Aug 13, 2026 | Ackworth School, Old Scholar, Senior School, Sixth Form
There were celebrations at Ackworth School today as our Year 13 students received their A-Level and BTEC results and prepared to take the next step in their journeys.
This year, the School’s highest-performing 25% of students achieved an especially impressive set of results. Among this group, 58.1% of grades were awarded at A* – A or equivalent, 77.4% at A* – B or equivalent and 93.5% at A* – C or equivalent. This included an outstanding D*D*D in BTEC Sport. Overall, 52.2% of A-Level grades were awarded at A* – C, with an overall pass rate of 85%.
While we are delighted with these results, they tell only part of the story. Every student has followed their own path through Ackworth, with different ambitions, challenges and achievements along the way.
Among those celebrating is Will H, who joined Ackworth in 2019. After achieving A*A*A*, Will will now go on to study Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Oxford.
Marvin T joined Ackworth from Hong Kong for his GCSE studies four years ago and has now achieved A*A*A, securing a place at Hull York Medical School to study Medicine. During his time at Ackworth, Marvin has also served as a School Officer leading on charity work, both locally and further afield, as well as the responsibility for Goal Keeper in our Football Academy First team!
There was further success for Abi B, whose results of A*A*B will take her to Queen’s University, Belfast. Having joined Ackworth in 2016, Abi has been instrumental in her work as a School Officer to further develop our House structure across the school.
Our BTEC students have also performed strongly. Jack H achieved D*D*D in BTEC Sport and will now progress to employment coaching football and supporting children with their learning as a teaching assistant. Alongside his studies, Jack has also been a key member of our football academy success and will be keeping a close eye on further progress as our partnership with Paris St German takes off in September!
Our students are now progressing to a wide range of destinations, including the Russell Group universities of Imperial College London, Queen Mary University of London, the University of Nottingham and the University of Southampton, as well as Lancaster University, York St John University and the University of Westminster.
Martyn Beer, Head of Ackworth School, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026. Today is rightly a celebration of their results, but also of the hard work, determination and personal growth behind them. Every student’s journey has been different. Some have been at Ackworth since our Junior School phase at Coram House, whilst others joined us for Senior School or Sixth Form. What they share is the way they have developed as individuals, the contributions they have made to our community, and the ways in which they have supported one another along on their journeys. They leave us as confident, compassionate and thoughtful young people. Ackworth School’s purpose is to prepare our young people for their ongoing lives and grow an ambition in them to play their part in creating a better world. This cohort are ready for their next chapters and we wish them every success as they take flight.”
James Bower, Director of Sixth Form, added:
“It has been a privilege to work with this year group and to see how much they have grown during their time in the Sixth Form. We are celebrating success at every level today. Of course, there are some outstanding individual grades, but there are also students whose results represent remarkable progress, resilience and determination. Every one of those achievements matters. I would also like to thank our teaching and pastoral staff, who have supported the students throughout their courses, and their families for the encouragement they have given them.”
Beyond their academic studies, members of the Class of 2026 have made an important contribution to the wider life of Ackworth. They have performed on stage and in concerts, represented the School in sport, taken on leadership roles and supported events and charitable activities across the School. As they move on to university, apprenticeships, employment, gap years and other opportunities, they join our worldwide community of Ackworth Old Scholars.
We congratulate every member of the Class of 2026 and wish them well for the next stage of their journey.
Applications for September 2027 entry are now open. To find out more about Ackworth Sixth Form or to arrange a visit, please contact our Admissions Team at admissions@ackworthschool.com or call 01977 233621.
Jul 6, 2026 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Drama, Junior School, Latest News, Music, Senior School, Sixth Form
Ackworth School are delighted to announce that we have been named a Commended School in the Independent School of the Year for Performing Arts category at the prestigious Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2026.
Organised by Independent School Parent magazine, the Independent Schools of the Year Awards celebrate excellence across the independent education sector. This year’s awards attracted a record number of entries from schools across the UK, making the judges’ decisions more competitive than ever. Schools receiving a commendation now progress to the next stage of the judging process, with finalists announced on 10 September and winners revealed at the awards ceremony on 14 October.
The commendation is the latest in a series of national recognitions for Ackworth School’s flourishing performing arts provision. Earlier this year, the School was named Drama Department of the Year at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2026, recognising the exceptional work of our drama department. This latest commendation celebrates the wider strength of performing arts at Ackworth, recognising the collaboration between music and drama, and the wealth of opportunities available for our students to develop their talents both on and off the stage.
