Ackworth School
- Ackworth School
Pontefract Road
Ackworth
Pontefract
West Yorkshire
WF7 7LT - Head: Mr Martyn Beer
- T 01977 233600
- E [email protected]
- W www.ackworthschool.com
- An independent school for boys and girls aged from 2. to 18.
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Wakefield
- Pupils: 495
- Religion: Quaker
- Fees: Day £11,394 - £17,844; Boarding £36,447 pa
- Open days: September and May with bespoke visits available throughout the year on request
- ISI report: View the ISI report
What the school says...
Nestled in 50 acres of the picturesque west Yorkshire countryside, Ackworth School is an international day and boarding school offering education from nursery to sixth form (2.5 to 18 years). Founded as a Quaker school in 1779, Ackworth has been a beacon of progressive education for over 245 years, cultivating strong, creative, and responsible individuals. As a lively co-educational institution, we instil Quaker values in our diverse student body, fostering an environment of acceptance, respect and ethical decision-making.
At Coram House, our nursery and junior school, learning extends beyond the classroom. Our forest school sessions immerse children in nature, exploring woodland areas with specialist teachers through hands-on activities that develop practical skills and a love for the natural world. Weekly swimming lessons promote physical fitness and water safety skills from an early age.
Sustainability is central to our ethos, instilling a sense of environmental stewardship in students. Alongside outdoor initiatives, we embrace digital learning, equipping children with vital ICT skills. Coram House aims for excellence in academics and pastoral care, creating an environment where every child feels supported and valued. We empower pupils to discover their talents, build resilience and nurture a passion for caring for the environment.
In senior school, personalised education is key. Small class sizes allow teachers to give individual attention, recognising and celebrating each student's unique strengths. We provide a supportive learning environment where students can thrive. Our facilities include spacious science laboratories, exceptional art and drama spaces and a renowned music centre with eight Steinway pianos. Sports play a vital role, with facilities including a professional-level fitness suite, indoor swimming pool and tennis and squash courts. Our table tennis and football academies offer elite training and unparalleled development opportunities.
Ackworth School supports modern family life with a range of extracurricular activities and wraparound care services from 7.45am to 6pm, inclusive of meals, at no extra charge. Flexi-boarding options offer senior students the convenience of overnight stays, accommodating individual schedules and commitments. Our approach to boarding is dynamic and accommodating, understanding that every family's situation is unique. Boarding offers a conducive environment for study, social interaction, and the cultivation of independence, preparing students for university and beyond.
For adventure and personal development, our Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme offers students the chance to embark on self-discovery and outdoor exploration. From the bronze and silver awards in years 10 and 11 to the prestigious gold award in the sixth form, students develop essential life skills and make a positive impact on their communities.
Ackworth School is committed to nurturing future leaders, innovators and compassionate global citizens. By fostering a culture of creativity, responsibility and respect, we empower students to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and integrity. Upholding the timeless values of our Quaker traditions, we inspire excellence and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, cultivating not only bright minds but also compassionate and resilient individuals prepared to positively impact the world and be the best they can be. ...Read more
This is not currently a GSG-reviewed school.
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Other features
All-through school (for example 3-18 years). - An all-through school covers junior and senior education. It may start at 3 or 4, or later, and continue through to 16 or 18. Some all-through schools set exams at 11 or 13 that pupils must pass to move on.
International Study Centre - school has a linked, international study centre for overseas students wishing to improve their English.
Performing arts specialist school
Sports
Unusual sports
Overall school performance (for comparison or review only)
Results by exam and subject
Subject results
Entry/Exit
Special Education Needs
At Ackworth School, our dedicated Learning Support Department is there to help your child, whether they are identified with any special educational needs and/or disability (SEND) or just to go over a certain area of learning. It’s our aim to to ensure that all of our pupils have the maximum opportunity to achieve and succeed in line with their peers. Timetable-adjustments, in-class or out of class support, and exam arrangements can, and are, frequently made to support a level playing field. Sometimes pupils just need some short interventions to understand a part of a subject that they are finding difficult to master. Others may need a higher level of adjustment in order to support them, their broader learning aims and their preparation for life and work. The pupil is central to the whole process. We work within an 'assess, plan, do, review' cycle. Learning and support is not static; it is critical that we assess, deliver and reflect on the support provided along the journey so that we can tailor it as required. Understandably, support can increase or decrease, dependent on re-assessment outcomes and other factors that may play a part in decisions along the journey. An important part of the pupil’s journey may be adjustments to testing and examinations. Through the examination access arrangement process, a child may, following assessment, be granted extra time, a reader, scribe etc. While, through the assess, plan, do, review cycle, we will identify these needs throughout key stage 3, and discuss them with parents. We will assess at the end of 3rd form (year 9) to see if there is any continuing need for exam adjustments throughout a pupil’s GCSEs. Each child is unique and may require specific adjustments. The school also has a dedicated autism resource which provides education for 20 students taught individually and integrated as is appropriate to mainstream classes.
| Condition | Provision for in school |
|---|---|
| ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder | Y |
| HI - Hearing Impairment | |
| MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty | |
| MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment | |
| OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability | |
| PD - Physical Disability | |
| PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty | |
| SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health | Y |
| SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication | |
| SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty | |
| SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty | Y |
| VI - Visual Impairment |
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