- St Anselm’s, a Catholic boys’ grammar, began life as a fee-paying school in the 1930s, then became a direct grant grammar school from 1946-75, at which point it became independent. In 2011 it converted to an academy.
- The school has a long history of sporting achievement and has a Sportsmark award from Sport England. The athletics and cross-country teams regularly reach the finals of national competitions, and former members of the rugby team have represented England.
- Music groups include an orchestra, samba band and brass ensemble, and the annual Battle of the Bands event is popular with students. In addition they are encouraged to join clubs and extracurricular activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
- Notable alumni, called Old Anselmians, include the rugby player Austin Healey, the artist Christian Furr and the Emmy award-winning Jamie Carragher, who worked as a screenwriter on the TV series Succession.
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