In 1779, John Fothergill converted a former foundling hospital into a Quaker boarding school that remains one of England's seven Quaker schools to this day. Built on 81 acres of Yorkshire countryside between Pontefract and Doncaster, Ackworth spans ages 2.5 through 19 as a non-selective, mixed co-educational institution. One-quarter of the senior school board as full or flexible boarders, with nearly half coming from overseas, creating an international dimension that distinguishes the school throughout its academic and community life. The most recent ISI inspection (February 2023) rated Ackworth as excellent across all areas, and it remains an All-Steinway school with eight Steinway pianos since joining that elite group in 2019. With a consistent commitment to Quaker values of simplicity, equality, truth and peace, the school serves families seeking progressive education alongside traditional boarding and day provision.
Ackworth operates as an integrated all-through school, meaning children can remain from nursery through sixth form, creating exceptional continuity and deep community bonds. Pupils address staff by first name and gather weekly for formal Meeting for Worship, a silent gathering that shapes the reflective character of school life. Brief moments of Quaker silence precede assembly and meals daily. The school's four houses — Penn, Gurney, Woolman and Fothergill — are named after celebrated Quakers and organise inter-house competitions spanning sport, music, drama and art. Mealtimes and community events happen by house, fostering strong identity and friendships.
Head of school Martyn Beer arrived in April 2024, bringing fresh energy to an institution whose Quaker ethos remains genuine throughout daily practice. Though most pupils and staff come from non-Quaker families, the values framework remains authentic: quiet reflection, the search for truth and good within oneself, and genuine care for community. Annual traditions cement this identity. Founder's Day (18 October) gathers the entire school for the Founder's Day Hymn before year-group walks. Charity Week in October features staff and sixth form entertainment, cake stalls, auctions, doughnuts sales and — memorably — sixth formers in stocks while younger pupils pay to throw water.
The school occupies historic buildings dating to 1757, when the site opened as London's foundling hospital. The architecture retains period character, expanded thoughtfully over centuries. Grounds stretch to 81 hectares with mature trees, a Great Garden and the striking 1858 swimming pool with uniquely rounded corners, still in daily use.
Ackworth does not participate in national league tables by design. As an independent school, it does not sit Key Stage 2 SATs. Results data is limited and not uniformly published across the independent sector. However, the ISI inspection of February 2023 confirmed that all pupils — including those with SEND and English as additional language — make rapid progress in learning throughout the school.
The school's GCSE ranking stands at 3,238th in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the lower-performing tier nationally (below average). This reflects a cohort with diverse academic starting points and a non-selective admissions policy. The attainment score of 41.3 (compared to the England average of 45.9) indicates that, on aggregate, students achieve grades below the England norm. However, the school emphasises individual progress and celebrates achievements across the full spectrum, including those taking alternative qualifications.
At A-level, 32% of grades were A*-B, compared to the England average of 47%. The school ranks 1,995th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This reflects a sixth form that accepts students across the ability range rather than selecting for prior achievement alone. Notably, one student secured an Oxbridge place in 2024, with applications running at approximately six per year to Oxford and Cambridge combined.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
32.14%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Class sizes remain intimate throughout. Senior years typically feature no more than 15 pupils per set, allowing teachers to provide individualised attention and feedback. The curriculum is traditional and broad, with compulsory English, English Literature, Mathematics and dual or triple science at GCSE, plus personal and social education and physical education. Students select four option subjects from a wide range including humanities, languages, creative arts and vocational courses.
Teaching staff bring specialist subject knowledge and enthusiasm. The school emphasises small-group interaction and encourages pupils to express themselves without fear of ridicule. Learning support is available through three tiers, from supervised homework support through to one-to-one academic intervention in mainstream lessons. The school's Autism Resource provides dedicated provision with one-to-one support and tailored inclusion activities for those needing specialist attention.
