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.
Aug 9, 2022 | Ackworth School, Old Scholar
Ackworth Old Scholar James Willstrop wins GOLD in the Commonwealth Games for Men’s Doubles Squash alongside fellow teammate Declan James.
Born 1983 in Yorkshire, James was with Ackworth School from 1995 until 2002. James was recognised as a squash sensation at an early age. In 2002, he claimed his third consecutive British Junior Under-19 National Championship title, to establish himself as England’s most successful under-14, under-17, and under-19), and British Junior Open trophies at under-17 and under-19. In the same year, he established himself as the world’s top junior player, claiming both the European and the World junior titles.
James has gone on to be one of the youngest players ever to play for the senior England team, representing his county for the first time at both the European and World Team Squash Championships in 2003.
In 2005, having finished as a runner-up in the British Open and then winning the Qatar Classic trophy, James was ranks as the world No.2 in the PSA world rankings.
In the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, James won a Silver Medal in the Mixed Doubles. He won the British National Squash Championships title in 2007 and 2008, and in January 2010, he won his first Tournament of Champions title in New York.
In 2011, Willstrop put himself into first place in the PSA World Series rankings by winning 15 matches in a row heading towards winning the Hong Kong Open, the Kuwait Open, and The Punj Lloyd PSA Masters. James ranked as the World No. 1 in January 2012.
At the 2018 Commonwealth Games, James won the Gold Medal in the Men’s Singles and in 2020, won the British National title.
Well done from us, James. Ackworth School continues to enjoy watching your career in Squash. We know you’ll be celebrating winning your well-deserved GOLD in the Men’s Doubles Squash!
Mar 29, 2022 | Ackworth School, Old Scholar
Our AOS London event turned into a charming evening as a group of Old Scholars came together to reminisce and reconnect. Taking place on a Wednesday in the heart of Fleet Street at Daly’s Wine Bar.
Joined by leaving years ranging from 1954 to 1978. It didn’t take long for a sense of Ackworth School community to be relit as stories of old times began to unveil.
All those who attended said how happy they were to see Ackworth School in London for its first AOS event, and we were happy to see them too. Thank you for coming and we look forward to seeing you at future events!
If you would like to attend an Ackworth Old Scholar event, please click here to keep up to date!
Feb 23, 2022 | Ackworth School, Old Scholar
AOS Balpriya Kaur (AOS 10-15)
During February the school had a visit from Old Scholar Balpriya Kaur. Priya (23) met her partner, Lakh, at university in Manchester. Now engaged to marry, Priya got back in touch with Ackworth. She couldn’t think of a better place to have their pre-wedding photo shoot.
Priya left Ackworth School Sixth Form in 2015, where she studied Law LLB (Hons) and LPC LLM masters. She is now a Legal Solutions Specialist. We asked Priya how her time at Ackworth School had moulded her enthusiasm for success.
“My experience at Ackworth shaped me into a responsible and driven individual. After I left Ackworth I had a drive to succeed in the field of law.
I carry values of care, respect, and value for people of all backgrounds and cultures. Ackworth demonstrated to me the value of peace. I learnt the value of silence and how this allows us to reflect and align our thoughts.”
Priya continues to work hard and intends to study further to become a fully qualified lawyer. We would like to wish Priya and Lakh all the happiness for their wedding in May. We wish them well for the start of their lives together.
Want to visit the school as an Old Scholar? Email our Alumni department at Alumni@ackworthschool.com or call us on 01977 233 623.
Feb 15, 2022 | Ackworth School, Old Scholar
Dr. Dorothy Gertrude Walker Robbins, 100, of Wolfville died peacefully on October 15, 2021. The youngest daughter of Frank Walker and Gertrude Andrews, both of whom came to Canada from North Yorkshire, England, she spent her early years happily at Ackworth School at the age of 12 where she stayed to complete her high school education. Her parents and sisters had attended Ackworth, where her grandfather, Frederick Andrews, was and still is known as the longest standing headmaster. She loved her years there and felt they were responsible for equipping her for the direction she chose in her life.
Independent, outgoing, hardworking, determined, fun-loving, generous, and stubborn at times, Dorothy wanted to be remembered as someone who “maybe made a difference”. Her family, friends, colleagues, and students can certainly attest that she did! Dorothy remained in touch with Ackworth School where she attended virtual events during the pandemic.
Dorothy was our last direct contact with Frederick Andrews. Read more about our Ackworth Old Scholar community by clicking here.
Feb 10, 2022 | Old Scholar
Back in November 2021, Ackworth Old Scholars came together for the first Old Scholar Reunion in the Middle East. There had been plans in place for this to happen sooner, however the pandemic have prevented the opportunity to connect face to face.
Old Scholars Saad Ansari and Julie Lewis attended the event. They were met by Ackworth School representative, Tom Shennan-Barker (Director of Marketing and Admissions)
Julie remembered her time at Ackworth School, “41 years ago, I graduated from Ackworth School and I was very proud to be Head Girl in my final year 1979 – 1980. I am absolutely delighted to be here in Dubai at the Ackworth Old Scholars reunion reminiscing of the joys and the pleasures, sometimes the challenges and the pain of being at a boarding school from 11 years young to 18 years old. I am super excited to go back in July 2022 for the Open Day”.
The Ackworth Old Scholar event in Dubai has been a great experience for OS to reconnect with the school, sharing fond memories. These AOS events are also an opportunity to forge new connections overseas.
Both Julie and Saad recounted their unique experiences of boarding life and how they differed, being over 20 years apart in their time at the school.
Tom Shennan-Barker said, “It was wonderful to connect with our Old Scholars in Dubai and enable them to connect with each other. We know that there are Old Scholars all around the world who are eager to rekindle connections with old classmates and forge new ones with other former pupils. These events are a great way to do just that.”
If you would like to come to our Ackworth Old Scholar events, visit our Ackworth Old Scholars events page!
