Additional Sports

At Barnard Castle School, sport is woven into the fabric of school life and plays a vital role in the development of every pupil. While our core sports of rugby, hockey, cricket and netball form the foundation of our sporting tradition, we pride ourselves on offering a rich and diverse programme that welcomes all abilities and interests, including those of international students seeking a well-rounded education with excellent sporting provision.

Pupils at Barney can explore a diverse range of alternative sports through timetabled Games, PE lessons and co-curricular activities, with the opportunity to compete and represent the School if they choose to take their passion further. These include:

• Swimming – From Reception upwards, swimming is taught as a life skill, culminating in house competitions and co-curricular training sessions. Our programme supports pupils of varied levels to develop and grow.
• Squash – With a longstanding tradition, Barney squash spans from Prep to Senior School, with participation in national tournaments and consistently strong pupil interest.
• Football – A fast-growing sport at Barney, our football programme offers Senior pupils (U16–U19) the chance to train and compete across two terms in an inclusive, developmental environment.
• Athletics – All pupils are introduced to a range of track and field events, with opportunities to compete from Year 7 in the national Track and Field Cup and progress through regional and county levels.
• Cross Country – Barney has a strong reputation for cross country success, with athletes representing at district, county, and even English Schools’ levels.
• Equestrian – Our riders compete at NSEA events and maintain close ties with local Pony Clubs. We are proud to have qualified for Hickstead in each of the past three years, reflecting the strength of our programme.

Beyond these offerings, our pupils can engage in exciting alternative sports such as Badminton, Hyrox, Volleyball, Health-Related Fitness, Gymnastics, Synchronised Swimming and even Croquet. These options allow students to explore new skills, stay active, and experience sport in a fun and social context.

Our thriving House sports competitions build camaraderie and school spirit, encouraging healthy rivalry and teamwork across age groups and houses.

Sport for every pupil, at every level

Whether aiming for elite performance or simply looking to try something new, Barney provides the structure and encouragement to help pupils succeed. From weekly matches and training sessions to national competitions and specialist coaching, we ensure every pupil has the chance to find their sporting passion.