Junior School Archives - Ackworth School

Our Thoughts are with the Mount St Mary’s and Barlborough Hall School Community

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.

Ackworth School and Coram House shortlisted for Independent Schools of the Year 2023 awards

Jul 6, 2023 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Coram House, Junior School, Latest News, Quaker, Senior School, Sixth Form

Ackworth School and Coram House have been shortlisted in the Independent School Parent Magazine ‘Independent Schools of the Year 2023’ awards. Senior School has been shortlisted for ‘Independent Boarding School of the Year‘ and Coram House for ‘Independent Prep School of the Year‘.

Dr. Helen Wright, Chair of Independent Schools of the Year 2023 said ‘It has been truly wonderful to receive nominations which showcase transformative and innovative projects that are underway across the country, and it is with great pleasure that I am able to tell you that Ackworth School and Ackworth School – Coram House has been shortlisted for Independent Boarding School of the Year and Independent Prep School of the Year‘.

Anton Maree, Head said ‘Following our recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rating of ‘Excellent’ earlier this year it is now wonderful to have our school shortlisted for these two awards. Our staff work tirelessly to provide an outstanding educational and pastoral experience for our pupils so it is great to see this recognised in this way. We look forward to the next stage of the awards later this year‘.

A list of Finalists will be published on 6 September and the winners, chosen by the Independent Schools of the Year judging panel will be announced at an awards ceremony in October.

More information about the awards can be found at www.independentschoolsoftheyear.co.uk.

Ackworth School announces Martyn Beer as New Head, effective April 2024

May 26, 2023 | Ackworth School, Junior School, Old Scholar, Quaker, Senior School, Sixth Form

Ackworth School is pleased to announce the appointment of Martyn Beer as the new Head, effective April 2024. Martyn, who is currently Senior Deputy Head at Bootham School in York, will succeed Anton Maree as Head, bringing with him a wealth of experience in education and a passion for nurturing the potential of each student.

Martyn joins Ackworth School with an impressive background in leadership and a deep understanding of the educational landscape. He brings a range of senior leadership experience from the independent and state sectors across the areas of pastoral, academic, boarding, and enrichment. This has been supplemented by national leadership work in ethical leadership and Quaker values in education.

As the incoming Head, Martyn expressed his excitement about joining Ackworth School, saying, “I am honoured and delighted to have been chosen as the new Head of Ackworth School. I am passionate about the lifelong, transformative potential of education and look to foster an educational approach which nurtures open-minded, thoughtful, compassionate, socially responsible young people who are ready, willing, and able to make the world a better place and celebrate its diversity. I am excited to see these values at the heart of Ackworth’s Quaker heritage and ethos and am looking forward to joining such a vibrant and diverse school community.”

David Bunney, Clerk to the School Committee at Ackworth School, shared his confidence in the appointment of Martyn Beer, stating, “The School Committee is thrilled to welcome Martyn Beer as the incoming Head of Ackworth School. His passion for education, proven leadership skills, a deep understanding of our shared Quaker values, and the importance of individualised pupil development make him the ideal candidate to lead Ackworth into the future. We look forward to working with him as we continue to provide an exceptional learning environment for our students.“

Ackworth School would like to extend its sincere gratitude and thanks to Anton Maree, the outgoing Head, for his dedicated service over the past ten years. Under his leadership, Ackworth School has flourished and maintained its position as a leading institution in the field of education, despite unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis. Anton’s commitment to the students, staff, and community has left an indelible mark on the school, and his contributions will be remembered fondly as Ackworth School enters this exciting new chapter.

Martyn’s tenure as the Head of Ackworth School will commence in April 2024. Ackworth School is eagerly looking forward to the new era under Martyn’s leadership and anticipates further growth and accomplishments as the institution continues to provide an outstanding educational experience to its students.

About Ackworth School:
Established in 1779, Ackworth School is a leading independent Quaker day and boarding school situated in the picturesque surroundings of Ackworth, West Yorkshire, UK. Ackworth provides an exceptional education for students aged 2.5 to 20, focusing on academic excellence, character development, and the cultivation of a global perspective, underpinned by Quaker values. The school’s commitment to holistic education and its unwavering dedication to the success of each student have earned it a distinguished reputation both locally and internationally.

For media inquiries, please contact:
James Busson
Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communications
Ackworth School
Phone: +44 1977 233620
Email: james.busson@ackworthschool.com

Retirement of Anton Maree, Head of Ackworth School announced

Jan 9, 2023 | Ackworth School, Junior School, Old Scholar, Senior School, Sixth Form

The Head of Ackworth School, Anton Maree, has announced that he will be retiring from his role at the end of the Spring Term in April 2024.

Anton Maree said: “After 10 years at the school it is the right time to move on and give someone else the chance to set the tone and determine the direction. Being the Head of the school has been an honour and a privilege. I know that change can create uncertainty but Ackworth has survived through unforeseeable and testing times. I look forward to the rest of my time at this wonderful school”.

David Bunney, Clerk to the School Committee, said “ Anton has done so much to further the school and to help the local community. He leaves a strong legacy for his successor to build on. The whole school community wish him well when retirement eventually comes in April next year”.

The School Committee have now started their search for a new Head.