Welcome to QE College
The Top Independent Senior School and Sixth Form in Yorkshire
QE College is new for 2025, bringing together the North’s highest-performing independent school for academic results with the award-winning The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga’s, winner of the ISA Senior School of the Year.
You are unique in how you learn, what you enjoy, and how you define success. That’s why we offer a choice between two academic pathways, giving you greater flexibility and support to succeed in what you love.
Who We Are
QE College is for students aged 14 to 18 in Years 10 to 13, offering both day and boarding options.
- Day students attend from 8:30 am to 4:10 pm, Monday to Friday.
- We do not have Saturday school, but we offer a wide choice of Performing Arts and Creative Arts clubs on Saturday mornings.
- Boarders live in one of eight on-site houses: Redmire, Bainbridge, Kisdon, Malham, Scaleber, Linton, Thornton, and Gunnerside. Houses are grouped by age and gender.
Our boarding community is supported by live-in House Parents, creating a warm, homely environment that separates school from personal time.
Boarding (Ages 14 - 18)
Boarding for Sixth Form and GCSE students at Queen Ethelburga’s. Experience everything on offer at Queen Ethelburga’s Independent Boarding School for UK and international students.
Exceptional On-Site Facilities
Outside of school hours, College students benefit from full access to our state-of-the-art campus.
For boarding students, weekends are the perfect time to explore Yorkshire. Many students enjoy shopping trips to York, Leeds, and Harrogate or trips to local entertainment, like trampoline parks, water parks and escape rooms.
How to Apply to the Top Independent Senior School and Sixth Form
Applications are open year-round for entry into Year 10 and Year 12. We ask that all applicants take a CAT4 test to help us assess their academic level and build a personalised curriculum.
We encourage families to visit before applying, and there are plenty of opportunities to visit the school:
- Join one of our Open Days, held five times a year on Saturday mornings
- Book a private tour to see QE College as a school day
- Experience life at QE College by attending a Taster Day
During your visit, you'll meet academic staff and receive tailored guidance on subject choices and pathways.
Wellbeing and Welfare Support
Wellbeing is central to everything we do at QE College. Our on-site Pastoral Centre has dedicated staff who support students’ emotional, social, and academic health. International students also receive personalised support with culture shock.
Throughout the year, we educate students on the importance of healthy living and kindness through Awareness Weeks, like Cultural Awareness Day, to celebrate the different nationalities on-site. Students can also become ambassadors for wellbeing and equity.
Boarders benefit from access to our on-site Medical Centre, ensuring comprehensive healthcare and medical support when needed.
A Global, Inclusive Community
QE College proudly welcomes students from over 40 nationalities, with a 50/50 split between day and international students.
Our English Language Programme supports international students to:
- Improve spoken and written English
- Achieve GCSEs and A Levels
- Prepare for IELTS and university applications
For one-year international students, we also offer the NCUK Foundation Year, accepted by major UK universities.
Academic Excellence with Individual Support
With the recent merging of our College and Faculty, QE now offers two distinct academic pathways, ensuring every student learns in an environment that suits them.
We provide:
- A diverse curriculum for Key Stage Four(GCSE) and Key Stage Five (A Level/NCUK)
- 1:1 academic support and regular progress meetings with students and families
- Bespoke timetabling for flexibility and balance
We remain committed to being the top academic independent school in Yorkshire.
Enrichment Beyond the Classroom
Our extensive enrichment programme includes:
- Super-curricular opportunities: public speaking, TEDx and guest speakers
- Sports, Performing Arts, and Creative Arts qualifications
- The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and Duke of Edinburgh Awards (DofE)
- Student leadership, mindfulness sessions, and awareness weeks
We are proud holders of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Quality Mark, promoting a culture where everyone is welcome and supported.
The Study Toolkit
Years 10 to 13 are among the most crucial years in your education.
At QE College, we’ve developed a carefully researched programme that supports students from King’s Magna through to the senior years, ensuring they are fully prepared for their examinations. Central to this is our Study Toolkit, designed to teach effective revision strategies, build productive habits, and instil the confidence needed for academic success.
