Austin Friars

When the Augustinian Friars founded Austin Friars in 1951, the buildings they chose had already witnessed generations of education. The striking Victorian sandstone main building, originally commissioned in 1889 by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, overlooks historic Carlisle from elevated grounds. Over seven decades, the school has evolved into a genuine all-through establishment, spanning nursery through sixth form, drawing families from Cumbria and South West Scotland. With approximately 330 pupils, Austin Friars maintains a Catholic ethos while welcoming children of all denominations. The school ranks 1,012th of 3,895 schools in England for GCSE academic outcomes and 380th of 2,549 for A-level academic outcomes (FindMySchool data). Since 2005, the school has operated entirely under lay leadership, with Chris Hattam currently serving as Headmaster.

Austin Friars occupies spacious grounds offering visual respite from the city below. The teaching staff include specialists in music, drama, sport, languages, and design; the 2022 ISI inspection noted that teaching in the junior school effectively promotes good pupil progress. The school's motto, In Omnibus Caritas (In All Things Love), is embedded throughout daily life. Catholic foundations remain genuine: daily prayer, regular Masses, and religious education reflect the school's diocesan heritage under the Lancaster Diocese. Yet the atmosphere is not insular. The school explicitly welcomes pupils of all faiths, and inspection findings confirm that pupils demonstrate strong moral awareness and respect for diversity.

Pastoral relationships form a defining feature. Staff relationships with pupils are described by the school as built on "respect and trust"; year-group structures and form tutors ensure no child is anonymous. The Learning Support Department works systematically across the school to ensure equal access to curriculum and activities for pupils with additional needs, with specialist staff collaborating alongside classroom teachers.

The physical environment supports learning. Outdoor spaces are described as well-used and appropriate for physical education. Facilities include adequate medical spaces and toilet arrangements. Within lessons, information technology is integrated effectively, enhancing the learning experience across subjects.

GCSE Outcomes

The school does not appear to publish detailed subject-by-subject breakdowns. The 2023-24 cohort (56%) proceeded to university, with 15% entering employment and the remainder pursuing further education or apprenticeships.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form presents a stronger picture. At A-level, the school ranks 380th of 2,549 schools in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the upper national band and first among schools in Carlisle locally. The current cohort data shows 70% A*-B grades overall. Breaking this further: 20% achieved A* grades, 20% achieved A grades, and 30% achieved B grades.

The curriculum follows national frameworks across all phases. In the junior school, specialist teaching appears from Year 3 onwards in art and science, with all pupils learning a musical instrument in class and up to half continuing with extra-curricular instrumental tuition. French and Spanish are taught from early years; Latin is introduced at junior level. Topic-based teaching supports history and geography in infant classes.

The senior school and sixth form offer a full range of GCSE and A-level subjects. The 2022 inspection noted that pupils demonstrate hard work and resilience, participate actively in collaborative and independent learning, and possess notably strong communication skills. Teachers structure lessons with clear expectations. Curriculum ambition is evident from the breadth of subjects available, including Classical Studies, languages, and creative subjects alongside traditional academic fare.

Learning support remains integral. Experienced specialist staff work alongside subject teachers to enable pupils of varying ability to access the curriculum. Educational visits occur regularly; residential trips run for junior school year groups.

Sixth Form Entry and Pathways

The sixth form welcomes both internal pupils and external candidates. Entry requirements typically expect GCSE grades 5-7 in intended A-level subjects, though the school considers individual circumstances. The school does not publish detailed destination data; the 2023-24 cohort showed 56% progressing to university, with 15% entering employment.

Extracurricular provision forms a significant strand of school life. After-school clubs run across both junior and senior phases, with wraparound care available from 8:00am to 6:00pm in the junior school. The school offers between 10 and 15 different sports over the academic year, with representative teams operating from Year 3 onwards in major sports. Compulsory sports include rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics, tennis, netball, and cross-country; optional sports encompass badminton, dance, gymnastics, volleyball, basketball, swimming, and golf.

Music: A Defining Strength

Music involves approximately one-third of all pupils learning an instrument. The school maintains three choirs and ensembles including a swing band, chamber music groups, wind band, and specialist saxophone, guitar, and string ensembles. Members of the school participate in city, county, and regional youth orchestras. Pupils may take instrumental examinations.

Drama & Performing Arts

Drama and dance are offered as discrete curricular subjects. LAMDA examinations are available. School and house productions occur throughout the year, drawing varied participation from pupil-led performances to larger ensemble pieces.

STEM and Technology

Computing and debating clubs operate; the school runs a Chess Club and Bridge Club. Indoor cricket facilities exist. Practical design and technology teaching features across years, with DT specialist teaching from Year 6 in the junior school.

