Ackworth School
Other, Founded 1779
Updated July 2026
Ackworth School is a co-educational, independent boarding and day school for pupils aged two-and-a-half to nineteen, located in a rural setting in Yorkshire. It provides a holistic, inclusive Quaker education that balances academic excellence with personal and emotional development.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
Founded in 1779, the school is underpinned by Quaker values, including simplicity, truth, equality, community, peace, respect, and sustainability. The ethos emphasizes quiet reflection, with daily periods of silence and a weekly Meeting for Worship, fostering a calm, inclusive, and supportive environment. The school aims to nurture resilient, creative, and ethical individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to the wider world.
Programmes
The school offers a continuous educational journey from nursery through to the sixth form. The academic programme includes a Pre A-Level course for international students and an Oxbridge programme for sixth formers. The curriculum is designed to foster intellectual curiosity, supported by small class sizes and personalised attention.
Outcomes
The school reports strong academic performance and celebrates the achievements of its students in GCSE results. Recent graduates have progressed into professional sports pathways, including signings with clubs such as Chelsea, Sheffield Wednesday, and Málaga CF. The school was confirmed to be meeting all required standards in its March 2026 Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides tiered learning support, ranging from supervised group support to bespoke 1:1 academic intervention. It also offers a dedicated Autism Resource and a programme known as 'The Bridge'. Support is tailored to individual needs, with staff available to assist with coursework and revision.
Frequently asked questions(5)
- How much is tuition at Ackworth School?
- Annual tuition at Ackworth School is £13.9K–£73.2K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Ackworth School teach?
- Ackworth School enrolls students aged 2 to 19.
- Is Ackworth School a day or boarding school?
- Ackworth School is a day and boarding school.
- Is Ackworth School co-educational?
- Ackworth School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Ackworth School located?
- Ackworth School is an international school in Leeds, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026/27| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery (Full Day) | 2–4 | — |
| Reception | 4–5 | £13.9K |
| Years 1 to 2 | 5–7 | £14.8K |
| Years 3 to 4 | 7–9 | £15.2K |
| Years 5 to 6 | 9–11 | £15.8K |
| Years 7 to 11 (Day) | 11–16 | £21.8K |
| Years 7 to 11 (Full Boarding) | 11–16 | £37.5K |
| Years 7 to 11 (Weekly Boarding) | 11–16 | £32K |
| Sixth Form (Day) | 16–19 | £21.8K |
| Sixth Form (Full Boarding) | 16–19 | £37.5K |
| Sixth Form (Weekly Boarding) | 16–19 | £32K |
| Pre A-Level (Day) | 15–17 | £23.3K |
| Pre A-Level (Boarding) | 15–17 | £39K |
| The Bridge | — | £45.5K |
| Autism Resource | — | £73.2K |
Other fees(6)
| Registration fee· Registration Fee for Day and Boarding pupils | £75 |
|---|---|
| Enrolment fee· Acceptance Fee for Day (Reception to Y13) and Boarding pupils | £500 |
| Deposit· Deposit for UK/EU Boarding (credited to final account) | £600 |
| Deposit· Deposit for Rest of World Boarding (credited to final account) | £5K |
| EALterm· English as an Additional Language (EAL) fee per term | £500 |
| Mealssession· Nursery meal charge per session when funded hours are used (up to £6 per day) | £3 |
Admissions
The school accepts applications for students from nursery through to the sixth form. Prospective families are encouraged to arrange a bespoke visit, and the admissions process involves a registration fee and an acceptance fee, with additional deposits required for boarding places. International students requiring sponsorship for a study visa are subject to a compliance management fee.
Calendar
The school operates on a termly basis, with fees invoiced termly. The academic year typically begins in September, and the school hosts events such as the Old Scholars’ Easter Gathering. Boarding provision includes a weekend programme, and the school offers holiday camps, such as the PSG Academy England camp held in August.
Facilities
About the campus
Located in a rural setting in Yorkshire, the campus includes extensive sports, music, drama, and visual arts facilities. The school has recently completed a major refurbishment programme across its boarding provision. Students have access to a 360° tour of the campus, which highlights various interactive hotspots and key locations.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and various school trips. Sports provision is extensive, featuring dedicated academies for football, hockey, and table tennis, with the football programme delivered in partnership with PSG Academy England. Additionally, the school provides opportunities in music, drama, and visual arts.
Martyn BeerHeadMartyn Beer is the Head of Ackworth School. He holds a BA (Hons) from Loughborough University and a PGCE from the University of York.
Elizabeth BoweyDeputy Head (Curriculum)Elizabeth Bowey serves as the Deputy Head (Curriculum).
Tom NorrisDeputy Head (Pastoral and Boarding)Tom Norris is the Deputy Head (Pastoral and Boarding).
Amanda McShaneHead of Coram HouseAmanda McShane is the Head of Coram House.
James BussonDirector of Marketing, Admissions and CommunicationsJames Busson is the Director of Marketing, Admissions and Communications and holds a BA (Hons) from Chichester.
James BowerAssistant Head (Director of Sixth Form and Co-Curriculum)James Bower is the Assistant Head (Director of Sixth Form and Co-Curriculum). He holds a BA (Hons) with QTS from Leeds Beckett University.