Academic

Academic at Queen Ethelburga's

Join a school that is committed to staying ahead of the curve, annually adapting our academic curriculum to ensure students are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in their future careers.

Drawing on findings from national and international reports about the skillsets employers seek, we guide our students on both what to learn and how to learn effectively.

What Does it Mean to Build Skills For Lifelong Learning?  

At Queen Ethelburga’s, lifelong learning begins with innovation. We constantly strive to lead the way in education, and our efforts have been recognised through prestigious accolades, including the Gold Artsmark Award, the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Quality Mark, and the Gold Award for Excellence in International Student Provision.

 OptimizedImage,Optimized

Our academic aim is to develop skills for lifelong learning and future success.

Our forward-thinking approach to integrating new technologies into the classroom has even earned us recognition in Forbes for our proactive use of AI. 

We are committed to continuous improvement. Each year, our staff conducts thorough reviews of the curriculum, considering school data, societal trends, and student interests. This ensures that our GCSE, BTEC, and A Level offerings are aligned with the evolving job market. Recent additions to our curriculum, such as Esports, Marketing, Creative Media, Global Perspectives, and Graphic Communication, reflect the careers our students are likely to pursue in the future. 

What is the Academic Curriculum at QE?

Discover the academic structure of each school within the Collegiate:

Two private school students studying as part of the academic curriculum.

Explore our academic performance and examination results for the past five years on the QE College Exam Results page and the QE Faculty Exam Results page.


What Are The Qualifications and Experience Of The Teaching Staff?

Our teaching staff benefit from continuous professional development through our onsite Training Academy, themed training sessions, and collaboration with Lead Practitioners, who work closely with academic departments to ensure the highest standards of teaching.

  • Extensive training is provided at all levels, from beginner to advanced teaching, including sessions on using AI in education.
  • Many staff members participate in Collegiate-wide projects informed by the latest educational research.
  • Numerous teachers are members of professional bodies, such as the Chartered College of Teaching.

Two students from Faculty looking at their results.


How Do Teachers Support Students With Revision?

We recently launched the QE Study Toolkit, a whole-school initiative aimed at transforming how students approach revision. Introduced in Year 6, the Study Toolkit encourages students to develop consistent, manageable revision habits. For our boarding students, we’ve implemented a dedicated “Power Hour” every evening to reinforce effective study practices.

Discover Study Toolkit


How Do We Support All Students With Their Studies?

Our mission is to ensure that every student becomes the best they can be with the gifts they have. To achieve this, all students receive tailored support, which may include:

  • Learning development programmes
  • Specialised support for gifted learners
  • Subject clinics and one-on-one coaching in QE Faculty

What Opportunities and Support are Available Outside the Classroom?

Lifelong learning goes beyond academics. Our Stretch and Challenge programme allows students to explore new skills, hobbies, and passions that may lead to future careers.

For Years 6–9, enrichment activities are built into the school day, encouraging students to discover and develop interests. Starting in Year 10, students access Super-Curricular activities designed to deepen subject knowledge and skills. These activities, led by teachers and peers, span diverse fields such as art, mathematics, engineering, medicine, and veterinary science.

Additionally, guest speakers and workshops enhance our provision, including sessions led by Old Ethelburgians on topics such as networking, professional sports, and excelling at Oxbridge.


How Does Queen Ethelburga’s Monitor and Assess Students Academically?

Our data-driven approach ensures every student receives tailored support:

  • Termly formal progress tests
  • Informal classroom assessments
  • Detailed feedback includes progress points, and parents receive written reports and meet with teachers twice a year through online parent meetings.

How Does Queen Ethelburga’s Prepare Students For The Future?

Our QE Futures programme offers comprehensive career support for students from Year 5 through Year 13. The Careers Department provides personalised guidance on:

  • Subject choices;
  • Enrichment activities;
  • Career paths tailored to each student's strengths and aspirations.

From university applications and work experience to interviews, entrance exams, and auditions, QE Futures equips students with the tools they need for success.

Discover Careers