Duke of Edinburgh and Community

All pupils are encouraged to work towards Duke of Edinburgh's Award, with bronze, silver, and gold levels available. Community service becomes optional from age 16. The school integrates outdoor education meaningfully: annual ski trips to Europe and America are coordinated; climbing and walking expeditions leverage Scotland and the Lake District. Archaeological and gardening clubs reflect environmental and cultural engagement.

Named Clubs and Societies

The school offers approximately 20 active clubs, including: Debating Society, Chess Club, Bridge Club, Indoor Cricket, Rock Climbing Club, Computing Club, Dance Club, Music Ensembles (Swing Band, Choirs, Chamber Groups, Wind Band, String Ensemble, Saxophone Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble), Drama Club, Philosophy Club (Year 6), Design & Technology Club, Gardening Club, Archaeological Club, and Year-specific engagement through Duke of Edinburgh Award (Bronze, Silver, Gold levels). Sports teams operate across rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics, tennis, netball, and cross-country at representative level.

Austin Friars is an independent school; fees apply. Based on 2025-26 published figures, junior school fees range from £3,780 per term (Reception) to £5,820 per term (Year 6). Senior school and sixth form fees are higher; prospective families should request a detailed fee schedule from the admissions office. Fees include lunches and VAT, with additional costs for music lessons, trips, and extracurricular activities.

The school publishes scholarships available for academic, music, art, sport, and all-round achievement. Bursaries may be available to qualifying families; specific information should be sought directly from the school, as provision varies annually.

Entry Routes and Selectivity

Austin Friars is a non-selective school, accepting pupils based on application rather than entrance examination. Entry points occur at Reception (age 4), Year 7 (age 11), and Year 12 (age 16). The school is open to all faiths and denominations, though Catholic applications may benefit from the school's explicit Christian character.

Process and Timeline

Families should contact the admissions team directly at admissions@austinfriars.co.uk or 01228 528042. The school operates a rolling admissions process; places are typically offered based on availability. Visits are encouraged, and the school holds open events to showcase facilities and teaching.

Entry to Sixth Form

Entry to Year 12 typically requires GCSE grades of 5-7 (or equivalent) in intended A-level subjects. The school welcomes external candidates alongside internal progression. Specific subject requirements are stipulated by individual departments.

Form tutors oversee small tutor groups, ensuring personal attention and early identification of pastoral needs. The Learning Support Department is embedded across the school, working with teaching staff to support pupils with SEND, English as an Additional Language (EAL), and other specific needs. ISI inspection findings from 2022 confirm that welfare needs are met through strategic risk assessment and that safeguarding and welfare procedures promote pupil safety effectively.

Mental health support is available; counselling services operate alongside peer support schemes. The school actively promotes an inclusive culture in which pupils feel empowered to express themselves and seek help when needed. Behaviour expectations are clear, and positive relationships form the foundation of pastoral care.

School day: 8:50am to 3:20pm (standard hours)

Wraparound care (junior phase): Breakfast club from 7:45am; after-school club until 6:00pm

Transport: The school is served by public bus routes. Parking is available on-site for parents dropping off and collecting pupils.

Holiday club: The school operates holiday care during main school breaks.

Contact: 01228 528042; office@austinfriars.co.uk; admissions@austinfriars.co.uk

Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. While welcoming all denominations, the school's Catholic foundation shapes daily life: regular Masses, daily prayer, explicit religious education, and Christian values integration throughout. Families uncomfortable with daily religious observance should discuss the school's approach before committing.

GCSE outcomes require context. Families prioritising maximum academic challenge or competitive GCSE results should still look closely at subject-level detail, but the current FindMySchool ranking is stronger than the old lower-tier profile suggested. A-level outcomes are stronger again, suggesting pupils may flourish in smaller sixth form groups.

Limited specialist provision for significant SEND. While the school welcomes pupils with identified needs and offers Learning Support, specialist provision for profound or complex needs is not a defining feature. Families with children requiring highly specialist therapeutic or medical support should enquire specifically about capacity.

Location and transport. Carlisle's position in north Cumbria means the school draws families from a wide area. For those outside the city, transport and commute times should be factored into the decision.

Austin Friars functions as a genuine all-through independent school with a Catholic heart open to all. Strengths include a supportive pastoral environment, meaningful extracurricular provision, and a strong A-level pipeline for sixth formers. The school offers continuity from nursery through sixth form, valued by families seeking stability and sustained relationships between pupils and staff. Academic rigour is present but uneven: junior school teaching is solid; GCSE outcomes disappoint nationally; A-levels recover creditably. Best suited to families within commuting distance of Carlisle who value Catholic education, a broad curriculum, and strong pastoral care over elite academic selectivity. The school offers respectable independent education without the premium fees of boarding schools or elite day schools, positioning itself as accessible and community-minded. For parents seeking a stable, inclusive environment with genuine engagement in extracurricular life, Austin Friars merits close consideration.