Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate

Since 2021, the principal of the schools that make up Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate is Dan Machin. Joined QE in 2005, latterly head of College, then vice-principal. Studied management at Hull followed by a PGCE in economics and business at Warwick

Without question, a very selective school. College is as selective as any grammar school and more so than the majority of sixth forms. All pupils from year 4 have to sit a CAT 4 ability test and undertake an interview. School reports are assessed for

Around 15 per cent leave post-GCSEs. Of the rest, almost all to university, over half to Russell Group. Some go into employment or further education. Manchester, Northumbria, Leeds, the London universities, Loughborough, Newcastle and Warwick among

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

QE was previously divided into four distinct areas, each with its own head, but the Faculty (which offered more vocational routes such as BTECs is now closed).

Chapter House (three months to year 5) is the nursery and prep element of QE. Head

Two SEN teachers and four teaching assistants work closely with the pastoral team. Relatively newly appointed head of learning development brings lots of experience and good practice from the state sector and shows the level of commitment the school

Exceptional facilities include a full-scale theatre (which would be the envy of many small towns), used for professional lets as well as school shows. Three productions a year and all are inclusive so as many as possible can be involved. Four drama

Sports are the heartbeat of QE with facilities that would be the envy of many university campuses. All the usual options but on a massive scale with 34 acres of floodlit pitches and six all-weather pitches. Indoor provision is no less impressive: a

A good three-quarters of QE students board in 12 houses. Juniors have their own house away from the older students. Nice family atmosphere with a common room and cinema area. They have lots of adult support plus sixth form mentors. One overseas

School was originally founded in Harrogate in the 1900s by the Woodard Trust. In 1991 it was bought by the Martin family and relocated to their family home at Thorpe Underwood. Since then it has grown significantly, with massive investment in

As well as heads and assistant heads of year, there’s a mental health specialist and all staff have at least level one mental health awareness training. Medical centre and a pastoral hub where young people can go for support when necessary all linked

Day pupils come from a roughly 40-mile radius, many via an extensive bus network. Lots of Forces children, both day and boarding. Boarders make up around 75 per cent of the school, 20 per cent are international (around a quarter from China). Pupils

Fees are amongst the highest we have seen, topping £40K a year for UK boarding students and £50K for overseas. There are some scholarships and families with financial support from the armed forces will find it much more affordable. That being said,

You cannot help but be impressed by the sheer ambition of QE. Facilities are spectacular, staff committed and clearly able, students delightful. There is a strong focus on hard work and determination to succeed which may not be for everyone, but if