Barnard Castle Preparatory School is an inspiring blend of a beautiful learning environment with five linked outside play areas. Our Science classroom and garden nestle alongside a stunning Forest School with views across the Teesdale countryside.
Curiosity, creativity and confidence
A space where every child can thrive
Our Music and Drama facilities inspire creativity and our Library is a cosy space where our Preppies enjoy reading for pleasure. With a Wellbeing room and individual classrooms tailored for each year group, this is an environment that embraces all children and supports their learning journey.
For our youngest learners, our Reception pupils enjoy a purpose-built, interactive environment which flows indoors to outdoors with two external play and learning zones.
Pre-Prep
Reception to Year 2
Choosing the right Pre-Prep School is such a personal journey for parents, as your child is in their early formative years. We understand that you want to take time to get to know our amazing Reception and Early Years staff, as well as to meet the people who will play an important role in developing the building blocks for learning.
The best way to experience this is by enjoying a personal tour of the School, where you will see Pre-Prep in action, and you can have a private meeting with our Headmistress, Mrs Laura Turner. We would also recommend joining us for an Open Event as you’ll get more time to speak directly with our wonderful teaching staff.
To book a tour or to join us on a Prep Open Event, please sign up here.
Once you have experienced Barney Prep and spent time with our staff, making an application is straightforward. We will send you a link to our online Registration form, or you can complete one here.
Children can join Pre-Prep at any time during the School year. Owing to demand for places, especially for September enrolment, parents are advised to register their interest as soon as possible.
There is no formal assessment at this age. Subject to places being available in the year group you are applying for, the Headmistress will usually* offer a place shortly after the Visit.
Prep School
Years 3 to 6
Children wishing to join Prep School in Years 3 to 6 are asked to undergo a short series of tests in English, Mathematics and non-verbal reasoning skills.
There may be opportunities for pupils to join the School at other times during the academic year, and we welcome registration all year round. Appropriate competence is required, but above all, we look for the potential to do well.
A Registration Form must be completed and returned to the School for both Pre-Prep and Prep.
Note: If your child has educational and pastoral needs, parents are required to provide any available additional information such as Educational Psychology reports, specialist assessment reports, psychometric testing or medical diagnostic reports, to ensure we can properly support your child’s learning journey.
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
