Head of Student Wellbeing at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE), Jemma Holroyd examines the advantages students gain by being part of the school community
QE is set within a 220-acre, secluded site within the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside between Harrogate and York where it welcomes boarders from Year 3 to Year 13. At the heart of QE boarding there are three characteristics; opportunity, individuality, and a supportive community. Children are cared for by a team of supportive staff who are skilled at helping to make boarding feel like home, promote independence, and who are separate to our academic staff. QE has won or been a finalist in several prestigious boarding awards including BSA Belonging and Inclusion (finalist, 2024), BSA Innovation in Boarding (won, 2022), TES Boarding School of the Year (finalist, 2022) and Muddy Stilettos’ Outstanding Pastoral Care (finalist, 2022).
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The hustle and bustle around campus makes the school feel like a town. Students have access to an activity centre, which is home to a cinema, climbing wall, a weekend fast-food café and a selection of board games and game consoles. The campus also hosts an on-site medical centre, gym, swimming pool, uniform and essentials shop, tuck shop, coffee shop, 312-seat theatre, and plenty of outdoor space. Boarders have access to all the amazing school facilities outside of the normal school day including elite sport pitches, music practice rooms, dance studios and sports courts. There is plenty on offer at weekends too, including performing arts or creative arts academies, timetabled activities and exciting trips to local cities, towns and activity centres.
Students take advantage of specialist academic support during ‘Power Hour’ and homework prep sessions to boost their understanding and knowledge of various topics. There are over 100 extra-curricular activities onsite covering a wide range of sports, art and design subjects, music, dance, drama, technology, life skills, and academic areas.
QE prides itself on the quality of its modern accommodation. Students in Years 6-13 have ensuite bedrooms kitted out with TVs, phones, desks and storage. They also have access to modern, well-equipped common rooms where they can socialise and enjoy downtime. Sixth Form students also have items like game consoles, coffee machines, ovens, kettles and washing machines whereas younger students have specialised dorms and common rooms designed for little people. Younger boarders enjoy chill-out spaces, a wellness room, study pods, a communal open plan kitchen dining lounge space, as part of our award-winning prep school boarding house, Abbey Chambers (BSA Boarding House Extension or Refurbishment Winner 2024). They also can request baths instead of showers and can ask for a House Parent to read them a bedtime story and tuck them in at night.
To learn more, visit qe.org, attend our September 28th open morning, or email [email protected] to book a tour.