Aug 13, 2026 | Ackworth School, Old Scholar, Senior School, Sixth Form
There were celebrations at Ackworth School today as our Year 13 students received their A-Level and BTEC results and prepared to take the next step in their journeys.
This year, the School’s highest-performing 25% of students achieved an especially impressive set of results. Among this group, 58.1% of grades were awarded at A* – A or equivalent, 77.4% at A* – B or equivalent and 93.5% at A* – C or equivalent. This included an outstanding D*D*D in BTEC Sport. Overall, 52.2% of A-Level grades were awarded at A* – C, with an overall pass rate of 85%.
While we are delighted with these results, they tell only part of the story. Every student has followed their own path through Ackworth, with different ambitions, challenges and achievements along the way.
Among those celebrating is Will H, who joined Ackworth in 2019. After achieving A*A*A*, Will will now go on to study Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Oxford.
Marvin T joined Ackworth from Hong Kong for his GCSE studies four years ago and has now achieved A*A*A, securing a place at Hull York Medical School to study Medicine. During his time at Ackworth, Marvin has also served as a School Officer leading on charity work, both locally and further afield, as well as the responsibility for Goal Keeper in our Football Academy First team!
There was further success for Abi B, whose results of A*A*B will take her to Queen’s University, Belfast. Having joined Ackworth in 2016, Abi has been instrumental in her work as a School Officer to further develop our House structure across the school.
Our BTEC students have also performed strongly. Jack H achieved D*D*D in BTEC Sport and will now progress to employment coaching football and supporting children with their learning as a teaching assistant. Alongside his studies, Jack has also been a key member of our football academy success and will be keeping a close eye on further progress as our partnership with Paris St German takes off in September!
Our students are now progressing to a wide range of destinations, including the Russell Group universities of Imperial College London, Queen Mary University of London, the University of Nottingham and the University of Southampton, as well as Lancaster University, York St John University and the University of Westminster.
Martyn Beer, Head of Ackworth School, said:
“We are incredibly proud of the Class of 2026. Today is rightly a celebration of their results, but also of the hard work, determination and personal growth behind them. Every student’s journey has been different. Some have been at Ackworth since our Junior School phase at Coram House, whilst others joined us for Senior School or Sixth Form. What they share is the way they have developed as individuals, the contributions they have made to our community, and the ways in which they have supported one another along on their journeys. They leave us as confident, compassionate and thoughtful young people. Ackworth School’s purpose is to prepare our young people for their ongoing lives and grow an ambition in them to play their part in creating a better world. This cohort are ready for their next chapters and we wish them every success as they take flight.”
James Bower, Director of Sixth Form, added:
“It has been a privilege to work with this year group and to see how much they have grown during their time in the Sixth Form. We are celebrating success at every level today. Of course, there are some outstanding individual grades, but there are also students whose results represent remarkable progress, resilience and determination. Every one of those achievements matters. I would also like to thank our teaching and pastoral staff, who have supported the students throughout their courses, and their families for the encouragement they have given them.”
Beyond their academic studies, members of the Class of 2026 have made an important contribution to the wider life of Ackworth. They have performed on stage and in concerts, represented the School in sport, taken on leadership roles and supported events and charitable activities across the School. As they move on to university, apprenticeships, employment, gap years and other opportunities, they join our worldwide community of Ackworth Old Scholars.
We congratulate every member of the Class of 2026 and wish them well for the next stage of their journey.
Applications for September 2027 entry are now open. To find out more about Ackworth Sixth Form or to arrange a visit, please contact our Admissions Team at admissions@ackworthschool.com or call 01977 233621.
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 website and please consider how you can help Ackworth thrive for the next generation, as it nurtured and shaped you.
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.
Mar 5, 2025 | Ackworth School, Coram House, Latest News, Old Scholar, Quaker
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Amanda McShane as the next Head of Coram House from September 2025. Amanda brings a wealth of experience in educational leadership and a deep-rooted connection to Ackworth School as she is an Old Scholar.
Amanda joins us from Cumnor House School in Croydon, where she has been Head for the past seven years. During her tenure, she has overseen significant growth and success, fostering a culture of academic excellence, pastoral care, and innovation in teaching. Her leadership has strengthened the school’s reputation and enriched the learning experience for students, ensuring they thrive both academically and personally.
We are excited for Amanda to bring her passion and expertise to Coram House, building on its strong foundations and vibrant community. Throughout the recruitment process Amanda displayed real vision, and her understanding of the Ackworth ethos, combined with her proven track record in school leadership, made her the standout choice to guide Coram House into its next chapter. We look forward to the enthusiasm and leadership she will bring to our community.
Commenting on her appointment, Amanda said: “I am delighted to be returning to the Ackworth family. It is a privilege to join this wonderful community, and I look forward to building upon existing foundations while embracing the opportunities that lie ahead. Having spent some time with pupils and staff, I can see that Coram House is a truly special place. I am excited to meet more of you in the coming months, and to work together to shape a bright future for the school.”
Reflecting on Amanda’s appointment, Martyn Beer, Head of Ackworth School, said: “We are delighted to welcome Amanda back to Ackworth in this important leadership role. Her experience, vision, and deep affinity with the school will ensure Coram House continues to flourish as a warm, inspiring, and forward-thinking learning environment. We look forward to the enthusiasm and leadership she will bring to our community.”
We will be arranging opportunities for parents and pupils to meet Amanda in the coming months as she prepares to take up her new role. In the meantime, please join us in warmly welcoming her back to Ackworth School.
May 30, 2023 | AOS Events, Old Scholar
The AOS 2025 Easter Gathering will take place in School from lunchtime on Friday 18th until breakfast on Tuesday 22nd April. All bookings must be made by 31st March 2025 using Easter 2025 booking form. For any queries, please contact Sal Wright at aosaeaster@yahoo.co.uk or alumni@ackworthschool.com.
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
