About the school
Austin Friars describes itself as an independent day school for 3 - 18 years olds. For Senior School entry, candidates sit entrance assessment papers and the school says it is not academically selective, using the results to help place pupils and identify any additional support needs.
| School type | Independent (fee-paying) · Co-educational |
|---|---|
| Age range | 3 - 18 years |
| Founded | 1951 |
| Headteacher | Chris Hattam |
| Sixth form | Yes |
| Fees | Senior School Fees (2026/27): 1st and 2nd Form £8,266 per term; 3rd to 5th Form £8,568 per term; VI Form £8,568 per term. |
📅 Open days: Open Week 2026 is advertised, and the admissions page says families can visit during Open Week in October via small group tours for Pre-School, Junior School or Senior School.
Entrance exam
| Exam board / format | Bespoke test |
|---|---|
| Delivery | To be confirmed |
| Subjects tested | Maths, English, Non-Verbal Reasoning |
📄 Free Austin Friars practice papers (PDF)
Admissions & catchment
| Catchment | Open to all — no catchment requirement |
|---|---|
| Detail | The school states it is not an academically selective school and uses assessment results to set pupils and identify any additional support needed. |
Key dates
| Registration opens | To be confirmed |
|---|---|
| Registration deadline | To be confirmed |
| Typical exam date | To be confirmed |
Open Week is in October. Entrance assessments are usually completed during Taster Days. The site states a £75 non-refundable registration fee for Junior and Senior School entry.
More schools in Cumberland
- Lime House School — Format to confirm
- St Bees School — Bespoke test