Project progress dashboard
The Fothergill Hall over 125 years
Fothergill Hall Seating Refurbishment
Help us modernise the Fothergill Hall, Ackworth’s iconic theatre and performance space. We launched this development project on our 246th Founders Day, 18th October 2025, the day that commemorates John Fothergill’s vision in opening the school. We will replace the 222 seats (16 rows × 14) with modern, comfortable tip-up seating and invite Old Scholars, parents, staff, and friends to sponsor a seat. If we exceed our fundraising target, we can consider additional improvements such as electronic blinds, framed posters and photographs from our archive of performances covering the last 125 years.
Project at a glance
Goal: £56,000 to replace all seating
Milestones:
• £10,000 by December 2025 (secure quote)
• £56,000 by Celebration Day 2026 (install for Founders Day 2026)
Donate £250+ to receive a personalised plaque under the tip-up seat. Donate £500+ and you can choose a seat on the front two rows (subject to availability).
Why it matters
The Fothergill Hall is the heart of performance at Ackworth. It has been home to plays, concerts, musicals and film screenings, to name but a few: events that have shaped generations. The current seating has served us for 25 years, but is now significantly failing. Refurbishment will allow us to continue to host outstanding performances for years to come, supporting our outstanding drama education that includes a scholarship programme of masterclasses, self-development and outreach. Upgrading the seating will improve comfort, accessibility and longevity whilst preserving the hall’s historic character.
A brief history
Originally, the Girls’ Dining Room served as a lecture hall, but overcrowding meant a new venue was needed. At Ackworth General Meeting in 1898, Joseph Whitwell Pease laid the foundation stone of the new Fothergill Hall. The following year, Henry Thompson formally opened it, introduced by the Headmaster, Frederick Andrews, as ‘scholar, apprentice, master and committee man’. Henry Thompson was also the author of the definitive History of Ackworth School that covered the history of the school’s first hundred years.
Sponsorship tiers
All donors, large or small, will be named in a permanent manner within the completed theatre.
Take your seat
£250+
Personalised plaque affixed under the seat. You choose the wording e.g. ‘In memory of’, ‘In celebration of ‘, ‘Sponsored by’.
Front Row Patron
£500+
Choose a seat on the front two rows for your personalised plaque.
Timeline
Now – December 2025: Raise £10,000 to secure the supplier quote.
January – July 2026: Main fundraising drive and events, updates provided to donors.
Celebration Day 2026: Campaign target achieved.
Summer 2026: Remove old seating and install new.
Founders Day 2026: Launch for the new school year’s performances.
Seat sponsorship progress
For more information, sponsorship queries, or to discuss larger contributions, please contact:
Rachel Belk, Development and Engagement Manager, Ackworth School
Email: alumni@ackworthschool.com
Phone: 01977 233600
