Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate
Catchment Area, Reviews and Key Information

Primary & Secondary
PUPILS
421
AGES
0 - 19
GENDER
Mixed
TYPE
Other independent school
SCHOOL GUIDE RATING

How Does The School Perform?

Inspection
NATIONAL AVG. 2.09
Independent Schools Inspectorate
(19/10/2023)
Full Report - All Reports
98%
NATIONAL AVG. 38%
5+ GCSEs grade 9-4 (standard pass or above) including English and maths
99%
NATIONAL AVG. 45%
GCSE Grade 5 (strong pass) or above in both English and maths
63%
INDEPENDENT AVG. 48%
Top grades at GCSE (9-7)
78%
NATIONAL AVG. 17%
3 A levels at AAB or higher inc. two facilitating subjects
84%
INDEPENDENT AVG. 49%
Top grades at A level (A*/A)
DATA
GUIDE

Secondary Data
Explained for parents
49.5
A level average point score
INDEPENDENT AVERAGE 35.6
A
Average A level result
INDEPENDENT AVERAGE B-
+0.27
A level progress score
GCSE to A level
INDEPENDENT AVERAGE -0.03
Day, Weekly and Full Boarding
Boarding Type
Available
Scholarship Status
£3,375
to
£5,466
Day Fees Per Term
(excluding VAT)
7.3%
NATIONAL AVG. 15.0%
Pupils with SEN support
NURSERY

Co-educational nursery

View website
PREP

Preparatory school

View website

Top Grades Compared With Other Schools

48% Independent Average Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate 63% GCSE
49% Independent Average Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate 84% A level

Top grades at GCSE (7-9) and top grades at A level (A*/A)


Progress Compared With All Other Schools

This shows current pupil progress from the end of GCSE to A level compared to other pupils in England. This “value added” data measures academic development from one key stage to the next

+ 0.27 A level Progress Score Well Below Average (About 5% of schools in England) Below Average (About 26% of schools in England) Average (About 43% of schools in England) Above Average (About 21% of schools in England) Well Above Average (About 5% of schools in England)

School Video

School Prospectus

Thorpe Underwood Hall
Thorpe Underwood Estate
Thorpe Underwood
York
YO26 9SS
+44 (0)1423 333300

See News and Open Days from Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate

School Description

Set in more than 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, Queen Ethelburga’s has provided students with a vibrant and supportive school community since 1912.   The school welcomes girls and boys from 3 months and supports them through their four schools : Chapter House (3 months to Year 5); King’s Magna (Year 6 to 9); The College; and Faculty (both Year 10 to 13). Pupils develop at Queen Ethelburga's into resilient, confident and independent young adults who are well prepared for their future.  

Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate Parent Reviews



Average Parent Rating


“Chapter House @ Queen Ethleburga’s”


Making the decision to move from our local village school to Chapter House was a decision that we questioned, but it has been the greatest decision that we have ever made. Within Chapter House, our children are challenged, engaged, and thriving. They have the opportunity to excel in their own areas of interest with a never-ending list of clubs. The wraparound care also helps! Chapter House offers something that our village primary simply couldn’t. Regular sporting fixtures against other primary schools, trips across the whole of Yorkshire, and professional theatre productions offer something that they would not have had the opportunity to experience previously. At Chapter House, our children get access to the same world-class facilities and resources as those in the senior school, including the amazing teachers! Joining Chapter House was the greatest decision that we have made for our children.
“Wonderful school”


Incredible school. I have two children at Queen Ethelburga’s school, one in Year 3 and one in Year 5. The staff are wonderful, the class sizes are small and the children are so happy. They come home happy everyday excited to tell me about their days. The variety of clubs and sports activities is second to none. But also I love the history, and the traditions of the school the children are all included in. I cannot spoke highly enough of the school. I am so happy I moved them here.
“Supportive and lots of individual attention”


Fabulous School! I’m a parent of 2 children. One in Yr11 and one in Yr6. Both my children have had and continue to have very positive experiences at QE. Individual attention and personalised options for each child. Fabulous facilities, extra curricular activities, and opportunities to travel. Engaging staff lead a huge variety of subjects. Would thoroughly recommend.
“Fantastic sporting opportunities!”


We would like to feedback specifically about all the sporting opportunities that my child has experienced in her first year at Chapter House. Despite only being in Year 5, we have been amazed by all the sports she has not only had the opportunity to try but, also the facilities she has access to and the fixtures that she has completed - ranging from girls' football, cricket, swimming, and topping this off with a trip to the National Athletics competition in Birmingham. A special mention has to go to Mr Mason who always seems to have a smile on his face and works patiently with all the children. His kind and supportive nature is always visible and he no doubt has played a big role in building their confidence.
“My boys love it here!”


