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Queen Ethelburga’s (QE) is celebrating having achieved the Gold Award in International Student Provision by QEGUK. The QEG Gold Award signifies the Collegiate is one of the few educational establishments committed to the highest standards of performance for international students and the levels of care offered to all students. Every year, it consistently ranks amongst the top 10 day and boarding schools in the UK.
QE is set within 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside between Harrogate and York. Every boarding house is on-site, allowing students to roam in their free time and safely access all facilities. The campus is secluded and has 24/7 security so parents can be confident their children are looked after. QE strives to help students develop the life skills required for their undoubtedly successful futures.
The school welcomes boarding students from Years 3 to 13. At the heart of QE boarding, there are three central characteristics: opportunity, individuality, and a caring community. Being a QE boarder provides students with opportunities beyond the ordinary whether that is in their academic studies, in the clubs they choose, in the trips they attend or in the friends that they make.
Children are cared for by a dedicated team of supportive boarding staff, separate from the academic staff, who are skilled at making boarding feel like home. Queen Ethelburga’s boarding team run events throughout the year to celebrate cultural diversity, such as Nigerian Independence Day where students cooked up a storm to celebrate Nigeria’s flavourful food, and Cultural Awareness Week where every student dresses in their cultural style.
“My experience within boarding is one that I am to never forget,” says a Year 13 boarding student. “I was able to enjoy my free time with my friends and roommates, as a distraction to get away from the stressful school hours. Boarding allowed me to try out new activities that I stepped out of my comfort zone and enabled me to get to know more people who shared the same environment as me. Boarding is like a second home, and it’s always comfortable and fun to be in every day.”
QE was recently recognised for its newly redesigned boarding rooms, created with the youngest students in mind. Source: Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
All boarding students can take advantage of specialist academic support during ‘Power Hour’ and homework prep sessions to boost their understanding and knowledge of various topics. There are more than 100 extra-curricular activities onsite covering a wide range of sports, art and design specialisms, music, dance, drama, technology, life skills, and academic areas. 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. They can also access the on-site medical centre, gym, swimming pool, uniform and essentials shop, tuck shop, coffee shop, 312-seat theatre, and plenty of outdoor space.
By far the best benefit of boarding is having 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.
Boarding facilities for younger learners
Recently announced winners of the BSA Boarding House Refurbishment Award 2024, the BSA recognised QE for the newly redesigned boarding rooms created with the youngest students in mind.
Students have dorms and common rooms designed for little people with cupboards placed lower down, smaller chairs, and smaller beds. Children in Years 3 to 5 are currently enjoying the newly refurbished Abbey Chambers boarding house which has a superb kitchen area, lounge, relaxation space, group study pods, and a well-being room.
Each ensuite dorm contains a shower but baths are provided as an option for all younger boarders. As Chapter House children are cared for by House Parents specialising in younger years, every young boarder can also ask for a House Parent to read them a bedtime story and tuck them in at night.
There are plenty of activities and clubs to get involved in, but the Friday night socials with chocolate spread toast remain a solid favourite.
‘Learn For Life’ sessions teach Sixth Formers key skills for working life and living at university. Source: Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
Boarding facilities for older learners
Students of King’s Magna, QE College and QE Faculty have ensuite bedrooms kitted out with TVs, phones, game consoles, coffee machines, ovens, kettles, washing machines, desks and storage. They also have access to a modern, well-equipped common room where they can socialise and enjoy downtime.
Sixth Form students have exclusive access to the Atrium — a modern dining room with common rooms and bedrooms surrounding the hall.
Wrap-around care throughout the holidays
Through the half-term and Easter holidays, students can attend QE’s residential holiday camp, which offers an alternative British homestay experience with a bespoke package of organised activities and offsite trips. During exam season, students can also continue to access the usual campus facilities along with specific departments such as Creative Arts, Music, Sports, or Performing Arts.
To learn more about boarding at QE, visit www.qe.org
