Queen Margaret's School
York, North Yorkshire, England
Queen Margaret's School
York, North Yorkshire, England
Overview
Queen Margaret’s is one of the few all-girls schools in the North of England offering the full boarding experience, and its home since 1949 has been the 17th-century Escrick Hall, overlooking a campus in 70 acres of grounds near the ancient city of York. The school encourages individual growth, and self-confidence whilst fostering the values of kindness and honesty. Modern facilities include the award-winning Centenary building which houses a 250-seat theatre, a Chapel and dance/drama studios.
At a glance
Academic
The varied and challenging curriculum offers 22 subjects at GCSE and 29 at A level whilst a range of non-examined courses encourages objective thinking and general knowledge. Sciences and Modern Languages are particular strengths and individualised EAL programmes lead to internationally-recognised qualifications, including IELTs. Class sizes are small, and teaching is interactive and engaging, reflected in consistently strong results - on average 74% of A Level candidates achieve A*/B grades.
Boarding
With over 70% of girls full-boarding they are able to integrate fully into the life of this 7-day-a-week boarding school. Each of the 6 horizontally-structured boarding houses is led by a team of caring and well-qualified staff, and there is a ‘guardian angel’ scheme for new students. Year 7 girls share 4-6 bed dormitories in a converted farmhouse, whilst Upper Sixth cottages enable more independent living. Friday nights and weekends are filled with a programme of activities and trips.
Sports
Sport at Queen Margaret's is inclusive, and the girls are encouraged to develop confidence, achieve success and embrace teamwork. Alongside team sports they can tackle individual pursuits such as horse riding, tennis, squash and the modern-pentathlon. Sports scholars have individual mentors and one-to-one fitness training. Facilities include an all-weather pitch, 2 swimming pools, a 9-hole golf course, tennis and netball courts, a dance studio, a cardio suite and riding facilities.
Creative arts
A third of pupils have individual music lessons and can choose from ensembles including a rock band, a jazz group and a Songwriters’ Collective. The purpose-built, state-of-the-art, 250-seat Chapman Theatre hosts summer and Christmas concerts, annual musicals, drama productions and dance shows, whilst many girls take individual dance lessons. The modern Art & Design facilities stay open late in the evenings and cater for Painting, Sculpture, Textiles, Photography and Graphic Design.
Did you know?
- As part of National Science week, girls at Queen Margaret’s sent a teddy bear to the edge of space using Raspberry Pi computer programming and a high-altitude balloon.
- In 2016 Queen Margaret's won the Tatler Award for 'The Best School Food in the UK' which recognised excellence in produce, menu ideas, presentation and taste.
