Ackworth School’s Football Academy first team etched their names into the history books after a stunning 6 – 1 victory over Boston Spa in the U19 West Yorkshire County Schools Cup final at Shelley FC.
The final started with a nervy opening spell on a challenging, heavy pitch, and an early defensive error allowed Boston Spa to take a 1 – 0 lead. However, Ackworth’s response was swift and emphatic. A moment of magic from Jordan, who unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box, brought the game level and lifted the team’s spirits.
With renewed confidence, Ackworth dominated possession and took full control in the second half. Their quick passing and relentless attacking play wore down the opposition, creating gaps in the Boston Spa defence. The floodgates opened as Andrew, Jordan (scoring his second), Charlie, Tar, and Reece all found the back of the net, securing a resounding 6 – 1 victory.
The triumph was not only a testament to the team’s skill and determination but also marked a historic moment for Ackworth School. With our U16 team also securing the county title this year, it has been an unprecedented period of success for the school’s football program.
Director of Football, John McDermott, praised the team’s incredible performance, saying, “The boys showed fantastic character after going behind early. Their resilience, teamwork, and sheer quality shone through, and they fully deserved this victory. To have both age groups winning the West Yorkshire title in the same year is an unbelievable achievement for the school.”
Ackworth School’s footballers can now celebrate their well-earned triumph, with this victory cementing their status as one of the strongest teams in the region. The future is certainly bright for football at Ackworth!
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.
Our U16 Boys Football Team created Ackworth School history by becoming the West Yorkshire County Champions earlier this week. The boys were victorious beating Brooksbank School 7 – 4 in a pulsating final. Watched by family and friends, the boys put on a show playing some fantastic football in both halves of the pitch. It was Ackworth who were more clinical in front of goal scoring some well worked goals.
With 20 minutes left of the match Ackworth were 3 – 4 down and had played the game with only 10 players for almost 60 minutes. But with grit, determination, and pieces of individual brilliance, Ackworth came through at the end strong and finished the game with goals to put the game out of reach for Brooksbank.
James Bower, Head of PE said “the boys have been amazing to work with over the last 3 years, from last year getting into the last 32 in the country, to now being crowned West Yorkshire champions, it is credit to all of the students who have put in the hard work and wanted to build on the high standards set each year. I am extremely proud of each student, and I wish them all the success in the future”.
John McDermott, our Director of Football said “I’m very, very proud of the players achievements, being the first team to bring silverware to the school. Well done boys!”
Three of Ackworth School’s Football Academy players were selected this week to join the Harrogate Town Academy side in their FA Youth Cup third round match against Birmingham City.
Chester, Charlie and Reece joined the team in a commanding performance earning a 3 – 1 victory against Birmingham City at The Exercise Stadium, with Chester scoring the final goal of the match with only ten minutes to spare, securing the win for Harrogate.
Ackworth School’s Director of Football, and former PFA Merit Award winner, John McDermott said “Our unique partnership with Harrogate Town AFC gives our players not only the opportunity to play at the highest levels of school football, but also to compete on a national level against professional academy teams. I am proud of the dedication that Chester, Charlie and Reece have shown to secure their place in the Harrogate Town Academy team“.
Ackworth School’s Football Academy first team continue their excellent start to the season of 12 wins in 13 games against Boston Spa or Bingley Grammar School next week in the West Yorkshire Cup final.
Ackworth School is delighted to announce another year of remarkable GCSE achievements. Over one-third of all grades earned by students were at the top levels (grades 9-7), with 48.1% of grades falling between 9 and 6, and an impressive 87.9% within the 9 to 4 range. These results underscore the commitment, diligence, and academic prowess of our students, supported by fantastic support and guidance from our teaching staff.
Among the standout performers is Jodie from Wormersley, who secured an impressive six grade 9s and four grade 8s. Other remarkable achievements include Eleanor from Billingley with five grade 9s, four grade 8s, and one grade 7; Jessica from South Elmsall with six grade 9s, two grade 8s, and two grade 7s; and Shanali from Knottingley, who achieved six grade 9s, two grade 8s, one grade 7, and one grade 6. Additionally, Marvin from Hong Kong earned four grade 9s, two grade 8s, and one grade 7, while Caitlin from Pontefract secured two grade 9s, six grade 8s, and two grade 7s.
Headteacher Martyn Beer expressed his pride in the students, stating, “I am immensely proud of all our pupils’ achievements this year. Their hard work has truly paid off, as reflected in today’s excellent results. I am looking forward to witnessing their continued success as they move on to Sixth Form, not only in their academic pursuits but also as they grow and thrive as individuals, guided by our holistic approach to education and our Quaker values.”
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 Thursday 10 October 2024 or contact our admissions team on admissons@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233621.
Twenty-five Ackworth School Upper Sixth students have been offered places at prestigious Russell Group universities including LSE (The London School of Economics and Political Science), Imperial College London and UCL (University College London). Subjects include extremely competitive courses in medicine, engineering, mathematics, politics, and natural sciences.
The students, who are taking 3 or 4 A-Levels, as well as the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) have worked closely with our careers team to maximise their chances of securing a place.
Head of Ackworth School, Martyn Beer, said “I am delighted at the level of aspiration within our students and how this is being realised as they take the next steps in their educational journey. Over half of our students have received offers from Russell Group universities. Others have found their paths into vocational Higher Education courses and apprenticeships to help them further their aspirations. I am proud to lead a school community that not only supports our young people to make the best choices for them as individuals but gives them the preparation they need to play their part in creating a better world.”
Upper Sixth Form student Tamar said “The careers team at school have been tremendously helpful with ensuring my future success, Mrs. Batty has worked so hard to cater to my interests and help me utilise every extracurricular opportunity. Not only did she help me write my statement and fill out my application, but she, along with the school, provided many opportunities and leadership roles for me to seize, leading me to become a far more qualified and sophisticated candidate. I believe it is the incredible effort from Mrs. Batty that I can attend LSE this September.”
Fellow Upper Sixth student Isabelle echoed this, saying “I am really pleased to have received offers from all the universities that I applied to, including The University of Edinburgh and King’s College London. Help from the school careers team and the trip to the UCAS event at Lincoln University, as well as Mr Boucher’s support on my personal statement put me in a great position to apply. I am looking forward to starting at LSE in September to study International Social and Public Policy.“
As our Upper Sixth students depart on their study leave later this week, we wish them the very best of luck for their upcoming exams and look forward to celebrating with them in August.
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