Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate Overview

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate is a well-known institution that produces accomplished and driven Sixth Form students who excel in their applications to top universities. The school’s Careers Department, which has extensive connections and expertise, provides valuable guidance to QE students, resulting in their remarkable achievements at prestigious institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and other Russell Group universities.

As an independent day and boarding school that caters to both male and female students aged 3 months to 19 years, the faculty prides itself on its individualised approach to education, fostering a community that nurtures both academic and social development in each student.

Students have the opportunity to engage in diverse activities across research, arts, music, health and sports, leadership, and community programmes. Situated in the esteemed Thorpe Underwood Estate in York, United Kingdom, the institution benefits from a splendid location.

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Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Courses & Programmes

In this review, our attention will be directed towards The College, which follows a traditional GCSE and A-Level curriculum. The following are the available programmes offered by QE:

Year 10 (First Year of GCSE)
Year 11 (Second Year of GCSE)
Year 12 (Sixth Form)
Year 13 (Sixth Form)
Pre A-Level (Sixth Form)

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Application Deadline

To secure a boarding place at the College, applications must be submitted before the September preceding the desired academic year of entry. For instance, applications for September 2026 or January 2027 intake should be submitted no later than September 2025.

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Ranking

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate secured an impressive 7th position out of nearly 200 schools in our A Levels League Table. Over the past few years, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate has consistently maintained exceptional results, with a remarkable track record of achieving above 80% A*-As and 9-7 grades.

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate 2024 Results

In the 2024 A-Level examinations, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate performed impressively, with their cohort achieving an outstanding 84.6% of A*-A grades.

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate achieved notable results in the 2024 GCSE examinations, with 61% of its candidates obtaining grades 9-7.

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Fees

For the academic year of 2025/26, the termly fees for international students at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate are as follows:

Chapter House (Reception to Year 5): £23,330
King’s Magna (Year 6 to Year 9): £23,330
The College & Faculty (Year 10 & Year 11): £23,330
The College & Faculty (Pre A-Level, Year 12 & Year 13): £23,330

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Entry Requirements

At Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, students have the opportunity to join in Year 10 or Year 12. They follow a conventional academic path, progressing through GCSE and A-Level courses in preparation for higher education.

Upon receiving an application, prospective students will be invited to QE for an entrance test. If an offer of a place is extended and accepted, the student will need to complete a registration form and submit a non-refundable fee of £354 to secure their place.

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Reviews

I cannot express how thrilled we have been with every aspect of the school. The school ground and facilities speak for themselves, and of course the teaching is exemplary. However, for us it has been the care and dedication shown by the staff to our daughter that has truly made the last four years so amazing.

With Erin being a new Year 12 student to the school, she received an excellent induction service which introduced her to the positive and supportive culture of the school. This provided us as parents with the confidence that we made the right school choice. With the schools’ continuing support throughout the year Erin was able to achieve an equitable balance between her sporting requirements and academic work.

It was a special place. Rooms were so good and also all the college in general. Big classrooms. I advise you to go there in summer! There are good “college groups” where you can have a lot of fun and meet new people. Hope to have been helpful.

Having come from a smaller school and having to look for another school after we moved areas, we were immediately impressed with the facilities of Queen Ethelburga’s. However, as a parent I was also aware of how large the school is and worried whether my son, aged 6, would cope with such a change. Now, four years later and the benefit of there being four separate parts to the school – I cannot believe the 10-year-old boy he has become! He was given support from the start, gained confidence and was nurtured by his teachers. The best decision we ever made.

We moved to England in 2012 following a visit to QE. We were blown away. Both my children have excelled at QE. QE was the only school who believed and trusted in my youngest child’s hearing impediment and gave us huge amounts of support. This is an amazing school, not just for the academic results but for all support given to students; to build their confidence as they grow, particularly when experiencing challenging situations along the way.

QE has provided my child with a rich learning environment whilst supporting the whole child. There is a strong pastoral element evident through the close connections with the teaching staff and support staff. My child has also enjoyed a wide range of extra-curricular activities. The children are encouraged to be part of the whole school community and even as a day pupil enjoy all the school has to offer. As a parent, the regular parent meetings and email contact with the teaching staff mean that I feel a part of my child’s education and their learning journey.

Being a student here has been an experience to remember. I remember visiting a number of colleges around the UK but I chose QE because it felt homely and I was most impressed by their rooms and facilities. I’ve improved a lot in my studies, but it’s the people here that made the experience amazing.

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Accommodation

The Community

At Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, the Sixth Form boarding students have the opportunity to be part of an extraordinary community. This community is not only diverse, with students from various cultures and nationalities coming together, but it is also built on close-knit connections. Within this vibrant community, students have access to a wide range of support systems and resources.

There are study groups available to support individual academic pursuits, as well as clubs catering to artistic and athletic interests. Additionally, students have the chance to participate in trips both within the country and abroad. These experiences, along with the relationships formed within the community, have a profound impact on the lives of QE alumni.

As Sixth Form students, there are leadership opportunities available, such as Prefects, Peer Mentors, and other leadership roles. These students serve as role models within the institution. The community is designed to foster interaction and learning among students, encouraging an open and compassionate understanding of society.

