St Anselm's School
Bakewell, Derbyshire · DE45 1DP
St Anselm's is a small, family-oriented preparatory school set across 20 acres in the Peak District near Bakewell, catering for ages 3–13 with flexible boarding options. The school celebrates childhood through experiential learning, outdoor education, and individual talent discovery, positioning itself as an alternative to traditional academic pressure. Its accessible fees and bursary-conscious approach signal an attempt to democratize independent prep-school education in rural Derbyshire.
- →Flexible boarding accommodation suited to working families and rural location
- →Emphasis on outdoor education and Peak District setting as learning laboratory
- →Intentionally small cohort (134 pupils) fostering family-like pastoral care
- →Focus on discovering individual passions rather than narrow academic acceleration
- →On-site facilities including 25m pool, AstroTurf, and 240-seat theatre
Who thrives here
Children who thrive in smaller, nurturing settings where outdoor exploration and creative expression are valued alongside academics; families drawn to the Peak District location and flexible boarding; pupils who need confidence-building in a non-pressurised environment.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Stanedge Road
Bakewell, Derbyshire
DE45 1DP
Nearest stations
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at St Anselm's School?
Day fees at St Anselm's School are approximately £19,920 per year (2026/27). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into St Anselm's School?
St Anselm's School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
Is St Anselm's School a boarding school?
St Anselm's School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is St Anselm's School's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated St Anselm's School “Good” (2018).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Family atmosphere and strong pastoral care despite independence credentials
✓Quality of outdoor education and Peak District setting
✓Inclusive approach to individual talent discovery and confidence-building
✓Accessible fee structure and proactive bursary commitment
✓Quality facilities and on-site boarding flexibility
Common concerns
!Small size (134 pupils) may limit peer diversity and competition networks
!Not yet Ofsted-inspected; limited institutional track record for senior school progression
!Rural location may challenge academic prestige perception relative to southern prep-school cohort
!Limited published data on scholarships, SEN provision, and senior school outcomes