Boarding Schools
About Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate
Set in 220 acres of beautiful countryside between Harrogate and York, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE) is an award‑winning day and boarding school (BSA Innovation, 2022) that welcomes girls and boys aged from three months to 19 years and boarders from Year 3. It is known nationally and globally for its consistently high‑ranking academic performance with QE College named the Sunday Times Top School in the North for Academic Performance for the fourth year in a row. QE Faculty, which offers modern BTEC qualifications as well as performance sport and performing art pathways, has recently been awarded the prestigious title of Independent Schools Association - Senior School of the Year 2024.
QE is a through school with many students beginning their QE journey in Chapter House Prep, King’s Magna Middle School or at the start of GCSE or A level study. Across all age groups, the Collegiate places its emphasis on growing students into resilient, caring, compassionate and confident adults with an ethos of ‘To be the best that I can with the gifts that I have’ underpinning everything. Alongside academic success QE aims to provide a holistic education which supports students to develop their knowledge, skills and experience beyond the classroom. QE students achieve success in a wide range of sporting, cultural and outdoor activities as part of the extensive enrichment programme, which is focused on helping students gain necessary skills in leadership, teamwork and decision making.
QE’s excellent pastoral team run a programme of activities and support to ensure student mental and physical health is a priority. The team are Muddy Stilettos Outstanding Pastoral Care Finalists and make sure they are available 24/7 to students. The 2023 ISI inspection says that “Pupils feel that their opinions matter and that leaders are alert to their welfare needs, which promotes their self‑esteem.” In addition to the pastoral team, the Collegiate has student buddies and peer leaders who show new students around, explain the school systems, introduce students to new people and help them to settle in. Trained peer mentors also offer one-to-one mentoring on academic progress, cultural understanding and day-to-day routines.
In addition to term-time provisions, during every half-term and Easter holiday, a dedicated and experienced team provides a comprehensive activity programme for day and boarding students. Students can also join International Summer School at QE and partake in a mix of learning, activities and trips. The aim for the whole student community is that QE feels like home.
Boarding
QE has a boarding community unlike any other, a unique blend of cultures and nationalities, where friendships are formed that last a lifetime. QE prides itself on its quality accommodation. Students in Years 6 to 13 have ensuite bedrooms with TVs, desks and storage, and every boarding house includes a modern, well-equipped common room for socialising. For Sixth Form students there is exclusive access to the Atrium; a modern dining room with common rooms and bedrooms surrounding the hall. Younger students have specialised dorms and common rooms designed for little people. There are chill-out spaces, a wellness room and study pods in addition to a communal open plan kitchen dining space.
Every boarding house is on-site, allowing students to roam the 220-acre site and access all the facilities safely. The campus is secluded with 24/7 security so parents can be confident their children are safely looked after. The hustle and bustle around campus makes the school feel like a town. Students have access to an on-site activity centre, Muggles, featuring a gaming console suite, climbing wall and weekend fast-food café. Choose to board at QE and take full advantage of the fantastic school facilities outside the school day. There is plenty on offer at weekends too, including performing arts or creative arts academies, fixtures, timetabled activities and exciting trips to local cities and towns.
Highlights
- Rural location in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside
- In easy reach of Harrogate, York and Leeds
- Multi-award-winning co-educational day and boarding school
- GCSEs, iGCSEs, A Levels, BTECs
- Offers Intensive English Language Programme and International Foundation Year
- Over 50 different student nationalities
- Extensive co-curricular programme and weekend activities
- Sports village with 30 acres of grass, 3G artificial pitches, cricket pavilion & gym
- Half term, Easter holiday camps and International Summer School offered
- Career and university application support through the QE Futures programme
Boarding Fees
Reception-Year 5
Term Fee (3 months)
£12,600
Chapter House
Year 6-9
Term Fee (3 months)
£13,115
King's Magna
Year 10 & 11
Term Fee (3 months)
£13,730
College & Faculty
Pre A Level, Year 12 & Year 13
Term Fee (3 months)
£14,240
College & Faculty
Facilities
QE takes pride in offering over 150 clubs onsite, making full use of its exceptional facilities with over 30 acres of elite grass and 3G artificial pitches, a 25-metre swimming pool, a 312-seat professional theatre, a new cricket pavilion and brand-new gym. Students follow a sports programme with the core values of fair play, honesty and determination. All abilities are catered for, and students are encouraged to make the most of the fantastic opportunities on offer. QE has physical education teachers working alongside specialist sports coaches, many of whom are ex-professional sportspeople, which means there is no limit to the level students can train to. Pupils can join the King’s Academy for Performing Arts, Queen’s Academy for Creative Arts, Performance Sport Pathway or Performing Arts (ADA) programme. Students can partake in academically focused clubs such as medicine, law, enterprise, politics, and psychology, and represent the Collegiate nationally in a variety of disciplines.
Extracurricular Activities
Students are encouraged to broaden their horizons by embracing a multitude of enriching experiences both within the QE community and beyond.
A fulfilling outreach and volunteering programme enables students to contribute positively to others within the local community from fundraising to supporting at community care homes and charity projects. Students can also take part in exciting activities from competing in the exhilarating Student Motorsport Challenge to honing their skills in Esports. Students can delve into specialised activities ranging from fencing and golf to horse riding, tennis, and so much more. Receive expert guidance in instrumental and vocal tuition, explore artistic talents at the King’s Academy for Performing Arts, or pursue excellence in dramatic arts with LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts) exams.
Students can also partake in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Combined Cadet Force (CCF) or embark on unforgettable trips across the UK and around the world – the opportunities at QE are endless!
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Last updated: 12 May, 2025