Apr 29, 2025 | Latest News
Ackworth School is delighted to announce the appointments of Elizabeth Bowey as Deputy Head (Curriculum) and Tom Norris as Deputy Head (Pastoral and Boarding). These key additions to the senior leadership team bring with them a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to nurturing young people academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Elizabeth Bowey joins Ackworth from City of London Freemen’s School, where she is currently Head of Teacher Training and Head of Art. Her experience spans the full age range of an all-through school, from Year 3 to Upper Sixth, and she brings a particular passion for developing creativity and curiosity in students.
“As a Quaker, I am thrilled to join Ackworth School, a community that reflects my faith and moral purpose,” said Elizabeth. “I am deeply passionate about the transformative power of education and its ability to shape lives. Schools play a vital role in nurturing the adults of tomorrow and I am driven to ensure that Ackworth’s students grow into individuals who make a meaningful and positive impact on the world.”
“It is a privilege to continue my professional journey at Ackworth. I am excited to collaborate with its talented teachers and students, contributing to a school renowned for its rich history and commitment to excellence.”
Tom Norris, currently Director of Studies at Tranby in East Yorkshire, brings extensive experience in both independent and state education, with previous roles including Head of Year, Head of Physics, and Assistant Head for Curriculum. He also serves as an ISI Team Inspector and is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching.
“I’m delighted by the fantastic opportunity to join Ackworth School and to contribute to an environment that truly values the growth and wellbeing of every pupil,” said Tom. “As we embrace new opportunities for change, I look forward to working together with dedicated colleagues, enhancing our pastoral and boarding provision, and ensuring every pupil is supported in an environment that nurtures both growth and innovation for a bright future.”
Welcoming the new appointments, Martyn Beer, Head of Ackworth School, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth and Tom to Ackworth’s senior leadership team. Elizabeth brings a deep understanding of curriculum and a heartfelt commitment to the values we hold dear, while Tom’s breadth of leadership experience and pastoral insight will be invaluable as we continue to support and inspire every student. Their expertise and vision will help shape an exciting future for our school community.”
Mar 26, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Latest News, Senior School, Sixth Form, Sport
Ackworth School is delighted to announce the appointment of former West Bromwich Albion, Walsall, Birmingham City, and England Under-21 player Gary Childs as its new Assistant Director of Football from April 2025. With a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch, Gary will play a key role in the development of young footballing talent at the school.
Childs, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career with clubs including West Bromwich Albion — where he earned his England U21 caps — Walsall, Birmingham City, and Grimsby Town, brings extensive coaching expertise to his new role. Notably, his time at Walsall saw the club achieve its best-ever cup run, highlighting his contributions at the highest levels of the game. Having worked with elite youth players for many years, his appointment signals the school’s commitment to fostering footballing excellence.
Speaking on his appointment, Gary said:
“I am thrilled to be joining Ackworth School and working alongside a fantastic team. The opportunity to help nurture and develop young players in such a forward-thinking environment is something I am very passionate about. I look forward to bringing my experience to the role and helping students reach their full potential.”
Ackworth School’s Head, Martyn Beer, expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition to the coaching staff, saying:
“We are delighted to welcome Gary to Ackworth School. His impressive career and dedication to developing young talent make him a fantastic asset to our football programme. His knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our footballing structure and offer the best possible opportunities for our students.”
John McDermott, Director of Football at Ackworth School and former teammate of Childs at Grimsby Town, also shared his excitement about the appointment:
“Having played and coached alongside Gary, I know firsthand the leadership, skill, and passion he brings to the game. His ability to inspire young players is second to none, and I have no doubt that he will have a hugely positive impact at Ackworth School.”
Gary Childs’ appointment comes as part of Ackworth School’s continued efforts to provide an elite footballing environment for its students, strengthened by its partnership with Harrogate Town AFC. This collaboration offers students access to top-level coaching, facilities, and pathways into professional football. With Childs’ extensive experience and commitment, the school is poised to enhance its football programme further.
Mar 5, 2025 | Ackworth School, Coram House, Latest News, Old Scholar, Quaker
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Amanda McShane as the next Head of Coram House from September 2025. Amanda brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership and a deep-rooted connection to Ackworth School as she is an Old Scholar.
