Three historic schools converged on a 35-acre coastal site in Lancashire to create AKS Lytham. Arnold School, founded in 1896, merged with King Edward VII School (established 1908) and Queen Mary School (founded 1930) to form the current institution in 2012-2013. The result is a co-educational independent day school that marries deep institutional heritage with contemporary ambition. With roughly 800 pupils spanning nursery to sixth form, the school ranks 431st in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 10% of secondary schools. At A-level, the picture strengthens: 74% of grades achieved A*-B in 2024, positioning AKS among the higher-performing sixth forms in England (FindMySchool data). The campus itself dominates the Fylde coastline, with extensive playing fields, a floodlit all-weather pitch, and deliberate use of the neighbouring beaches for outdoor learning.
Once past the gates, you sense institutional solidity. The school has inherited the architectural character of the original King Edward VII and Queen Mary schools, with buildings that reflect their Edwardian origins, yet the campus feels thoughtfully integrated rather than fragmented. Teaching staff are spread across three distinct environments, nursery and prep occupy their own dedicated spaces, while the senior school and sixth form share facilities, yet the overarching culture remains cohesive.
David Harrow, who became Headmaster in 2019, joined from a deputy headship at Oakham School. He holds a Cambridge mathematics degree and has worked in independent education for over 25 years, including service as an ISI inspector. His leadership has coincided with notable stability; the school appears to have recovered well from its 2022 safeguarding compliance findings (which led to a Department of Education warning notice and action plan).
The school's membership in Round Square, a network of schools spanning 50 countries, reflects its commitment to broadened educational horizons. Pupils here are encouraged to engage with the Round Square IDEALS: International mindedness, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. This feels tangible rather than tokenistic; pupils speak naturally about Round Square trips, school council engagement, and charity partnerships.
In 2024, 48% of GCSE grades were 9-7, compared to the England average of 54%. While this places AKS slightly below the national benchmark, the broader context matters: the school achieved a combined rank of 245th in England for GCSE and A-level performance together (FindMySchool ranking). Attainment 8 scores indicate solid progress, and the school's Year 11 cohort entered a broad range of subjects across science, humanities, languages, and creative disciplines.
Demand for places remains steady, with applications outpacing offers at both Year 7 and Year 11 entry points, suggesting parental confidence in the school's provision.
The sixth form is where AKS's academic credentials shine most clearly. In 2024, 74% of A-level grades were A*-B, well above the England average of 47%. This represents strong and consistent outcomes, with particular strength in mathematics, sciences, and languages. The school ranks 243rd in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it in the top 10% of sixth forms.
University progression is strong: 95% of sixth form leavers progress to their first-choice university. In 2024, the cohort included one Oxbridge acceptance, and multiple students secured places at Russell Group institutions including Durham, Bristol, Exeter, and Edinburgh. For those pursuing medicine and dentistry, success has been notable; the school reports consistent placements at leading UK medical schools.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
74.15%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
48.37%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum spans traditional disciplines alongside contemporary subjects. Senior school pupils choose from art, biology, business studies, chemistry, computer science, design and technology, drama, English, geography, history, mathematics, modern languages (French, German, Spanish), music, physics, psychology, PE, religious studies, and sociology.
Teaching follows a structured approach. Subject specialists lead across all phases, with particular investment in music and languages from an early stage. Every child in Years 3-6 learns an instrument, a commitment that fosters discipline and cultural confidence. The school emphasises breadth before specialisation; even in the sixth form, students are encouraged to take subjects beyond their planned university discipline.
Staff turnover appears low, suggesting stability and institutional memory. Classroom observations from independent inspections have consistently noted well-paced lessons, secure subject knowledge, and strong pupil engagement.
Beyond university, destination data reveals a clear pipeline into professional pathways. The school notes that 95% of leavers achieve their first-choice university place, with particular strength in competitive courses. In recent years, students have progressed to medicine, law, engineering, sciences, humanities, and creative disciplines across the UK's leading universities.
The sixth form's pastoral and advisory systems place emphasis on realistic university planning, with careers guidance beginning in Year 9. University mentors and alumni networks provide ongoing support.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 11.1%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
Sport holds significant status at AKS Lytham. The school has a particularly strong reputation for rugby and hockey; historical links with Fylde Rugby Club underscore the rugby tradition, whilst hockey has been successful at national level. In the 2023-24 season, 26 students gained county honours for hockey, and 4 for under-18 rugby.