Alistar Boucher, Head of Drama, said:
“Following our recent Drama Department of the Year award, it is incredibly rewarding to see Ackworth recognised once again on the national stage. While that award celebrated the work of our drama department, this commendation acknowledges the strength of the performing arts across the whole School.
“The magic happens because of the collaboration between so many talented colleagues and the enthusiasm of our students. Whether they are acting, directing, designing, building sets or working backstage, every student plays a part in creating something special. This recognition belongs to all of them.”
Oliver McCarthy-Bell, Director of Music, added:
“This commendation reflects something we are incredibly proud of at Ackworth; that music and drama are not separate disciplines, but work together to create a rich and inspiring performing arts culture.
“Our students throw themselves into every opportunity, whether that’s performing in concerts, singing in choirs, playing in ensembles or supporting our theatre productions. Their creativity, commitment and willingness to challenge themselves are what make performing arts at Ackworth so special, and it is wonderful to see that recognised nationally.”
Performing arts are a cornerstone of life at Ackworth School, with students benefiting from an extensive programme of productions, concerts, ensembles, workshops and performance opportunities throughout the year. Underpinned by the School’s Quaker values, these experiences help young people develop confidence, creativity, resilience and compassion, while encouraging them to discover and nurture their individual talents.
Everyone at Ackworth School is immensely proud of this latest recognition. It is a tribute to the extraordinary commitment of our staff and the remarkable achievements of our students, whose creativity, hard work and willingness to embrace every opportunity continue to make Ackworth’s performing arts provision one of the finest in the country. We now look forward to the announcement of the finalists in September.
Jun 29, 2026 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
Ackworth School is delighted to announce the appointment of Lee Elam as Assistant Director of Football, joining Director of Football John McDermott and Assistant Director of Football Gary Childs as the School continues to expand its ambitious football programme in partnership with PSG Academy England.
Elam brings a wealth of experience from across the professional and grassroots game, having enjoyed an accomplished playing career before establishing himself as a highly respected coach and football leader.
During his playing career, Elam represented a number of clubs across the English football pyramid, including Yeovil Town, Exeter City, Morecambe, Crawley Town and Halifax Town, earning a reputation as a talented and versatile attacking player. His achievements also extend onto the international stage, having represented England Veterans, where he was part of the squad that won the Seniors World Cup.
Following his retirement from playing, Elam transitioned successfully into coaching and football leadership. He spent eight years as Lead Youth Coach at Bradford City Academy, helping to develop and nurture young players within a professional academy environment. He has also gained significant experience in senior football management, leading Eccleshill United in the Northern Counties East League before being appointed manager of Albion Sports in May 2026.
Working alongside former professional footballers John McDermott and Gary Childs, Elam will play a key role in developing Ackworth School’s football programme and supporting the next generation of talented young footballers.
The appointment means that Ackworth School’s football programme is now led by three UEFA A Licence-qualified coaches, providing students with access to one of the most experienced football leadership teams in the independent school sector. Together, McDermott, Childs and Elam bring decades of experience across professional football, academy development, talent identification and elite player progression.
John McDermott, Director of Football at Ackworth School, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Lee to Ackworth School. He is someone who understands football from every angle – as a player, coach and manager. Lee is passionate about developing young people and helping them maximise their potential, which aligns perfectly with our vision for football at Ackworth. As we continue to develop our programme alongside PSG Academy England, his experience and expertise will be invaluable.”
Lee Elam said:
“I am incredibly excited to join Ackworth School and become part of such an ambitious and forward-thinking football programme. The opportunity to work alongside John McDermott and Gary Childs, and contribute to the development of young players within the PSG Academy England framework, is one I am genuinely looking forward to. Ackworth has a clear vision for football and education, and I am excited to help build on that success.”
Ackworth School’s football programme continues to go from strength to strength, providing talented young footballers with access to elite coaching, performance analysis, strength and conditioning, competitive fixtures and clear progression pathways. Through its partnership with PSG Academy England, the School offers a world-class football experience while maintaining a strong focus on academic excellence and personal development.
The programme has already helped players progress into the professional game, with recent signings at clubs including Chelsea, Sheffield Wednesday and Málaga CF, highlighting the strength of the pathways available to aspiring footballers at Ackworth.
