School Information
Established in 1901, Queen Margaret’s School for Girls (QM) is an independent
boarding and day school for girls aged 11-18. You will find us in glorious parkland
six miles south of York. But we are more than our surroundings, we are more
than a school: We’re a home from home, a family of learning and belonging in a
truly inspirational setting, with a riding school on site. We are somewhere every
girl can thrive, where they’ll be happy and healthy, grow their knowledge, skills
and confidence, and make friends for life. QM is somewhere that’s the bedrock
for success, it opens up opportunities and possibilities, inspires girls to forge their
own future, and gets them ready for life, whatever their calling. We nurture girls
to fulfil their ambitions, to realise their potential, to become the best women
they can be, and give them an amazing start in life.
Girls do so much better in single-sex education and we see our pupils
engaging enthusiastically in a range of activities – academic, sport, extracurricular
and social. No airs and graces, no frills or make-up, just girls getting stuck in,
Queen Margaret’s School for Girlsand having fun while they do it. They achieve academically (outstandingly so),
with the majority of Upper Sixth students gaining places at the country’s most
prestigious universities. Our girls come from a variety of backgrounds and,
with an increasing emphasis on the support available, we are proud that we are
making a QM education possible for an increasingly diverse range of students.
Each girl has a dedicated Personal Tutor to oversee her academic progress and
her general wellbeing. The health and happiness of students is central to life at
QM; the school has achieved the Gold Boarding School Mental Health Award.
Our girls have homes all over the UK and the rest of the world. Many board,
not because they have to, but because they want to. QM’s Bespoke Boarding is a
flexible boarding solution that’s tailored for each family. We can accommodate
the specific boarding needs of each girl; from one to seven nights a week, with a
set routine or something more flexible. We’ll create the best individual solution
for each student, so she can thrive.
The girls are the focus of life at QM and are at the heart of everything we do.
It’s this focus and an individualistic approach that allows our girls to carve their
own path, and flourish as formidable, independent women.
“QM is small but perfectly formed and has everything you could wish for, unless you crave
anonymity and getting lost in the crowd” – The Good Schools Guide
Scholarships and Bursaries
Student Profile
Address
Open on Google Maps- Address Escrick Park
- Borough York
- Zip/Postal Code YO19 6EU
- Phone: +44 (0)1904 727630
- Fax: +44 (0)1904 728150
- Email: admissions@queenmargarets.com
- Website: www.queenmargarets.com
News
York School Wins Coveted National Award
Thursday 12th October 2023 For Immediate Release York School Wins Coveted National Award At an awards ceremony in London this week, Queen Margaret’s School for Girls in Escrick, York was named ‘Small Independent School of the Year’, beating off both local and national competition. The Independent Schools of the Year Awards are the sector’s leading
York Students on School Trip of a Lifetime to South Africa Celebrate GCSE Results
Students from Queen Margaret’s School for Girls have received their GCSE results in South Africa this morning, where they are currently taking part in a Sports Tour organised by the school. Harriet, Pippa, Olivia and Holly all received news of their grades after landing in Cape Town and the four girls are now celebrating an
Resilient and Ambitious Queen Margaret’s Girls Enjoy GCSE Success
Head of Queen Margaret’s School for Girls in York, Sue Baillie, is immensely proud of her Year 11 students this morning after their GCSE results success. Mrs Baillie said “Every single QM girl has worked tremendously hard in the classroom and online through the most difficult of times and they thoroughly deserve the excellent grades
Queen Margaret’s students “are an inspiration to us all”
The Head of Queen Margaret’s School for Girls near York has spoken of her admiration for students receiving their A Level results at the school today. Sue Baillie commented; “I am hugely proud of the achievements of all our students in this year’s A Level examinations. After the most challenging of years they have been
Queen Margaret’s GCSE Results
