- Austin Friars, a day school in Carlisle, was founded by the Order of Saint Augustine in 1951. Girls were admitted in 1986 and the boarding provision ceased in 1998, having proved unpopular. The school became a trust in 2005 after the last Augustinian priest left and since then, the school has been entirely run by lay staff, while retaining its Catholic ethos. Its headmaster, Chris Hattam, describes how “friendships and memories are core pillars of an Austin Friars education”.
- A non-selective school, Austin Friars offers learning support to those who require it, including those with dyslexia, dyscalculia and those on the autistic spectrum.
- Extra-curricular activities offered include a number of musical ensembles – from swing band to the guitar ensemble – as well as Stem club, a gaming club and gymnastics.
- Children serving as choristers of Carlisle Cathedral qualify for a 30 per cent scholarship into year 7. Means-tested bursaries can also be provided.
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