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Ackworth School 阿克沃斯中学, Ackworth, Pontefract,
West Yorkshire WF7 7LT
Website: www.ackworth.w-yorks.sch.uk
• CO-ED, 4–18, Day and Boarding,
• Pupils 540, Upper sixth 44
• Termly fees £1720–£2971 (Day), £5093 (Boarding)
• HMC, SHMIS, BSA, Quaker
• Enquiries/application to the Head

What it’s like
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 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 is a particular strength. There is very active involvement in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

School profile

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Total age range 4–18; 540 pupils, 447 day (224 boys, 223 girls), 93 boarding (47 boys, 46 girls). Senior department 11–18, 371 pupils (188 boys, 183 girls).
Entrance: Main entry ages 4, 11, 14 and 16. Own entrance exam; for sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (usually grade B in A-level subjects). Keen on pupils with wide-ranging interests. 60% of new senior intake from state schools (plus few to sixth form). A number from own junior department (enquiries to the Headmistress, Coram House, Ackworth School, same address).

Scholarships, bursaries & extras 14 pa scholarships, value 10%–50% day fees: approx 8 academic, 3 art, 3 music (6 at 11, 2 at 13, 6 at 16). Some bursaries available. Parents expected to buy some textbooks in the sixth form; few other extras.

Head & staff
Head: Martin Dickinson, in post since 1995. Educated in York and at Cambridge University (history). Previously Acting Head of Hinchingbrooke School, Huntingdon.
Teaching staff: 37 full time, 8 part time, 14 music staff. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 40.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 70 pupils in fifth; 90% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 5% in 5–7 subjects. Average GCSE score 56 (55 over 5 years).
A-levels: 37 in upper sixth: 54% passed in 4+ subjects; 46% in 2–3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 281.

University & college entrance 95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (17% after a gap year). Typically, 5% take courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 25% in science & engineering, 10% in law, 33% in humanities & social sciences, 10% in art & design, 10% in vocational subjects eg physiotherapy, architecture. Others go on to employment, some overseas.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 17 subjects offered at AS/A-level.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level (5 if including further maths), 3 at A-level; in addition, most take general studies AS and A-level. 35% take science A-levels; 49% arts/humanities; 16% both. Key skills not taught separately or certificated (except ICT); covered on cross- and extra-curricular basis.
Vocational: Work experience available for all Year 11.
Special provision: Individual help (1 hour/week) available from specialist EFL teachers.
Languages: French and German offered to GCSE and A-level. Regular visits to France and Germany.
ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject (1 lesson/week in Years 7–9) and across the curriculum. 45 computers for pupil use (8 hours a day), all networked and with e-mail and internet access. Most pupils take Cambridge IT Modular Certificates.

The arts
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 & design: On average, 30 take GCSE, 6 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, fabric printing, photography also offered.

Sport & activities
Sport: Football, hockey, netball, cricket, cross-country, rounders, swimming compulsory. Optional sports: badminton, squash, basketball etc. Number of county representatives in various sports.
Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (includes community service); D of E very strong with 15–20 doing gold annually, usually 40 bronze. Some 50 clubs, eg aeromodelling, aerobics, Amnesty, gymnastics, canoeing, beekeeping, fencing, tae-kwan-do, riding for the disabled etc.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn, adapted for sixth formers.
Houses & 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; annual travel scholarships for sixth formers, many of whom are involved in challenging expeditions abroad. Day pupils bring cars with special permission. School shop.

Discipline 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 to be expelled. The aim is to encourage self-discipline, and to ‘talk through’ a problem with a pupil and concerned adults.

Boarding Sixth formers in small bedrooms (some en-suite) 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.

Alumni association is run by John Banks, The General Secretary, Ackworth Old Scholars Association, Carpendale, 42 Pinkneys Drive, Pinkneys Green, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 6QE.

Former pupils Richard Denby (former President, The Law Society); Basil Bunting (poet); John Bright (19^th century politician); James Willstrop (World Champion squash player); numerous academics.