Ages 
Three historic schools became one in AKS and this new incarnation is going from strength to strength. Academic outcomes are good and on the up, the extracurricular offer is exciting and the community of pupils is strong, articulate and engaged with all the school has to offer. Membership of the Round Square network of schools with its emphasis on academic enquiry, inclusion and internationalism brings significant additional benefits. Parents we spoke to struggled to make any suggestions for improvement - high praise indeed.
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Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 456 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 99 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £18,744 pa
- Local authority
- Lancashire County Council
- Linked schools
- School ownership
- United Learning
Headteacher
Headmaster
Mr David Harrow
Since 2019, David Harrow. Originally from Hertfordshire he is state school educated followed by a degree in mathematics from St Catharine’s College, Cambridge. His teaching career before AKS was at Oakham School where he rose through the ranks to
Entrance
Almost all prep school pupils transfer to the senior school, with a further 50+ joining from predominantly local state primary schools. For external applicants, admission is by interview with a member of the senior leadership team and an online
- Open days
- October
Exit
Just under half depart post-GCSEs, due in part to the strength and breadth of sixth form college provision in the area and the relatively narrow academic curriculum on offer at AKS rather than any dissatisfaction with the school sixth form.
Most
Latest results
In 2025, 48 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 84 per cent 9-5 in maths and English. At A level, 45 per cent A*/A (65 per cent A*-B).
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Renewed and strong focus on teaching and learning with an encouraging emphasis on inquiry based and experiential learning in line with the Round Square ideals. It’s a fairly traditional curriculum without the breadth that larger schools are able to
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- BTEC
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
SENCO comes from a state school and local authority adviser background and has a postgraduate qualification in autism. At the time of our visit around 60 pupils across the school have identified needs ranging from dyslexia to visual and hearing
Arts & extracurricular
AKS may not have the all singing and dancing performing arts centres we see in wealthier schools, but the standard of work in music and drama is clearly exceptional. Facilities are good and include a well-equipped drama studio with raked seating and
Sport
AKS has a strong sporting reputation, especially for rugby (historic links with Fylde Rugby Club) and hockey. Facilities are pretty good and include playing fields, a floodlit hockey Astro which doubles as tennis courts in the summer, two four
Ethos & heritage
AKS was born from three schools: Arnold, King Edward and Queen Mary. King Edward and Queen Mary joined in 2002 to form KEQMS; a further merger with Arnold in 2013 created the current AKS Lytham. There is strong engagement with the history and ethos
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Pupils told us, 'There are heads of year but to be honest we'd feel safe to speak to pretty much any adult in school if we had a problem.' Full-time matron is on hand throughout the school day and on Saturdays. Her brief is wide, not just dealing
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review For pupils in years 7-11, phones should be switched off when pupils enter the school building and can be turned on again after they leave the school building. Mobile phones should be kept in pockets/bags until they leave the school buildings, should not be seen, heard or used unless permission is given, and they should not be used in the corridors at 4.00pm. Pupils should not be using phones in form time unless under direct supervision of a member of staff. The exception is for any pupils who are required to use their phones for medical reasons.
Pupils & parents
A lot of the pupils and parents we spoke to had links to the predecessor schools and there is a strong sense of heritage. Local state provision is in much bigger schools without sixth forms so there are also lots of first-time buyers to the
Money matters
Various different funds available from the assisted places scheme, clergy bursaries, sibling discounts, hardship bursaries and academic, art, drama, music and sports scholarships which offer up to 20 per cent reduction in fees. The school recognises
- Fee information
- £18,744 pa
The last word
Three historic schools became one in AKS and this new incarnation is going from strength to strength. Academic outcomes are good and on the up, the extracurricular offer is exciting and the community of pupils is strong, articulate and engaged with