As with A-Levels on Tuesday, the School is delighted with another 100% pass rate at GCSE. 97% of girls secured the all-important five or more results at grades 9-4, giving them a perfect springboard for the future. QM Head, Sue Baillie, said; “Tuesday’s A-Level results were quite rightly a cause for celebration for our Upper Sixth
Queen Margaret’s Celebrates 120 Year Anniversary
In July 2021, the School reached a very important milestone – 120 years of students, achievements and the QM Family. On 23rd July 1901, the Archbishop of York formally dedicated the School “to the work it was intended to do“. The day began as many important days do at QM now – with a celebration
Excellent GCSE results at Queen Margaret’s
When it was announced earlier this week that Centre Assessed Grades would be awarded for GCSEs, Head, Sue Baillie, wrote to the Queen Margaret’s (QM) Family: “Now we can focus on what really matters, which is supporting our tremendous QM girls in developing their academic confidence and personal skills to prepare them for their lives beyond
Safe and supportive environment key to A-level success at Queen Margaret’s, York
Today’s A-level results have seen Queen Margaret’s continue on its impressive upward trajectory with some truly excellent grades. The School is celebrating after 62% of all girls achieved three or more A*-B grades. Half of all girls secured two or more A*-A grades – a figure which has gone from strength to strength over the
Queen Margaret’s shortlisted for Community Outreach Award
Queen Margaret’s has been shortlisted in the Community Outreach category of the Independent Schools of the Year Awards. The School earned its shortlisting following a number of community initiatives by staff and students during the coronavirus outbreak. It launched a pen pal scheme which pairs current pupils up with Old Margaretians so that they can
Queen Margaret’s pupil earns place at Leeds College of Music
The first student to study A-level Music Technology at Queen Margaret’s has been awarded a place at Leeds College of Music. Poppy Wood will study Popular Music Production at the college next year. Sam Horseman, Director of Music, commented: “Competition for the places was very high but Poppy’s excellent portfolio ensured she was accepted and
Queen Margaret’s awarded ‘top marks’ with successful GCSE results
The girls at Queen Margaret’s, York (QM) quite rightly jump for joy as today’s GCSE results are announced. The impressive results continue to improve year on year, perfectly demonstrating how QM girls tackle challenges head on and achieve anything they set their mind to. This year it has been reported that GCSEs were ‘more difficult’,
A-level results confirm Queen Margaret’s “excellent” inspection rating
Students and staff at Queen Margaret’s School are celebrating a 99% overall A-level pass rate, with a quarter of all students achieving three or more A*-A grades. After being awarded the highest possible rating of “excellent” in a recent inspection, the school has proven the quality of the education it provides to girls through today’s
Queen Margaret’s student set for next Winter Olympics
A Queen Margaret’s School sixth former has given her Winter Olympics dreams hope with impressive recent results. Imogen Smith finished fourth and seventh at the Women’s Audi Ski Cross Tour event in Lenk, Switzerland last month, competing against skiers from across the world. The 17 year old has trained in France, Norway and at the
Every Queen Margaret’s Girl to Restart a Heart
Every girl at Queen Margaret’s, York will be trained in life-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as part of Restart a Heart Day, a Europe wide initiative in association with Yorkshire Ambulance Service and the British Heart Foundation. The heart that each girl will restart today may be that of a manikin but this important training could increase
Queen Margaret’s Girls Give Young Women a Voice in Yorkshire and the North East
Girls from Queen Margaret’s School, York are to host the National Council of Young Women Conference on Monday 25 September, the first intergenerational conference of its kind in Yorkshire and the North East. The conference brings together girls from schools across the region and invited speakers to discuss issues that affect women in today’s society
Queen Margaret’s Girls Seize Every Opportunity.
Today’s A Level results from Queen Margaret’s prove that girls at the School are aiming high and exceeding expectations across a breadth of subjects, whatever their interests and talents may be. At a time when top universities are focussing on the importance of traditional core subjects, the all girls’ School near York has achieved particularly
Professor Sir Anthony Coates: Is this the end of modern medicine?