Head Martyn Beer said:
“Lee’s appointment is another significant step forward for football at Ackworth School. His experience across playing, coaching and management brings tremendous value to our pupils. Alongside John McDermott and Gary Childs, we now have three UEFA A Licence-qualified coaches leading our football programme, providing an exceptional level of expertise and mentorship for our young players. Combined with our partnership with PSG Academy England, this further strengthens our commitment to delivering one of the country’s most ambitious and comprehensive school football programmes.”
As Ackworth School prepares for the next phase of its football development alongside PSG Academy England, the addition of Lee Elam further reinforces its commitment to creating an environment where young players can thrive academically, personally and athletically.
About Ackworth School Football
Ackworth School’s football programme combines academic excellence with elite player development. Delivered in partnership with PSG Academy England, the programme is led by Director of Football John McDermott, supported by Assistant Directors of Football Gary Childs and Lee Elam.
Together, the trio hold three UEFA A Licences and bring extensive experience from the professional game, academy football, coaching and player development. The programme provides high-performance coaching, competitive fixtures, strength and conditioning, performance analysis and player progression opportunities within a nurturing independent school environment.
Recent graduates of the programme have secured opportunities with professional clubs including Chelsea, Sheffield Wednesday and Málaga CF. From September 2026, students will also benefit from the School’s landmark partnership with PSG Academy England, bringing one of the world’s most recognised football development philosophies to Ackworth School.
Jun 8, 2026 | Ackworth School, Junior School, Latest News, Senior School, Sport
Ackworth School is delighted to host the PSG Academy England Holiday Camp from 3 – 7 August, giving young footballers the opportunity to train using the methodology of one of the world’s leading football clubs.
Delivered by UEFA-qualified PSG Academy England coaches, the camp is designed to help players develop their technical ability, tactical understanding and confidence in a fun and professional environment.
Open to players of all abilities, the programme follows the Paris Saint-Germain training philosophy, helping participants improve key areas of their game through structured coaching sessions and match play.
Throughout the week, players will work on:
- Ball mastery and dribbling
- Passing and receiving
- Shooting and finishing
- Tactical awareness and decision-making
- Small-sided games and match scenarios
The camp provides an excellent opportunity for players to develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy their football during the summer holidays.
Each participant will receive a certificate of attendance and individual feedback from the coaching team at the end of the week.
Camp Information
Dates: 3 – 7 August
Venue: Ackworth School
Cost: £30 per day
Open to: Players of all abilities
As part of Ackworth School’s exciting partnership with PSG Academy England, the holiday camp offers a genuine insight into the coaching methods used across the global PSG Academy network.
With excellent facilities and expert coaching, the camp promises an enjoyable and rewarding experience for young players looking to develop their game this summer.
Places are limited and early booking is recommended.
To secure a place, visit the PSG Academy England booking page.
May 13, 2026 | Latest News
Ackworth School is excited to announce the completion of a major refurbishment programme across our boarding provision, further strengthening the School’s commitment to providing an exceptional home-from-home experience for pupils from across the UK and around the world.
The investment has transformed key boarding spaces, creating modern, comfortable and welcoming environments designed to support pupils’ wellbeing, independence and academic success. The refurbished accommodation combines contemporary design with the warmth and character that have long been at the heart of boarding life at Ackworth.
Pupils returning this term have been welcomed into refreshed kitchens, upgraded communal areas and enhanced study spaces, all carefully designed to promote both relaxation and community living. Improvements have also included updated furnishings, improved lighting, modern décor and enhanced facilities throughout the boarding houses.
Martyn Beer, Head said:
“Boarding is a central part of life at Ackworth School, and we are delighted to unveil these fantastic new spaces for our pupils. We want every boarder to feel safe, supported and inspired, and this refurbishment reflects our continued investment in the pupil experience.”
The boarding refurbishment forms part of a wider programme of development across the School, ensuring facilities continue to match Ackworth’s outstanding reputation for pastoral care, academic excellence and co-curricular opportunity.
Boarders at Ackworth benefit from a vibrant and supportive community, with access to a wide range of activities including sport, music, drama and outdoor education. Families visiting the boarding houses during recent open events have praised the transformation, with many commenting on the welcoming atmosphere and high-quality finish of the new spaces. The refurbishment also supports Ackworth School’s growing international community, ensuring pupils from all backgrounds feel comfortable and at home from the moment they arrive.
Applications for boarding places are now open for September entry, with interest continuing to grow from both UK and overseas families seeking an outstanding all-round education in a nurturing boarding environment.
