Austin Friars

Austin Friars has a strong reputation in the north of Cumbria and in south-west Scotland for offering high quality independent day School education. Pre-School and Junior, and Senior sections provide a seamless education for boys and girls aged 3 - 18 on an attractive 25-acre site in the cathedral city of Carlisle. Our pupils are provided with every opportunity to develop their talents to the full, growing up in a happy and fulfilling environment where all are valued and encouraged. Traditional values are at the heart of our School community which, at the same time, is forward-thinking and vibrant as it meets the challenges of a changing world.

In our learning environment where class sizes are small, academic achievement underpins all that we do, and our outstanding results speak for themselves. We work hard to create the conditions in which all students can achieve their best in a wide and varied range of subjects. The School is justifiably proud of its reputation for high academic standards. Our students are provided with every opportunity to develop their talents to the full, growing up in a happy and fulfilling environment where all are valued and encouraged. Academic success at all levels across 3 – 18 age range, in GCSE and A level examinations and in the achievement of our Sixth Formers in securing higher education places at good universities have established Austin Friars as the top co-educational School in Cumbria. In our supportive School community which cares and shows mutual respect for one another, we provide an education for our students seeking to bring out the best in each child. All students are encouraged to share their talents with and for others. We are a small and very friendly School in which the quality of pastoral care has a high priority. All staff are very committed to promoting the welfare and happiness of each child. Staff get to know their students well ensuring that attention is given to individual needs. We celebrate the Christian liturgical calendar in ways which reflect our Catholic roots and the traditions of the wider Christian family, catering for the needs of all students in a truly inclusive environment. At Austin Friars, where all are made very welcome, spiritual and moral well-being are at the heart of what we offer. Christian values are at the core of our School community. We have a common purpose which is shaped and inspired by a Christian vision of the world. From celebrating the importance of each individual, to the way we look after one another and the wider world, we believe in a culture of kindness, a search for truth and a commitment to justice. We are proud of the very successful, all round education which the School provides. Beyond the classroom, an extensive extra curricular programme provides the opportunities which are so vital for a well-rounded education. We aim to provide for the education of the whole person. Music, drama, creative and physical activity are integral to the curriculum alongside the pursuit of academic excellence. Individual success is celebrated and healthy competition encouraged. Our students look around and know that their contribution in the classroom or laboratory, on the stage or in the choir, on the games field or in a leadership role is greatly valued. What they also know is that by trying hard, with the guidance of their teachers, they can make a real difference to the life of the School.