Despite an unprecedented and challenging period, Barnard Castle School's boarding provision has continued to thrive
Over the festive period in 2020, ‘Barney’ catered for 12 of its international boarders, who were unable to travel home because of global travel restrictions. Ahead of the government’s announcement to close UK schools in early January 2021, they were soon joined by roughly 80 percent of the School’s boarding pupils – making Barnard Castle School one of only a few schools in the entire country to safely welcome back its boarding community during the third lockdown period. Barney’s boarders, along with the wider School Community, continued their learning using the School’s successful Learning@Home programme. The School also hosted children of key workers while schools were closed. While at School in their spare time around their online learning commitments, pupils benefited from a host of activities, including laser tag and archery, themed evenings and entertainment, all of which were organised by the boarding staff. Peter Lavery, Head of Boarding at Barnard Castle School, said: “These unprecedented times have brought about many challenges, and Barney has continually persevered to make the best out of the current situation. “Our boarding staff’s dedication and commitment to our pupils throughout these testing times has been exemplary, and we are grateful for their continued efforts.” Tony Jackson, Headmaster at Barnard Castle School, said: “The green shoots of recovery are emerging, which hopefully means that the end point is in sight, and our Community will overcome this latest adversity with the same resiliency that has shone through during these extraordinary times.”