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Back to news • 11th July 2026

Celebrating success with our annual prize giving ceremonies

Reflecting on another remarkable year of student achievement and community spirit across three prize giving services.

Celebrating success with our annual prize giving ceremonies

The end of the school year at Barney is a time of celebration. Earlier this month, the school community came together for our annual prize giving ceremonies to honour the hard work, character, and outstanding achievements of our students from Year 7 through to Year 12.

Across all the ceremonies, awards were proudly presented not just for academic excellence, but for active co-curricular involvement and strength of character. These prizes recognise that success is measured as much by who our pupils are becoming as what they achieve in the classroom.

Our Year 7 and 8 service, led by our newly appointed prefect team, was a wonderful event. A particular highlight was a witty, heartfelt poem written and performed by our new Head Girl, Maya, which had parents, teachers, and pupils laughing in unison.

For Years 9 and 10, the service offered a welcome moment to pause and reflect on their achievements as they embark on or continue their GCSE journeys. Enhanced by superb musical performances, the students received a poignant address from Year 11 student Charlie, who inspired his peers to grab every opportunity Barney offers with both hands.

Finally, during the Year 11 and 12 service, the school listened to a touching reflection from Deputy Head of Sixth Form Prefect, Hattie, who spoke warmly of the lifelong friendships and opportunities that have shaped her Barney journey. Alongside traditional awards, this ceremony also celebrated students who had completed their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions just days prior, as well as those dedicated to the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) programme.

We congratulate every single prize winner and thank our students, staff, and families for making this another unforgettable year at Barney.

Full photo galleries from each of the services are now available to view on our Flickr page.

Boy takes envelope from headmaster who is shaking his hand.
Two students listening during speech at prize giving ceremony.
Students follow headmaster down aisle during prize giving ceremony.
Two girls smiling during prize giving ceremony.
Young boy aged 11-12 smiling and shaking hands with Barnard Castle School Headmaster.
Girl shakes hand with headmaster in prize giving ceremony.
Girl smiling while shaking hands with headmaster.
Young man with black hair and glasses receives prize in envelope from headmaster.
Girl shakes hand with headmaster while receiving a prize during ceremony.

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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