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.
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 14, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Old Scholar, Quaker, Senior School, Sixth Form
Ackworth School is delighted to announce the achievements of our 2025 A-Level and BTEC students, whose dedication, growth, and resilience reflect the strength of both our academic environment and our caring, inclusive ethos.
This year’s results speak not only of high academic attainment but also of the many ways our students have flourished, through their creativity, leadership, community engagement, and personal development. 43.1% of our results were at grades A* to B, which as a non-selective school is outstanding. Of particular note are our results in English Literature, with 100% of our Y13 cohort achieving grades A* – B.
Students across the school have excelled in a wide range of subjects, from the sciences and humanities to the arts and vocational courses. Among the many success stories, Noah achieved A*A*A in English, Music and History and will go on to study Music at the University of Cambridge, Joel achieved A*AA in Biology, Chemistry and Maths and will study Medicine at the University of Manchester and Francis achieved AAB in Psychology, English and History and has secured a place at Durham University to study Combined Social Sciences.
Our first BTEC Sport cohort have excelled with superb results across the board. A special mention must go to Taha from our Football Academy who was awarded D*DD – 1 Distinction star and 2 Distinctions (equivalent to A*AA at A-Level) and has a place at UEL to study Sport and Exercise Science.
These individual journeys show that success at Ackworth takes many forms, and every student’s path is valued and celebrated.
Our commitment to holistic education means that our students leave with more than just qualifications. Through an extensive co-curricular programme, they have developed leadership skills, resilience, and creativity, whether on the sports field, in the concert hall, on stage, or through service in the community. Many have contributed to charitable projects, taken part in national competitions, or pursued passions that will shape their future careers.
Reflecting on the Class of 2025, Martyn Beer, Head of Ackworth School, said:
“We are immensely proud of every one of our students. Their achievements are the result of hard work, determination, and the support of our dedicated staff. At Ackworth, we measure success not only by exam results, but by the character, confidence, and curiosity our students take with them into the world.”
Looking ahead, as the Class of 2025 moves forward, they bring with them a range of destinations, from top universities and specialist colleges, to apprenticeships and gap-year opportunities. They join a supportive Old Scholar network that roots their achievements in our wider Ackworth community, and they carry with them the values that have guided their time here – non sibi sed omnibus (Not for oneself, but for all) – as they make their mark in the world beyond Ackworth. We wish them every success in life as they carry forward the values, skills, and friendships forged here with them.
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 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.
