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“In Mexico, we are very strict about education; we, as Mexican families, look for security, well-being, and no bullying.”
These words are from Lila Bejarano from Mexico, a mother who found all these criteria met at Queen Margaret’s School for Girls in York, UK. “I expected my daughter to be here for a month, but she asked to stay, and now she has friends from Hong Kong, England, and beyond.”
The school where self-belief thrives – that’s Queen Margaret’s School for Girls, an independent boarding and day school near York for girls aged 11 to 18. Established in 1901, it’s one of the leading private schools in the area, offering a supportive, all-girls education that empowers each student to take on the challenges of tomorrow.
Here, each girl thrives. Think of valuable qualities such as strong friendships, academic achievements, and lifelong resilience. They grow while gaining the confidence to pursue their individual passions and strive for success.
The setting makes it all the better. Beautiful, tranquil Yorkshire countryside surrounds the school, making it a safe place for girls to live and learn. Meanwhile, the historic City of York is packed with attractions, museums, theatres and shopping avenues, reflecting its status as one of the best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times. Queen Margaret’s is a short drive from York Train Station, with London and Edinburgh just a two-hour train ride away. The international airports at Leeds/Bradford and Manchester are also within easy reach.
With such great offerings, it’s little surprise that any girl who visits the school wishes to join. Queen Margaret’s won Small Independent School of the Year in 2023 and was a finalist for International Student Experience in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2024. In 2021, the school also won the Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing.
These accolades testify to the school’s dedication to providing a nurturing environment. Queen Margaret’s seven core values – courage, commitment, curiosity, respectfulness, kindness, fun, and inclusivity – are the foundation of an education here.
“The most important thing as a parent is our daughter’s well-being,” says Bejarano. “The school has a very nice environment that helped my daughter flourish very well.”
Students represent 14 different nationalities, with 35% being international students. While the school has a strong Christian ethos, you’ll find girls from all backgrounds and faiths here. International students, for example, are assigned a Guardian Angel – another student – to help them settle in. There are also initiatives such as an orientation programme, a student-run International Council, and an International Coordinator.
Boarders live in four houses: Warwick House, Winnies, Cloisters, and The Cottages. Source: Queen Margaret’s School for Girls
A bespoke boarding experience
Queen Margaret’s proudly welcomes girls from across the world. There’s a thriving boarding community here – 80% of students choose to board, with options ranging from one to seven nights a week. They can opt to stay full-time, only returning home for the holidays or whenever needed – whether your daughter requires a regular routine or occasional overnight stays, the school ensures she receives the best care for her health, emotional well-being, and development.
The school operates with a horizontal boarding experience. This means everyone learns and boards together in a supportive year group – full-boarders, flexi-boarders, and day girls included. House staff are available around the clock to ensure a safe and comfortable environment, supervising evening and weekend activities like trips to the trampoline park or group visits to museums and stately homes.
A small school with big impact
The Good Schools Guide says Queen Margaret’s has an “ethos of enabling every girl to be comfortable in her learning.” Curricula are tailored, timetables are personalised for each student, and all are given opportunities to develop and excel. Each girl has a Personal Tutor who oversees her academic progress and well-being, monitors her workload, and ensures she is cared for and reaching her targets. Parents receive regular updates from the school.
With only 200 students and a strong family feel, no one gets lost in the crowd. Small class sizes allow for personalised learning experiences and keen attention, helping each girl fully reach her goals and realise their passions.
This extends beyond the classroom. All year round, there are fun activities, sporting opportunities, and artistic adventures. These features make for a more well-rounded education, and Queen Margaret’s has an extensive list which students can explore within its stunning 75-acre parkland setting. Purpose-built facilities dot its grounds, such as the Chapman Theatre, the QM Riding School with 25 stables, a heated indoor pool and more.
The results speak for themselves. 2024 GCSE and A Level academic results are excellent – 54% of all GCSE entries achieved A*-A in 2024. The school’s all-important STEM subjects recorded particularly impressive results; 96% of entries in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Computer Science achieved A*-A, while 66% of A Level students achieved an A*-A in 2024. Graduates have joined the UK’s leading universities and conservatoires, with most girls entering prestigious Russell Group universities. Others join specialist universities such as the Royal College of Music and the Condé Nast College of Fashion.
Give your daughter the best head start in life by sending her to Queen Margaret’s. Click here to apply now.
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