Pastoral

Living away from home can, at first, be a daunting prospect but the family atmosphere of Barney ensures new boarders settle in very quickly. Our arrangements for welfare and safeguarding have been described as “excellent” by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (Report 2016)

Each new boarder receives a handbook on arrival and takes part in a comprehensive induction. Each pupil is assigned to a ‘pupil family’ comprising at least one boarder from each year group; each family remains together for their time at school.

In addition to house masters and mistresses, our house teams of tutors and matrons strive to ensure each house is a friendly and caring place to be. Boarders know there are many adults they can turn to over personal issues, including house staff, the chaplain, a counsellor and an independent listener. Facilities are also provided for boarders to spend time alone, should they wish.

Reflecting the leadership roles that are available in Senior School, senior boarders can be elected to the role of boarding monitor and some work as peer mentors. Boarders have the opportunity to voice their views at house committee meetings and via the school council.