On Friday 11 November, Professor Sir Anthony Coates will visit Queen Margaret’s in York to address an audience of students in what has been tipped to be a ‘significant learning opportunity’ for them. Professor Coates is one of the world’s leading scientists and researchers into combatting the threat posed by antibiotic resistance and, at a
York Student Following in her Idol’s Footsteps
At the age of just seven, Molly Newton O’Brien already had dreams of one day becoming a Heptathlon champion and when the York student watched her idol, Jessica Ennis-Hill, win gold at London 2012 it only confirmed her aspirations. Last week, Molly took a step closer to achieving her dream when she won Silver at
Top Marks in and out of the Saddle for Connie
Less than one week after representing GB at the FEI European Championships for Ponies in Denmark, Queen Margaret’s student Constance Warde-Aldam is celebrating again having collected her GCSE results. The talented rider was selected for the Charles Owen British Pony Team with 15 year old gelding, Craig Mor Tom. After a closely fought competition in
Top GCSE Grades Rise Again at Queen Margaret’s
Today’s GCSE results are cause for celebration at Queen Margaret’s, Escrick. Not only have 98% of students achieved five or more A*-C grades (up on last year’s 95% and far outstripping the falling national average of 67%) but an impressive 87% of results are A*-B grades, up from 81% in 2015 and more than double
Queen Margaret’s, York Wins Best School Food in the UK
Congratulations to the team at Queen Margaret’s, York who last night were awarded Best School Food in the UK at the Tatler Awards in London. This prestigious award recognises excellence in every aspect of the food provision within the School from the locally sourced produce to the hygiene, menu ideas, presentation and of course, the
Queen Margaret’s Unveils New Loft Style Living
Over the summer holidays Queen Margaret’s, York has undertaken a complete refurbishment of Cloisters, the LVI boarding house. The team has worked extremely hard to create light, airy and modern bedrooms with bespoke built in furniture making fantastic use of the space. Designed in house, the rooms are based on American student loft living ensuring
Queen Margaret’s Girls Achieve Top Grades
Queen Margaret’s is proud to announce another year of exceptional GCSE results with 58% of all entries receiving A* or A and 20% of the girls taking GCSEs achieving all A* – A grades. The results include nine girls who have achieved 10 or more A*- A grades. QM has exceeded the national average for A*-
Queen Margaret’s A Level Results Success
The girls at Queen Margaret’s, York are celebrating the success of a truly all round education with excellent results in both arts and science subjects. We congratulate all the girls. Here are a few highlights: Maths and Drama! All Round Success for Isabella Queen Margaret’s girl, Isabella Adams from York, has aimed high and exceeded
Queen Margaret’s School Girls Plant Chelsea Flower Show Inspired Orchard
During the week of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2015, the girls from Queen Margaret’s School, York planted six fruit trees as part of the BSA’s boarding orchard. The colours of the trees were specially chosen to represent each of the Houses at Queen Margaret’s. The yellow of St. Aidan’s House was represented with a
Queen Margaret’s very own Election Debate
Ahead of a Mock School Election next Thursday, Queen Margaret’s School had their very own political debate in assembly. Three girls from Year IV and two girls from Year III were allocated a political party at random and asked to put forward their party’s policies with conviction to the whole School. Something which is not
Queen Margaret’s School Named Top Independent Girls Boarding School In The North
Queen Margaret’s School has been named as the Top Independent Girls Boarding School in the North for A Level Results by Education Advisers Ltd and sixth position in the national league table. Recognising excellence in academic achievement, the league table takes three separate outcomes into consideration; A Level results, A* and A grades obtained and
Queen Margaret’s School Inspired by Baroness Grey-Thompson
Queen Margaret’s School hosted a talk from Baroness Grey-Thompson, a member of the House of Lords, on Friday to encourage students to become more engaged with the political and parliamentary process. She met the girls for an hour to talk about the work and role of the House of Lords. This was followed by a
Queen Margaret’s School’s Athletics Success for Molly Newton O’Brien
Congratulations to Molly Newton O’Brien from Queen Margaret’s School who has been awarded Senior Athlete of the Year at the Lancaster & Morecombe Athletic Club in recognition of her contribution to the YDL team, Northern League team and her representation at county level. Molly has produced excellent performances at all levels and in the English
Queen Margaret’s School: Oxbridge Success
Congratulations to Charlotte Cohen and Fennel Tse from Queen Margaret’s School, Escrick, York who have secured offers at Oxford and Cambridge. Amid mounting competition for top university places and the toughening up of entry requirements, it is a superb achievement to receive an offer from Oxbridge. After smoothly navigating an extremely challenging admissions process Charlotte
Queen Margaret’s Centenary Moves to Pitlochry
