Feb 25, 2026 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Junior School, Senior School, Sixth Form
Ackworth School is delighted to announce two major decisions for the 2026/27 academic year: our day fees will be frozen at their current 2025/26 rates, and our full boarding fees will be reduced to just £37,500 per annum.
At a time when many families continue to feel cost of living pressures, and after several years of sharp fee increases across the independent sector, Ackworth is taking a clear and confident stand. Feedback from our recent parent survey made it clear that affordability matters deeply to our families. We have listened and acted.
Over the past five years, UK boarding fees have risen at a pace that we believe is unsustainable and risks placing outstanding independent education beyond the reach of many families. As a School rooted in Quaker values, inclusivity and access are central to who we are. By reducing boarding fees and freezing day fees, we are making a clear commitment to keeping an Ackworth education within reach for as many families as possible.
These decisions are underpinned by careful long-term financial planning. While the 2024/25 academic year brought significant challenge to the sector, particularly following the earlier-than-anticipated introduction of VAT on school fees, Ackworth responded with discipline and foresight. This year has seen a positive upturn, supported by a more efficient timetable and increased day pupil numbers, strengthening our overall position.
Ackworth School has no external debt and owns its land and buildings outright. These strong foundations give us the stability to prioritise families while safeguarding the School’s future.
Freezing and reducing fees does not mean standing still. We remain firmly committed to investing in excellent teaching, competitive salaries that attract and retain outstanding staff, and the facilities and opportunities that ensure every pupil benefits from a holistic education that balances academic excellence with character development, wellbeing and community values.
In a changing educational landscape, Ackworth is choosing to lead with principle and purpose. We look forward to welcoming even more families to our community in 2026 and beyond.
If you would like your family to become part of the Ackworth School community, please contact our admissions team on admissions@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233621 to arrange a bespoke visit.
Feb 16, 2026 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Drama, Music, Senior School, Sixth Form
Ackworth School is celebrating national recognition after being named a winner at the prestigious Music & Drama Education Awards 2026, a leading celebration of excellence and innovation in performing arts education across the UK.
The award recognises the strength and impact of Ackworth’s drama provision, highlighting the creativity, ambition and dedication of both pupils and staff. The Music & Drama Education Awards are judged by respected figures from across the creative and educational sectors, shining a spotlight on schools that demonstrate outstanding commitment to the arts.
In announcing the award, the judges praised Ackworth’s distinctive ethos and high standards:
“The judges liked the school’s integrated approach in balancing students’ needs and development with quality output. They were impressed with the level of internal support for the department and the challenging play choices made for productions.”
This commendation reflects Ackworth School’s belief that drama is about far more than performance alone. Through an ambitious programme of productions and curriculum drama, pupils are encouraged to take creative risks, explore complex themes and develop the confidence, resilience and collaboration skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Ackworth was shortlisted alongside a strong field of outstanding schools from across the country:
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Ackworth School, West Yorkshire
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Chiswick School, Chiswick
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Guildford High School, Surrey
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Hill House International Junior School, London
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The Marlborough Science Academy, St Albans
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Moreton Hall, Oswestry
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Sevenoaks School, Kent
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Trinity Catholic School, Nottingham
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Wellington School, Somerset
To be recognised among such distinguished company underlines the national standing of Ackworth’s performing arts provision.
As a Steinway School, Ackworth is proud to place creativity at the heart of school life. Its drama success complements a broad and ambitious curriculum, strong academic outcomes and a rich co-curricular programme that enables every pupil to discover and develop their talents.
This latest national award further strengthens Ackworth School’s reputation as a leading independent day and boarding school, where academic excellence and creative opportunity go hand in hand.
You can view the full list of nominees and winners here.
For more information about joining Ackworth School and our range of performing arts opportunities, please contact us on admissions@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233621.
Sep 1, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
From September 2026 Ackworth School will partner with Paris Saint-Germain Academy England to launch a new elite football programme for both boys and girls. The initiative will offer students from Year 10 upwards the chance to combine world-class football coaching with a carefully tailored academic curriculum.
The new partnership builds on the continued success of the Ackworth Football Academy, which under the leadership of Director of Football John McDermott and Assistant Director of Football Gary Childs, has already established a strong reputation across the region. Reflecting on the announcement, McDermott said:
“Partnering with Paris Saint-Germain Academy England is a huge step forward for our football provision at Ackworth. This collaboration will give our players access to world-class coaching methods and pathways, while ensuring that their education remains at the heart of everything we do.”
Training will follow the renowned PSG methodology, designed to develop technical ability, tactical awareness, and physical excellence in a professional environment. Students will also benefit from extensive competitive opportunities, with the academy competing in prestigious ISFA and ESFA competitions, as well as regular fixtures against professional academies. These matches will not only challenge and inspire our players but also provide a vital platform to showcase their talents to scouts and clubs at the highest levels.
Students enrolling in the academy will benefit from high levels of contact time per week with our school-based UEFA A licenced Directors of Football. This will comprise of regular individual and group skills coaching sessions, regular football matches for both the Academy (and for the school when possible), and supervised strength and conditioning training.
In addition to the Academy’s home being at a £1.2m 3G pitch ten minutes from the school, students will have access to five full-sized pitches, a multi-use games pitch and an indoor training area. Students enrolled in the football academy can also take full advantage of the heated indoor swimming pool and our purpose-built fitness suite.
