Preparation
For Life
For Life
At S. Anselm’s we do things differently. Here, childhood is celebrated. We nurture every child’s individuality, giving them opportunities to explore passions, build confidence and learn through experience. They leave capable and ready for anything.
YOUR CHILD’s JOURNEY
Whoever they choose to become, this is where it begins.
Let them have space to explore and time to become.
Find us
We are located in the heart of the Peak District, on the outskirts of Bakewell, Derbyshire. Visit our school to experience our beautiful setting and facilities first hand.
Let them be little… for longer.
S. Anselm’s is a place where children explore and dare to try things.
To be brave.
To be quiet.
To climb trees and swim lengths.
To love maths.
To hate maths.
To lead.
To follow.
To change their mind.
Let them be little… while they figure it out.
Latest News and Success Stories
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose a private school over a state school?
When comparing a private school to a state school, parents often look at three key differences: class size, individual attention and breadth of opportunity.
S. Anselm’s, a private school in the Peak District offers small class sizes, specialist teaching and a wider co-curricular programme from an early age. Children are taught at the right pace, stretched academically and supported pastorally. Progress, confidence and character are developed together.
For families across Derbyshire, including those commuting from Sheffield, Matlock, Ashbourne or Chesterfield, choosing an independent private school is about long-term foundations: strong academics, resilience and preparation for whichever senior school best suits the child.
What facilities does S. Anselm’s School offer?
Situated in the heart of the Peak District in Derbyshire, our facilities are part of everyday school life:
- 20 acres of sports grounds in the Peak District
- On-site 20m heated swimming pool
- Full size ‘all weather’ astroturf pitch
- Modern sports hall
- A professionally lit stage for theatrical and musical performances
- Dedicated Forest School and extensive outdoor learning
- Library and LEGO Innovation Studio used extensively for programming, 3D printing, drones and coding.
- On-site school nurse
- Specialist SEND teachers
- A full boarding house
For families in and around Sheffield, Chesterfield, Matlock and Ashbourne, this breadth of provision is a significant difference when comparing private and state schools. These facilities support physical development, wellbeing and confidence alongside academic learning.
Is an independent school affordable?
For some parents, independent education can be a considered an investment in confidence, wider opportunities and preparation for secondary school. Families often invest because it is aligned to their values. They want:
- Small class sizes
- Personalised and specialist teaching to amplify academic outcomes
- Strong pastoral care, with wellbeing as a priority
- Wider opportunities in sport, swimming, music and outdoor learning – all included in school fees so that children don’t have to go to extra clubs outside of school hours
At S. Anselm’s we’ve taken into consideration the external factors that parents are already under, including the added Government VAT, and we made the decision to reduce our fees. We also offer means-tested bursaries and scholarships.
How do you prepare children for secondary school?
Senior school preparation begins early. We are not a feeder school for one particular destination; we prepare pupils for a wide range of secondary options, including independent senior schools, grammar schools, boarding schools and local state secondary schools.
Preparation includes:
- Strong academic foundations
- Entrance exam support where appropriate
- Study skills and organisation
- Interview preparation
- Independence and resilience
By the end of Year 8, pupils leave S. Anselm’s confident, capable and ready for their chosen pathway. We work with teachers from every school to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
What are the benefits of staying at a primary school until Year 8?
A key advantage of a 0–13 private school is remaining in a smaller environment until age 13 rather than transferring at 11.
Years 7 and 8 provides:
- Academic depth before GCSE
- Leadership opportunities
- Greater maturity before senior school
- Structured preparation for entrance exams where required
At S Anselm’s pupils leave Year 8 ready for independent, grammar, boarding or local state secondary schools. These additional two years often result in stronger outcomes and a smoother transition.
What makes a small, independent school different?
In a small independent school, every child is known by name, strengths and character.
Small class sizes allow teaching to be tailored precisely. Children are stretched or supported quickly. Parents have direct communication with staff.
More pupils have opportunities in academia, sport, art, music, drama and leadership because competition for places is lower than in larger schools.
For families seeking a small private school in Derbyshire this scale creates focus, belonging and consistent academic progress.