When S. Anselm’s School was threatened with closure, parents and the local community joined forces in a campaign which surpassed all expectations. Now, as Fiona Stubbs learns, the Bakewell school faces a bright future.
It was an announcement which sent shockwaves throughout the Derbyshire Dales and beyond.
After an illustrious 137 years, news broke in March that S. Anselm’s preparatory school in Bakewell was to close, one of a rising number of independent schools across the UK to feel the effects of financial pressures and the removal of charitable business rates relief.
Within two months, however, S. Anslem’s was saved – the result of a remarkable, collaborative campaign to not merely raise much-needed funds but to draw on the talents of people connected with the school to secure a solid business plan.
A new board of trustees – chaired by parent and Thornbridge Hall’s Emma Harrison – was set up to oversee the school’s new direction.
Trustee Matthew Brailsford says: “We had to react quickly to come up with a plan to save the school. It wasn’t just about bouncing back and opening the doors for September. We had to develop a genuine business plan to secure a future.
“We were never going to ask for money until we’d got that plan and a clear idea of how we wanted the school to move forward.
“We contacted parents and our old alumni base – and there was a massive outpouring of support for the school as an investment in the future.
“The availability of parents willing to help was key and that’s where we were very, very lucky. We have an amazing range of skill sets. We have people from corporate backgrounds, business backgrounds, people in finance, communications and marketing and more.
“It’s as though we set up a business almost overnight – though we had many, many sleepless nights as to how we could take these skill sets and adapt them for the education sector.”
Matthew has a background in mergers and acquisitions, and his expertise was pivotal as S. Anselm’s severed links with the Birkdale family of schools – with which it had merged in 2023 – to independence.
“For a successful transaction, you always need a willing buyer and a willing seller,” adds Matthew. “We were fortunate that both sides were pulling in the same direction. From my point of view, having not previously worked in the education sector, it was a refreshing experience.”
Set in 20 acres of Peak District countryside, S. Anselm’s is a day and boarding school for boys and girls from the ages of three to 13.
Boarding is flexible, with the option for pupils to stay over certain nights. The school prides itself on being a ‘family-feel community’ with boarding offering an opportunity to socialise with friends and other pupils across different year groups.
Following the retirement of headteacher Lisa Donnelly, S. Anselm’s welcomed a new head, Peter Cook. It was a welcome return for Peter, who started his teaching career at the school, becoming head of maths and rugby before moving on to Kimbolton School in Cambridgeshire and Wellow House School in Nottinghamshire.
Peter says: “For me, it’s the family and community ethos that makes a prep school work. Being able to stay at S. Anselm’s to the age of 13 gives pupils enough time to mature and benefit from their education so they’re well prepared for moving on to other schools. We’re proud not just of the education, but the confidence our pupils gain here.”
A marketing and restructuring programme is underway, with reduced school fees and sponsorship opportunities enabling more local children to attend S. Anselm’s. The school is also keen to open up facilities for community use.
The local community has certainly rallied round since the school launched its fundraising campaign. An auction alone – led by James Lewis of Bamfords Auctioneers – raised £250,000.
“The response we’ve had from the community is humbling,” says Matthew. “The night of the auction we knew for sure that not only would our doors be open in September but that we’d unlocked our long-term plan.
“We’ve just launched our first newsletter which has so far been read by three times as many people as come to the school.
“We are ultimately going to be a charity foundation sitting behind the school and will continue with fundraising projects. We are this gem in the middle of the Peak District. We are so blessed to be where we are and to have the facilities we have.”
Peter adds: “There’s a real feeling that everyone wants the school to succeed. There’s a tremendous amount of history here – you see it [documented in pictures and achievement boards] all around the walls of the school. Now we’ve got to pick up the baton and move forward.
“The beauty is that all our facilities are on one site. And because it’s a community, all the staff buy into it. They’re happy to run out of school clubs, developing pupils’ interests in different activities.
“We have seen significant growth in pupil numbers over the summer – and our experienced and enthusiastic staff team have been further strengthened by the return of highly respected and talented colleagues in key departments. The energy this has created was a joy to witness when pupils returned in September. Momentum is building in the right direction and we are all invested in shaping the ‘Next Chapter.’
“S. Anselm’s has always been Derbyshire’s greatest secret – but why is it a secret? We’re looking to get the word out into the local community and making our facilities available for use by local people.”
With a growing community interest and applications already coming in for school places next year, optimism for the future is high.
“Sometimes, for the most positive change, you have to go to the brink,” reflects Matthew. “So, being able to put the right things under a spotlight has turned out to be a positive experience. We get to start a new journey.”
• S. Anselm’s is inviting families interested in a tour and discussion about admission opportunities to contact Mrs Nicky Webster, Head of Admissions on 01629 812734