Ackworth School

Mission statement

“At Ackworth School, our purpose is to provide an exceptional, holistic and inclusive Quaker education, nurturing young people to flourish and therefore play their part in creating a better world.”

Academics

Ackworth School takes great pride in its academic programme. The school offers a rich and varied curriculum, and pupils study towards GCSE, A Level and BTEC exams. The school’s focus on academia is reflected in its impressive exam results. At A-Level, students continue to excel, with 41.4% achieving A*-B grades and 61.8% achieving A*-C grades since 2022. Over the past three years, more than a third of GCSE students have achieved the highest-level grades (9-7), with an average of 54.0% securing grades 9-6. Additionally, the school supports its students through the Oxbridge Pathways Programme which helps students in applying to Russell Group universities or other competitive courses.

Activities & sports

Whilst academics is a key focus at Ackworth, the school recognises that co-curricular activities play a crucial role in a full, well-rounded education. For this reason, Ackworth offers many varied activities to ensure that every student can find something that they enjoy. These activities accommodate a wide range of interests – from art, drama and dance clubs to maths workshops and chess club.

Sport at Ackworth encourages fitness in students and supports their mental wellbeing. The school is proud of its broad range of sports for students to participate in, whether that be recreationally or competitively. Ackworth School offers an elite Football Academy in partnership with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Academy UK, led by UEFA A licence qualified football professionals John McDermott and Gary Childs. With access to outstanding facilities, aspiring footballers at the school are immersed in a development programme that builds both technical skill and a professional mindset. Through this partnership, students benefit from direct exposure to a professional club environment, increasing opportunities for talented young players to be recognised and nurtured by the wider football community.

International student community

Ackworth School has welcomed international students for almost 150 years, and students from over 27 different countries currently make up around 30% of the student population. This brings a multicultural perspective to the school, encouraging tolerance and understanding in their already welcoming community.

For non-native English-speaking students, Ackworth offers dedicated EAL support as well as a Pre A-Level programme, enabling pupils to fully integrate into the student community and make the most of the education they receive at Ackworth.

Boarding life

Boarding at Ackworth allows students to make lifelong friends and become immersed in the school’s caring community. With 80% of boarders coming from overseas, students learn to live in a well-integrated, tight-knit community. Boarding facilities allow students to work and revise efficiently in the study rooms and relax with their friends in the shared spaces provided. Boarding also teaches students independence which is an important skill for whichever pathway they choose after school.

Ackworth School offers an extensive weekend programme filled with fun activities for boarding students. There are regular trips to visit local theatres, cinemas and towns and the school also organises a variety of exciting weekend workshops with expert instructors.