Students celebrate return to track and field

Young athletes at Barnard Castle School returned to track and field this month after missing out on competitive sport during the pandemic.

Pupils at the co-educational independent day and boarding school competed in their year group bubbles – years seven to 10 – during a senior sports day this July.

Pupils competed in a host of house competitions ranging from tug of war to sprint and middle-distance races, discus and shotput to triple and high jump.

The school was saddened not to be able to invite parents to attend but hope they will be able to invite them back once again in September.

Headmaster of Barnard Castle School, Tony Jackson, said: “It was an absolute joy to see the spirit of competition return in such spectacular fashion to the back fields at Barney.

“Sadly, because of continued Covid restrictions, parents were unable to attend, but it was a significant first step towards normality that the hugely popular event was staged, and the delight was clear to see on children’s faces.

“All being well, we are looking forward to inviting parents back to myriad events when school returns in September.”

Last year during the lockdown period, Barnard Castle School held a series of online discussions with sports professionals to inspire pupils. In July 2020, pupils were offered exclusive insight into rugby when they talked to Tom Wood, a hard tackling forward with England and Northampton Saints.

You might also like: Highest number of Millfield alumni competing in Olympics this year