Queen Ethelburga’s College Guide: Reviews, Rankings, And More
Welcome to an in-depth exploration of Queen Ethelburga’s College – a prestigious educational institution in the United Kingdom. This article embarks on a journey to uncover the essence of Queen Ethelburga’s College, examining its academic excellence, campus infrastructure, and notable achievements. As it navigates through the reviews and rankings of this distinguished establishment, readers are invited to discover the exceptional qualities that make Queen Ethelburga’s College a true beacon of learning and development.

Table of Contents
Summary Of School
- Type of school: Co-educational
- Age range: 3-18
- Pupils:138; sixth formers: 118
- Boarders: 75%
- Fees: £20,110-£21,745 per term (international full boarding)
- 2024 A Level Results: 78% A*-A
- 2024 GCSE Results: 62% 9-7
Overview
Queen Ethelburga’s (QE) is widely recognised at local, national, and international levels as a group of four schools committed to upholding the highest standards in education and student development.
QE is particularly known for producing confident and highly motivated sixth-form students who consistently achieve exceptional success in applications to top universities. With the support of the institution’s well-connected and highly experienced Careers Department, QE students frequently gain places at prestigious universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College London, and other Russell Group members.
As a co-educational day and boarding school, QE accepts students from the age of three months to 18 years, with boarding available from Year 3. The school community comprises approximately 1,300 students from over 60 countries, contributing to its rich cultural diversity and fostering a global outlook.
Queen Ethelburga’s College Courses and Programme
In this review, the focus will be on The College (Traditional GCSE and A-Level Curriculum). The programmes offered by QE are as follows:
- Year 10 (GCSE Yr 1)
- Tear 11 (GCSE Yr 2)
- Year 12 (Sixth Form)
- Year 13 (Sixth Form)
- Pre A-Level (Sixth Form)
Queen Ethelburga’s College Results 2024
In 2024, students at Queen Ethelburga’s College demonstrated impressive academic performance, with 62% achieving grades 9-7 in their GCSE examinations and 78% of A-level candidates attaining grades A*-A.
Admissions Process to Queen Ethelburga’s College
Queen Ethelburga’s College implements a notably selective admissions system, reflecting its dedication to academic distinction and personalised learning paths. With a reputation for high standards, its admissions procedures are comparable to the selectivity found in grammar schools, often exceeding that of most sixth forms.
Admissions begin early, as all pupils from Year 4 are required to take a CAT 4 ability test and participate in an interview. This assessment, combined with current school reports for QE students and headteacher’s reports for external applicants, provides a thorough evaluation of each candidate’s abilities.
International students follow a distinct assessment process, which involves in-person English assessments conducted in their home countries through the college’s authorised agents.
By Year 9, students undergo further CAT 4 testing, a critical stage in determining their GCSE pathway. The top 40% are given the option of entering the College, which offers an academic track, or the Faculty, which combines vocational and academic studies. Those not in the top 40% are guided towards the Faculty. While some College students may later choose the Faculty route, moving from the Faculty to the College is generally less flexible.
As students enter Year 11, approximately 75% of College students progress to the sixth form. Entry requirements for sixth form are defined: students must achieve a minimum of grade 7 at GCSE for A-level subjects in the College, grade 6 for A-levels and grade 5 for BTECs in the Faculty. The system allows College students to transfer to the Faculty at 16, while Faculty students can pursue A-levels alongside their BTEC studies.
Queen Ethelburga’s College Fees 2024/2025
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FEES |
|
SCHOOL |
TERM FEE |
Chapter House (Year 3 to Year 5) |
£20,110 |
King’s Magna (Year 6 to Year 9) |
£20,655 |
The College/The Faculty (Year 10 & Year 11) |
£21,310 |
The College/The Faculty (Pre A-Level, Year 12 & Year 13) |
£21,745 |
UK STUDENT FEES |
||
SCHOOL |
DAY FEES (per term) |
BOARDING FEES (per term) |
Chapter House (Year 3 to Year 5) |
£4,225 |
£11,875 |
King’s Magna (Year 6 to Year 9) |
£6,175 |
£12,355 |
The College/The Faculty (Year 10 & Year 11) |
£6,745 |
£12,940 |
The College/The Faculty (Pre A-Level, Year 12 & Year 13) |
£7,160 |
£13,420 |
Boarding Experience and Pastoral Care
At Queen Ethelburga’s College, the boarding experience plays a fundamental role in creating a nurturing and inclusive educational environment. Approximately three-quarters of the student population opt to board within the school’s 12 houses, contributing to a lively and close-knit community.
