Ackworth School
Ackworth School is a girls boarding and day school in West, Yorkshire, educating pupils aged 2 - 18 and founded in 1779. Boarding fees are £14,854 - £14,854 per term. Our advice on this school is independent and free.
- Type
- Girls boarding & day
- Boarders from
- 11 - 18
- Ethos
- Quaker
- Guardian required
- Yes
About Ackworth
The story, ethos and character of Ackworth.
- Setting
- Village
- Ethos
- Quaker
- Head
- Mr Martyn Beer
Ackworth School is steeped in history, and offers a traditional British education with a firm focus on preparation for a modern future. Our school is over 240 years old, brimming with history and stories. Yet, we are also 240 years young; full of vigour and optimism, much like the children who live and study here.
We are proud of our traditions and family values, but equally proud of our innovative approach to co-education, given we are the oldest co-educational boarding school in the country. At Ackworth, we strive to develop resilient individuals who not only think creatively, but also act ethically and with responsibility.
We encourage our students to express themselves with confidence, to embody the Quaker value of respecting others, but also in a way that is true to themselves and their beliefs.
Oldest co-ed boarding school in the UK School history Ackworth School was founded in 1779 by John Fothergill on behalf of The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and the School Committee (or Board of Governors) is still accountable to this body.
The School was established for Quaker boys and girls and the Quaker Christian ethos, with its emphasis on quiet reflection and the for God within oneself and within others, lies at the heart of the School. Periods of reflective silence form part of each day, during Morning Meeting and before meals for example, and each Thursday there is a short silent Meeting for Worship for the whole School.
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Academics at Ackworth
What pupils study at Ackworth — and where it takes them.
This section provides information on: The curriculum, performing and creative arts, English as an additional , and special educational needs (SEN). About the curriculum First-class teaching is at the heart of any good school and Ackworth benefits greatly from the quality and experience of its teaching staff.
Our aim is to provide a broad and balanced curriculum based on the National Curriculum but taking advantage of the flexibility we enjoy as an independent school. We encourage students to make curriculum choices which suit them best and much advice and guidance is on offer to help them to do this.
Programmes offered
Subjects offered
Where our leavers go
2025 Leavers University Destinations Brevard College, US Business and Technology University, Tbilisi, Georgia - Business Administration (Finance)Durham University - Combined Honours in Social Sciences Goldsmiths, University of London - Media and Communications (Foundation Year)King's College London - Politics London Metropolitan University - Business Management and Marketing Loughborough University - Economics Manchester Metropolitan University - Banking and Finance Newcastle University - Pharmacy Ravensbourne University - Graphic Design Royal Holloway, University of London - Law University of Cambridge - Music University of Chichester - Acting for Film University of East London - port and Exercise Science University of Huddersfield - Pharmacy University of Leicester - Accounting and Finance University of Leicester - Physiotherapy University of Manchester - Medicine University of Plymouth - Maritime Business University of Warwick - Physics with Astrophysics University of York - Biomedical Science University of York - Computer Science University of York - International Human Rights Law University of York - Sociology with Social Psychology Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ukraine - Design York St John University - Law York St John University - Marketing with Placement Year York St John University - Psychology with Counselling (Foundation Year)
Figures are indicative — contact us for the latest results.
Boarding at Ackworth
Day-to-day boarding life and pastoral care at Ackworth.
- Boarding houses
- Girls 0, Boys 0, Mixed 1
- Exeat weekends
- No
- Guardian required
- Yes
- Saturday lessons
- No
Welcome to Boarding at Ackworth School Since its foundation in 1779, Ackworth has always been a mixed boarding school and currently about one-third of the Senior School boards. We have one boarding house with boys and girls living together - with separate sleeping areas of course!
Our main aim is to provide a 'home from home' - a where boarders can relax, feel safe, enjoy each other's company, or at times find a quiet to wind down or work, and somewhere where they can find and help if they have any concerns or worries.
A genuine home away from home
View our accommodation: https://www. ackworthschool. com/boarding/accommodation/ Ackworth School has two boarding houses - Girls' School House and Boys' School House. The main aim of both of the houses is to provide a 'home from home'. Both 'houses' are located in the main school building which therefore provides a safe and secure environment whilst also giving easy access to all facilities including the dining rooms and classrooms.
All doors to the boarding houses are secured by key pad locks so restricting access only to residents. There are common rooms within each house and also shared common rooms so that students from both can relax together after school and after prep.
We can arrange trusted UK guardianship for international families.
Ackworth admissions
How children join Ackworth, and how we make it simple.
Tell us about your child
Share their age, interests and what you're looking for. Our advice is completely free.
We shortlist & introduce
We match you to the right schools and make the introductions to their admissions teams.
Assessment, offer & enrolment
We guide you through entrance assessments and interviews, and handle visas and guardianship if needed.
What you'll typically need
- Recent school reports or transcript
- Passport copy
- English-language evidence (if applicable)
- Completed registration form
- A reference from the current school
Our In-Term Programme is very popular with International students seeking a short-stay experience, or wanting a taster time before committing to full time enrolment. Entry to the In-Term programme is dependant upon vacancies in the appropriate year and Boarding House Special notes to agents about entry to the school We promise you a prompt an speedy service, 365 days a year.
Last year we received and processed an enquiry on Christmas Eve! Each candidate is considered individually and we are flexible with regard to the courses we offer - the students' needs are paramount and hybrid courses are often put together for a particular student following consultation with you, the agent, the student and their parents/guardian.
As your advisors we manage the application end-to-end at no cost.
Ackworth fees & funding
What Ackworth costs, what's included, and how we help with funding.
What termly boarding fees include
- Tuition
- Boarding accommodation
- All meals
- Pastoral & house care
- Most academic materials
Funding & scholarships
Registration deposits, EAL tuition, uniform and trips are usually charged separately. Many schools offer academic, sport, music and art scholarships plus means-tested bursaries — ask us and we'll send a full, current breakdown for Ackworth.
Fees change year to year and by entry point. As your independent advisors we hold up-to-date figures and can compare Ackworth against similar schools so you know exactly what to budget.
Figures shown are the latest we hold — we'll confirm current fees on enquiry.
Ackworth location & travel
Where Ackworth is, and how to get there.
Travel details Address Ackworth, Pontefract Road, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF7 7LT, England Airport transfer We can arrange transfers to and from the airport via our travel office. Travel time to London by train Less than 2 hours Telephone +44 (0)1977 233621 Website https://www.
ackworthschool. com/ Most convenient airports Airport Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. Leeds Bradford 32 45 2. Manchester 53 80 Most convenient train stations Station Distance (miles) Drive time (minutes) 1. Wakefield Westgate 8 15 2.
Ackworth — frequently asked questions
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