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Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate

United Kingdom, York

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees £13,455 - 69,990
Ages 0 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1042
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1912
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum EYFS (Early years foundation stage), British Curriculum, BTEC Qualification
Taught languages Spanish, French, German, Mandarin
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Academic Enrichment
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, Car Park F, Thorpe Underwood, Estate, York YO26 9SS, United Kingdom

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.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is available for three age bands: 7-11, 11-14 and 14-18. The school offers full‑time and weekly boarding options. Years 3–6 have a dedicated boarding space with facilities designed for younger children; wardrobes and cupboards are lower and furniture is smaller, and the boarding house includes a bath for those not yet comfortable with showers. A wide range of evening and weekend activities is provided, and a House Parent can read bedtime stories to boarders; a team of boarding staff care for younger children.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform lists exist for Chapter House, King's Magna and QE College. Uniforms can be ordered online via the Uniform Shop at www.qe.org/school-community/uniform-shop or by emailing qeshop@qe.org to arrange order and collection. All items must be named clearly and permanently. For girls, accessories must be black.

Food Options
Boarding students have access to the school shop and vending machines on site for snacks and drinks. Takeaway food is permitted for Years 11-13 from QE's approved providers; takeaways for younger boarders are not allowed. Tuck (two pieces a day) is allowed and students may bring their own chocolate spread.

House System
The Academic House System has four houses: Cantwara, Eoforwic, Derwent and Lyminge. The house system creates community and friendly competition with regular house events and a House Cup; staff and students work with Heads of Academic Houses to participate in house activities.

Governance and Ownership
The Collegiate is governed by the Collegiate Board of Directors.
Fees

Annual tuition at Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate ranges from GBP 13,455 to GBP 69,990 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.
Parent Experience

History
Founded in 1912 as an all-girls school, Queen Ethelburga's began at Thorpe Underwood Hall near York. In 1991 the school moved to a 220-acre site near York, centering around Thorpe Underwood Hall, the former home of the Brontë family. After the move, it opened to all genders and established Explorers Nursery, Chapter House and King's Magna. Today it is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for students aged 3 months to 19 years, organized into four schools: Explorers Nursery, Chapter House, King's Magna and College.

Community
Queen Ethelburga's welcomes pupils from across the UK and more than 40 nationalities worldwide, creating a diverse campus community. The 220-acre campus is located off the A59 between York and Harrogate. The school preserves traditions such as the School Birthday in October, celebrated with a buffet lunch and a sword-cut cake, and hosts events including a Christmas Carol Concert at Ripon Cathedral, a School Ghost Night, and singing around the Christmas tree. QE is divided into four schools: Explorers Nursery, Chapter House, King's Magna and College.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
A Parent Facebook page exists for QE parents, administered by a named administrator; regular online Parents' Meetings are held to discuss issues with the form tutors. The Parent Handbook includes messages from the Chair of the Collegiate Board and the Principal, establishing governance and parent communications. Chapter House runs a Fundraise & Volunteer program with the start-of-year charity vote allowing parents to select six charities for fundraising and hosting events such as Harvest Festival, Christmas Toy Collection and Race for Life. Volunteers can take roles in lessons, the library or committees; children also contribute by creating Christmas cards for care home residents.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The on-site Sports Village is built to a professional standard and is regularly used by Premier League teams through the school holidays. The facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a triple-court sports hall, a gym and specialist studios for martial arts, fencing, table tennis, dance and spin classes. A brand-new gym with ice baths and strength and conditioning suites has been opened, and QE has a cricket pavilion with new flooring in the sports hall. The King's Theatre is the hub of performing arts at Queen Ethelburga's, a full-scale professional venue with a seating capacity of over 300 for external and internal events.