Facilities support this breadth. The 35-acre site includes dedicated playing fields, a floodlit all-weather hockey pitch (which doubles as tennis courts in summer), and access to the adjacent coastal environment for running and beach training. The school's Enhanced Sports Performance Programme (ESPP) provides structured support for talented athletes; several students represent GB and England across twelve sports.
For those less inclined toward elite competition, recreational sport is compulsory and includes football, cricket, tennis, athletics, and badminton. Teams tour internationally; recent tours have taken pupils to Europe and the Southern Hemisphere.
The school's music programme carries genuine distinction. Every pupil in the prep school learns an instrument by Year 4, creating a broad musical base. Senior school music groups include a chamber orchestra, string ensemble, wind band, and jazz ensemble. Choir options range from an open singers' group to select ensembles. School performances occur termly, with professional staging in dedicated drama facilities.
The ISI inspection in 2022 explicitly noted music as carrying "an international reputation." This reflects not just pupil achievement but the calibre of staff and the integration of music across school life. Peripatetic lessons in orchestral and jazz instruments are available, and the school hosts visits from the Lytham St Annes Classical Association, the largest branch of the Classical Association in England (itself founded by an AKS alumna).
Drama similarly punches above its weight. The school is described as having a drama studio with raked seating, which is presented as well‑equipped. Senior school productions are mounted to a notably high standard; recent productions have showcased complex texts and large casts. Year 11 pupils undertake LAMDA performance qualifications (both group and private options available), and Year 9 drama is embedded in the curriculum.
The quality reflects investment in staff expertise; drama teachers here hold strong performance credentials and bring industry-standard expectations to student work.
Academic enrichment clubs include debating, quiz, history, and science societies. The coding club and design & technology projects reflect the school's commitment to practical problem-solving. Computer science is offered at GCSE and A-level, with applications-focused teaching. The school notes particular success in enterprise competitions: AKS has topped the Tycoons Enterprise Competition national leaderboard for 9 consecutive years.
The CCF operates with strong participation. The school notes substantial numbers in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at bronze, silver, and gold levels; roughly 80% of pupils engage with the scheme at some point, with approximately 200 pupils active at any given time.
A house system structures pastoral care and community building. Students take on leadership roles through the school council and Round Square committees. Fundraising for designated charities happens throughout the year, alongside international development partnerships that encourage pupils to understand global contexts beyond their own.
Daily fees range from £40.50 (over 2s morning session) to £74.00 (baby room full day). The nursery participates in government-funded hours (Early Years Grant for 3-4 year olds, with additional voucher schemes available).
£4,416 per term (£13,248 annually, including VAT). Lunch is compulsory at £245 per term.
£6,248 per term (£18,744 annually, including VAT). Lunch is optional.
£6,248 per term (matching senior school fees).
Instrumental tuition (£220 per term for 10 lessons), LAMDA drama lessons (£125 group, £220 private), and school trips incur additional charges. The school's fee guide includes textbooks and stationery but excludes public examination fees and optional extras.
The school operates an Assisted Places scheme offering up to 85% fee reduction for qualifying families, alongside the Lytham Schools Foundation hardship grants. Clergy bursaries and sibling discounts (10%) are available. Scholarships (academic, art, drama, music, sport) carry up to 20% fee reduction and are merit-based, not income-dependent. Sixth form applicants may apply for financial support at Year 12 entry, though this is more limited than at Year 7.
Fees data coming soon.
The school admits at four main points: nursery (from age 3), Reception (age 4-5), Year 7 (age 11-12), and Year 12 (age 16-17). Admission at other points is possible, and the school welcomes enquiries throughout the year.
For Year 7 entry, external applicants register by the end of November in the preceding year. Assessment takes place in January and comprises an online test, a meeting with senior school staff, and interactive sessions designed to ease the transition and facilitate friendship-building. Scholarships are available in academic, art, drama, music, and sport; these are merit-based, valued up to 20% of annual fees, and assessed through school-based evaluation and track record.
Sixth form entry requires GCSE grades typically at grade 7 or above in intended A-level subjects, though individual cases are considered. External sixth form applicants similarly register by November and sit entrance assessments in January.
While specific admissions statistics for 2024-25 were not published in accessible form, the school reports consistent strong demand. The competitive nature of entry is transparent; the school encourages realistic self-assessment and provides honest guidance about realistic grade targets.
Pastoral structure centres on form groups and house systems. Year 7 pupils are assigned form tutors who provide continuity throughout their senior school years. The school actively works to identify pupils needing learning support within the first half term of entry, using information from feeder schools and parents.
