Ackworth School in Ackworth, near Pontefract is proudly recognising its students for their unwavering commitment to their studies over the past two years, resulting in impressive accomplishments.
The day and boarding school achieved a 91% A-Level pass rate (which as a non-selective school is exceptional) and is “especially proud that, despite the difficult circumstances they’ve endured over the past few years, many students exceeded or achieved their predicted grades”.
In total, 43.8% of all Ackworth’s A-Level entries gained A*- B grades, with the majority of students securing their first-choice place at the UK’s top universities which include University College London (UCL), Durham University, the University of Nottingham and the University of Southampton. Additionally, three pupils have secured places at American universities including Ivy League Colleges.
Special mentions must go to Brian, who achieved A*AA and a place at the University of Southampton to study Mechanical Engineering, and to Emily, who has secured a place at Durham University to study English Literature.
Other pupil successes to note include Grace who has secured a place at the University of Nottingham to study Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, as well as Darcy who has secured a place at University College London (UCL) to study Anthropology.
Ackworth School’s Head, Anton Maree said: “The tenacity and resilience demonstrated by our students is inspiring. Each student has every reason to take pride in their accomplishments and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Our teachers have worked tirelessly to support them to achieve these results.”
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 3 October 2023 or contact our admissions team on admissons@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233600.
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.
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
Ackworth School is delighted to announce a new partnership with English Football League Two team, Harrogate Town AFC to deliver our Elite Football Academy from September 2023.
Students enrolling in the academy will benefit from high levels of contact time per week with our school-based UEFA licence qualified Director of Football. This will comprise of regular individual and group skills coaching sessions, regular football matches for both the Academy (and for the school when possible), and supervised strength and conditioning training.
In addition to the Academy’s home being at a brand-new 3G pitch ten minutes from the school, students will have access to five full-sized pitches, a multi-use games pitch and an indoor training area. Students enrolled in the football academy can also take full advantage of the heated indoor swimming pool and our purpose-built fitness suite.
Head, Anton Maree said “I am struck by the professionalism demonstrated at every level by Harrogate Town Association Football Club and their staff. The benefit of being able to tap into that professionalism can only be an advantage to our school and our students. I look forward to a lengthy association with HTAFC and am delighted with the opportunity that it brings to our school and to all footballers within our local community.”
Simon Weaver, Harrogate Town AFC Manager said “I am delighted that our football club has entered into partnership with Ackworth School. I am immensely proud of the association with my former school. Anton Maree is a great leader and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my meetings with him. We are passionate about developing student athletes at the school. The school has strong values and so do we as a football club and that is why we have faith in each other to produce a successful joint venture that gives pupils every opportunity to develop, enjoy and succeed.”
Many players will choose to join the Academy alongside their Sixth Form studies. Two study routes are available: traditional A-Levels, or the BTEC Extended National Diploma in Sport (equivalent to three A-Levels) for those wanting a more vocational education. Those pupils joining the Academy in years below the Sixth Form must take the required academic course appropriate to their age and ability and involve themselves in the school’s co-curricular programme.
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.
Alexandra Collingwood, Head of our Sixth Form, shares why boarding school could be the best place for a sixth former to thrive and flourish, both academically and pastorally.
Head of Sixth Form, Alexandra Collingwood guides students on how to get the best out of their studies using their iPads supplied by the school.
Here, she lists her top five benefits of boarding for sixth form students:
1) Bolsters academic growth
Our value-added is the best in the area and is testament to our philosophy towards learning. Every single student progresses tremendously from the start of their time with us, to the end. They consistently perform better than what their targets and previous academic performance indicate that they should.
Sixth form students who board with us have access to tutors ‘out of hours’ during designated prep (study) time, so, not only are they making strides in their learning in school, but they have the chance to further this by getting extra educational support. Even outside of prep time, thanks to our digital learning approach, advice from teachers and tutors is only a message or email away.
2) Incredible facilities
Ackworth School is a truly beautiful setting to learn and relax.
We have a state-of-the-art gym, sports hall, tennis courts and music centre with 10 Steinway pianos set in phenomenal picturesque 18th Century grounds.
With advanced facilities, sixth form students have everything they need to excel at their chosen A-levels and also take part in extra-curricular activities in and out of school hours to enhance their learning – this may help when it comes to applying to universities.
Set in expansive grounds in the West Yorkshire countryside, Ackworth provides a safe and rich learning environment.
3) Close-knit family feel
With our sixth form attached to the school, we maintain a real family community here, and, as we’re non-selective, there’s plenty of opportunity for students to mix with people from all different backgrounds, ages and places.
We have students travelling from across the UK and other parts of the world to attend Ackworth School. Boarding with us helps build and nurture life-long friendships, and encourages social growth. It really is a home away from home.
4) Oxbridge Pathways Programme
Sixth form is an integral time in a young adult’s life. Their leaving destination will depend not only on their academic success, but also the skills they gain, and how prepared they are for upcoming applications and interviews.
We make sure to cover everything with our bespoke Oxbridge Pathways Programme. Designed and managed by Helen Batty – who has a wealth of experience in Oxbridge admissions procedures and processes – sixth form students are taught everything they need to know to achieve a place at a top UK university and succeed after graduation.
5) Necessary support and pastoral care
The wellbeing of our pupils is paramount to their education. We make it our responsibility to ensure that all students have a positive environment to learn in as we believe this has a direct impact on whether they perform to the best of their abilities.
It is possible that giving sixth form students too much freedom too quickly (when they have come from an incredibly supportive secondary school environment) could hinder their progression, rather than help. Boarding school provides the right balance of support and freedom, allowing students to ease into adult life, knowing the safety net is still there if they need it.
As a Quaker school, we operate by our motto ‘Non Sibi Sed Omnibus’ or ‘not for oneself but for the good of others’. This encapsulates what we have stood for the last 240 years. A social conscience and an education go hand in hand at Ackworth School.
Visit our sixth form page for more information. Contact our admissions team at admissions@ackworthschool.com or call 01977 233 621.
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