100 years ago this month Queen Margaret’s School, York moved to Atholl Palace in Pitlochry, Scotland. To commemorate the anniversary there has been a special assembly and a Pitlochry House Art and Music Evening. We have also invited all the girls on an exciting trip to Pitlochry in April where they can experience the beautiful
Queen Margaret’s School Pupil Selected for Pony Great Britain A Squad
Constance Warde-Aldam Selected for the Pony Great Britain A Squad Congratulations to Year IV’s Constance Warde-Aldam at Queen Margaret’s School, York who has been selected for the Pony Great Britain A List squad on her ponies Hotshots and Tacco De Kezeg. The ten girls will now receive extra training and then six of these girls
Queen Margaret’s School: Staff V Girls Hockey Match
At first glance a Staff v Girls hockey match in the last week of term may conjure up images of sharing, frivolity and plenty of polite handshakes. However, in true competitive spirit, this match was a closely fought battle right to the end. There may have been Santa hats, reindeer ears, tiaras and Christmas jumpers
Queen Margaret’s School Gets Into The Christmas Spirit
A Tree is not just for Christmas at Queen Margaret’s This week 12 beautiful Christmas trees have taken pride of place across Queen Margaret’s School, Escrick. However, these are not just ordinary trees, these trees have been grown and nurtured within the school grounds. Following a seven year growing programme, 2014 marks the first Christmas
Queen Margaret’s Student Visits Number 10
Sixth Former at Number 10 for PM’s Holocaust Commission Charlotte Cohen, a Sixth Former from Queen Margaret’s in Escrick, York has been selected as one of only six finalists for the Prime Minister’s Holocaust Commission – Youth Competition. To get to this stage, Charlotte had to write an essay about the importance of remembering the
Queen Margaret’s Fundraising Cyclists
Cycling Through the Years: Queen Margaret’s School Girls Bike Historic Journey to Raise Funds Girls at Queen Margaret’s School in Escrick, York are preparing for the ride of a lifetime. On Saturday 4 October, girls in Years 11-13 will complete a 24-hour cycle ride of the school’s historic journey of locations during its 113 year history
Queen Margaret’s GCSE Results Outshine the National Averages
Queen Margaret’s in Escrick is proud to announce another year of exceptional GCSE results with 27% of all entries receiving the top grade as compared to the national average of 6.7% for A* grades. 58% of all entries at the Yorkshire school received A*-A grades. The results include 6 girls who have achieved 9 or more
Queen Margaret’s A Level Results Secure Top University Destinations
Queen Margaret’s School, York is celebrating their best ever A Level results, reporting over 32% of entries achieving the highly sought after A* grade (for which candidates must score 90% or more on final papers), a significant increase on last year. 50% of the girls at QM gained at least one A* grade and 13%
Queen Margaret’s Pupil Appointed Lady Justice Of Appeal
Queen Margaret’s Celebrates Appointment of Old Margaretian as Lady Justice of Appeal Queen Margaret’s in Escrick, York is proud to announce the appointment of Mrs Justice Eleanor King (Eleanor Hamilton 1966 – 1973) as a Lady Justice of Appeal. The appointment, which is approved by the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister
Queen Margaret’s Races for Life
On Sunday 22 June, over 160 girls and staff from Queen Margaret’s School, Escrick, will take to the Knavesmire in York to raise funds aiding the fight against cancer. This is the school’s third year participating; so far they have raised nearly £12,000 in aid of the worthwhile cause. This year, the girls hope to
Queen Margaret’s Paints the Past: School Mounts Famous Alumni Exhibition
Queen Margaret’s Paints the Past: School Mounts Famous Alumni Exhibition Queen Margaret’s School, York has a long heritage of producing fine artists, and for the remainder of this term, some of the most famous alumni pieces will be on display within the School. The exhibition, which runs from 11 November until early December, features the
Innovation in Girls’ Education: Queen Margaret’s Uses ‘Live-Tweeting’
In an unprecedented, exciting move, girls at Queen Margaret’s in Escrick will be invited and encouraged to use their mobile phones during Assembly on Friday 11 October all for a good cause. Friday is the International Day of the Girl and in a ground-breaking initiative within the Secondary Education sector the School is to use
Queen Margaret’s GCSE Results Again Outstrip National Averages
Queen Margaret’s School in Escrick, York is proud to announce another year of exceptional GCSE results, with 60% of entries receiving A*-A results, as compared to the national average of 21.3% and a third of the girls getting 9 or more A*-A grades. 86% of all entries received A*-B grades. Early reports show a pronounced
Queen Margaret’s Girls A Levels Outstrip A* National Averages for Female Entries
Queen Margaret’s School in Escrick is celebrating another set of exceptional A Level results, reporting over 18% of entries achieved the highly sought after A* grade (for which candidates must score 90% or more on final papers) against a national average of 7.9% for female entries. 40% of the girls at QM gained at least
Aspiring Spies Visit Queen Margaret’s for 007-Themed Junior Science Challenge
On Tuesday 25 June, Queen Margaret’s School in Escrick, York welcomed local school children from area schools to a fun day of learning during their annual Junior Science Challenge, which this year featured a James Bond theme. With students visiting from Bootham Junior, Brackenfield, Cawood, Kirk Fenton and St Olave’s, the day was filled with
