Queen Ethelburga's College
York, North Yorkshire · YO26 9SS
Queen Ethelburga's is a large, co-educational independent all-through school in York offering continuous education from nursery through sixth form, with a substantial boarding provision. The school emphasises a comprehensive, inclusive curriculum spanning academics, performing arts, and competitive sport, operating as a collegiate community with an extensive campus. Its all-through model and scale (888 pupils) position it as a significant independent institution in the North of England, though it has yet to receive an Ofsted inspection.
- →Continuous all-through education from age 3 to 18 in one institution
- →Substantial boarding facilities catering to families seeking residential options in Yorkshire
- →Breadth of curriculum combining academics, performing arts, sport, and professional/vocational pathways
- →Large campus with competitive sports facilities and strong sports programmes
Who thrives here
Families seeking a comprehensive, all-through independent education with flexibility to board; pupils who thrive in larger, diverse communities with multiple curricular and co-curricular pathways; those attracted to a mix of academic rigour, performance, and sport.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Thorpe Underwood Hall, Thorpe Underwood Estate, Thorpe Underwood
York, North Yorkshire
YO26 9SS
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Queen Ethelburga's College?
Day fees at Queen Ethelburga's College are approximately £28,500 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Queen Ethelburga's College?
Queen Ethelburga's College admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Queen Ethelburga's College's exam results?
At Queen Ethelburga's College, 64.1% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Queen Ethelburga's College a boarding school?
Queen Ethelburga's College offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Queen Ethelburga's College's latest inspection rating?
ISI rated Queen Ethelburga's College “Excellent” (2019).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓All-through continuity from nursery to sixth form appeals to families seeking stability
✓Breadth of curricular and co-curricular offer (sport, music, drama, professional studies) suits diverse pupil interests
✓Inclusive, supportive pastoral environment with explicit wellbeing provision
✓Large campus and facilities (theatre, sports centres) enable rich activity programme
✓Boarding provision at multiple ages for families seeking residential options
Common concerns
!Scale (888 pupils) may dilute individual attention and personal relationship-building compared to smaller schools
!Lack of inspection data (not yet inspected by Ofsted) limits independent assurance of academic or pastoral standards
!Diversity of offer may dilute depth in any single specialism relative to dedicated music, sports, or academic schools
!International student numbers and summer camps may create transience affecting community cohesion