Mar 5, 2026 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Drama, Junior School, Latest News, Music, Senior School, Sixth Form
Ackworth School is pleased to share the outcome of its recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection, which confirms that the school is meeting all required standards under the current national framework.
While the ISI no longer awards graded judgements, inspectors undertook a thorough and detailed review of leadership and governance, the quality of education, pastoral care, boarding, safeguarding and students’ wider development. The final report recognises the strength and coherence of Ackworth’s provision across all areas of school life.
Inspectors noted that leaders have established a culture of continuous improvement, with a clear focus on promoting the wellbeing of each pupil. The report highlights that the school’s Quaker values are central to the daily lives of students and staff, shaping a community characterised by mutual respect and inclusivity.
The quality of education is recognised through a well-planned and regularly reviewed curriculum that enables students to expand their knowledge and develop increasingly complex understanding. Inspectors found that students make good progress over time, supported by knowledgeable and enthusiastic teachers, effective assessment processes and strong individual support. The school’s Autism Resource and BRIDGE provision are described as highly effective in enabling students with SEND to access the curriculum and make good progress. Students who speak English as an additional language are also supported effectively to achieve well.
Pastoral care is described as highly effective in promoting pupils’ emotional wellbeing. Inspectors observed strong collaboration between pastoral, safeguarding and specialist staff, ensuring that students feel supported and valued. Students were seen to grow in self-confidence and self-esteem within an environment characterised by respect and inclusivity.
Boarding provision is praised for promoting a culture of collaboration, sharing and mutual support, with a positive impact on boarders’ confidence and independence. The junior and early years settings are recognised as happy and secure learning environments in which children make good progress from their starting points.
Safeguarding is identified as a particular strength. Inspectors report that safeguarding procedures are implemented robustly, that staff understand safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and that safer recruitment procedures are followed meticulously.
Martyn Beer, Head of Ackworth School commented:
“We are very pleased with the outcome of this inspection and the way the inspection team were able to identify and celebrate what makes Ackworth such a unique and wonderful school. What stands out most strongly in the report is the recognition of our Quaker values and the way they shape daily life at Ackworth. Inspectors saw a school community built on respect, reflection and care for one another, alongside a clear commitment to strong academic progress and individual support.
This outcome reflects the dedication of our staff, the engagement of our pupils and the continued support of our families. We are grateful to everyone who contributes to the life of the school.”
Ackworth School is particularly encouraged that the findings reflect its long-standing vision of providing a values-led education that balances academic development with emotional wellbeing and social responsibility. The full ISI inspection report is available to view and download here. You can also read an easy to digest version of the highlights of the report here.
If you are interested in applying for a place at Ackworth School, please contact the admissions team on 01977 233621 or admissions@ackworthschool.com
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.
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.
Dec 30, 2025 | AOS Events, Old Scholar
Ackworth School Easter Gathering is one of three key touchpoints for Old Scholars during the school year (along with Founders Day and Celebration Day (previously known as Open Day)). All Old Scholars, retired staff and families are welcome to stay in school for the long weekend, visit for a day or just a couple of hours.
Easter Gathering 2026 runs from lunchtime on Friday 3rd April to after breakfast on Tuesday 7th April.
Please use the booking form below to book your place by 31st March.
Photo credits: Elspeth Moore
Easter Gathering has been taking place in school for close to 150 years. It is a time to relax, meet up with old friends and make new ones. Old Scholars, partners, their children and grandchildren appreciate being back in school’s beautiful surroundings, take part in long-established events (including Quaker Meeting, Quiz, Pop, Music Concert, running the Badsworth), eat (very!) well and just hang out together. There are many families who return every year and others who return alone or with family a few or many years after leaving school.
It can be daunting coming back after a long time, but it is a really friendly atmosphere and a lot of those returning have been encouraged to do so for the first time because of a formal or informal reunion for their school year. This can be at any time, but is particularly encouraged for years ending in a zero or a five!
In 2026, we encourage those who left five or ten years ago to talk to their contemporaries and come back together. Contact Sal Wright, Easter Secretary (aosaeaster@yahoo.co.uk), or Rachel Belk, Development and Engagement Manager (alumni@ackworthschool.com), to discuss your questions or ideas.
Our AOS President this year, leading the weekend, is Trudy Seed (1970 – 1977). She took over as president at Easter 2025 from Jeffrey Swales, our previous Deputy Head, who retired to Wales just a couple of years ago.
You can download the booking form by clinking here or on the image below. Please complete the form and either post a hard copy or email a scan/photo to Sal. Bookings must be made by 31st March 2026.
Where will you be in 2029? Will you join us at Ackworth? Save the dates:
Take a look at our Development page and please consider how you can help Ackworth thrive for the next generation, as it nurtured and shaped you.
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.
