S. Anselm’s tries to keep it real, true to the motto: Esse quam videri – to be, rather than to seem to be. The school embraces its Derbyshire roots, preparing students for modern life with traditional values. Individuality is key, and pupils leave with their characters intact, nurtured rather than remodelled. A juxtaposition of old and new, with a dash of good nature, humour and honesty that just seems to work.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 125 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- Day £15,180 - £28,692; Boarding £34,686 - £37,944 pa
- Local authority
- Derbyshire County Council

Headteacher
Headteacher
Mrs Lisa Donnelly
Since September 2023, Lisa Donnelly, previously senior deputy head for four years. She joined the school 26 years ago and later became head of pre-prep. She has a passion for sport and her mantra is for children to ‘work hard, play hard and get th
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Learn what pupils and parents really think of this school, along with our expert opinion on the headteacher’s leadership style, the school’s academic results and facilities, the focus on pastoral care, and the range of extra-curricular activities.

Entrance
Most pupils join the non-selective nursery or pre-prep; prep school entry subject to an interview with the head and report from their previous school.
- Open days
- See website

Exit
Exit destinations at 13 include Sheffield Girls, Birkdale, Cheltenham Ladies’ College, Denstone, Malvern College, Moreton Hall, Repton, Shrewsbury and Worksop College. School has ended provision for students aged 14-16 – the final cohort of year 1

Latest results
There are no results to show for this school. Find out more.

Teaching & learning

Learning support & SEN

Boarders
‘We have a pillow fight every Wednesday morning, so they can get it out of their system,’ boasts the housemaster. Under his charming aegis, the pupils gush boarding accolades with superlatives galore. A few years 6-8 boarders are international pup

Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
S. Anselm’s School expects learners’ not to use mobile phones unless express permission has been given; mobile phones are to be handed in to the school office for safe keeping during school hours. If a learner needs to contact his/her parents or carers they will be allowed to use a S. Anselm’s school phone. Parents are advised to contact their child via the S. Anselm’s school office; exceptions may be permitted on a case-by-case basis, as approved by the headteacher.

Pupils

Money matters
Academic, music, art and sports scholarships at 7+. Some means-tested bursaries.
- Fee information
- Day £15,180 - £28,692; Boarding £34,686 - £37,944 pa

Our view
Setting off a high-altitude balloon and tracking it from the comfort of a classroom is nothing new, but this is the kind of school that literally goes the extra mile – or hundred. S. Anselmians think nothing of jumping in a minibus and driving fou

The last word
S. Anselm’s tries to keep it real, true to the motto: Esse quam videri – to be, rather than to seem to be. The school embraces its Derbyshire roots, preparing students for modern life with traditional values. Individuality is key, and pupils leave