We have twin boys who are thoroughly embracing the Queen Ethelburga's experience and loving it.
“QE Motorsports success”


Henry’s participation in QE Motorsports has been an incredible learning experience for him, which has only been possible with QE’s encouragement, guidance and resources. This opportunity has taught him valuable life lessons in teamwork and perseverance. Henry has always loved Formula 1 and the Student Motorsport Challenge gave him the chance to get a piece of the action. Henry has developed as a team member and novice mechanic.
“A Wonderful School”


"Our daughter has been so well supported in her time at The Faculty at QE and as a result she has achieved extremely pleasing grades in her GCSEs, allowing her to pursue all the A Levels she wanted to study. The Faculty really has been a wonderful place for our daughter to grow and learn, and we are very grateful for all that the school offers." Parent of a Year 12 student
“Highly Recommend”


From the moment our son arrived in Year 4, he enjoyed stimulating lessons and a wealth of extracurricular activities. We have enjoyed seeing him grow into a motivated, personable and articulate young man.
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News, Photos and Open Days from Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate

Last update: 11 May 2026
OPEN DAYS

 

Smiling successful pupils at Queen Ethelburga's

 

Join us to get an in-depth, insight into Queen Ethelburga’s and our community, which welcomes day children from 3 months old to Year 13 and boarding students from Year 3 to Year 13.

When is the next Open Day at Queen Ethelburga's? Click the link below for times and more information. 

2026
6th June
3 October
21 November

2027
23 January 2027
6 March 2027
12 June 2027 

Book Open Day
ABOUT QUEEN ETHELBURGA'S

 

Our curriculum is forward-thinking, incorporating the latest technology, including AI education and qualifications that prepare students for modern careers (see our BTEC course on Esports). We offer traditional academic routes as well as vocational options, all underpinned by our academic aim: to build skills for lifelong learning and future success.

Queen Ethelburga's is divided into four schools:

Explorers Nursery
(3 months to 3 years)

Chapter House 
Age 3 to Year 5)

King’s Magna
(Years 6 to 9)

College
(Years 10 to 13)

 

Visit our website
Meet the Head: Dan Machin

Who/what inspired you to become a teacher?

Initially, I pursued a Management degree at university, but the student teacher I lived with shared stories about her experiences in the classroom and it inspired me to follow a similar path. I was drawn to teaching because I enjoyed working with people, seeing them grow, and supporting them in achieving their goals.

My journey to becoming Principal began when I joined Queen Ethelburga’s (QE) as a Business Studies and ICT teacher in 2005. Since then, I took on roles including Head of Sixth Form, Head of College, and Vice Principal and in March 2021, became Principal. Since university, I have always been passionate about leadership and management, and as Principal, I get to support a large number of staff and students, helping them achieve their potential.

What achievement are you most proud of as Head?

Working with students to understand and support their learning journey, as they strive towards their aspirations and goals, and being there on results day when those dreams are realised, brings a great deal of joy to the whole QE community. As Principal, I am so fortunate to be able to witness a breadth of student success, from our early years provision right through to sixth form, in such a variety of areas, and to appreciate that each individual success story contributes to the overall happy and diverse QE community that we are privileged to be a part of. 

What does a successful school look like to you?

QE stands out for its emphasis on helping every individual reach their potential, both academically and personally. The school is modern, values diversity and is well-known for its excellent facilities, over 150 extracurricular activities, and academic achievements (named the Sunday Times Top School for Academic Performance North for the fourth consecutive year). It has been welcoming Forces families for over 100 years and is CEA-accredited but most of all, the school is forward-thinking with curriculum options in fields like AI, Esports, marketing, and motorsports – a big part of why we were named ISA Senior School of the Year 2024.

What is the most important quality you want every child to have when they leave your school? And why?

At QE, we build our provision around our students and ensure there is a path for everyone – one which suits their personal goals and talents. Our various pathways, large enrichment programme and expert teachers and coaches help students discover their passions and develop into well-rounded individuals. We make sure academic rigour runs alongside enrichment and encourage lifelong learning, so students grow into self-aware individuals that really contribute to society.  

Please give 5 words to describe the ethos of your school.

Our School motto best described our ethos. To "be the best I can with the gifts I have".

Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate Catchment Area Map

This school is independently managed, and its admission criteria may be selective. The Collegiate accepts students from all over the world with no specific catchment areas. For day students, the Collegiate operates a bus system with the following routes: (see attached bus route graphic). Please Contact the school directly or visit their website for more information on Admissions Policy and Procedures.