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Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Infant/Toddler Care, Early Years, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction
Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate is a co-educational independent day and boarding school at Thorpe Underwood Hall near York, England, comprising Explorers Nursery, Chapter House, King's Magna and College on a 220-acre site. The school serves learners from infancy to around 19 years, offering EYFS, the British Curriculum and BTEC qualifications, with GCSEs, BTECs and A Levels in the senior phase. English is taught at Chapter House with dedicated support for English as an additional language. A weekly Personal Development and Wellbeing programme supports holistic growth, while a Super-Curricular programme adds a one-hour slot in Key Stage 5 to deepen knowledge beyond the classroom. Facilities include Sports Village with a 25-metre pool, triple-court hall, gym and studios; a new gym with ice baths. The King's Theatre hosts performances for school and community. The college offers over 60 GCSE/BTEC/A Level subjects and more than 70 enrichment activities weekly, plus clubs and service opportunities.
Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate, Thorpe Underwood Hall, York, YO26 9SS
The Essentials
Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate has 1,042 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.
Location
Thorpe Underwood Estate, near York, North Yorkshire, England
Stages
Explorers Nursery (3 Months–3 Years); Chapter House (Age 3–Year 5); King's Magna (Years 6–9); College (Years 10–13)
Type
Independent day and boarding school
Additional learning support
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support; Chapter House offers immersion and support for learners of English as an additional language
Country affiliation
United Kingdom (England)
School day structure
Queen Ethelburga's comprises four schools with wraparound care; wraparound care is available for up to 24 hours, including the Early Risers club, evening meals, and overnight stays as part of the boarding provision
Bus service
Day students can travel to QE by bus or train from across York, Leeds and Harrogate. There are ten bus routes: Blue Route (Northallerton–Ripon–QE), Purple Route (Hovingham–Easingwold–QE), Orange Route (Vangarde–Rufforth–QE), Black Route (Copmanthorpe–Long Marston–QE), Green Route (Sprotborough–Snaith–QE), Yellow Route (Sherburn–Aberford–QE), Brown Route (Roundhay–Alwoodley–QE), Red Route (Ripley–Knaresborough–QE), Grey Route (Wakefield–Wrenthorpe–QE), plus an additional route. A shuttle runs to Cattal Station for rail connections.
Fees
Annual tuition at Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate ranges from GBP 13,455 to GBP 22,785 for 2026/27.
Scope and academic year The figures below are published for the 2025/26 academic year and are given per term unless otherwise stated.
Application / registration fees - Non-refundable registration fee: GBP 354 (applies from age 3 upwards).
Tuition fees — day pupils (per term, by school/year group) - Explorers Nursery / Chapter House (early years and Key Stage 1–2): day fees are within a lower range for the preparatory years; published termly day fees for the Collegiate overall span approximately GBP 4,485 to GBP 7,595, with preparatory-year fees published at lower termly rates within that range. - King's Magna (Years 6–9): day fees around GBP 6,560 per term (published per-term figure for middle school years). - The College / Faculty (Years 10–11): day tuition GBP 7,160 per term. - Sixth Form (Years 12–13): day tuition GBP 7,595 per term.
Tuition fees — boarding (per term, by year group and boarding type) - Reception–Year 9 (boarding): published boarding range for younger boarders is approximately GBP 12,600 to GBP 13,115 per term. - Years 10–11: - Weekly boarding: GBP 12,930 per term. - Full boarding: GBP 13,730 per term. - Years 12–13: - Weekly boarding: GBP 13,440 per term. - Full boarding: GBP 14,240 per term. - International (overseas) boarding rate (published): GBP 22,330 per term (applies to international students where published).
Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are published on a per-term basis and include VAT for the 2025/26 academic year. Accounts are prepared against the published termly charges. - The Collegiate's terms require that the collegiate account be settled in full by the invoice due date; failure to settle by the invoice due date permits the Collegiate to apply remedies as set out in the parent contract. One full term's written notice is required to withdraw a pupil; failure to give such notice entitles the Collegiate to charge one term's fees and/or charges in lieu. International pupils must provide an additional enrolment deposit equal to one term's fees; that deposit is repayable on completion of the pupil's course, subject to the contract terms.
