The results are in and the school communities from both of the Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate independent senior schools are today celebrating a wave of excellent A Level and BTEC results with delighted students, parents and staff.  

QE has two senior schools as well as their prep and middle schools, on their modern, well-equipped campus, which is close to York, Harrogate and Leeds, in Thorpe Underwood. This allows for a high level of personalised care and guidance for all students, and an innovative personalised curriculum model to meet the needs of each individual.  

Across the two schools the combined percentage of A*/A grades at A Level today is 78 per cent, with the percentage of BTEC Distinction* and Distinction grades in QE Faculty reaching 73 per cent.

(Image: Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate Foundation) This year has seen students aim high with a wide range of first choice university places achieved at Oxford, Imperial College London, the London School of Economics, Durham, King’s College London, University College London, and Bath, amongst other excellent UK and worldwide universities.  

Head of QE Faculty at Queen Ethelburga’s, Lauren Blakeley, said: "Our Year 13 students this year thoroughly deserve the excellent results we have seen today. Their hard work, determination and spirit as a cohort has shone through in how they have applied themselves in both their studies, and also their overarching contributions to our school community. It is also reflective of our outlook in QE Faculty, where we can offer a balance of academic excellence whilst supporting success in other talents and interests such as sport or performing arts.

"We are seeing our students head off on exciting adventures, including courses such as dentistry, motorsport engineering, archaeology, and illustration; all around the UK and across the world – we wish them well and will continue to offer our support as they move into the next stage of our community as our alumni. A huge congratulations to everyone!"

Head of QE College, Steven Turner, said: "The results that have come in today really reflect the aspiration of our Year 13 students and are the final snapshot of an inspiring educational journey we have had with each and every one of them in their time at QE – whether that be 2 years, 12 years or more.

"Our College students have taken a traditional academic A-Level journey but we have seen examples of their excellence in many different pursuits – whether that be in a specified route like medicine or something more experiential such as engineering. I wish them every success as they embark on the next step and we can’t wait to hear more about their continued achievements."

Principal of the Collegiate, Daniel Machin, said: "We are immensely proud of our Year 13 students – for today’s results, for the people they have become in their time with us at QE and for the well-rounded, resilient and ambitious adults they will go on to become.

"We prepare our students for their futures – our two senior schools exist to give a diverse choice of options for our students, to find the fit they need to succeed within their examination years, inside and just as importantly, outside the classroom.

"This is because today is about more than the results they received, it is about celebrating our students achieving all their aspirations and goals and being proud of the young adults they have become. The whole of the Team QE community wishes them well on the next part of their journey."

(Image: Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate Foundation) Student Case Study – Georgia, Year 13 QE College 

A*A*AA 

Dedicated, curious and empathetic, Georgia’s journey with us began nearly 12 years ago, in Year 2.  Since then, she has consistently been an outstanding student, culminating in an offer to study medicine at Oxford University. This prestigious offer is not just a testament to her individual brilliance but also a reflection of the extraordinary potential that exists within the College community. 

Georgia's journey is one of perseverance, hard work, and unwavering commitment. She has excelled academically, consistently achieving top grades across multiple subjects, including ranking top in the top 5 per cent in her year group in biology, chemistry and mathematics. Her methodical approach to practical work and her ability to critically analyse experimental data showcase not only her academic abilities, but also her dedication to excellence in everything she undertakes.  

Georgia’s dedication to learning extends beyond the classroom and into real-world experiences, where she has witnessed first-hand the complexities and challenges of medical practice.  From shadowing anaesthetists at Leeds General Infirmary to conducting work experience in a neurosurgery department, Georgia’s experiences outside of the classroom have profoundly impacted on her understanding of medicine and patient care.  

As an aspiring medic, Georgia has read extensively around the subject matter, discovering neurology to be of particular interest to her. She made this the focus of her EPQ, investigating the purpose, function and benefits of antidepressants.

Her project achieved the highest mark possible and was highlighted as exceptional by the examination board moderator.  Georgia's insatiable curiosity and drive to push the boundaries of her understanding epitomises the spirit of inquiry and intellectual curiosity that the College aims to instil in all our students.  

Georgia's achievements extend far beyond the realm of academics. She is a well-rounded individual, actively engaged in extracurricular activities ranging from sports to volunteering to her role as Deputy Head Girl. She is a talented sportsperson who has represented her county and school at hockey, demonstrating the importance of leadership, teamwork, and perseverance.

Her commitment and her ability to balance her sporting pursuits with her academic studies exemplify the values of dedication and time management that the College strives to instil in all our students. She also recently won ‘Best Student of Spanish in the United Kingdom’ - a prestigious award run by the Ministry of Education in the Embassy of Spain in the UK with the best Spanish grades and the best overall academic grades in the country.

(Image: Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate Foundation) Student Case Study – Sebastian, Year 13 QE Faculty 

AAD (Distinction) 

Sebastian's journey with us, which began in Year 9, has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting as a shy newcomer, he has grown into his role as Head Boy, demonstrating exceptional personal growth and embodying the core values of Queen Ethelburga's throughout his time here. From the outset, his natural talent for rugby was evident, as was his unwavering commitment to his academic pursuits. Looking ahead, Sebastian is poised to either pursue a professional rugby contract or study Management at Loughborough University. 

His involvement in extracurricular activities, including his roles as Head Boy and Captain of the first XV Rugby team, highlights his dedication to leadership and service. Sebastian's commitment to giving back to the school community and inspiring his peers is a testament to his strong character and integrity. 

Sebastian's progress in rugby has been equally impressive. His relentless drive to improve and exceptional discipline have allowed him to excel, earning him the captaincy of the Yorkshire Academy on numerous occasions and attracting the attention of elite teams. His skills on the rugby field have flourished, fuelled by his ambition to become a professional player—a dream that, with continued hard work and dedication, is well within reach. 

In addition to his sporting achievements, Sebastian has also successfully applied to some of the top universities in the country, driven by his determination to excel both on and off the pitch. Balancing an intensive rugby schedule with a range of academic enrichment and support sessions, he has secured outstanding results. Sebastian's extraordinary qualities and potential are a true reflection of the calibre of students in our Faculty. 

For more information about studying at QE visit www.qe.org