Mental health support is available through the school's counselling service and peer support networks. Students report feeling comfortable approaching any trusted adult, not merely designated heads of year. The school takes wellbeing seriously, with structured staff training and accessible support pathways.
Senior school begins at 08:45 and finishes at 15:20 (standard day), with some lessons extending to 16:00.
Twilight club operates until 18:00 in the prep school (charged at £5.40 per session). Holiday club is available during main school holidays.
Contact the school directly for enquiries.
The school occupies a coastal 35-acre site on Clifton Drive South, Lytham St Annes, approximately 30 minutes from Preston and 45 minutes from Manchester by car.
Safeguarding compliance: The school faced safeguarding and compliance findings in its 2022 ISI inspection, resulting in a Department of Education warning notice. The school submitted an action plan addressing recruitment processes and record-keeping. Parents should be satisfied that procedures have been strengthened; the most recent 2025 inspection should provide updated assurance, though detailed findings were not yet available at review time.
Independent school status: Fees are non-negotiable and substantial. Whilst financial aid is available, families should carefully assess affordability before committing.
Coastal location: The school's location on the Fylde Coast offers environmental advantages but may feel remote for families in Preston or Manchester. Transport by car or school bus is essential.
Academic pace: The curriculum moves briskly, particularly from Year 7 onward. Pupils thriving on strong structure and clear expectations will feel at home; those requiring a more relaxed pace or requiring significant learning support should seek specialist provision elsewhere.
AKS Lytham successfully bridges its historic past and contemporary identity. The merger of three established schools created not a fractured amalgam but a genuinely integrated institution with clear values and consistent outcomes. Academic results are solid, with particular strength at A-level and strong university progression. The breadth of provision, from music and drama to sport, STEM, and service, reflects a commitment to education beyond narrow academic measurement.
The school suits families seeking a traditional, values-driven independent education in a coastal setting. It is best suited to academically capable pupils who thrive in structured environments and appreciate the opportunities afforded by a sizeable independent school. The relatively moderate fees (compared to many independent schools) combined with robust scholarship provision make it accessible to ambitious families beyond the wealthiest backgrounds.
The primary caveat concerns the recent safeguarding compliance findings. Parents should satisfy themselves that procedures have been genuinely strengthened and should monitor the school's compliance trajectory closely.
Yes. The school was rated Excellent across all areas in the 2022 ISI educational quality inspection. A-level results place it in the top 10% in England, with 74% of grades A*-B in 2024 and consistent university placement rates of 95% to first-choice institutions. However, the 2022 inspection identified safeguarding and compliance concerns, resulting in a Department of Education warning notice. The school submitted an action plan addressing these issues.
Senior school fees are £6,248 per term (£18,744 annually, including VAT) for 2025-26. Preparatory school fees are £4,416 per term (£13,248 annually). Lunch is compulsory in prep school but optional in senior school, adding roughly £245-290 per term. Nursery operates on a daily rate basis, from £40.50 per morning session to £74.00 per full day.
Year 7 entry is selective. External candidates register by end of November and sit entrance assessments (online test and interactive sessions) in January. The school reports consistent strong demand, suggesting entry is reasonably competitive, though less fiercely so than grammar schools or the most prestigious independent schools. Realistic GCSE performance at entry is important; many offer holders are in the top 20-30% of their primary cohort academically.
The school offers rugby, hockey, football, cricket, tennis, athletics, and badminton as main sports, with county representatives in hockey and rugby. Music includes orchestra, wind band, string ensemble, jazz band, and choirs. Drama is taught curricularly and in productions. Academic clubs include debating, quiz, history, science, and coding. Combined Cadet Force operates with strong participation, and 80% of pupils engage in Duke of Edinburgh Award (bronze, silver, gold levels).
In 2024, 74% of A-level grades were A*-B, well above the England average. The school ranks 243rd in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 10% of sixth forms. Leavers progress consistently to Russell Group universities; recent cohorts have included multiple Oxford, Cambridge, and London School of Economics acceptances.
Music carries an international reputation within the school's profile. Every child in prep school learns an instrument by Year 4. Senior school music groups include professional-standard ensembles (orchestra, bands, choirs). Peripatetic tuition is available in orchestral and jazz instruments. The school hosts the Lytham St Annes Classical Association, the largest branch in England. LAMDA performance qualifications are offered both group and privately.
Get in touch with the school directly
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