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Back to news • 6th March 2026

Celebrating excellence: We are a Silver CyberFirst School!

Barney is proud to introduce students to the digital world with world-class safety and cyber education in mind

Celebrating excellence: We are a Silver CyberFirst School!

We are thrilled to announce that our school has officially been awarded Silver CyberFirst School status by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). This prestigious accreditation recognises our school’s dedication to excellence in cyber security education and our commitment to preparing our students for the digital world of tomorrow.

Why this matters

Cyber security is one of the fastest-growing and most vital industries globally. By achieving Silver status, Barnard Castle School has demonstrated that we provide a high standard of cyber security teaching, extracurricular activities, and career guidance. We aren’t just teaching students how to use technology; we are teaching them how to protect and innovate within it.

A rare achievement

To put this achievement into perspective, the standards for this award are incredibly high. We are proud to share that:

  • Only 18 schools in the North East have received a CyberFirst Silver award.
  • We are one of just 127 schools across the whole of the United Kingdom to hold this status.

Mrs Clair Crooks, Head of Computer Science and Digital Media, commented:

“We are incredibly proud of this recognition. This award reflects the hard work of our staff and the enthusiasm of our students. In an increasingly connected world, providing our young people with the skills to navigate the digital landscape safely and professionally is one of our top priorities.”

What’s next?

As a Silver CyberFirst School, we will continue to expand our computing curriculum and enter national competitions. We’ll also continue to work closely with industry partners to inspire the next generation of cyber experts.

Further reading

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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