Boarding School in York for Years 3 to 13
Discover one of the UK’s leading independent boarding schools, welcoming students from Years 3 to 13 (ages 7–18).
Boarding at QE is about more than simply having a place to live. It is a vibrant, supportive community where students are encouraged to make the most of every opportunity, develop their independence and build lasting friendships.
At Queen Ethelburga's in Yorkshire we offer both full-time and flexible boarding, providing options to suit your child and family. Boarders enjoy exceptional facilities and opportunities beyond the classroom, including the state-of-the-art Sports Village, inspiring Creative Arts classrooms, dedicated study centres and Muggles, our on-site activity centre with a gaming console suite, climbing wall and padel court.
With so much to experience, students can pursue their interests, try new activities, develop new skills and enjoy time with friends. From academic and co-curricular activities to leadership opportunities, boarding at QE gives students the freedom and support to make the most of their time at school and feel at home within our community.
From Primary School Boarding -Our boarding school caters for all ages. Younger boarders thrive in award-winning dormitories tailored to their needs, with accessible cupboards and child-friendly furniture. Our littlest boarders can also ask for a House Parent to read a bedtime story and tuck them in at night. |
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- To Sixth Form BoardingFor Sixth Form students, boarding life offers even greater independence. Boarders live in the Atrium, a modern, university-style living space, complete with common rooms for table tennis, private bedrooms surrounding the dining hall, and access to TVs, game consoles, coffee machines, ovens, kettles, and washing machines. |
“My experience within boarding is one that I will never forget. I was able to enjoy my free time with my friends and roommates as a distraction from the stressful school hours. Boarding allowed me to try out new activities. I stepped out of my comfort zone, and it enabled me to get to know more people who shared the same environment as me. Boarding is like a second home and it's always comfortable and fun to be in every day.”
Year 13, Boarding Student
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Winner of the BSA Boarding House Refurbishment Award 2024!BSA (The Boarding Schools' Association) has recognised Queen Ethelburga's for the newly redesigned boarding rooms created with our youngest students in mind. The Court's boarding rooms include a bathtub, accessible furniture and a beautiful garden kitchen (which won a Northern Design Award!). |
Safe And Secure Boarding School Near York
Set across 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside between Leeds, Harrogate and York, Queen Ethelburga’s provides a safe and secure environment for students to live, learn and thrive.
Our boarding houses are located on-site, only a few feet from the school and its facilities, allowing students to move freely around the campus with confidence. The secluded campus benefits from 24/7 security, giving parents reassurance that their children are well cared for in a safe and supportive environment.
Our rural setting offers students space, freedom and independence, away from the busy surroundings of city-based boarding schools.
A Campus That Feels More Like a Town
With so much happening across our Yorkshire campus, Queen Ethelburga’s feels like a town in itself. Boarders have everything they need on-site, including a Medical Centre, gym, swimming pool, uniform shop, tuck shop, coffee shop and weekend fast-food café.
Weekends are just as lively, with organised activities, events and trips to nearby towns and cities including York, Harrogate and Leeds. From our Welcome Weekend party, complete with inflatables and food vans, to exploring the local area, there is always something to enjoy.
Take a virtual tour of the boarding school:
Amazing Common Rooms And Bedrooms
Modern facilities with everything you could ever need.
Teaching Skills For Life
Our House Parents promote independence and take the time to teach essential skills for life.
Younger students are taught how to tie shoelaces and ties, fasten top buttons, make beds and brush/style hair. Further up the school students are taught how to wash clothes, cook healthy meals, and polish shoes.
Staff across boarding, wellbeing, teaching and careers help to prepare students for the independence of life beyond school. The Careers team begin working with students from Key Stage Two and Sixth Formers enjoy ‘Learn For Life’ sessions in their form time to teach them key skills for working life and living at university.
Year-Round Boarding Options and Holiday Care
Both UK and international students can stay during the holidays at Holidays At QE, a residential holiday camp offering an alternative British homestay experience.
Holiday at QE is run by the leisure team, who organise a bespoke package of organised activities and off-site trips.
Boarders can also access all the campus facilities, which is a real advantage for students in exam years who need access to the Creative Arts, Music, Sports, or Performing Arts departments.
Occasional and Weekend Boarding for Day Students
Experience the very best of life at Queen Ethelburga's with our Occasional Boarding provision.
Occasional Boarding gives day students the flexibility to stay overnight whenever the need arises. Whether they're taking part in evening activities, completing coursework, enjoying time with friends, or families require additional support, students become part of our welcoming boarding community.
With exceptional welfare support, comfortable accommodation and a vibrant programme of evening activities, Occasional Boarding provides a safe, supportive and enriching home-from-home experience, allowing day students to enjoy even more of everything Queen Ethelburga's has to offer.
Why Choose Queen Ethelburga's Boarding School?
Queen Ethelburga's offers a truly exceptional UK boarding school experience with:
- Award-winning accommodation designed for different age groups
- Outstanding student support from experienced House Parents
- Comprehensive facilities all within a secure 220-acre campus
- Flexible boarding options including full and occasional boarding
For more information about boarding life at Queen Ethelburga's or to arrange a visit, please contact our admissions team.
