TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) is an athlete support programme which helps talented athletes to balance their sport and studies, with the goal of them being able to reach their potential in both.
Barney’s TASS programme helps elite athletes balance sport and study with tailored support and expert guidance.
TASS Dual Career Accreditation
Barney is proud to hold the TASS Dual Career Accreditation, a national recognition that confirms our commitment to supporting talented student-athletes as they pursue excellence both in the classroom and sport. This Sport England-backed initiative highlights schools that provide outstanding dual-career support, helping elite young athletes thrive academically while developing their sporting potential.
At Barney, we understand the unique demands faced by high-performing athletes. Our TASS-accredited programme offers personalised academic flexibility, specialist mentoring and a supportive environment where students are encouraged to pursue their ambitions without compromise. From tailored study schedules and educational workshops and visits, to academic catch-up support during competition windows, we equip our athletes to succeed on every front.
In addition to the core educational provision, TASS athletes at Barney benefit from a range of additional opportunities. These include access to performance workshops, university visits and guidance from experts in areas such as strength and conditioning, injury prevention, nutrition, and sports psychology. Our partnerships with leading institutions – including Durham, Leeds Beckett, Newcastle, and Northumbria – offer students an invaluable insight into life as a university-level athlete and open doors to future higher education opportunities.
A number of our TASS students have already received reduced offers from top universities, illustrating the effectiveness of this programme in shaping well-rounded, ambitious individuals. Whether competing on national stages or aiming for academic distinction, Barney students are empowered to reach their full potential, with a strong foundation of support behind them.
Barnard Castle School is deeply committed to supporting sporting excellence across the full spectrum of pupil ambition and ability.
TASS + sporting excellence
Whether competing in traditional Barney sports or excelling in disciplines beyond rugby, hockey, cricket and netball, our athletes benefit from a tailored environment designed to foster growth, achievement, and balance.
Through our TASS Dual Career Accreditation, we are nationally recognised for supporting pupils who are balancing full-time education with high-level sporting commitments. This enables us to offer bespoke academic flexibility, mentoring and access to specialist workshops and performance guidance.
For pupils showing exceptional promise in sport, our Sports Scholarships provide additional opportunities to develop their talent through enhanced coaching, strength and conditioning programmes, one-to-one support and links with regional and national performance pathways. From athletics to equestrianism, squash to rugby, Barney nurtures excellence, ensuring every pupil is empowered to pursue their sporting goals while thriving academically and personally.
