Ackworth School
Ackworth, West Yorkshire, England
Ackworth School
Ackworth, West Yorkshire, England
Overview
Located in a beautiful rural setting in Yorkshire, Ackworth has maintained a passion for teaching and learning throughout its 230 years as a co-educational boarding and day school. Equally proud of its traditions, family values and innovative approach to co-education, the School strives to develop resilient individuals who think creatively and act responsibly. Students are encouraged to express themselves confidently whilst embodying the Quaker value of speaking respectfully to others.
At a glance
Academic
First-class teaching is at the heart of any good school, and Ackworth benefits greatly from the quality and experience of its teaching staff. It has spacious, well-equipped Science laboratories, outstanding Creative Arts and Sports facilities and a first-class library. The School is non-selective, so whilst some students achieve top grades and go on to top universities, others achieve more modest results – but which are still a huge triumph for them. All are valued equally.
Boarding
There are separate boarding houses for boys and girls, each with comprehensive care, guidance and support appropriate to the age of the pupils. Most boarders share a bedroom with one or two other students and learn to live in a tight-knit community with a wide age range and a strong international mix. Resident staff do everything they can to make boarders feel at home and are available at all times, whilst other staff including the Head and Deputy Head live on site.
Sports
Sport is an important part of life at Ackworth School and pupils of all abilities are encouraged to develop a sporting interest, whether within the timetable or as an extra-curricular activity, and there’s an extensive programme of competitive fixtures both with other schools and inter-House. The excellent facilities include 16 acres of playing fields, an all-weather Astro training pitch, tennis courts, netball courts, a sports hall, an indoor swimming pool, a gymnasium and a fitness suite.
Creative arts
The School believes that art stimulates creativity and imagination. Drama at Ackworth enables students to develop their performance skills, confidence and self-belief, and every year the houses perform around a common theme. A long musical tradition is based on enjoyment and excellence in equal measure, and the Music Centre’s 180 seat recital hall offers a fantastic venue for the diverse range of chamber groups, workshops, choirs, bands and orchestras.
Did you know?
- Ackworth’s founder Dr John Fothergill befriended Benjamin Franklin whilst in America. Franklin is quoted as declaring “I can hardly conceive that a better man ever existed!”
- The first mention of Ackworth village is in the Domesday Book of 1086. It was owned by a Norman knight who received it as a reward for his services to William the Conqueror.
