All-round care for an allthrough school

In April I will have been at the school for a year, and as I reflect on what progress we have made, many things come to mind. Upon arriving I took time to watch, listen and learn. Ackworth is a special place, with unique qualities, doubtless due to our Quaker ethos and holistic approach.

In this year, pastoral support has been strengthened through engaging counsellors and our Deputy Safeguarding Lead, Hannah Ellis, who does a stellar job, alongside the PALs (Heads of Year), nurse, boarding staff and tutors, at wrapping care around any child in need.

As an ‘all-through school’ we value the input, communication and sharing of best practice across the school phases. Our Upper Sixth Form pupils have recently completed their applications to universities both in the UK and internationally. Daniel Jones, Head of Sixth Form, and his team have ensured pupils have had personal support to maximise pupils’ chances at securing a place at their first choice university we wish the luck. Another aspect of the school that is unique is our Autism Resource, which recently passed inspection with ying colours, under the leadership of Lynne Ward and her dedicated team. We are one school with different phases working together harmoniously. EDI (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) is a national focus, and it is warming to see our pupils naturally and instinctively embrace these concepts. The process of transition from Coram to Senior School has begun already, and we look forward to watching these pupils to continue to ourish at Ackworth.

“I have been regularly using the pastoral support, they are amazing at understanding, helping me and just being there to talk to. Talking to someone who isn’t a teacher made it so much easier to talk about what I was feeling. I’m so grateful for the pastoral care, because I’ve really needed the support this year”

Sixth Form Pupil

There has been a sharp focus on academic progress too, and I am pleased to announce the appointment of Heads of Faculty, who will have a very specific role of ensuring pupil progress, the highest standards of teaching and learning, and promoting evidence-based approaches. We have introduced sharper processes for tracking progress, and personalised interventions through academic action plans. Our Head of Learning Support, Jon Phillips, will often remind us that good special educational needs approaches do boil down to uality first teaching which benefits all pupils, providing stretch and challenge alongside scaffolded support.

Listening to pupil and parent voice is essential in our pursuit of excellence. This year I have endeavoured to increase pupil voice through a variety of channels, introducing pupil-led assemblies, pupil surveys about teaching and learning, and establishing leadership roles such as the Peer Mentors. Parents have requested clearer guidance on homework, and to this end we have introduced homework planners, I hope you will find these helpful.

It has been a busy and exciting year, and I continue to feel delighted and honoured to serve Ackworth School.