Jan 30, 2026 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Senior School, Sport
Ackworth School is delighted to celebrate the outstanding progress of former student Yisa Alao, whose football journey has taken him from Ackworth School to Sheffield Wednesday FC and now to Chelsea Football Club.
Yisa was a valued member of the Ackworth community from Nursery through to the end of Year 11, where he developed both academically and athletically. During his time at school, he was part of the Football Academy and the West Yorkshire U16 Champions team, highlighting his early promise and dedication.
After leaving Ackworth, Yisa joined Sheffield Wednesday’s academy, progressing quickly through the ranks. He made his senior debut for the Owls in August and continued to impress at first-team level. The 17-year-old left back made five senior appearances, including starts in the FA Cup Third Round against Premier League side Brentford FC and an EFL Championship fixture against Portsmouth, demonstrating exceptional composure and maturity against experienced professionals.
Following these performances, Chelsea FC have signed Yisa on a two-and-a-half-year contract, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.
Speaking about Yisa’s impact, Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Röhl praised his courage, belief, and quality at senior level, highlighting his impressive performances against top opposition.
The whole Ackworth School community is extremely proud of Yisa and his achievements to date. We wish him every success as he begins this exciting new chapter with Chelsea FC and continues his professional football journey.
Aug 1, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Coram House, Junior School, Senior School, Sixth Form
We are deeply saddened to hear the news regarding Mount St Mary’s College and Barlborough Hall School. Our heartfelt thoughts are with all pupils, parents, and staff as they navigate this unsettling and uncertain time.
At Ackworth School, our priority is to provide warmth, care, and a sense of belonging for every child. We understand how challenging change can be — especially when it comes unexpectedly — and we are committed to making transitions as smooth as possible.
As a co-educational boarding and day school, we take pride in ensuring every pupil is known, nurtured, and encouraged to thrive. Many pupils who join Ackworth quickly come to think of our campus as their “happy place” — a safe, inspiring environment where they can flourish academically, socially, and personally.
We offer:
- A nurturing, values-led community built on kindness and respect
- Tailored academic support for pupils transitioning from other schools
- Excellent boarding provision with flexible options for families
- A rich co-curricular programme encouraging pupils to lead, create, and achieve
- An inclusive co-educational environment where every child is encouraged to grow in confidence
If you are exploring the next chapter for your child, we are here to guide and support you. Please contact James Busson, Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communications via WhatsApp on 07874 452377 or email admissions@ackworthschool.com.
Apr 7, 2025 | AOS Events, Events
We are delighted to announce that the restoration of our West Wing Cupola is nearly complete. On Thursday 24 April, it will be lifted back into place above The Green, returning a much-loved feature to our historic School buildings.
To mark the occasion, we invite you to join us for this special moment. You can enjoy the event with a delicious buffet lunch for £20 per person, with surplus funds supporting repairs to the East Wing Cupola. Spectator-only tickets are also available. Book your tickets for both using this link https://buytickets.at/ackworthschool1/1658703.Please note that advance booking is essential, as capacity on the day will be limited. We kindly ask that all attendees sign up in advance to avoid disappointment.
We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to this repair project. Your generosity has made it possible for this integral piece of Ackworth’s architectural heritage to be restored and returned to its rightful place.
Please be aware that this event is weather-dependent, and we may need to reschedule if conditions are not suitable for the Cupola to be safely lifted.
We look forward to sharing this memorable moment with you.
#CupolaRepairs #PerservingourHistory #TheCupolaReturns #QuakerSchool #Yorkshire
Jan 22, 2025 | Ackworth School, Latest News, Sport, table tennis
Our Table Tennis Academy students competed in the West Yorkshire Schools Individuals competition at Bradford Grammar School in the 2nd week of January. In the U19 boys’ event, Hiko and Alex both won their groups and semi-finals to face each other in the final. Hiko prevailed 3:2 to become the U19 champion.
Jaron, Charlie and Peter all won their groups and made it to the last 8 in the U16 boys’ event. Jaron fell 3:2 to Noah from Beckfoot. In the semi-finals, Charlie also lost to Noah 3:1 and Peter won 3:0. In the final, Peter beat Noah 3:0 to become the U16 champion.
Both Hiko and Peter will represent West Yorkshire in the National Finals in April.
Fantastic playing and results from all of the Table Tennis Academy players and congratulations to Hiko and Peter on their respective titles.
Jan 26, 2024 | Ackworth School, Sixth Form, Sport
Harrogate Town AFC and Ackworth School are excited to announce upcoming trials for prospective students to join our Sixth Form and U19 Football Academy starting from September 2024!
Partnered with Harrogate Town AFC, Ackworth School provides a unique opportunity for aspiring young football talents to combine elite U19 football training with a comprehensive 6th Form education offering A-Levels or BTEC Sport.
Under the expert guidance of John McDermott, a PFA Merit Award winner in 2009 and a UEFA A licensed coach, players can expect professional training at an elite level. Our partnership with Harrogate Town ensures participation in high-stakes fixtures against other professional academy and school teams.
Outstanding players identified during the trials will have the chance to be awarded full or partial scholarships, opening doors to a world-class football and academic experience.
Trials will be held at Ackworth School on Wednesday, 14 February 2024, 10:00am to 1:00pm.
More information can be found on the Football Academy page of our website. To secure your spot at the trials please contact admissions@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233621.
Don’t miss this chance to be a part of an exceptional football and educational journey! Harrogate Town AFC and Ackworth School are ready to discover the next generation of football stars. See you on the field!