The boarding houses are tailored to accommodate students of various age groups, ensuring a comfortable and supportive setting. Younger students reside in a dedicated house separate from the older pupils, providing a sense of belonging and security. These junior houses feature common rooms and a cinema area, offering spaces for relaxation and social bonding. Adult support is readily available, and sixth-form mentors offer guidance and companionship, easing the transition into boarding life for new students. Senior students benefit from a distinctive living arrangement, with houses grouped around a ‘village green.’ These recently refurbished houses are equipped with modern amenities and provide a welcoming environment.
Extracurricular Activities
Queen Ethelburga’s College excels in its provision of extracurricular activities, offering a remarkable range of options that appeal to diverse interests and passions.
Sports
At Queen Ethelburga’s College, sports hold a prominent position, with facilities comparable to those typically found on university campuses. Spanning 34 acres, the floodlit pitches and all-weather fields offer extensive space for various athletic activities. The indoor facilities are equally remarkable, including a 25-metre swimming pool equipped with hot tubs, aqua treadmills, and ice tanks for sports recovery. Further amenities such as sauna and steam rooms enhance the comprehensive wellness provisions. QE has a wide selection of student sports activities, ranging from football, netball, and cricket to rugby, hockey, swimming, and athletics.
Art
Art and design are well-supported at the college, with fully equipped art rooms, a darkroom, textile facilities, and ceramics workshops. The Head of Creative Arts, with a background in fashion design, encourages students to explore their creativity. The remarkable display of student work highlights the flourishing artistic atmosphere at Queen Ethelburga’s College.
Music & Theatre
Queen Ethelburga’s College offers a creative sanctuary for individuals with a passion for the performing arts, featuring four drama studios and a dance studio. These facilities complement the five varied performing arts courses available, allowing students to develop and refine their artistic abilities. Music enthusiasts are also well supported, with access to dedicated practice rooms and numerous bands. The college provides an impressive 150 peripatetic music lessons each week and even includes a recording studio, nurturing a lively and dynamic musical community. The college features outstanding facilities, including an impressive full-scale theatre, which would easily be the envy of many small towns. This versatile venue is used not only for school performances but is also available for professional hire. With three productions held each year, the theatre fosters inclusivity, providing numerous opportunities for students to take part and demonstrate their talents.
Reviews from Parents/Students
A fantastic school with lovely students. Staff works hard to ensure students truly are ‘the best that they can be with the gifts they have’.
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.
I’ve worked here 7 years. I can’t see myself anywhere else. So many positives about working here: lovely staff, great children of all cultures, various perks of being a private school and a great work environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the college offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options based on merit and need. Information about available scholarships and the application process can be obtained from the admissions office or the college’s website.
The college places a strong emphasis on student wellbeing, offering counselling services, pastoral care, and academic support. There are also dedicated staff members to help students with any personal or academic challenges they may face.
The college’s school hours typically run from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Specific schedules may vary depending on the student’s timetable and extracurricular commitments.
Queen Ethelburga’s College offers career guidance and university preparation support, including advice on applications, interviews, and career planning. Students also have access to work experience opportunities and internships.
Queen Ethelburga’s Contact Information
- Email: admissions@qe.org
- Telephone: 01423 33 33 30
- Official website: https://www.qe.org
- Location: Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, Thorpe Underwood Estate, York, YO26 9SS, UK
Apply To A UK Boarding School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!
Apply To A UK Boarding School Today
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!