Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate

Since 2021, Dan Machin, principal of the schools that make up Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate. Yorkshire born and bred, he attended Read School and worked in retail before and after studying management at Hull. PGCE in economics and business from

School claims to be ‘mildly selective’ in lower years – ‘the best fit for the child’. Into the nursery from 3 months. From reception via taster day including English and maths tests; CAT 4 ability test introduced from year 4. School also asks for

Up until year 11, any leavers mainly due to Forces relocation or international students returning to home country. After GCSEs, around 10 per cent of year 11 head off, mainly for the same reasons. Eighty-three per cent of sixth formers to university;

In 2025, 90 per cent 9-7 at GCSE. At A level, 83 per cent A*/A (94 per cent A*-B).

In Chapter House (nursery to year 5), the curriculum includes French, Chinese, music, forest school and PE delivered by specialists alongside the core of English, maths, science and combined humanities course. Setting in maths and English. It is a

Thirty-five courses available. Approximately half do A levels, a quarter do BTECs (available in applied law, applied science, art and design practice, business, computing, creative media, e-sports, marketing performing arts practice and sport) and

Thirteen per cent on the SEN register, mostly for cognition and learning needs, followed by SEMH; some communication and sensory. Three EHCPs when we visited. Mild to moderate needs supported mainly through in-class TA and clubs/prep support. Barely

Music facility modern and well resourced, including four large teaching/rehearsal rooms, nine practice rooms and four music studios, including recording studio. Around 80 students learn an instrument – everything from euphonium to French horn. BTEC,

Most of the parents mentioned the sporting facilities as a major ‘pull factor’. Easy to see why, with 22 grass pitches and six astros, all floodlit by 101 columns, plus climbing wall and even a skate park. Indoor Olympic pool, ice baths and endless

Sixty per cent of pupils board, from year 3. Around 38 per cent of these are international from 29 countries including China, Africa, Hong Kong, USA and Middle East. Service children account for 20 per cent. Flex and weekend boarding only recently

Originally a girls’ school in Harrogate, they relocated in 1991 to current site around Thorpe Underwood Hall, which is grade II listed with links to the Bronte family. Wood lined corridors and suits of armour, in stark contrast to the rest of the

Inclusive to the point that one parent told us her child ‘no longer sees colour’ and has friends from around the world. Cultural weeks and other celebrations of diversity, including LGBTQ+, complement the PHSE curriculum, drop-down days focussing on

Largest contingent is from China (15 per cent), followed by Hong Kong (nine per cent), Middle East (three per cent) and North America (two per cent). Smaller numbers from Russia, Eastern Europe, Oceania and others. Day pupils from 40 mile radius,

Scholarships and bursaries withdrawn for new families due to school absorbing ‘much of the VAT’ costs. Fees are relatively high compared with local competition, although school insists they are ‘ competitive locally'.

QE has spectacular facilities, results which prompt a double-take and a genuinely harmonious atmosphere. Rebranded around ‘student experience’, parents and children suggest it is working. ‘Absolutely perfect’ said one mother.