Boarding-related fees and deposits - International enrolment deposit: an additional enrolment deposit of one term's fees is required for international pupils; the Collegiate will repay this deposit on completion of the pupil's education subject to the terms and conditions. - Boarding fees (weekly/full) are charged per term as listed above and cover accommodation and meals unless otherwise specified in published fee notes.
Other costs and typical additional charges - School uniform: uniform is required and is available via the Collegiate's school shop / uniform provider; families should budget separately for uniform purchase. - Extras commonly charged in addition to tuition and boarding: examination fees, peripatetic music tuition, some trips and visits, some specialist coaching or pathway-specific costs, school transport where used, and optional activities or consumables. These extras are invoiced in addition to termly tuition where applicable.
Refunds and non‑refund policies - The registration fee is non-refundable. - The Collegiate's published terms state that leaving accounts and all monies owing must be settled by the invoice due date; one full term's written notice in writing is required when withdrawing a pupil, and failure to give such notice permits the Collegiate to charge one term's fees and/or charges in lieu. For international pupils, the additional enrolment deposit (one term's fees) is repayable on completion of the pupil's education subject to compliance with the contractual terms. The Collegiate's terms also state that, except at the Collegiate's discretion and in exceptional circumstances, fees will not be reduced or refunded for temporary closures or interruptions.
Fee payment options and how payments are accepted - Accepted payment methods include bank transfer and cheque; payment by Visa or American Express is accepted for an additional charge. The Bursar and Finance Office handle fee invoicing and can supply banking details on request.
Sibling discounts and financial assistance - Published sibling discounts are applied in some cases (examples cited in public listings include stepped sibling discounts for second, third and subsequent children); means-tested bursaries or scholarships may be subject to the school's published policy and availability; for recent published years the school indicated limited availability of scholarships for new entrants. Families should account for the standard termly charge plus these potential adjustments.
Summary — how to read these figures - All figures above are given in British Pounds (GBP) and are stated on a per-term basis where shown. Published ranges reflect differences by school within the Collegiate (early years / preparatory / middle / senior / sixth form) and by day versus boarding status. VAT treatment and exact billing can vary by year and pupil status; the published figures for 2025/26 include VAT where applicable.
Academics
Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate teaches EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification for students aged 0 to 18.
Curriculum
The school offers GCSEs, BTECs and A Levels as part of its senior curriculum. The Faculty provides GCSEs and BTECs at Key Stage 4 and A Levels at Key Stage 5. English is taught at Chapter House, with dedicated support for students learning English as an additional language. A one-hour weekly Personal Development and Wellbeing program supports personal, social and health education. QE College has a Super-Curricular programme with a one-hour slot in Key Stage 5 timetable. The Faculty runs Super-Curricular activities timetabled into the weekly timetable.
Higher Education Progression
QE College provides clear pathways to higher education. Many students progress to universities, including courses in business, economics and marketing. In social sciences, graduates have progressed to universities such as University College London, King's College London and the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Personal Development is a one-hour weekly lesson focusing on personal, social and health education, and it supports social, moral, spiritual and cultural progression across QE's chapters and senior school. It emphasizes resilience, emotional intelligence and healthy relationships as part of students' broader wellbeing education.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Learning Development department actively supports students with Special Educational Needs and disabilities, aiming to identify and provide for their needs within an inclusive, broad and balanced curriculum. Provisions are tailored to individual needs with reasonable adjustments to teaching methods, the curriculum and the school environment, and plans are used to monitor progress. The policy details educational and welfare provisions for students who have, or are suspected to have, learning difficulties, and it clarifies roles and responsibilities within the LD provision.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Chapter House offers a dedicated EAL programme to immerse and support children learning English as an additional language. Further up the school, students can apply for IELTS and may sit examinations in their native language where available.