Amanda joins us from Cumnor House School in Croydon, where she has been Head for the past seven years. During her tenure, she has overseen significant growth and success, fostering a culture of academic excellence, pastoral care, and innovation in teaching. Her leadership has strengthened the school’s reputation and enriched the learning experience for students, ensuring they thrive both academically and personally.
We are excited for Amanda to bring her passion and expertise to Coram House, building on its strong foundations and vibrant community. Throughout the recruitment process Amanda displayed real vision, and her understanding of the Ackworth ethos, combined with her proven track record in school leadership, made her the standout choice to guide Coram House into its next chapter. We look forward to the enthusiasm and leadership she will bring to our community.
Commenting on her appointment, Amanda said: “I am delighted to be returning to the Ackworth family. It is a privilege to join this wonderful community, and I look forward to building upon existing foundations while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead. Having spent some time with pupils and staff, I can see that Coram House is a truly special place. I am excited to meet more of you in the coming months, and to work together to shape a bright future for the school.”
Reflecting on Amanda’s appointment, Martyn Beer, Head of Ackworth School, said: “We are delighted to welcome Amanda back to Ackworth in this important leadership role. Her experience, vision, and deep affinity with the school will ensure Coram House continues to flourish as a warm, inspiring, and forward-thinking learning environment. We look forward to the enthusiasm and leadership she will bring to our community.”
We will be arranging opportunities for parents and pupils to meet Amanda in the coming months as she prepares to take up her new role. In the meantime, please join us in warmly welcoming her back to Ackworth School.
Jan 30, 2025 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Sport
Ackworth School’s Football Academy first team etched their names into the history books after a stunning 6 – 1 victory over Boston Spa in the U19 West Yorkshire County Schools Cup final at Shelley FC.
The final started with a nervy opening spell on a challenging, heavy pitch, and an early defensive error allowed Boston Spa to take a 1 – 0 lead. However, Ackworth’s response was swift and emphatic. A moment of magic from Jordan, who unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box, brought the game level and lifted the team’s spirits.
With renewed confidence, Ackworth dominated possession and took full control in the second half. Their quick passing and relentless attacking play wore down the opposition, creating gaps in the Boston Spa defence. The floodgates opened as Andrew, Jordan (scoring his second), Charlie, Tar, and Reece all found the back of the net, securing a resounding 6 – 1 victory.
The triumph was not only a testament to the team’s skill and determination but also marked a historic moment for Ackworth School. With our U16 team also securing the county title this year, it has been an unprecedented period of success for the school’s football program.
Director of Football, John McDermott, praised the team’s incredible performance, saying, “The boys showed fantastic character after going behind early. Their resilience, teamwork, and sheer quality shone through, and they fully deserved this victory. To have both age groups winning the West Yorkshire title in the same year is an unbelievable achievement for the school.”
Ackworth School’s footballers can now celebrate their well-earned triumph, with this victory cementing their status as one of the strongest teams in the region. The future is certainly bright for football at Ackworth!
Dec 9, 2024 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Senior School, Sport
Our U16 Boys Football Team created Ackworth School history by becoming the West Yorkshire County Champions earlier this week. The boys were victorious beating Brooksbank School 7 – 4 in a pulsating final. Watched by family and friends, the boys put on a show playing some fantastic football in both halves of the pitch. It was Ackworth who were more clinical in front of goal scoring some well worked goals.
With 20 minutes left of the match Ackworth were 3 – 4 down and had played the game with only 10 players for almost 60 minutes. But with grit, determination, and pieces of individual brilliance, Ackworth came through at the end strong and finished the game with goals to put the game out of reach for Brooksbank.
James Bower, Head of PE said “the boys have been amazing to work with over the last 3 years, from last year getting into the last 32 in the country, to now being crowned West Yorkshire champions, it is credit to all of the students who have put in the hard work and wanted to build on the high standards set each year. I am extremely proud of each student, and I wish them all the success in the future”.
John McDermott, our Director of Football said “I’m very, very proud of the players achievements, being the first team to bring silverware to the school. Well done boys!”
