Former Lions, England and Leicester winger Tony Underwood with Barnard Castle School’s director of development and alumni relations Dionne Saville

SCORES of former pupils, some travelling from around the world, returned to their old school to hear about its plans for the future.

Old Barnardians from across the UK, America, the Philippines, Germany, Italy and Dubai descended on Barnard Castle School for a weekend of remembering the past and looking to the future.

Headmaster David Cresswell thanked them for their continued support. He said: “You’ve opened doors for our current students, helping them into internships, work placements and professional networks. These opportunities are life-changing.”

As Mr Cresswell approaches the end of his first year as headmaster he said he was glad to be back at the school where he had previously been head of sixth form.

“My wife and I were absolutely sure we wanted our own children to grow up as Barnardians – that says everything about what this place means to us as a family,” he told guests.

Mr Cresswell said it was a challenging time for schools but Barney was “keeping its head firmly above water” and was working hard to stay ahead of the challenges .

“We’ve been thinking carefully about what the ‘Barney way’ really means and have distilled it into three core values: community, character and ambition.

“We are doubling down on our purpose. We are here to transform lives. We’re proud to be at the forefront of initiatives like Springboard, which supports looked-after children who often arrive with incredibly complex needs, and our pastoral team do an extraordinary job in giving them not just a chance, but a new start. We’ve also strengthened our support for military families.”

He said the school was rethinking how it operated financially. “We are looking to diversify our income, with the goal of keeping fees as affordable as possible, while expanding the life-changing bursaries we can offer,” he said.

This included exploring the creation of international schools with profits going straight into bursary provision, summer schools, even padel courts.

“If we can increase bursary provision, we can remain accessible to families,” he said. “We want to think globally and act locally.”

Mr Cresswell asked the OBs for their help. “We want your support, your expertise, your advice,” he said. “By spreading the Barney way these young people are helping to make the world a better place.”

OBs enjoyed tours of the school, sang in chapel, spectated at the boys’ and girls’ cricket matches and watched on a big screen former pupil Guy Pepper make his debut for England in a rugby union friendly against France.

Former pupil, clothier, businessman, BBC’s Sewing Bee presenter and author, Patrick Grant has returned regularly over the years since he left in 1990.

He said: “I had a lovely time here and did everything, squash, cricket, tennis, rugby, drama, singing, public speaking. It’s a place that produces friendly, well-rounded people and it is good that they want to continue doing this. So many schools offer a limited education but a Barney education gives young people a chance in life.

“If you just get a basic education it is easy to leave school feeling you are not good at anything. People who leave Barney have a passion for life ignited.

“Barney is a great example to us all. It is the education everyone should get and I feel very grateful to have had it.”

For OB Tony Underwood, a former Lions winger, England and Leicester rugby player, the weekend was the first time he had visited the school since 2015. “I love coming back as it reminds me what a special place this is – it’s unique,” he said. “I’m hoping to work with the school more in the future.”

European modern pentathlon medallist Kim Dougill (nee Hamilton), of Snods Edge, near Consett, recalled being one of a handful of girls attending what had been a boys’ school. She joined sixth form in 1983 and became an international athlete for Team GB.

“Ralph White was one of my coaches and he helped me with my swimming, shooting, fencing and horse riding and I won a European bronze in 1984,” said Kim, who went on to become a PE teacher.

“It was great being in a boys’ school especially as I was into sports. I was just treated as one of the boys and it stood me in good stead.”