Mental Wellbeing
Wellbeing is embedded in daily life at QE. Senior Wellbeing highlights weekly Personal Development sessions addressing resilience, kindness, emotional intelligence, online safety and staying mentally and physically healthy. Forest School is available as an outdoor wellbeing activity, and Stay and Play sessions include forest school experiences.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a core priority. Welfare is described as the school's first priority, with all staff committed to safeguarding and to promoting the welfare of children and young people. A dedicated welfare team is on call 24 hours a day to provide support and guidance, and regular Personal Development sessions cover staying safe and related safeguarding topics.
Admissions
Admissions
1. UK entry (Years 4-13). Contact the Admissions Team to start the UK application process and receive the application form. The Admissions Team guides you through the next steps and answers questions about QE. They coordinate with your child's current school, agent or test centre to arrange online tests, and an invigilator is required for the test. 2. Submit documents. Send your child's passport, 2 x full school reports, birth certificate, and the completed application form. These documents help the school review background and readiness. 3. Visit QE. Attend an Open Day or arrange a private tour to meet staff and see facilities. 4. Assessments. Take the Cognitive Ability Test (CAT4); the CAT4 is not an entry exam and the results help place your child in the right learning environment. 5. Accept offer and pay. Complete the registration to accept your offer and pay a non-refundable fee of £354. 6. Foundation Stage, Reception and Years 1-3. Follow Steps 1–5 above for UK entries in these age groups; the process and the same £354 registration apply. 7. Nursery (Explorers). Apply for Explorers Nursery (3 months to 3 years): contact to receive the application form; submit documents (passport, birth certificate, application form); visit Open Day or arrange a private tour; pay a £99 non-refundable registration; arrange a four-hour settling-in session at Explorers Nursery. 8. International entry. Register interest with an International Rep or agency; provide documents (passport, 2 x copies of the most recent full school reports, and any certificates). Complete the assessments: an online English test, CAT4, a Personal Résumé, and a Personal Interview (in person or via video call). If successful, receive an offer letter and complete registration to accept the offer with a £354 non-refundable fee and an international deposit equal to one term's full fees.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available to UK students who demonstrate gifts in academics, sports, music, or drama. The Scholarships page notes that UK students with these gifts may be eligible for scholarships.
FAQs
Where is Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate located and what age range does it serve?
Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate sits on the Thorpe Underwood Estate, near York in North Yorkshire, England. It serves ages 0 to 18 across four schools: Explorers Nursery, Chapter House, King's Magna, and QE College. It is a co-educational independent day and boarding school with wraparound care.
How is the school structured across its four schools?
The four schools are Explorers Nursery (3 months–3 years), Chapter House (ages 3–Year 5), King's Magna (Years 6–9), and QE College (Years 10–13). The school is co-educational and offers both day and boarding options, with wraparound care available.
What curriculum does QE offer for senior students?
For senior students, QE offers GCSEs and BTECs in Key Stage 4 and A Levels in Key Stage 5. English is taught at Chapter House with dedicated support for learners of English as an additional language, and there is a one-hour weekly Personal Development and Wellbeing program. QE College also runs a Super-Curricular programme timetabled into the Key Stage 5 timetable.
What are the termly fees for day pupils and for boarding, including any international deposits?
Day pupil fees vary by year group, roughly from £4,485 to £7,595 per term (with higher figures for older year groups). The College (Years 10–13) is about £7,160 per term for day pupils, and Sixth Form is £7,595 per term. Boarding fees range from about £12,600–£13,115 per term for younger boarders, to £13,440–£14,240 per term for older students, with international boarding listed at £22,330 per term. There is a non-refundable registration fee of £354, and international pupils pay an additional enrolment deposit equal to one term's fees.
How does the admissions process work for UK and international applicants?
UK applicants start by contacting the Admissions Team, submitting documents, visiting QE, and taking the Cognitive Ability Test (CAT4). After assessment, offers are made and a £354 registration fee is due. For international applicants, you register interest, provide documents, complete online English testing and CAT4, supply a Personal Résumé and participate in an interview, before paying the £354 registration and an international deposit equal to one term's fees.
