Austin Friars
Carlisle, Cumbria · CA3 9PB
Austin Friars is a Catholic independent all-through day school in Carlisle serving 3–18-year-olds with roots tracing to 1951. Built on Augustinian values of mutual trust and respect, the school positions itself as the leading independent day school choice across the North West and South West Scotland. Its appeal lies in personalised education that develops potential whilst preparing pupils for rapid change, underpinned by the motto 'In Omnibus Caritas' (in all things love).
- →All-through provision from age 3, enabling continuous pastoral relationships and seamless transitions
- →Emphasis on individual potential and confidence-building, particularly valued by parents seeking developmental growth
- →Catholic Augustinian ethos fostering strong community and pastoral care culture
- →Day-school convenience for North West and Scottish Borders families without boarding complexity
Who thrives here
Pupils who benefit from personalised, values-driven education within a stable, smaller community; families valuing Catholic philosophy and seeking strong pastoral care alongside academic challenge.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Etterby Scaur, Austin Friars
Carlisle, Cumbria
CA3 9PB
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Austin Friars?
Day fees at Austin Friars are approximately £25,704 per year (2025/26).
How do you get into Austin Friars?
Austin Friars admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Austin Friars's exam results?
At Austin Friars, 36.7% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 20.9% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Austin Friars a boarding school?
Austin Friars is a day school in Carlisle and does not offer boarding.
What is Austin Friars's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Austin Friars “Excellent” (2022).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Strong pastoral care and confidence-building; school described as transformative for pupil development
✓Supportive community ethos; lifelong friendships formed within school community
✓Personalised approach to each child enabling academic and personal growth
✓Values-driven education embedded throughout school life
Common concerns
!Limited sector awareness and published outcomes data as school is relatively modest-sized and unranked nationally