Overall, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate provides a nurturing community where students can engage with one another, learn from diverse perspectives, and develop important life skills.

The Campus

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate places a strong emphasis on promoting a healthy lifestyle for all its students. With an expansive 31-acre sports ground, students have access to top-notch facilities that are supervised by trained gym staff and coaches. Furthermore, students benefit from award-winning, nutritious meals prepared by resident chefs at QE.

The Apartments

For Sixth Form students, there are dedicated Court Apartments available, with separate accommodations for male and female students. These Court Apartments are modern and purpose-built, spanning three floors in a quadrangle layout. Within the Court Apartments, there are versatile spaces like the glass-roofed Atrium, which is equipped with enjoyable activities such as air hockey, table tennis, karaoke, and video games. Additionally, there are dedicated areas such as a kitchen, dining room, laundry room, and study room. Staff members are present 24/7, offering mentorship and opportunities for socialising with students. Each apartment within the Court Apartments is fully air-conditioned and can accommodate up to three students.

The Facilities

Private Study Rooms
Private Toilet and Shower Rooms
Wardrobe and Storage Spaces
Refrigerator
Microwave
Dishwasher
Washing Machine
Trouser Press
Iron
Flat Screen TV
Playstation

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Student Services and Extra-Curricular Activities

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate offers an enrichment programme that caters to students’ intellectual, emotional, social, and moral development. The college provides a wide array of ongoing co-curricular and enhancement activities, including:

Community

Creativity

BAFTA Young Game Designers
Mindful Colouring
Comic Making Club
Cooking for University
Embroidery
Knitting and Cross-stitch
Investor Challenge
CREST Awards
Chess Club
Warhammer and Airfix

Culture

String Ensemble
Clarinet Ensemble
Chamber Choir
Choir QE
French Beyond the Classroom
Grade 5 Theory
MFL Film Club
Orchestra (Junior and Senior)
Poetry by Heart
String Group
School of Rock QE
Science and Engineering Club QE

Health and Exercise

Athletics
Basketball
Cricket
Football
Gymnastics
Hockey
Netball
Rugby
Swimming
Trampolining
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Boxing/Sparring
Couch to 5k
Kpop Dance
Muay Thai Kickboxing
Parkour Reception
Wrestling
Swim Development
Swim Squads

Leadership

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate Contact Information

The QE Admissions Team can be contacted between 8:00am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday.

If you are calling outside of these hours, you can leave a voicemail message and one of the team members will get back to you as soon as they can.

Official website: https://www.qe.org
Location: Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, Thorpe Underwood Estate, York, YO26 9SS, UK
Email address: admissions@qe.org
Phone: 01423 33 33 30

Q&As

Why should I consider sending my child to study abroad in the UK?

The UK offers a prestigious education system with a long-standing tradition of academic excellence. Studying in the UK provides access to world-renowned universities and a wide range of high-quality educational institutions. It also offers a multicultural environment, diverse learning opportunities, and the chance for personal growth and development.

What age is suitable for my child to study abroad in the UK?

The age range for studying in the UK varies depending on the educational level. Generally, students can start as early as primary school age or enter at the secondary school level. For university-level education, students typically enter after completing their high school education.

How do I select the right school for my child in the UK?

It’s important to consider factors such as the school’s reputation, academic programmes offered, extracurricular activities, facilities, support services, and location. Researching and visiting potential schools, reviewing their websites, and seeking advice from educational consultants can help in making an informed decision.

What are the language requirements for studying in the UK?

Proficiency in English is essential for studying in the UK. Most schools require international students to demonstrate their English language skills through recognised language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. The specific language requirements may vary depending on the institution and programme.

How much will it cost to send my child to study in the UK?

The cost of studying in the UK includes tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and additional costs such as textbooks and transportation. The expenses can vary depending on the school, location, and lifestyle choices. It’s important to consider these factors and plan a budget accordingly.

Are there scholarships or financial aid options for international students?

Some educational institutions in the UK offer scholarships or financial aid for international students. These opportunities may be merit-based, need-based, or specific to certain fields of study. Researching scholarships and exploring financial aid options directly with the chosen institution can provide more information.

How is the safety and well-being of international students ensured in the UK?

UK educational institutions prioritise the safety and well-being of their students. They have support systems in place, including dedicated staff members, counselors, and student services. Additionally, the UK has strict regulations and policies regarding student welfare and safeguarding.

What are the visa requirements for studying in the UK?

International students typically need to apply for a student visa, such as the Tier 4 (General) student visa. The requirements include having a confirmed offer from a recognised educational institution, proof of financial ability, meeting English language requirements, and fulfilling other immigration criteria.

How can my child adapt to the cultural differences and new environment in the UK?

UK schools often have orientation programmes and support services to help international students adjust to their new environment. Encouraging your child to actively participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, and social events can also facilitate integration and cultural exchange.

How can I stay connected with my child while they study abroad in the UK?

With modern technology, staying connected is easier than ever. Regular communication through video calls, messaging apps, and emails can help maintain a strong connection. Additionally, planning visits to the UK during holidays or breaks can provide opportunities for in-person reunions.

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