Are scholarships or bursaries available, and who can access them?
Scholarships are available to UK students who demonstrate gifts in academics, sports, music, or drama. Means-tested bursaries or scholarships may also be available, subject to the school's published policy and availability; in recent years there has been limited scholarship availability for new entrants.
What higher education pathways do QE students typically pursue?
QE College provides clear pathways to higher education, with many graduates progressing to universities such as University College London, King's College London and the London School of Economics, among others, across business, economics, psychology and related fields.
What is the senior curriculum at QE and how is English support provided?
The senior curriculum includes GCSEs, BTECs and A Levels. English is taught at Chapter House with dedicated support for learners of English as an additional language, and IELTS options are available if needed.
Do you publish class sizes or student–teacher ratios?
The data provided does not publish specific student–teacher ratios or class sizes.
What on-site facilities support sports and academics?
QE's on-site Sports Village includes a 25-metre pool, a triple-court sports hall, a gym and studios for martial arts, fencing, table tennis and more; there is also a brand-new gym with ice baths and strength–conditioning facilities and a cricket pavilion with updated flooring. For academics, King's Magna Middle School has dedicated science laboratories and QE College offers a wide range of subjects (over 60 GCSE, BTEC or A Level options).
What performing arts facilities and arts opportunities are available?
The King's Theatre serves as QE's professional performing arts hub with a capacity of over 300 for events. There are regular arts performances and exhibitions, music ensembles and concerts, and opportunities to join orchestras or perform at events like the School Birthday and Carol Concert.
Are there facilities specifically for younger pupils or younger boarders?
Yes. King's Magna Middle School provides dedicated science labs, and younger boarders in Years 3–6 have a dedicated boarding space with appropriately sized furniture and a bath in place of showers. There is a wide range of evening and weekend activities designed for younger boarders.
What enrichment opportunities exist at QE?
QE offers a robust Super-Curricular programme with a dedicated one-hour slot in Key Stage 5 and many after-school options, including 70+ enrichment activities at King's Magna and various competitions. There are external lectures and industry-facing opportunities linked to subjects like art, engineering, medicine and economics.
What leadership opportunities and clubs are available?
Leadership and professional development are supported through the Leadership Pathway and Young Leaders programmes. There are numerous student-led societies, including Model United Nations, the Nepalese Society, Linguistics Club, Debate, Economics Society, and other clubs that encourage leadership and collaboration.
Is volunteering part of student life at QE?
Yes. Volunteering is encouraged across QE with opportunities on-site and in the local community, including charity events, outreach to local schools, care homes, beach cleans and food banks.
What EAL support does QE provide?
Chapter House offers a dedicated EAL immersion programme with timetabled EAL lessons for Years 1–5 taught by native speakers. The school also supports IELTS testing and may offer examinations in students' native languages where available.
How does QE support students with special educational needs and wellbeing?
The Learning Development department provides tailored provisions for students with SEN within an inclusive curriculum, with progress monitored through individualized plans. The Wellbeing program includes weekly Personal Development sessions, mental health awareness, Forest School, and Stay and Play activities, supported by a pastoral care team.
How is safeguarding managed at QE?
Safeguarding is a core priority with a dedicated welfare team available 24 hours a day to provide support. Regular Personal Development sessions cover staying safe and related safeguarding topics.
What is the QE boarding system like?
Boarding is offered in four age bands (7–11, 11–14, 14–18) with options for full or weekly boarding. Younger boarders have dedicated spaces with appropriate facilities, and a House Parent supports daily routines, including bedtime routines and a range of evening activities.
What are the uniform requirements and how can families obtain them?
There are uniform lists for Chapter House, King's Magna and QE College. Uniforms can be ordered online via the Uniform Shop or by emailing qeshop@qe.org; items should be named clearly, and accessories for girls should be black.
