New head takes over at school saved from closure

Peter Cook was a teacher at the school in the 1980s and 1990s

A new head teacher has taken the reins at a preparatory school that had been set to close.

S. Anselm's School, near Bakewell in Derbyshire, wrote to parents in March to say it had "no alternative" but to close in the summer, due to financial pressures created by tax changes and falling pupil numbers.

However, the school was reopened this month after it returned to independent status, reduced fees and introduced sponsorships and scholarships, which in turn increased pupil numbers.

Peter Cook, who has been named interim head at the Peak District school, said: "I am honoured to be taking up the role, steering the school in this exciting period of development and change."

S. Anselm's is a day and boarding school providing education for boys and girls from three to 13 years.

It was opened by Cambridge graduate and naturalist Storrs Fox in 1888, and merged into the Sheffield-based Birkdale School group in 2023.

'Thrilled and proud'

Mr Cook was previously head of maths and rugby at S. Anselm's in the 1980s and 1990s.

He was also the headmaster at Wellow House School in Newark for 12 years and deputy head of Kimbolton School in Cambridgeshire.

He said: "As a school community we are both thrilled and proud that S. Anselm's remains open for current and future pupils and will build on the school's strong reputation and core vision of producing well-rounded individuals and providing them with the best possible foundation for their ongoing education."

Mr Cook takes over the role from Lisa Donnelly, who retired after 30 years in the post this summer.