Ackworth School is one of just seven boarding schools in the UK guided by Quaker values. With a strong reputation for sport – especially football – and a warm, purposeful atmosphere, this is a school where students are encouraged to flourish, both on and off the field.
Founded in 1779 by the Society of Friends, Ackworth sits in rural West Yorkshire and champions respect, teamwork and self-discipline. The spacious campus has a calm and welcoming feel, and the school is deeply committed to supporting every pupil.
We’re especially impressed by Ackworth’s football academy, which is hugely popular among the students. Sport plays a major role across the school, with additional academies for squash and table tennis. Pupils can also take part in an impressive array of co-curricular clubs – from manga and journalism to nutrition, science fiction and Lego. There truly is something for everyone.
Akademis makes history – A Triple Award-Winning Consultancy (2023, 2024 & 2025) 🏆
Akademis has been recognised three years in a row by StudyTravel for excellence in the education sector:
2025 & 2024: Winners of the StudyTravel Secondary School Award (Best Western European Agency)
2023: Winner of the StudyTravel Star Award
(Best Western European Agency)
The StudyTravel Awards are among the most prestigious honours in international education, recognising outstanding quality, client focus and trusted partnerships. Being the first consultancy ever to win for three consecutive years is something we are deeply proud of. For us, these awards highlight our commitment to offering the very best guidance, personal service and long-term support for families embarking on this exciting journey.
Quick Overview
Age range: 450
Boarders: 66
Students in Sixth Form: 73
Average class size: 16
Internatsgebühren für die Boarding fees per term: £ 14.215
Key sports offerings besides the traditional team sports: football, table tennis, squash
Nearest airports: Leeds (50 minutes), Manchester (1.5 hours)
https://www.ackworthschool.com
Key strengths at a glance
own sports academies
“Steinway School” – top-quality concert pianos for young pianists
Notable alumni include a Nobel Prize winner and an Olympian
Oxbridge Pathways Programme
Ackworth School – Photo Highlights
Ackworth School in detail
Sport
Ackworth’s elite football academy trains boys at U19 and U16 level, as well as U16 girls. Students enjoy access to five pitches, an all-weather training surface, an indoor sports facility, a swimming pool, and a newly built fitness centre – providing the ideal setting for high-level coaching. Beyond football, the school also supports squash and table tennis to an exceptional level, and offers sports including netball, hockey, basketball, badminton, cricket and tennis. Inter-house futsal and athletics meets with other schools build team spirit and competitive confidence.
Community
Social responsibility is at the heart of Quaker values. At Ackworth, humility, honesty, equality, peace, kindness and sustainability are not just talked about – they’re lived. Students look out for one another, and newcomers are quickly made to feel part of the family. International students have been welcomed here since 1880, and today, pupils from over 20 different countries join a predominantly British student body. Weekends are lively, with trips to local attractions like Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park, as well as sports events, bowling tournaments and other community activities.
Academics
Ackworth promotes global awareness and a forward-thinking approach to teaching. Subjects like Economics, Psychology, Product Design, Business Studies and Drama are part of a broad and progressive curriculum. Learning is dynamic and enriched by trips, projects and interdisciplinary teaching – traditional lecture-style lessons are the exception here. In 2021, 57% of A-Level grades awarded were A* to B. The school also places a strong focus on personalised academic support. Whether a pupil is gifted or needs additional help, Ackworth ensures they receive what they need to thrive. A dedicated Oxbridge Pathways Programme is also in place to support university hopefuls aiming for the UK’s most competitive institutions.
The Creative Arts
Ackworth takes its music seriously. As a proud member of the prestigious Steinway Schools group, it gives aspiring pianists access to concert-standard grand pianos. But the department welcomes all musicians – from singers and violinists to saxophonists and guitarists. Pupils can join ensembles, choirs, and even clubs dedicated to music theory. In art and drama, students can explore directing, acting, costume design and more – both in timetabled lessons and after-school activities.
Ackworth School – Fees
Fees at Ackworth School are currently £14,215 per term, or £42,645 per year.
This ist Ackworth
Our Visit
Ackworth’s history is tangible. Before the school’s founding, the site was home to a hospital for foundlings – a place of care and refuge. That spirit of protection and compassion still lingers in the atmosphere today. We were particularly struck by the expanse of the campus and the characterful, inviting buildings.
Photos from our visit
What our clients say about us
Get a free consultation and find out more about Ackworth School
Conclusion
Ackworth School is an inspiring, well-rounded school offering a healthy mix of ambition and support in both sport and academics. With a warm, attentive staff body and a values-driven ethos, it’s a place where young people are encouraged to grow into confident, compassionate adults.
That said, Ackworth is far from the only UK boarding school with its own football academy and a strong focus on mutual respect and forward-thinking education.
If you’d like to learn more about Ackworth or compare it with similar schools, we would be delighted to help. Thanks to our long-standing relationships with admissions offices across the UK, we’re well placed to offer bespoke advice and guidance.
We’re confident – together we’ll find the right school for your child.
Visit our UK boarding schools page for:
- First-hand insights
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- Years of placement experience
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What Makes Akademis Stand Out?
- We remain your trusted contact throughout your child’s stay, well beyond the placement process.
- We provide support with guardianship, visa applications and recognition of qualifications within the German school system.
- We offer fully tailored advice. Our school recommendations are unique to each child and can run to 40 pages in length.
- Families receive our 30+ page boarding school guide, packed with practical tips and insights.
- We prepare your child thoroughly for entrance exams and interviews to maximise their chances of success.
- We arrange school visits, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience each school first-hand.
Every boarding school has its own character and ethos. Having personally visited more than 100 schools, we understand these nuances. We also work with schools that do not pay commission, ensuring that our advice remains independent and always in the best interest of your child.
Our roots lie in the UK. For years, we have placed 200–300 families annually into British boarding schools. While our portfolio now includes schools beyond Britain, the UK remains at the heart of what we do.
Our tailored approach results in exceptional acceptance rates. For example, in 2022/23, all seven students we placed at the highly selective Malvern College received offers – a 100% success rate.
We arrange for prospective families to speak with our current students to hear first-hand accounts of life at a UK boarding school.
