Barnard Castle School
Barnard Castle, Durham, North East · DL12 8UN
Set in the Durham town of Barnard Castle, this co-educational independent school combines a Christian character with both day and boarding provision for pupils aged 11 to 18. With 561 on roll, it sits in the medium-size band, and a pupil-to-teacher ratio of 13 allows for close attention in the classroom. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent at its most recent inspection, with personal development singled out as a particular strength. Under Head Mr Anthony Jackson, it offers families a settled, pastorally focused environment with the option of weekly or full boarding.
561
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£18,370
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 11-18
- Pupils
- 561
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 13
- Location
- Barnard Castle, Durham, North East
- Website
- https://www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk/
- Telephone
- 01833 690222
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Head Mr Anthony Jackson
Latest results
Attainment 8
43
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
1%
National average 47%
Teaching & academics
The ISI judged academic standards excellent, and the favourable staffing ratio reflects a school that prioritises individual support. Headline GCSE figures sit below national averages, with an Attainment 8 score of 43 against 46.9 nationally, so families will want to discuss results in the context of each child's starting point. The reported 1% achieving grade 5 or above in English and Maths is markedly lower than the national 47% and is worth raising directly with the school.
Beyond the classroom
As a boarding school, daily life extends well beyond lessons, with the residential community shaping the rhythm of evenings and weekends. The ISI's excellent rating for personal development points to a school that invests heavily in pupils' growth outside the classroom.
Ethos & heritage
- Religious character
- Christian
- Boarding
- Yes
Money matters
- Day fees (per year)
- £12,424 - £18,370
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £35,112 - £41,286
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 25 April 2023
The last word
A medium-sized independent with strong pastoral credentials and boarding on offer. Parents drawn to the small classes and excellent personal development should ask searching questions about the headline GCSE attainment.
The Passmate verdict
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Barnard Castle School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Barnard Castle School located?
Barnard Castle School is located at Newgate, Barnard Castle, DL12 8UN.
What type of school is Barnard Castle School?
Barnard Castle School is an independent (fee-paying) school in North East.
How many pupils attend Barnard Castle School?
Barnard Castle School has approximately 561 pupils on roll.
What is Barnard Castle School's inspection rating?
Barnard Castle School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 25 April 2023.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.