Set in 220 acres of stunning countryside between Harrogate and York, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) is an award-winning, co-educational school catering to students aged from 3 months to 19 years.
The school welcomes both day and boarding students, with boarding available from Year 3 onwards. As a through-school, many students begin their QE journey at Chapter House Prep or King’s Magna Middle School before advancing to one of two senior schools: QE College or The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga’s.
The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga’s for students in Years 10-13 has recently been awarded the prestigious title of Independent Schools Association’s Senior School of the Year 2024. This recognition celebrates the school’s commitment to academic excellence, future-focused learning, and creative opportunities. The Faculty excels by offering a flexible, individualised curriculum designed to nurture each student’s passions and academic goals. With over 150 extra-curricular activities including Esports and Motorsports, students have the freedom to explore diverse interests while receiving a strong academic foundation.
The school’s Gold Artsmark accredited creative arts department is another standout feature, offering rich opportunities for budding artists and designers. The Queen’s Academy of Creative Arts provides specialised support and extra studio time, ensuring students receive the guidance and resources necessary to thrive. As a result, many QE students achieve regional and national accolades, with numerous graduates securing places at prestigious universities. The wide array of subject options and extra-curricular clubs further enriches the student experience, making The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga’s a standout choice for those with a creative flair.
For students with a passion for sports, QE Faculty offers the Performance Sport Pathway (PSP), which includes an additional five hours a week of tailored sports development for Year 12 students. Available from Year 7, this pathway is designed to provide high-level coaching from former professionals, access to elite training facilities, and individual strength and conditioning plans. The pathway also emphasises well-being, sports massage, physiotherapy, and nutrition support students in reaching their full potential.
QE offers the ADA (Academic of Dramatic Arts) performing arts pathway, which provides audition support and dedicated lessons for students interested in acting, musical theatre, dance, and stage combat. Students can showcase their talents in school productions held at the school’s 312-seat professional theatre, as well as participate in annual outdoor shows, LAMDA exams, and a range of music, drama, and dance ensembles.
The second senior school at Queen Ethelburga’s, QE College, is a highly academic institution that challenges students to excel in their studies while benefiting from a broad enrichment program. For four consecutive years, QE College has been named the Sunday Times Top School in the North for Academic Performance, with students achieving 99% A*-B grades at A Level, 74% Distinction in BTECs, and 87% grades 7-9 at GCSE.
QE College offers an Academic Pathway that supports students aiming for top universities, with specialised programs tailored to high-achieving students. The school’s Medics Programme, part of the Academic Pathway, provides invaluable support for students aspiring to study medicine, veterinary, and dentistry. This program includes guidance on achieving the required grades, writing personal statements, preparing for MMI interviews, and studying for medical entrance exams such as the UCAT and BMAT. Additionally, students benefit from visits to universities and research facilities, and engagement with professionals through lectures, workshops, and an annual medical conference. As part of the associated work experience offering, students have completed placements at Harrogate Hospital, York Hospital, two care homes and a cancer research facility.
The ethos of Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate is centered around developing students into resilient, compassionate, and confident individuals. The school’s philosophy, “To be the best that I can with the gifts that I have,” is embedded throughout the school experience. As highlighted by an ISI inspection in 2023, QE “pupils feel that their opinions matter and that leaders are alert to their welfare needs, which promotes their self-esteem.”
Comments