Positioned for success

Location

For families wishing to re-locate, the area offers some of the most beautiful real estate in the country with considerably more square feet/per £sterling than areas within or adjacent to the UK’s city conurbations, and with some of the the best rural amenities in the UK.  Surrounding villages boast Michelin starred restaurants and hotels, historic country houses abound (think well known film locations such as Chatsworth, Haddon, Eyam, Tissington made famous by ‘Pride and Prejudice’ and ‘Jane Eyre’), and the sporting opportunities offered by the natural Peak District landscape attract tourists from around the world.

Yet Bakewell is within easy commuting distance of the UK’s third city, Manchester as well as nearby Sheffield and Chesterfield.  Fast commuter trains also run morning and evening from Chesterfield to London (journey time: 1hr 50 mins).

For families seeking full boarding for their child(ren), S. Anselm’s offers a school-life choice like no other, enhanced by the scenic beauty and opportunities within our local area, of which our boarding activities take full advantage.  Our boarding houses offer a home from home and our boarding team understands the particular challenges that overseas pupils face when moving away from home and how to make it a positive and happy experience.  We pride ourselves in providing a complete package of care and support for our overseas and long distance families.  Exeat and holiday care can be provided either at school by our resident teams or via use of a guardian service.

An ideal blend of traditional and modern

S. Anselm’s combines a winning formula of traditional values twinned with modern and progressive approaches to learning, informed by latest research and practice.

Our traditional values centre on a family-oriented approach.  Meals are taken in the Dining Hall, and served from the head of each table by teachers, who encourage lively conversation and engagement.  Customs and special occasions are celebrated with real effort and enthusiasm, from Christmas Feasts to House events.  Nothing is more evident than the good manners and courtesy for which S. Anselm’s children are recognised, underpinned by their kindness and consideration for others.

Yet we prepare our children to be outward thinking global citizens, exploratory in their approaches to problem solving and creative in spirit.  Learning takes place as much in first hand contexts as in the classroom, and educational visits – to the theatre, historic and geographical sites and more – abound.

Small class sizes (never exceeding 14, with smaller sets) provide dedicated tutoring, focus and pastoral care whilst facilitating exploration and creativity.  Our children are instilled with purpose, inspired and motivated to apply themselves in their work and discover real enjoyment in learning.

From Prep to Senior School: the best educational options

Since 1888, S. Anselm’s Preparatory School has prepared children for entry to their Senior School of choice including many of the UK’s top educational institutions.  Our commitment is focused firmly on each child and each family and, as such our Preparatory School remains proudly independent, offering tailored advice and support to ensure their next destination is right for them.

Whilst some families know from an early age that they wish their son or daughter to attend a particular public school, many do not make a decision until much later on.

S. Anselm’s provides a nurturing environment that challenges children to explore the full breadth of their capabilities and to achieve their full potential.  Along this journey, particular talents, strengths and interests often emerge that suggest a particular destination might be suited to a child’s future ambitions and aspirations. Our independent position enables us to respond to this.

The strength of S. Anselm’s long standing relationships with major Senior/Public Schools gives us a strong working knowledge of each school and its environment so we can offer guidance and insight to our families.  We work closely with the Registrars/Directors of Admissions at these schools, who hold S. Anselm’s children in exceptionally high regard.  Each year. S. Anselm’s pupils are welcomed by schools such as Eton, Harrow, Uppingham, Oundle, Repton and Shrewsbury and Winchester, to name but a few.  Further details of our pupils’ onward destinations are available here.