The International Study Centre serves students from overseas, delivering intensive English preparation for A-levels and the Cambridge English exam suite (KET/PET/FCE/IELTS). Pre-A-Level courses combine academic English with essay-writing, research and presentation skills, preparing international students for sixth form rigour.
In 2024, the sixth form cohort of 32 pupils dispersed as follows: 25% progressed to university, 3% to apprenticeships, 9% to employment. A further cohort pursued other pathways, reflecting the school's diverse post-16 offers including vocational qualifications and specialist routes. The International Study Centre pathway helps overseas students transition to UK degrees or return home with advanced qualifications.
For school-leavers at age 16, families within the catchment often move to local sixth form colleges, independent senior schools, or grammar schools depending on selective entrance outcomes. The school offers guidance on post-16 options, though the majority of Year 11 pupils do remain into Ackworth's own sixth form, ensuring community continuity.
Oxbridge applications remain limited in number (six combined applications in 2024, one acceptance at Cambridge), reflecting the school's broad admissions policy and student population not traditionally entering highly selective universities. However, an Oxbridge Programme within the sixth form supports motivated candidates through additional supervision and preparation. The school offers UCAS guidance and university entrance mentoring as standard.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 16.7%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
Ackworth offers over 50 clubs and societies spanning academics, sports, creative arts and personal development. The following represent the most active and distinctive offerings:
Music holds special significance, underpinned by the 1995 music facility featuring a 180-seat recital hall, 14 practice rooms, music library and recording studio. As an All-Steinway school, the eight Steinway pianos anchor classical training. Ensembles include Chamber Choir, Choir, Orchestra, String Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, and Percussion Club, with annual Steinway Showcases spotlighting student achievement. Recorder Club and Guitar Club serve younger musicians, while Music Theory deepens understanding. School productions combine drama rehearsals with full orchestral accompaniment, creating large-scale musical theatre experiences.
School productions happen termly across multiple venues, with all-school participation encouraged. Drama Club meets regularly; Costume Club handles production design. Historical Literature and Film Society and Sci-Fi Film Club provide discussion and critique forums. The Drama Rehearsals for school productions draw cast and crew from across all year groups.
Three formal academies provide elite training pathways: Football Academy (opening Paris Saint-Germain Academy England partnership from September 2026), Table Tennis Academy and Hockey Academy. Coaching is provided by top-level specialists, with participants regularly competing at county and national levels. General sports clubs include Circuit Training, Indoor Climbing, Park Run and Running Club. Facilities include a newly built professional-level fitness suite, the 1858 heated indoor swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, and an athletics field with cross-country courses.
Science Club, Electronics & Computing, Design & Build Club and IT Club serve STEM interests. Medical Society provides structure for pupils exploring healthcare careers. Maths Workshop and Geography GCSE & A-Level Drop-In offer subject-specific support. Journalism (Year 9 upwards) trains student reporters and photographers, with outputs featured in school publications.
Art Club and GCSE Art Club, alongside the school's exceptional art facilities, support visual creativity. Gardening Club, Crochet Club, Sewing & Knitting, Cook Club and Food Club (GCSE) offer practical skills. Lego and Model Railway clubs appeal to hands-on learners. Design Technology drop-ins and coursework support underpin practical design.
Debating Club, Philosophy Club (upper sixth), Classics Club, French Club and Spanish Club foster intellectual engagement and language fluency. Book Club, European Cinema and Natural History appeal to curious minds. Current Affairs develops awareness of global events. Young Consumer Competition engages entrepreneurial thinking. Duke of Edinburgh runs to Gold level (Bronze and Silver in Years 10-11, Gold in sixth form), with participants undertaking expeditions and skill-building. PeaceJam, a student-led social justice initiative, aligns with Quaker values of peace and service. Fothergill Society creates named community and historical connection.
Weekends for boarders include structured activities, guest speakers, workshops and off-campus excursions, ensuring the boarding experience extends well beyond academic hours. Day pupils access after-school clubs and societies from lunchtime through evening.
