Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate has once again been recognised among the UK’s very best independent schools for value, retaining its position as the Best Value Co-Educational Private School in Britain in The Telegraph’s annual rankings.
The school secured second place overall for the second consecutive year, behind only King Edward VI High School for Girls in Birmingham, reaffirming its position as the highest-ranked co-educational school in the country for value.
The independent rankings assess schools on the relationship between academic performance, facilities and fees, recognising those that deliver exceptional educational value.
With maximum day fees of around £23,700, Queen Ethelburga’s combines outstanding academic outcomes with an extensive educational offer. Students achieved 90% of GCSE grades at 7–9—the highest proportion in Yorkshire—and 83% A*–A grades at A Level, placing the school among the top 15 nationally. Beyond the classroom, students benefit from exceptional facilities including an athlete-performance gym, extensive sports pitches, climbing wall, tennis and padel courts, a professional-standard theatre and specialist teaching spaces that support learning across every discipline. Boarding options are extensive, with full and flexible boarding available.
In announcing the rankings, The Telegraph noted that: “For many parents, the value of independent schools goes beyond academic achievements; they want a well-rounded experience for their children that includes opportunities in sport, performing arts and music.”
A spokesperson for the Independent Schools Council (ISC) added: “Independent schools take a much wider view of education than just exam results. Boarding schools, in particular, offer a wide range of activities outside the classroom and subjects inside the classroom.”
Daniel Machin, Principal of Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, said “This is a hugely significant accolade for Queen Ethelburga’s and one we are incredibly proud to receive. It is particularly meaningful at a time when the independent sector continues to navigate unprecedented financial pressures following the introduction of VAT on school fees. Throughout this period, our priority has been clear: to protect the quality of education and opportunities our students receive while doing everything possible to minimise the financial impact on both current and prospective families.
Despite these challenges, demand for Queen Ethelburga’s continues to grow. Our day school is thriving, with increasing numbers of local families choosing to invest in an independent education because they recognise the value it delivers. Families rightly expect more than outstanding academic results, and that is exactly what we provide.
Education should never stand still. We continually evolve our provision to meet the changing needs of young people and modern family life, whether through curriculum innovation, exceptional pastoral care, extensive co-curricular opportunities or the flexible wraparound provision that supports busy parents. From September 2026 we will be offering a flexible boarding option for 2, 3 ,4 or 5 nights a week, to further increase this flexibility. Excellence is not defined solely by what happens in the classroom; it is the complete educational experience that enables every child to flourish. This recognition reflects the commitment of our staff, the ambition of our students and the trust our families place in us every day.”
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate combines academic excellence with an educational experience that extends far beyond the classroom. Set within a world-class campus near York, the school provides outstanding teaching, sector-leading pastoral care and an extensive programme of sport, performing arts, STEM, leadership and enrichment opportunities, ensuring every student can discover and develop their individual talents. With flexible provision that supports modern family life, a strong commitment to innovation and a personalised approach to learning, Queen Ethelburga’s continues to invest in the whole child. This latest recognition from The Telegraph reflects the school’s belief that true value is measured not simply by fees, but by the breadth of opportunity, quality of care and life-changing outcomes it delivers for every student.
To find out more about QE, visit the campus on a private tour or book on an Open Day, visit www.qe.org
Categories: Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate School News
