Table Tennis Academy
The Ackworth School Table Tennis Academy is a pre-eminent programme not only within UK boarding schools, but within the junior game. The programme offers students the chance to excel under a world class coach within a school environment which champions traditional values. Our students compete in division one of the Junior British League and train in our bespoke table tennis centre. Pupils also have the opportunity to travel abroad to train and play in international tournaments.
The excellent coaching programme marries academia and sport, this gives many students the opportunity to excel at national and even international level without compromising their studies.
Recent Honours
2025 British Senior School U18 Team Gold – Hiko
2025 British Senior Schools U18 singles champion – Hiko
2025 U19 Boys School National Team Runners up
2025 West Yorkshire Schools Team U19 Winners
2025 West Yorkshire Schools Individuals – U19 winner – Hiko
2025 West Yorkshire Schools Individuals – U19 runner up – Alex
2025 West Yorkshire Schools Individuals – U16 winner – Peter
2024 Under 19 Boys School Individual Champion – Alex
2023 Under 19 Boys School Individual Champion – Felix
Alumni Honours
2023 Jasmin Wong and Mollie Patterson represented England Women at the European Team Championships
2023 Jasmin Wong U21 Women’s Singles National Champion
2022 Shayan Siraj U21 Men’s Singles National Champion
Chris Parker
Head Coach
Chris has been actively coaching for over 15 years with experience coaching at all levels. He is a UKCC level 3 coach and has previously coached on England youth squads and at international competitions. He is currently involved with the England Schools teams, coaching the boys teams at various World Schools events, including winning a Bronze medal in Rio and Senior School Internationals. He has taken players to training camps in China, France and various counties in the Britain, providing opportunities to learn from the coaches there.
Testimonials
“The close relationship between Ackworth and Pontefract Squash Club has already proven successful, both for the school and the young players now in attendance”
Vanessa Atkinson
Former Ladies World No.1
“The environment at Ackworth gave me the room to pursue what I wanted outside of the school to the fullest degree, and yet balance that with a broader learning atmosphere, without any pressure”
James Willstrop
Former Mens World No.1 & Old Scholar
“It’s a privilege to be at Ackworth School. Not only is the education great, the fantastic support they have given me has helped me achieve the best I can in squash. This has enabled me to win two British Open titles and to be selcted for the Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires”
Sam
Current student
“It’s a great opportunity to have such a fantastic education and a world class coach so close together. The school is so flexible, which allows me to train and keep up with my tournaments all around England”