Day fees include tuition, lunch, stationery, textbooks and personal accident cover. Boarding fees include all of the above plus accommodation and meals. All families may access breakfast and evening meal at no additional charge.
The school offers means-tested bursaries to Quaker and non-Quaker families, recognizing its founding commitment to educate children "not in affluence." Merit-based scholarships are available in academic, music, art, drama and sports, typically covering 10-25% of fees. Additional awards recognise GCSE and A-level excellence post-results.
Wrap-around care (before and after school) is available from 7.45am–6.00pm at no additional cost, with breakfast, tea and supervised activities included.
Fees data coming soon.
Ackworth operates on non-selective basis at all entry points. Entry to Reception, Year 7 and Year 10 (GCSE) can occur, though the vast majority progress internally. Year 12 (sixth form) admits external applicants alongside internal progressors. Each child is considered individually; the school accepts applications throughout the year where capacity permits. Registration fee stands at £75, with a £500 acceptance fee securing the place.
International students are actively recruited and supported through the International Study Centre. The school offers flexible boarding (Mon-Thu at £60 per night, Fri-Sun at £138 per night), weekly boarding (Sun-Fri) and full-time boarding (£14,854 per term) to accommodate family circumstances.
Open mornings, taster days and bespoke personal visits are offered regularly. Parents should contact admissions at 01977 233621 or admissions@ackworthschool.com to arrange visits and discuss fit.
The school invests equal time in emotional and academic development. Boarding pupils (whether full-time, weekly or flexi) live in an amalgamated boarding house within the main school building, staffed by trained pastoral team providing 24/7 support. Housemasters and matrons know boarders intimately; boarders share bedrooms with one or two peers and enjoy common rooms for socialising, games and relaxation.
Sixth form pupils receive a dedicated tutor who acts as academic and personal mentor throughout the two-year programme, providing crucial UCAS guidance and wellbeing check-ins. All pupils benefit from small tutor groups ensuring close pastoral relationships.
Behaviour is managed within a framework rooted in Quaker values of respect and honesty. The school cultivates self-discipline and mutual support among peers. Younger students benefit from mentoring by senior pupils, reinforcing community care.
Counselling support is available on request, and the school has a Learning Support department with specialist staff trained in SEND and English as additional language. The dedicated Autism Resource offers one-to-one provision and supported inclusion for pupils with autism and sensory/cognitive differences.
8:40am–4:00pm (Senior). Wrap-around care available from 7:30am–8:00pm.
The school does not operate a bus service but provides information on public transport links. Pontefract is accessible via rail from Leeds (25 minutes), Manchester and other major cities. Car parking is available on the 81-acre campus. The school arranges airport collections for boarding students.
Non-selective admissions and mixed-ability cohort. The school deliberately accepts pupils across the ability range without entrance examination or prior attainment threshold. This creates diverse peer groups and genuinely inclusive community, but also means that GCSE and A-level outcomes sit below England average. Families expecting top-tier exam results should evaluate honestly whether this school's values and approach align with their priorities. Progress measures and pastoral care are strong, but academic ranking is not the primary metric.
Boarding is a genuine choice, not a default. About one-quarter of the senior school boards; the majority are day pupils. The school works flexibly with families who want occasional boarding rather than full-time. However, the boarding house culture is central to school identity. Families choosing purely day provision should understand that boarders shape the daily rhythm and community experience.
Quaker ethos is genuine and pervasive. Silent worship weekly, Quaker values woven throughout curriculum and behaviour expectations, and the emphasis on reflection and inner truth are not superficial. Families uncomfortable with or indifferent to Quaker spirituality may feel the emphasis feels out of step, even if their child is not Quaker. Conversely, families drawn to this ethos will find it authentically lived.
International dimension may create cultural adjustment. With over 25 nationalities boarding and a dedicated international study centre, the school has significant EAL and cultural diversity. This enriches experience but also means that some lessons include mixed-language discussion, and pastoral care must accommodate homesickness and cultural difference. Families seeking a traditional English boarding school monoculture should look elsewhere.
