Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate

Set in 220 acres of beautiful countryside between Harrogate and York, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) is an award‑winning day and boarding school (BSA Innovation, 2022) that welcomes girls and boys aged from three months to 19 years and boarders from Year 3. It is known nationally and globally for its consistently high‑ranking academic performance with QE College named the Sunday Times Top School in the North for Academic Performance for the fourth year in a row. QE Faculty, which offers modern BTEC qualifications as well as performance sport and performing art pathways, has recently been awarded the prestigious title of Independent Schools Association - Senior School of the Year 2024.

QE is a through school with many students beginning their QE journey in Chapter House Prep, King’s Magna Middle School or at the start of GCSE or A level study. Across all age groups, the Collegiate places its emphasis on growing students into resilient, caring, compassionate and confident adults with an ethos of ‘To be the best that I can with the gifts that I have’ underpinning everything. Alongside academic success QE aims to provide a holistic education which supports students to develop their knowledge, skills and experience beyond the classroom. QE students achieve success in a wide range of sporting, cultural and outdoor activities as part of the extensive enrichment programme, which is focused on helping students gain necessary skills in leadership, teamwork and decision making.

QE’s excellent pastoral team run a programme of activities and support to ensure student mental and physical health is a priority. The team are Muddy Stilettos Outstanding Pastoral Care Finalists and make sure they are available 24/7 to students. The 2023 ISI inspection says that “Pupils feel that their opinions matter and that leaders are alert to their welfare needs, which promotes their self‑esteem.” In addition to the pastoral team, the Collegiate has student buddies and peer leaders who show new students around, explain the school systems, introduce students to new people and help them to settle in. Trained peer mentors also offer one-to-one mentoring on academic progress, cultural understanding and day-to-day routines.

In addition to term-time provisions, during every half-term and Easter holiday, a dedicated and experienced team provides a comprehensive activity programme for day and boarding students. Students can also join International Summer School at QE and partake in a mix of learning, activities and trips. The aim for the whole student community is that QE feels like home.

Boarding

QE has a boarding community unlike any other, a unique blend of cultures and nationalities, where friendships are formed that last a lifetime. QE prides itself on its quality accommodation. Students in Years 6 to 13 have ensuite bedrooms with TVs, desks and storage, and every boarding house includes a modern, well-equipped common room for socialising. For Sixth Form students there is exclusive access to the Atrium; a modern dining room with common rooms and bedrooms surrounding the hall. Younger students have specialised dorms and common rooms designed for little people. There are chill-out spaces, a wellness room and study pods in addition to a communal open plan kitchen dining space.

Every boarding house is on-site, allowing students to roam the 220-acre site and access all the facilities safely. The campus is secluded with 24/7 security so parents can be confident their children are safely looked after. The hustle and bustle around campus makes the school feel like a town. Students have access to an on-site activity centre, Muggles, featuring a gaming console suite, climbing wall and weekend fast-food café. Choose to board at QE and take full advantage of the fantastic school facilities outside the school day. There is plenty on offer at weekends too, including performing arts or creative arts academies, fixtures, timetabled activities and exciting trips to local cities and towns.