STAFF and students are celebrating their efforts after recording the best A level results in years as a school’s plan to further improve learning starts to take hold.
Barnard Castle School saw the number of A* grades double and almost a quarter of the students secured A* and A grades, 75 per cent gained A*- C and the overall pass rate rose to 97 per cent.
In maths 64 per cent gained A-A* and almost 70 per cent of the students who completed the extended project qualification received an A or A*.
Headmaster David Cresswell said: “I am incredibly proud of our students. This year’s results represent a significant step forward on last year, and are a testament to the commitment, hard work and character our young people have shown. The doubling of A* grades, alongside strong improvements across the board, has come through a genuine partnership between students and staff. Our teachers – from subject specialists to tutors and Housemasters/Housemistresses – have gone above and beyond, with initiatives like Mr O’Connor and Mr Robson’s Academic Boost programme helping Sixth Formers strike the right balance in their studies. We make no apology for our broad, inclusive entry; with the right guidance, every student can thrive. These results are part of a long-term plan to combine academic ambition with character-building, ensuring that every Barney student leaves us with both the results and the resilience to embrace the opportunities ahead.”
Starting his Barney journey in Prep School as a Preppie, Charles Appleyard has grown and flourished as a member of the Barney community over many years. He has achieved an exceptional four A*s in Chemistry, Physics, Maths, and Further Maths, whilst balancing being Deputy Head Prefect (Co-Curricular), academic scholar, and highly active Dale House member, excelling across all areas of school life.
Looking back on his time at Barney, Charlie said: “I joined Barney in Year 3 and embraced everything it offered – from music and drama to sport and academics. In my final year, I was able to focus on my studies while still enjoying the full Barney experience, thanks to the unwavering support of teachers whose academic guidance and pastoral care are a true credit to the school.”
Looking ahead, Charlie is set to study Engineering at Durham University. However, he has already shown a keen interest in remaining an active part of the Barnardian community, expressing a desire to be involved in a tutoring scheme.
Reflecting on this, Charlie said: “I thought about contacting the school, and I realised it’s not just me – it could be a whole range of former students helping out. Teachers know and trust us, and it’s a great way for past students to stay involved while supporting current students.”
Joining Barnard Castle School in Sixth Form, Oliver Stanley quickly became a valued member of the Falcons Rugby Academy. Despite sustaining an injury that curtailed his on-field ambitions, Oliver continued to shine academically, achieving impressive A, A*, A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, and Maths.
“Breaking my collarbone the summer before the season was a big setback in terms of rugby, and I was obviously disappointed as everything on the pitch had been going so well. But it gave me the opportunity to really focus on my A-Levels. I turned that initial disappointment into motivation to perform academically while still supporting the team from the sidelines.”
Joining Barney in Year 9, Matilda Page has experienced all that the school has to offer, both as a day pupil and a boarder. As Head Girl, she has been a role model for students throughout her time at Barney and reflects on her role here: “Being Head Girl taught me that true leadership starts with leading yourself. To lead a team well, you need candour, responsibility, and the self-awareness to prioritise your own growth.”
Despite not performing as well as she had hoped in her mocks, Matilda’s determination and academic ambition have seen her excel, achieving A, A*, B in English Literature, History, and French. Her journey demonstrates that when you set your mind to something, hard work and perseverance pay off. She now sets her sights on the University of Edinburgh, where she will study History next year. Reflecting on her results, Matilda said: “After the mocks, everyone rallied around me when they saw I was struggling with revision strategies and balancing my role with my academics. The support was unwavering, and I wouldn’t be sitting here looking at these amazing results without the people who helped me – my teachers, friends, and family.”
Sport Scholar Izzy Brown has combined exceptional academic achievement with a strong commitment to school life. She has earned A*, A*, B grades in Ancient History, PE, Physics, and an A* on her EPQ on Pompeii, while excelling in athletics, particularly long-distance running, her specialist discipline. Reflecting on her time at Barney, Izzy fondly remembers the Barney Run:
“I was never much of a runner until lockdown, when I started running up and down the hill with my mum. Coming back after COVID, I ended up winning the Barney Run -something I never thought I could do. It was a big part of my journey, and I even set out with the determination to beat the senior girls’ record, which I still hold today.”
As Head of Bowes House, Izzy has led with dedication, motivating and supporting her peers while setting an example through her work ethic and all-round involvement. She is widely admired as a role model and a positive force across the school. “I can truly say it’s been a honour and a privilege to have lead Bowes House over the past year. I hope to have both been a positive and approachable role model for the girls. I have personally learnt so much and can’t thank the girls enough for their endless enthusiasm and kindness!
Looking ahead, Izzy is deferring her place at Newcastle University to study Law to take up a work placement at Queen Mary’s School, gaining valuable experience supporting both the boarding house and the sports department.
For more information about our academic offering, please visit: Vision & Values – Barnard Castle School
