There are a number of important things to consider when looking towards your child's next steps in education.

Will they make meaningful connections and friends? Will they get the help they need to achieve success and nurture their talents?

We've put together a quick guide to help you consider what an independent school such as Austin Friars could offer your child...

Small class sizes

In comparison to state schools, The pupil-to-teacher ratio is much smaller in independent schools (especially at senior school age). Some exam classes at A-Level can even run as 1-to-1 sessions, with completely bespoke teaching.

Smaller class sizes mean that teachers get to know their individual children far better, and tailor their approach to suit them – giving attention when it’s needed in a more proactive way to ensure the best possible outcomes are achieved. No pupil goes under the radar.

The academics

Whilst the aim of Austin Friars is to educate the whole person and not confuse ‘education’ with ‘assessment’, it goes without saying that due to the benefits of independent education, achieving impressive exam results is par for the course.

Bespoke curriculum and freedom to innovate

One of the most prominent benefits of independent education is that schools are able to teach freely of the National Curriculum, and they can be broader in their educational provision.

You can find subjects like classical civilisation and Mandarin on pupils’ timetables at Austin Friars alongside the traditional core subjects of maths, English, science and more.

Extracurricular activities

These are potentially misnamed at independent schools as opportunities beyond the classroom are not viewed as ‘extra’. Rather it is regarded as an integral part of school life in order to educate the whole person.

A wide variety of different clubs and activities give all pupils the chance to find something new to try almost weekly - ranging from arts and crafts, languages, sports clubs, chess, board games, mountain adventure, music ensembles, fencing, engineering, climbing, gardening, archaeology, gymnastics, badminton, Lego and debating to name just a few!

Outstanding pastoral care

The level of pastoral care and attention available at smaller schools like Austin Friars is one of the most reassuring facets for parents.

Pastoral care or the wellbeing of pupils is well embedded in independent schools and plays a crucial part in supporting children’s mental, social, physical and intellectual development.

In schools where every teacher knows every pupil, changes in behaviour and close monitoring of any potential issues means that interventions can be proactive instead of reactive and often prevent situations escalating at all.

At Austin Friars, a dedicated hierarchy of pastoral leads work with an in-house full time mental health nurse to ensure the well bring of all pupils is promoted and protected at all levels of schooling.

Campus history

Many independent schools have a long heritage or are housed in historic buildings with a rich history, breathing new life and acting as guardians of architecturally significant places.

For example, the striking sandstone building of Austin Friars (which still stands as the highest building in the city of Carlisle) was originally commissioned to be built in 1889 by the Order of the Sacred Heart as an all-girls convent school.

Since then it was seen variations as an Industrial Memorial School, an auxiliary military hospital, and an orphanage before becoming Austin Friars.

Spiritual Well-Being

Let us be of one mind and one heart intent on God. (Rule of St Augustine)

The greatest challenge at Austin Friars is to live the Augustinian values of unity, truth and love as we go about our daily routines.  As a catholic school we are committed to the formation of the whole person; intellectual, physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual.  In essence, we endeavour to prepare our young men and women for, “life after Friars”, by equipping them with the skills necessary to succeed in a dynamic society.  

While maintaining our traditions, the School celebrates the Christian liturgical calendar in ways which reflect our history and ethos and the practice of the wider Christian family; catering for the needs of pupils in a truly inclusive environment where the qualities of truth, community, love, wisdom, generosity, well-being, friendship, interiority, humility, freedom, service and study are enshrined.   

Alumni services

Independent schools tend to have a strong an active alumni and former pupil network, often with dedicated staff at the school to enable former pupils and parents to keep in touch with each other and stay up-to-date with achievements and school news.

Reunions and former pupils balls are common and the lasting lifelong friendships and networks are facilitated.

Come and visit us!

When considering whether Friars could be the right environment for your child, we know that the best way to learn about the School, and to fully appreciate our special ethos, is to come and experience it for yourself.

Click here to book a tour of Austin Friars

If you are unable to visit us, please click here to request a prospectus