May I extend a very warm welcome to the website for Ackworth School. The information given on this site is a small snapshot into the life of a truly remarkable, happy, vibrant school. So much takes place daily that it is almost impossible to get a true flavour of the character and infectious quality of the school by simply reading about it. Therefore I do urge you to come and sample in person all that is on offer.

Entering the school immediately immerses you into an establishment where pupils are valued for who they are and for what they can give to the wider community. It is a happy, caring, friendly, supportive and non pretentious environment and is proactive in enabling every child to flourish, reach their full potential and overcome any difficulties they may have.

Ackworth has a widely accepted reputation for excellence in education. High standards are set academically, in sport, the arts and in the personal lives of every pupil and member of staff. It is a highly respected co-educational, day and boarding HMC School with a long and successful history dating back to 1779. It is a Quaker School and as such the Quaker foundation provides a rich historical tradition and a modern educational philosophy. Quakers believe that there is something of God in everyone. They recognise no barriers of ethnicity, class or gender. Simplicity, trust, equality, peace and sustainability are at the heart of the Quaker way of life. These principles make possible an education based on mutual respect and trust, and a belief that every member of the community is important, a trait which is so often lacking in modern society.

Indeed Ackworth School can be considered to be a true family in every way. The size of the school is such that it is large enough to provide a wealth of opportunities both academically and in the diverse co-curricular and extra curricular programme. However it is sufficiently small to ensure no pupil goes unnoticed. The support offered to pupils encourages them to look after each other, to listen to each other's needs and to look for the good in everyone. This moral and ethical framework provides a clear sense of values, allowing the school to respond together as a community encouraging self awareness and self worth. This results in pupils developing into thoughtful and successful adults who are team players with the life skills necessary to be successful in their life beyond school. They leave Ackworth with a sense of hope for the future, a positive outlook and a desire to go that extra mile.
I very much look forward to meeting you.

Best wishes
Kathryn Bell