Located at the heart of Bakewell, St Anselm’s School offers a unique educational experience for children aged two to 16. This co-educational independent school is non-denominational, welcoming students from all faiths and backgrounds. With a focus on traditional values and modern learning techniques, the school has established itself as one of the country’s leading prep schools.
The school’s environment is both happy and thriving, encouraging pupils to give their best and flourish. The Derbyshire countryside provides a stunning backdrop for this safe, homely, and family-oriented setting. The boarding options are flexible, offering day, weekly, and full boarding to accommodate different family needs. This strong boarding community benefits from the school’s emphasis on creating a nurturing atmosphere where students can thrive academically and socially.
Since September 2023, Lisa Donnelly has been at the helm as headteacher. Her long-standing commitment to the school, having joined 26 years ago, ensures continuity and stability. Her passion for sport and her philosophy of work hard, play hard resonates throughout the school community. Under her leadership, the school continues to prepare children for life beyond its walls by equipping them with wisdom and skills in a fun and engaging manner.
The entrance process is straightforward, with most pupils joining through the non-selective nursery or pre-prep stages. For those entering the prep school, an interview with the headteacher and a report from their previous school are required. The exit destinations at age 13 are impressive, with students moving on to prestigious institutions such as Sheffield Girls’, Birkdale, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Denstone, Malvern College, Moreton Hall, Repton, Shrewsbury, and Worksop College.
The curriculum at St Anselm’s is enriched by project-based learning introduced in collaboration with a Danish school and Harvard University. This innovative approach includes activities like tracking high-altitude balloons across the country or engaging in creative projects such as constructing Tudor houses to simulate historical events like the Great Fire of London. The use of modern technology is evident in their up-to-date software offerings, including 3D printers and virtual reality trials.
Music plays a significant role in school life, supported by 15 peripatetic teachers and various ensembles ranging from rock bands to chapel choirs. The Hargreaves Hall auditorium provides an excellent venue for performances that showcase pupils’ talents. Art is equally vibrant, with dedicated spaces for ceramics and textiles that buzz with creativity.
Sports are embraced at all levels with an emphasis on inclusion. The school’s small size does not hinder its competitive spirit; pupils excel in sports such as swimming, netball, rugby, shooting, steeplechase, cricket for both girls and boys, netball, hockey, and tennis. The AstroTurf pitch is a valuable asset for sports training and competitions.
The locality of the Peak District is integral to the school’s identity. It shapes the curriculum through activities like pancake day races using Derbyshire oatcakes or studying local historical figures. The school’s integration into local life fosters a strong sense of community among pupils who predominantly live nearby.
The learning support department is robust, offering specialised assistance for children with special needs. With three specialist teachers including speech therapists and dyslexia experts, the department provides one-to-one sessions and group work tailored to individual requirements.
Boarding life at St Anselm’s is vibrant and engaging. Pupils enjoy a range of weekend activities from ice hockey matches to paintballing adventures. Junior dorms have been refreshed with bright wallpaper while senior dorms maintain a more subdued appearance but remain functional.
Parents appreciate the school’s efforts in providing nutritious meals in a cosy dining hall where pupils learn responsibility by helping visitors clear away their plates. The house system fosters healthy competition among students based on national heroes like Pitt and Churchill.
Overall, St Anselm’s School combines traditional values with modern educational practices to create an environment where individuality is nurtured rather than remodelled. Its commitment to preparing students for modern life while embracing its Derbyshire roots makes it an appealing choice for families seeking quality education within a supportive community setting.
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