Sports Facilities
The Sports Village on site is built to a professional standard and is regularly used by Premier League teams during school holidays. Facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a triple-court sports hall, a gym and specialist studios for martial arts, fencing, table tennis, dance and spin classes. There is a brand-new gym with ice baths and strength and conditioning suites, and a cricket pavilion with updated flooring in the sports hall. QE's sport offering supports football, cricket, netball, basketball and rugby through the Performance Sports Programme.

Academic Facilities
King's Magna Middle School has dedicated science laboratories. Queen Ethelburga's College offers over 60 GCSE, BTEC or A Level subjects.

Extra Curricular Facilities
There are over 70 enrichment activities available at King's Magna every week. Within QE College and King's Magna, Super-Curricular activities are timetabled and include a wide range of options: Art, Advanced Mathematics, Computing, Engineering, Health-Related Exercise, Mathematics, Medicine and Veterinary, Music, Psychology and more, with opportunities for external competitions and the Performance Sports Programme. Super-curricular outside school hours include Accounting, AI Club, CREST Award, Critical Thinking, Economics Society, Esports, Law, Journalism, Linguistics, Medicine and Veterinary, Public Speaking, and many other clubs.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The QE College Super-Curricular programme adds a dedicated one-hour slot in Key Stage 5 to deepen knowledge beyond the classroom. It covers subject areas including art, mathematics, engineering, medicine and veterinary sciences, and students are encouraged to enter national competitions during the Super-Curricular period. After-school Super-Curricular activities include chess, CREST Award, critical thinking, debating, Economics Society, Linguistics Club, Medicine and Veterinary, Philosophy, Psychology Club, Student Investor Challenge, Tycoon in Schools and Young Leaders, with opportunities to attend lectures from industry professionals and alumni. Model United Nations and the Nepalese Society are among the new student-led societies supporting broader academic and cultural engagement.

Arts & Creative
Music is integrated into QE College life with rock bands, ensembles, junior and senior chamber choirs, and multiple concerts and performance opportunities; students can join the orchestra or perform solo at events such as the School Birthday or Carol Concert. QE also offers enrichment opportunities in the arts beyond the classroom, including on-site creative studios and performance-based activities. There are regular arts performances and exhibitions as part of school life to showcase student creativity.

Cultural & Language
New societies include the Nepalese Society and Model United Nations; there are also Linguistics Club activities and student-led lectures with opportunities to explore cultural topics. The College supports cultural engagement through clubs and societies and encourages participation in international-style activities like Model United Nations.

Social & Hobbies
After-school enrichment includes chess, E-Sports, Law Society, Journalism, Student Investor Challenge, Tycoon in Schools, and Young Leaders, alongside clubs and societies in debate and other interests. There are additional social and hobby opportunities through arts, sport and community clubs that run during and after the school day.

Community & Service
Volunteering is encouraged across QE, with opportunities on-site and in the local community; activities include outreach with local schools, care homes, beach cleans, food banks and charity events. The school promotes fundraising and community service as a core part of student life.

Leadership & Professional
QE provides leadership and professional development through the Leadership Pathway and Young Leaders programmes; the Super-Curricular section includes opportunities to lead projects and events, and there are guest speakers and industry lectures. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles within clubs and teams to develop transferable skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Student wellbeing is supported by the school's Wellbeing provision, weekly personal development sessions, and whole-school awareness weeks focusing on mental health, inclusion and culture; prefects and peer support contribute to a supportive community. The Wellbeing programme is complemented by pastoral care and a focus on balanced, healthy student life.
Languages

Language Provision
Chapter House teaches Mandarin and Spanish. King's Magna Middle School offers Modern Foreign Languages including Spanish, French, German and Mandarin at GCSE and A Level. The College offers English language and English literature at GCSE and A Level. EAL support is available across Chapter House and the senior sections, with IELTS and examinations in students' native languages.

Immersion Programs
Chapter House provides an English as an Additional Language (EAL) immersion program to support students learning English. Timetabled EAL lessons for Years 1-5 are taught by native speakers. Mandarin and Spanish are taught as additional languages as part of the Chapter House curriculum.
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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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