 8UN

For all the other childcare providers, simply search the childcare providers online portal for ‘Barnard Castle School’, select this option and then proceed with your payment.

What are the timings?

There is an option for your child to attend from 9am to 3pm, alternatively if this is too tricky to manage, you can opt for Wrap Around Care which is 8am to 5pm. If you choose option one, we do ask that parents are prompt at pick up time.

How do I know what is on?

Each day a timetable will be on show for you to see what excitement lays ahead for the following day, this helps you to plan what your child should bring the next day.

What if my child doesn’t want to do an activity?

Any activities children are unsure about they can join another group for that session. However, we do encourage full participation.

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.

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