Aug 1, 2025 | Ackworth School, Boarding, Coram House, Junior School, Senior School, Sixth Form
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.
Apr 7, 2025 | AOS Events, Events
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
Jan 26, 2024 | Ackworth School, Sixth Form, Sport
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!
Nov 10, 2020 | Ackworth School, Sixth Form
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.
Book a visit to one of our open events here.