Students in Years 10 and 11 follow a core curriculum, including GCSEs or a Pre A-Level course, while Sixth Form pupils can choose between traditional A-Levels or the BTEC Extended National Diploma in Sport, a vocational qualification equivalent to three A-Levels. This structure ensures that every student-athlete has the opportunity to excel both on the pitch and in the classroom.
The school community has warmly welcomed this partnership as a landmark opportunity for both current and future students. Head Martyn Beer commented:
“This is an incredibly exciting development for Ackworth School. Working with such a prestigious international football academy allows us to broaden opportunities for our pupils, combining academic excellence with elite sporting performance. We are proud to be part of this partnership with Paris St Germain to develop our students’ skill, performance and character.”
For more information about joining Ackworth School and the Football Academy, please visit www.ackworthschool.com/sports/football or contact us on admissions@ackworthschool.com.
Aug 21, 2025 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Senior School
Ackworth School is proud to celebrate the achievements of its Class of 2025 following the release of this year’s GCSE results. While we are delighted by the strong academic outcomes, we are equally proud of the many personal triumphs that shine through, whether they are measured in grades or in the individual success, courage and resilience shown by our students.
This year’s results highlight not only academic success but also the breadth of growth our young people have experienced. Over a quarter of all grades were awarded at 9 – 7, with 41.6% of grades falling between 9 – 6 and an impressive 83.7% within the 9 – 4 range. These results are a testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication of our staff and the unfailing support of families.
Among the many stories of achievement are Mayah from Darrington with four grade 9s, four grade 8s and two grade 7s; Alfred from Ackworth with four grade 9s, two grade 8s and four grade 7s; Henry from Northowram with one grade 9, four grade 8s and two grade 7s; and Evelynn from Barnsley with six grade 8s, three grade 7s and one grade 6. From our international boarding community, special mention must go to Aurora from Vietnam with two grade 9s, five grade 8s and three grade 7s; and Anton from Ukraine with six grade 8s, three grade 7s and one grade 6.
Headteacher Martyn Beer said, “I am immensely proud of every student in the Class of 2025, not only for what they have achieved in their GCSEs but for the way they embody Ackworth’s values of curiosity, compassion and courage. The individual stories of success are inspirational, and each reflect extraordinary journeys thus far. We look forward to seeing the continuation as our students take on their next steps in September.”
At Ackworth we celebrate all forms of success. For some students this is reflected in the highest grades. For others, achievement is seen in the confidence they have built, the challenges they have overcome or the contribution they have made to the wider community. Each of these stories is valued equally, and together they capture the richness of education at Ackworth.
The pride felt across the school community is clear. Families and staff have seen first-hand the progress our students have made, not only in their academic studies but also in their growth as confident, caring and engaged young people. This reflects Ackworth’s purpose: to provide an exceptional, holistic and inclusive Quaker education, nurturing young people to flourish and therefore play their part in creating a better world. This year’s results are part of a wider story of pastoral care, a broad and balanced curriculum and the many opportunities available beyond the classroom. Students leave this stage of their education with more than exam results; they carry with them resilience, compassion and the confidence to take their next steps with purpose.
As the Class of 2025 looks ahead, the majority will remain within the Ackworth community as they begin their A-Level and BTEC courses. We look forward to supporting them on the next stage of their journey as they continue to grow into confident, compassionate and ambitious young people, ready to make a positive difference in the world.
About Ackworth School:
Ackworth School is a co-educational independent school in West Yorkshire, offering day and boarding education for students aged 2 to 18. Founded in 1779, the school is committed to nurturing individual talent and promoting academic excellence within a caring and supportive environment.
If you would like to find out more about how Ackworth School can support your child to unlock their full academic potential, why not book a place at our Open Morning on Tuesday 23 September 2025 or contact our admissions team on admissons@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233621 to arrange a bespoke visit.
Aug 19, 2025 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
Ackworth School is proud to announce a landmark achievement for its Football Academy, as two of its standout students have signed professional contracts with prestigious clubs in England and Europe.
Sixteen-year-old Yisa has signed with Sheffield Wednesday FC and already made his professional debut with the men’s first team, an extraordinary milestone that reflects both his talent and dedication. Meanwhile, Charlie has taken his career international, signing with Almuñecar City, part of Málaga CF in Spain, further underlining the Academy’s growing reputation as a pathway to the professional game.
Their individual success builds on an exceptional year for the Football Academy. Yisa played a starring role in the U16 West Yorkshire Cup triumph, scoring four goals during the campaign, and was instrumental in the team’s run to the last 32 of the ESFA Cup. Charlie, meanwhile, was central to the U18 side’s impressive season, helping the team to win the U18 West Yorkshire Cup, reach the finals of the ISFA Cup, and advance to the quarter-finals of the ESFA Cup.
Director of Football, John McDermott, praised the players’ commitment and the Academy’s ethos:
“Yisa and Charlie are shining examples of what hard work, resilience, and talent can achieve. To see them move into the professional game at such a young age is a source of pride for the entire school community. Their success also inspires the next generation of Ackworth players coming through.”
Head of Sport, James Bower, echoed this pride, highlighting the Academy’s broader impact:
“These achievements reflect not only the exceptional ability of our students, but also the strength of our football programme as a whole. Balancing academic excellence with sporting success is at the heart of what we do at Ackworth, and Yisa and Charlie’s journeys show just how far that balance can take our pupils.”
Ackworth School’s Football Academy continues to establish itself as one of the country’s leading independent school football programmes – nurturing talent, delivering results, and now celebrating the success of two young professionals embarking on exciting careers.
