Ages 
Not the place for parents obsessed by league tables but excels when it comes to value added in the classroom and packing in extracurricular outside the classroom. Shines particularly bright on the sporting front, though multitude of other opportunities means it’s not wasted on the less sporty. All-embracing pastoral package too. Girls less streetwise than at some schools – in a good way.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 465 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 96 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Methodist
- Fees
- Day £28,065 - £34,059 pa; Boarding £33,396 - £54,318 pa
- Local authority
- Hertfordshire County Council
- Area guides
Headteacher
Principal
Mrs Joanna Cameron
Since 2016, Joanna Cameron BSc PGCE, previously deputy head at Ipswich High School. Educated at St Stephen’s College, Broadstairs, where she was a boarder from age 7 (pony in tow), followed by A levels at Moira House School, Eastbourne. Cherished
Entrance
Around 165 applicants for 70-80 places at 11+. Entrance via exam, interview, reference and a fun team activity. ‘We are looking for average and above – the old C grade level – although they may not have reached that yet; we take into account the
- Open days
- March, May and September
Exit
Head’s work on sixth form retention pays off in some years – not so much in 2023, when 42 per cent left after GCSEs. Inevitably, there will always be some lured by co-ed or a less remote environment (‘It’s not as if you can pop into town or
Latest results
In 2024, 57 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 39 per cent A*/A at A level (67 per cent A*-B). In 2023, 51 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 31 per cent A*/A at A level (57 per cent A*-B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
In an area dominated by hothouses, parents feel this is ‘a breath of fresh air – she gets good grades but without undue pressure and with a lot more time for activities outside the classroom.’ Several parents told us their daughters breezed through
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
School rightly proud of its personalised learning centre – open to any girl who needs support or additional stretch, including scholars, and closely linked to new wellbeing centre. ‘My daughter is top set maths but had some difficulties in English
Arts & extracurricular
Drama facilities up there with the best – super contemporary theatre with two-person stage crew always hard at work. Made in Dagenham up next – there was a real buzz about it when we visited. ‘The drama teacher is ambitious and encouraging,’ said one
Sport
‘The reason we chose the school,’ we kept hearing. But although sport is the jewel in Queenswood’s extracurricular crown – and doesn’t disappoint even the sporting elite – it’s no biggie if sporting prowess is more average, or even below average. ‘My
Boarders
Far fewer full boarders (who now make up 20 per cent of the school) since the school introduced flexi boarding (40-50 per cent of girls now stay one to four nights a week). Most full boarders are international, all continents represented.
Ethos & heritage
Founded in Clapham Park in 1894 before moving to purpose-built neo-Tudor building in 1925. Boasts 120 acres of well-used sports fields, woodland and well-maintained gardens. Just two miles from the M25 but feels more rural. Black, wrought-iron
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Sharper-elbowed families, step aside. Queenswood is all about kindness and support and it shows in every nuance of school life, from the way pupils don’t interrupt peers (and are highly apologetic if they do it by accident) to knowing who they can to
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review The aim of Queenswood’s mobile phone policy is to guide the pupils towards the appropriate and acceptable use of mobile phones. The school uses a Yondr pouch system to facilitate this.
In years 7- 10, students keep their phones locked in the Yondr pouch until the end of the school day, when they can unlock their pouch as they leave school.
Year 11 students do not use a Yondr pouch but must keep their phone in a lockable space all day.
Sixth form students retain possession of their phones throughout the day but must exercise appropriate use.
Pupils & parents
Girls have an innocence about them and are friendly and laid-back, some more conversational than others. Parents a mix – ‘Some very monied families, some very down-to-earth ones and then there’s the celebs and the very bling,’ said one. Day pupils
Money matters
School froze day fees for a few years to get back in the pack – no longer soars above the local competition. Means-tested bursaries available for day fees and discount for Forces families. Sibling discounts available. Majority of scholarships
- Fee information
- Day £28,065 - £34,059 pa; Boarding £33,396 - £54,318 pa
The last word
Not the place for parents obsessed by league tables but excels when it comes to value added in the classroom and packing in extracurricular outside the classroom. Shines particularly bright on the sporting front, though multitude of other
