a
Our Thoughts are with the Mount St Mary’s and Barlborough Hall School Community

Our Thoughts are with the Mount St Mary’s and Barlborough Hall School Community

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.

Celebrate the return of The West Wing Cupola

Celebrate the return of The West Wing Cupola

We are delighted to announce that the restoration of our West Wing Cupola is nearly complete. On Thursday 24 April, it will be lifted back into place above The Green, returning a much-loved feature to our historic School buildings.

To mark the occasion, we invite you to join us for this special moment. You can enjoy the event with a delicious buffet lunch for £20 per person, with surplus funds supporting repairs to the East Wing Cupola. Spectator-only tickets are also available. Book your tickets for both using this link https://buytickets.at/ackworthschool1/1658703.Please note that advance booking is essential, as capacity on the day will be limited. We kindly ask that all attendees sign up in advance to avoid disappointment.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to this repair project. Your generosity has made it possible for this integral piece of Ackworth’s architectural heritage to be restored and returned to its rightful place.

Please be aware that this event is weather-dependent, and we may need to reschedule if conditions are not suitable for the Cupola to be safely lifted.

We look forward to sharing this memorable moment with you.

#CupolaRepairs #PerservingourHistory #TheCupolaReturns #QuakerSchool #Yorkshire

Harrogate Town AFC and Ackworth School Football Academy trials

Harrogate Town AFC and Ackworth School Football Academy trials

Harrogate Town AFC and Ackworth School are excited to announce upcoming trials for prospective students to join our Sixth Form and U19 Football Academy starting from September 2024!

Partnered with Harrogate Town AFC, Ackworth School provides a unique opportunity for aspiring young football talents to combine elite U19 football training with a comprehensive 6th Form education offering A-Levels or BTEC Sport.

Under the expert guidance of John McDermott, a PFA Merit Award winner in 2009 and a UEFA A licensed coach, players can expect professional training at an elite level. Our partnership with Harrogate Town ensures participation in high-stakes fixtures against other professional academy and school teams.

Outstanding players identified during the trials will have the chance to be awarded full or partial scholarships, opening doors to a world-class football and academic experience.

Trials will be held at Ackworth School on  Wednesday, 14 February 2024, 10:00am to 1:00pm.

More information can be found on the Football Academy page of our website. To secure your spot at the trials please complete our Football Trials Registration Form. If you require any more information, please contact admissions@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233621.

Don’t miss this chance to be a part of an exceptional football and educational journey! Harrogate Town AFC and Ackworth School are ready to discover the next generation of football stars. See you on the field!

 

 

 

 

 

With churned stomachs and pegged noses, Ackworth School pupils visit ReFood to see just what happens to our food waste! 

With churned stomachs and pegged noses, Ackworth School pupils visit ReFood to see just what happens to our food waste! 

On Wednesday 5 July Olivia, William, Alfred, and Tamar took a visit to ReFood, a company who specialise in the Bio Energy transformation of waste food! The Anaerobic Digestion plant in Doncaster processes 160,000 tonnes of waste a year which produces renewable energy for around 60,000 homes. 

Ackworth School have been in partnership with the catering company Thomas Franks since 2017 and we are proud to be a client of ReFood who convert waste food into energy. Not only do ReFood specialise in this, but as a result of the renewable gas which is extracted, a bioproduct is then sold back to farmers for fertiliser, fully minimising waste. 

The Doncaster branch is almost carbon neutral and is planning on switching to electric vehicles and upping their processing capacity from 160,000 tonnes to 250,000 in their future vision. 

As a Quaker school, sustainability sits importantly within our ethos. Taking pupils to see this site was an eye opening (or watering) and educational experience. 

“It was an amazing experience to see where schools waste went and to learn about the process that takes place. It was very interesting to learn about how to convert food waste into energy” 

Will H, Second Form

“Coming into the waste food trip, I had no idea what to expect, certainly not a smell as bad as I can still recall! But upon entering the building the staff were so lovely, I learnt so much about our food waste and was proud to come back and inform my peers we are indeed a school that can pride ourselves on our recycling and sustainability. I am so thankful for the opportunity and it was an incredible and informing trip. Will definitely be one to remember!”

Olivia W, Lower Sixth

Thank you to Maria, Regional Sales Manager, at ReFood UK for facilitating this trip.

Easter Gathering 2025

Easter Gathering 2025

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.