Ackworth School offers something increasingly rare: a genuinely Quaker education, combining progressive values (non-selective, mixed-ability, inclusive), traditional academic structure (GCSEs, A-levels) and authentic boarding community. The ISI excellent rating confirms strong teaching and pastoral support, and the school's 245-year history carries weight. Fees are moderate compared to many independent boarding schools, and bursary support is real. The 81-acre campus and integrated structure from nursery to sixth form allow children remarkable continuity.
This school best suits families who value Quaker principles, appreciate inclusive rather than selective education, and seek a boarding experience rooted in community and service rather than pure academic prestige. It works well for international families, families wanting flexi-boarding alongside day provision, and families comfortable with GCSE/A-level results sitting below England average whilst prioritising pastoral care and personal development. Not ideal for families seeking selective peer groups, top-tier exam rankings or secular school culture.
Yes. The ISI inspection of February 2023 rated Ackworth Excellent across all areas. All pupils, including those with SEND and EAL, make rapid progress in their learning. The school maintains an All-Steinway designation, operates a non-selective admissions policy welcoming diverse learners, and provides strong pastoral support through small class sizes and integrated all-through structure. GCSE and A-level results sit below England average nationally, but the school prioritises personal progress over exam rankings.
From September 2025, day fees range from £13,920 per year (Reception) to £21,817 per year (Years 7-13). Full-time boarding fees are £44,562 per year for Years 7-13. Day fees include tuition, lunch, stationery and textbooks; boarders additionally receive accommodation and meals. Breakfast and evening meal are available to all families at no extra charge. Wrap-around care (7:30am–8:00pm) is complimentary. Means-tested bursaries and merit-based scholarships are available.
Ackworth is non-selective, accepting pupils across the ability range without entrance examinations. Applications are welcomed at Reception, Year 7, Year 10 (GCSE) and Year 12 (sixth form), with the majority progressing internally. A £75 registration fee and £500 acceptance fee apply. International students receive dedicated support through the International Study Centre and flexible boarding arrangements. For more information, contact admissions@ackworthschool.com or 01977 233621.
The school operates three sports academies (Football, Table Tennis, Hockey) with elite-level coaching. Facilities include a professional fitness suite, 1858 indoor heated swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, athletics field and cross-country courses. Recreational clubs span climbing, running, circuit training and more. All pupils access the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme (Bronze/Silver in Years 10-11, Gold in sixth form).
Music is a defining strength. The school became an All-Steinway institution in 2019 and houses eight Steinway pianos in a dedicated 1995 music facility featuring a 180-seat recital hall, 14 practice rooms, music library and recording studio. Ensembles include Chamber Choir, Choir, Orchestra, String Ensemble, Wind Ensemble and Percussion Club. School productions integrate full orchestral accompaniment, creating immersive musical theatre experiences.
Yes. Approximately one-quarter of the senior school boards in an amalgamated boarding house within the main school building. Full-time boarding (£14,854 per term) is available for Years 7-13. Weekly boarding (Sun-Fri) and flexi-boarding (Mon-Thu at £60/night; Fri-Sun at £138/night) accommodate families needing flexibility. Day pupils can occasionally use flexi-boarding for exam preparation or social engagement. Boarders benefit from 24/7 pastoral support and weekend activities programmes. Over half of boarders are international, with boarding staff trained to support EAL students and managing cultural transition.
Ackworth was founded in 1779 by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and retains authentic Quaker practice. Weekly Meeting for Worship (silent gathering) and brief moments of Quaker silence before assembly and meals shape daily rhythms. The five core Quaker values — Peace, Equality, Simplicity, Truth and Sustainability — are woven throughout curriculum and pastoral practice. While most pupils and staff are non-Quaker, the ethos remains genuine: emphasis on inner reflection, search for good within oneself and others, and commitment to community service and social justice. Families valuing these principles will find authentic alignment.
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