Queen Margaret’s Girls Take the Plunge
What does it take for seven girls to jump off Middlesbrough’s iconic Transporter Bridge? For the students of Queen Margaret’s who took part in the activity, their answers may be slightly different from the obvious: they jumped to raise funds for a charity. At the beginning of the academic year, QM’s Charity Committee chose York
Queen Margaret’s Lacrosse Tournament
On Monday the 18th March, the U14A team and some of the U13’s travelled to London to compete at the National Lacrosse Tournament. The first match against Guildford was very tough, losing to the opposition by 2-3, but it was a good start to the tournament and prepared us for the next match. The second
Queen Margaret’s School Aims High: First Female Everest Summiteer Visits
On Friday 15 March, Queen Margaret’s in Escrick welcomed Rebecca Stephens to school to speak about her experiences as the first woman to ever summit Mount Everest and inspire girls to reach for their dreams. (l-r: Jemima McCrystal (UVI), Rebecca Stephens, Lily Whitcombe (UVI), Alison Leadly, Head of Dance) Stephens, the first British woman to
Queen Margaret’s Holds 14th Annual Junior Schools Sport Tournament
On Friday 15 March, Queen Margaret’s held their Junior Schools Sports Tournament, now in its fourteenth year of existence. With 18 schools and over 150 participants, girls enjoyed taking part in Hockey, Netball and Cross Country events at the independent school in Escrick, York. Schools from across the country joined in the activities, ranging from
Queen Margaret’s Remembers…
Queen Margaret’s School in York commemorated Remembrance Day with a variety of events across campus, designed to increase girls’ awareness of both the history of QM’s involvement in the World Wars and the military service of those in their community. Hosting veterans and their families from The Royal British Legion – Fulford & District Branch,
Queen Margaret’s Coast to Coast Charity Ride for the Theo Trust
Queen Margaret’s School is proud to announce eight girls from Year III have successfully raised £2850 for the Theo Trust during their summer coast to coast charity cycling expedition. Taking place over five days, the girls started at St. Bee’s Head and continued until reaching Flamborough Head. The Theo Trust supports children from orphanages in
Queen Margaret’s School’s Fashion Show Raises over £5000 for York Charity
Glitz, glamour and gorgeous outfits were the order of the evening at Revive, Queen Margaret’ School’s debut Charity Fashion Show, held at The Chapman Theatre on Friday 9th December at 8pm. Following a spectacular Christmas Concert held at the school, Revive truly showcased the talent of the Queen Margaret’s students who modelled their own creations
Queen Margaret’s School – Excellent GCSE Results
Excellent GCSE Results at Queen Margaret’s School Girls at Queen Margaret’s School in Escrick are once again celebrating excellent GCSE results. Over a quarter of entries were awarded an A* grade, with 84% of entries achieving an A*, A or B. A quarter of candidates achieved 10 (or more) A*/A grades. Dr Paul Silverwood, Headmaster
Queen Margaret’s school in Escrick is celebrating another set of exceptional A Level results
25% A* grades for the second year at Queen Margaret’s Queen Margaret’s school in Escrick is celebrating another set of exceptional A Level results. For the second year running a quarter of all entries achieved the highly sought A* Grade for which candidates must score 90% or more on their final papers. There was a
Queen Margaret’s School Speech Day has Amanda Staveley as speaker
Entrepreneur returns to inspire pupils at Queen Margaret’s School, York Amanda Staveley, one the UK’s top business-women, returned to her old school as guest speaker for Speech Day at Queen Margaret’s School. Old Margaretian Amanda Staveley spoke of her career journey to top financier, urging girls at QM ‘to go out and live your dreams’.
ISI inspectors praise Queen Margaret’s School as ‘outstanding’
The Independent Schools Inspectorate has just published an outstanding report on all aspects of life at Queen Margaret’s School (QM). The School was delighted that the hard work and dedication of its staff and the enthusiasm for life and learning shown by its girls has been recognised in this way. The inspectors’ findings are a
Music Festival Week hailed a symphony of success!
QM’s annual Music Festival in March brought together performers from within school, bands from across the country and musicians from our Canadian sister school Queen Margaret’s, Duncan in British Columbia for a feast of talent. The opening event was the Musical Showcase in which some of QM’s most gifted senior musicians gave superb performances. This
An Evening of Dance at QM
QM’s dancers showcased their talent in the annual Evening of Dance held on Saturday 12th March. From ballet to tap, modern to hip hop, the evening had something for all fans of dance. The first part of the evening gave the audience a taste of the girls’ weekly dance lessons. This was followed by ‘A
QM girls are celebrating excellent GCSE and A-level results
QM girls are celebrating excellent GCSE results, which complement the outstanding achievements of the Sixth Form last week at Advanced Level. GCSE Results Eleven girls achieved A*/A in ten or more subjects Over one third of all examinations resulted in an A* grade Over one half of girls received at least eight A*/A grades 70%