Austin Friars is a co-educational day school, founded by members of the Order of St Augustine in 1951. It is the UK’s only Augustinian school and pupils of all denominations are welcome into the School, which provides education for boys and girls aged 3–18.
The 3–18 profile of the School allows pupils more time to respond to the core Augustinian values of Unity, Truth and Love which are enshrined in the way the School goes about its business on a daily basis. The 3–18 model also facilitates a seamless transition from Pre-School to Sixth Form and presents younger pupils with access to facilities usually the preserve of secondary pupils, such as science laboratories, music suites, specialist sports facilities and design technology workshops.
The quality of pastoral care is one of the School’s greatest strengths. Both the Junior and Senior Schools are divided into three Houses with the House being central to the strong sense of a community in which older and younger pupils mix freely.
Studies. The curriculum at all levels is broad and balanced which encourages academic achievement alongside sporting, musical, cultural and creative development, thus allowing each child’s talents and potential to be fully pursued. Pupils are encouraged to become increasingly independent learners as they progress through the School with excellent support mechanisms available, on an individual or small group basis, for those pupils with specific learning difficulties who require specialised provision. From age 3 in the Pre-School, pupils benefit from specialist teaching. In the Senior School, class sizes are small and high standards are expected and achieved through careful monitoring of progress and a commitment by all to outstanding teaching and learning.
Activities. The School is an excellent centre for developing new and existing interests and talents. Some 50+ extracurricular activities are available to pupils both during the School day, and in after-school clubs. Music, Speech and Drama have a high profile across all phases of the School. There are regular concerts, musical performances, plays and musicals.
Sport. The school has a full-sized AstroTurf which is utilised throughout the year, and various sports pitches. The range of sporting options available is vast. The pupils regularly achieve county status in their various sports and have competed in national finals. Qualified and enthusiastic staff provide coaching in team sports from the Junior School upwards, and the School’s record in inter-school competition is acknowledged far beyond Cumbria. Annual skiing trips take place.
Admissions. Children are admitted into the Pre-School in the three to four age range following a successful taster session. Entry into the Junior School at all levels, except Kindergarten, is by assessment during taster days. Entry into Kindergarten is by interview and a taster session.
The Senior School adopts a three-form entry policy. The majority of places are offered at 11+ where pupils sit the Senior School’s entrance assessments; entry to the Sixth Form is on the basis of performance at GCSE. Admissions at other ages are considered, subject to availability of places and completion of the entrance assessment. All prospective pupils spend a taster day(s) with their prospective year group.
Fees per term (2025-2026). Pre-School: £7.90 per hour, plus £2.50 for lunch (the EYFS offers government funded hours). Junior School: £3,480 (Reception), £3,780 (Years 1–2), £4,440 (Years 3–4), £5,820 (Years 5–6). Senior School: £7,380 (Years 7–8), £7,650 (Years 9–11), £7,650 (Years 12–13). Fees include VAT.
Charitable status. Austin Friars is a Registered Charity, number 516289. It exists for the purpose of educating boys and girls.
Governors & Staff:
Chairman of Trustees: Mr Ewen Swinton
Headmaster: Mr C R Hattam, BA
Deputy Head (Pastoral): Mrs C Holmes, BA, PGCE
Deputy Head (Academic): Mrs G Cole-Priddle
Head of VI Form: Mr S Parry, MEd, BSc, PGCE, Dip RSA
Head of Junior School: Mr J Clark, BA PGCE
Bursar: Mr R Scott
Admissions and Marketing Manager: Miss A Burns, BA