Jul 6, 2026 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Drama, Junior School, Latest News, Music, Senior School, Sixth Form
Ackworth School are delighted to announce that we have been named a Commended School in the Independent School of the Year for Performing Arts category at the prestigious Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2026.
Organised by Independent School Parent magazine, the Independent Schools of the Year Awards celebrate excellence across the independent education sector. This year’s awards attracted a record number of entries from schools across the UK, making the judges’ decisions more competitive than ever. Schools receiving a commendation now progress to the next stage of the judging process, with finalists announced on 10 September and winners revealed at the awards ceremony on 14 October.
The commendation is the latest in a series of national recognitions for Ackworth School’s flourishing performing arts provision. Earlier this year, the School was named Drama Department of the Year at the Music & Drama Education Awards 2026, recognising the exceptional work of our drama department. This latest commendation celebrates the wider strength of performing arts at Ackworth, recognising the collaboration between music and drama, and the wealth of opportunities available for our students to develop their talents both on and off the stage.
Alistar Boucher, Head of Drama, said:
“Following our recent Drama Department of the Year award, it is incredibly rewarding to see Ackworth recognised once again on the national stage. While that award celebrated the work of our drama department, this commendation acknowledges the strength of the performing arts across the whole School.
“The magic happens because of the collaboration between so many talented colleagues and the enthusiasm of our students. Whether they are acting, directing, designing, building sets or working backstage, every student plays a part in creating something special. This recognition belongs to all of them.”
Oliver McCarthy-Bell, Director of Music, added:
“This commendation reflects something we are incredibly proud of at Ackworth; that music and drama are not separate disciplines, but work together to create a rich and inspiring performing arts culture.
“Our students throw themselves into every opportunity, whether that’s performing in concerts, singing in choirs, playing in ensembles or supporting our theatre productions. Their creativity, commitment and willingness to challenge themselves are what make performing arts at Ackworth so special, and it is wonderful to see that recognised nationally.”
Performing arts are a cornerstone of life at Ackworth School, with students benefiting from an extensive programme of productions, concerts, ensembles, workshops and performance opportunities throughout the year. Underpinned by the School’s Quaker values, these experiences help young people develop confidence, creativity, resilience and compassion, while encouraging them to discover and nurture their individual talents.
Everyone at Ackworth School is immensely proud of this latest recognition. It is a tribute to the extraordinary commitment of our staff and the remarkable achievements of our students, whose creativity, hard work and willingness to embrace every opportunity continue to make Ackworth’s performing arts provision one of the finest in the country. We now look forward to the announcement of the finalists in September.
Jun 8, 2026 | Ackworth School, Junior School, Latest News, Senior School, Sport
Ackworth School is delighted to host the PSG Academy England Holiday Camp from 3 – 7 August, giving young footballers the opportunity to train using the methodology of one of the world’s leading football clubs.
Delivered by UEFA-qualified PSG Academy England coaches, the camp is designed to help players develop their technical ability, tactical understanding and confidence in a fun and professional environment.
Open to players of all abilities, the programme follows the Paris Saint-Germain training philosophy, helping participants improve key areas of their game through structured coaching sessions and match play.
Throughout the week, players will work on:
- Ball mastery and dribbling
- Passing and receiving
- Shooting and finishing
- Tactical awareness and decision-making
- Small-sided games and match scenarios
The camp provides an excellent opportunity for players to develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy their football during the summer holidays.
Each participant will receive a certificate of attendance and individual feedback from the coaching team at the end of the week.
Camp Information
Dates: 3 – 7 August
Venue: Ackworth School
Cost: £30 per day
Open to: Players of all abilities
As part of Ackworth School’s exciting partnership with PSG Academy England, the holiday camp offers a genuine insight into the coaching methods used across the global PSG Academy network.
With excellent facilities and expert coaching, the camp promises an enjoyable and rewarding experience for young players looking to develop their game this summer.
Places are limited and early booking is recommended.
To secure a place, visit the PSG Academy England booking page.
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.
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.
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.
