S. Anselm's is one of the very best prep schools in England....Ask these confident, articulate children what they like best about the school and a consensus rapidly emerges. 'The teaching is really good' they say. 'And it's a sporty school.' It is also an exceptionally happy one."
John Clare - The Daily Telegraph
"Tucked away on the edge of the attractive town of Bakewell, S. Anselm's modest location belies its achievements. Superbly resourced, with a team of dedicated and enthusiastic staff ; pupils appear beamingly happy. Prides itself on stretching each pupil to the limit of their potential.....Superb staff; blissful, confident children fizzing with energy and enthusiasm."
The Good Schools Guide
Testimonials from current Parents
"To be at S. Anselm's is an all encompassing experience! The atmosphere is abundantly happy and exuberant. Our own daughter has loved every minute, of every day, from Nursery though Pre-Prep and Transition and into the Main School. Now she looks forward with excitement, to being a boarder!
The staff have a wonderful, loving, way of nurturing and engaging themselves with the children and, by example and encouragement, develop their talents and abilities. As parents, we feel most fortunate that our daughter is having such an exceptional start in life."
(Parents of 1st Year Girl)
'We have seen William and Emily grow up and develop over the past eight years at S. Anselms. Starting in Nursery, through Pre-prep and into the main school.
As the children have progressed through the school we have always been extremely impressed with both the schools and individual staff members willingness to listen to and adjust to the children's requirements. A child's education is team-work and the ability of the school to cope with this is important.
S. Anselms has encouraged both children to enjoy school and the learning process. The biggest accolade would probably be that over all the years neither child has ever woken up saying ' I don't want to go to school today'. There has always been a challenge they want to meet or friends they are desperate see..
We believe S. Anselms has a unique ability to make any child feel involved and 'part of the team' and would encourage any prospective parents to investigate further.'
(Parents of 3rd Year Boy & 1st Year Girl)
"Both our girls love boarding at the school and in particular going back to house after the school day and doing hobbies and having 'TV' nights, the Sunday activities, the use of the new common room and free swims. They really look forward to Games and Music and enjoy being busy through the day. The food is yummy too!"
(Parents of 2nd Year and 4th year Girls)
"Our son boarded at S. Anselm's from the age of 9 and the whole experience was extremely positive. He loved all the activities that were laid on and just being with a large group of boys his age was often far more exciting than being at home! He was extremely well-prepared for public school when the time came.
Our daughter has just started this term, aged 11, and is loving her time at school. The junior girl's house is so friendly with all the girls getting on so well and looking after each other. As parents we love looking at the school website on a Sunday night to see the array of activities that all the children have been up to. The Exeat system works well with everyone being there at weekends rather than the school operating at half capacity."
(Parents of 3rd year Girl
"Since starting two years ago, Luke has embraced boarding with more zeal than perhaps ever seen before or since and relishes in every waking moment of the boarding life. Nick has just started and we are delighted by how well both staff and fellow boarders have responded to him. We have appreciated enormously the warm welcome and support parents receive and how included we feel in the boarders lives as well as the close communication with our children, the housemaster, Mr Mace and other key staff which has made the transition so much easier for both our children and ourselves … and the homecoming so welcome!"
Parents of 4th Year and 2nd year boys
From our point of view, S.Anselm's will always be famous for its smiles! Happy friendships, teachers who by having fun get the most out of children- and always go that extra mile and know them so well, wonderful and caring support staff and a lot of really good sport.
We deliver a smiling child, who is always looking forward to her day and we collect a happy, smiling fulfilled one!
"In Clare's words she thinks that "S.Anselm's is fun, the teachers are good and the sport is amazing. Extras are well organized too. (Horse riding made it one of my best ever days.) Every day is a great day- some are just greater than others."
Parents of 1st Year girl
Testimonials from Past Parents
"I thought you might be interested to know that we have just heard that Jenny achieved a First in her Law finals at Oxford. This makes a hat-trick, Dan having achieved a First in Modern Languages again from Oxford and David a First in Engineering at Cambridge.
I have always believed that the time the three children spent at S. Anselm's was the catalyst to what became successful academic careers. The ethos of the school, to work hard and to play hard, has stuck with them throughout and each has made the best of their talents. Without the guidance of the staff at S. Anselm's at a formative time in their lives, I doubt whether each would have been so successful. Perhaps you could pass this message on to those members of staff who might remember the Andrews children together with my and Kate's thanks for all you and they did for them. I hear nothing but good reports about the School."
Neil Andrews
"S. Anselms is first class! Our experience with the school has been brilliant and I am delighted to have been associated with it. Our daughter Emily got on very well there and enjoyed her time at the school.
"The pupils are made to feel happy and secure. The children are polite, reasonably fit and they work hard because they are taught a work ethic. I am delighted with the education that Emily received at the school."
William Booth