Welcome
Ackworth School is proud to offer an elite-level table tennis development programme, designed to nurture and develop talented players within a supportive and high-performance environment.
Our programme welcomes students of all abilities, from those looking to refine their skills to those competing at the highest levels. Players can join the programme at any stage between the ages of 11 and 18, while studying for GCSEs, Pre-A-levels, A-levels, or a BTEC Extended National Diploma in Sport (equivalent to three A-levels). With expert coaching and a comprehensive training schedule, we provide students with the tools they need to excel both academically and athletically.
Chris Parker
Chris Parker brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Ackworth School Table Tennis Programme. Having actively coached for over 15 years, Chris is a UKCC Level 3 coach with an extensive background in developing young talent at national and international levels. His coaching portfolio includes working with England youth squads and leading players in international competitions.
Currently involved with the England Schools teams, Chris has coached the boys’ teams at various World Schools events, securing notable successes such as a Bronze medal in Rio. Additionally, he has played a key role in the Senior School Internationals.
Beyond competitions, Chris has organised and led training camps in China, France, and across Britain, ensuring that players benefit from diverse coaching philosophies and high-quality training experiences. His commitment to developing young athletes and his passion for the sport make him an invaluable asset to the programme.
“I am delighted to be running the Table Tennis academy. I want the students to become the best that they can be, both on and off the table. Sports,
including table tennis, can teach so many life skills including time management, adaptability and
dealing with different situations. ”
The programme
Students enrolling in the programme will benefit from high levels of contact time each week with small group numbers, ensuring focused and personalised development under the guidance of our school-based Head Coach. This comprehensive programme includes regular individual and group coaching, participation in frequent competitions (both team and individual events), supervised strength and conditioning training, and dedicated yoga sessions to enhance flexibility, recovery, and mental focus.
The academy competes in the British League competition at youth, junior, and senior levels, alongside national schools’ competitions and other prestigious national individual events across the country. During the 2024/25 season, we had a team competing in the premier division of the Youth British Clubs League, and two of our players, alongside our Head Coach, represented England Schools at the World Schools Gymnasiade in Bahrain.
Our structured coaching syllabus is designed to refine technical ability, strategic thinking, and overall match play.
The programme covers:
• Technical skill development
• Tactical awareness and application
• Match-based exercises and scenario training
• Individualised playing styles and strategic adaptation
• Physical conditioning to enhance endurance, agility, and strength
Training and facilities
The Table Tennis Academy is based in the fully refurbished gymnasium at Ackworth School, featuring international standard Tara flex flooring and optimised lighting for professional-level training. In addition, our athletes benefit from access to a purpose-built fitness suite and an indoor swimming pool within the school grounds.
Our dedicated strength and conditioning coach ensure that players follow a structured fitness programme, tailored to support their physical development and prevent injury. In alignment with our holistic approach, we provide nutritional guidance, mindfulness practices, and yoga sessions to ensure players are physically and mentally prepared for success.
With a strong emphasis on individual and group coaching, strength and conditioning, and exposure to regular competitive opportunities, our academy is committed to developing well-rounded athletes primed for success both on and off the court.
“Results are important but so are the experiences for the players.”
Chris Parker, Lead Table Tennis Academy Coach
The training schedule
Saturday/Sunday Competitions / Additional practice
Strength and conditioning training and yoga are in addition to above.
“Our coach and my teammates are very supportive and give positive feedback after I play.”
BTEC National Extended Diploma in sport
This course develops many skills that are desirable both in Higher Education and in employment. We will encourage you to research topics, gather and synthesise information and present your findings in a clear and coherent way. By its very nature, the BTEC Sport course is ‘hands-on’ in its approach. It will provide you with a solid understanding in theory, before training you in the practical elements of working in the sports industry.
You will be taught by staff with personal experience and subject specialism in their field who will advance your knowledge and skills. You will learn in a friendly atmosphere, using a variety of assessment methods including exam, practical assessments, coursework assessments and presentations.
Mandatory modules:
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Fitness Training
• Programming for Health, Sport and Wellbeing
• Development and Provision of Sport and Physical Activity
• Investigating Business in the Sport and Active Leisure Industry
• Professional Development in the Sports Industry
• Sports Leadership
• Practical Sports Performance
• Coaching for Performance, Research methods in sport
• Skill acquisition in sport
Optional modules include
• Sports Psychology
• Research Project in Sport
• Sports Injury Management
• Sports Performance Management
A-Levels
Advanced Level qualifications
We expect students to choose three A-Levels for study in both lower and upper sixth. It may be possible to timetable Further Maths as a fourth subject. Current subjects offered include:
• A-Level Academic Physical Education
• A-Level Art
• A-Level Biology
• A-Level Business Studies
• A-Level Chemistry
• A-Level Computer Science
• A-Level Design & Technology
• A-Level Economics
• A-Level English
• A-Level Geography
• A-Level History
• A-Level Mathematics
• A-Level Further Mathematics
• A-Level Music
• BTEC Performing Arts
• A-Level Physics
• A-Level Politics
• A-Level Psychology
• A-Level Spanish
• BTEC Sport
• EPQ (Extended Project Qualification)
Admissions procedure/applying/fees
Admissions procedure
Our Admissions team is here to help your family on its education journey. Choosing the right school for your child’s individual need and aspirations can positively influence their personal, and professional sense of achievement, happiness and fulfilment.
The admissions process is designed to ensure that the young persons concerned would benefit from the opportunities of an Ackworth education. An offer of a place at Ackworth depends on the completion of entrance assessments, a reference from the pupil’s previous school, and there being a vacancy in the relevant year group.
In the case of entry into the Sixth Form, conditional offers are made on the basis of a reference from the pupil’s current school and the achievement of appropriate grades at GCSE or equivalent.
How to apply
To apply for a place at Ackworth School you will need to complete the online registration form which can be found here: https://ackworthschool.com/admissions
Membership of the Football Academy is subject to assessment of ability by the Director of Football. This can be in person or via video footage.
Fees, bursaries and scholarships
Details of our current fees can be found on the above page of our website. You will also find more information relating to bursaries and scholarships that we may be able to offer.
We’re here to help with any questions you may have. You can contact our Admissions team at:
+44 (0)1977 233 621
Admissions@ackworthschool.com
Tel: +44 (0)1977 233600
Email: admissions@ackworthschool.com www.ackworthschool.com