Founded in 1779 in the village of Ackworth (3 miles from Pontefract). It has an estate of some 250 acres, including a magnificent Grade I listed Georgian block, spacious gardens and playing fields. There are many modern facilities and new buildings including a sports hall, music centre and theatre. Through a school council and a sixth-form council, the pupils can make their views felt and there are strong bonds with the local community. It is a Quaker foundation and the Quaker Christian ethos, with its emphasis on quiet reflection and the search for God within oneself and within others, lies at the heart of the school. It was founded as a co-educational school; a family atmosphere prevails and this is much encouraged. Examination results are very good and almost all sixth formers go on to degree courses. A wide range of clubs and activities is offered and high standards are achieved in sport. Music and drama are particular strengths. There is very active involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Pupils: Total age range 2-18; 524 pupils, 430 day (204 boys, 226 girls), 94 boarding (48 boys, 46 girls). Junior department 2-11, 157 pupils (74 boys, 83 girls). Senior department 11-18, 367 pupils (178 boys, 189 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 11, 14 and 16. Own entrance exam; for sixth-form entry, at least 5 GCSEs (3 grade B including sixth-form subjects, and 2 grade C). Keen on pupils with wide-ranging interests.
Means-tested scholarships for academic, art, music, creative arts, boarding; some awarded at 11, some at 16. Some bursaries available. Parents expected to buy some textbooks in the sixth form; few other extras.
Head: Kathryn Bell, in post from 2009. Educated at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Hatcham Girl’s School and Exeter University (biology and geography; education). Previously Second Deputy and Head of Science at Ardingly and taught at Burgess Hill. Also member of the Institute of Biology, of the ASE and ASCL, Freeman both of City of London and of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers. Teaching staff: 37 full time, 8 part time, 14 music staff.
GCSE: On average, 60 pupils in fifth; 70% gain at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 15% in 5-7 subjects. A-levels: 41 in upper sixth, 60% passing in 4+ subjects, 38% in 2-3 subjects, with an average final point score of 459.
90% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (5% after a gap year). Typically, pupils go on to courses in science, engineering, maths, finance, social sciences, art, music, or vocational subjects eg physiotherapy, architecture, primary education. Others go on to employment, some overseas.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 18 subjects offered at AS/A-level. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level; in addition, most take general studies A-level. 35% take science A-levels; 49% arts/humanities; 16% both. Key skills not taught separately or certificated (except ICT) but covered on cross- and extra-curricular basis. Vocational: Work experience available for all Year 11. Special provision: Individual help (2 hours/week) available from specialist EFL teachers. Languages: French and German offered to GCSE and A-level; also Spanish GCSE. Regular visits to France and Germany. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Computers for pupil use, all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Up to 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Numerous musical groups including orchestra, choir, chamber choir, brass and concert bands, jazz and pop groups. Drama: Many pupils involved in school productions and house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 20 take GCSE, 5 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, fabric printing, photography also offered.
Sport: Football, hockey, netball, cricket, cross-country, rounders, swimming compulsory. Optional sports: badminton, squash, basketball etc. Number of county representatives in various sports. Activities: Duke of Edinburgh's Award very strong with pupils taking bronze, silver and gold awards (includes community service). Some 50 clubs, eg aeromodelling, aerobics, Amnesty, gymnastics, canoeing, fencing, tae-kwan-do, riding for the disabled etc.
Uniform: School uniform worn, adapted for sixth formers. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses (for sport, music and drama). No prefects, all sixth formers share duties. Head girl and boy, deputy heads, heads of boarding houses - all appointed by the Head and house staff after consultation with sixth formers. School council and sixth-form council. Religion: Religious worship is encouraged. All boarders attend Meeting for Worship in the manner of the Society of Friends. The school welcomes staff and pupils of other denominations and faiths and seeks to support their commitment. Social: Mencap swimming, local music society. Skiing and trips to cultural centres abroad; many sixth formers involved in challenging expeditions abroad (annual travel scholarships available). Day pupils bring cars with special permission. School shop.
Firm but friendly discipline; each case looked at on its own merits. Slack work or no homework would result in detention, misbehaviour at mealtime in clearing up afterwards. Alcohol and tobacco are not tolerated; anyone using drugs could expect expulsion. The aim is to encourage self-discipline, and to talk through a problem with a pupil and adults concerned.
Sixth formers in small bedrooms (some ensuite) and also have single/double studies. Single-sex houses, divided by age group. Qualified medical staff. Central dining rooms. Pupils can provide and cook own snacks. Weekend leave by arrangement with house staff. Visits to the local town allowed.
is run by Keith Daniel, General Secretary, Ackworth Old Scholars Association, c/o the school.
Richard Denby (former President, The Law Society); Basil Bunting (poet); John Bright (19th century politician); James Willstrop (World Champion squash player); Fiona Wood (Australian of the Year, 2005); numerous academics.
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