York school is ‘excellent’ in all categories

Queen Margaret’s, Escrick, was given the top mark in all assessed categories – confirming it is fulfilling its aims of pupils achieving excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Having observed lessons, inspectors said: “Pupils develop outstanding study skills during their time at the school.”

They also commented on the girls’ positive attitudes towards learning and how they are highly motivated to succeed.

“In lessons pupils answer questions confidently, without any fear of getting answers wrong, because the small class sizes and the excellent relationships within the class encourage the sharing of ideas,” said the report.

This positive attitude to learning is reflected in results. Queen Margaret’s GCSE and A-Level results are higher than the national average and, similarly, its results in international GCSEs are higher than worldwide norms.

Queen Margaret’s girls who spoke to the inspector said the school does not expect them to ‘fit a particular mould’ but they have the freedom to ‘find their own niche’ and ‘flourish as individuals’.

The report commented on their ‘well-developed’ appreciation for the non-material aspects of life, how the girls participate wholeheartedly in chapel and assemblies and how much they enjoy their tranquil, rural surroundings just a stone’s throw from York.

It also acknowledges the strong sense of community at Queen Margaret’s.

Older girls take their responsibility of acting as role models to the younger ones seriously with the supportive roles they adopt often developing into lifelong friendships.

Commenting on the report, acting head Lars Fox said “Our recent inspection formally recognises the superb quality of education we provide here at Queen Margaret’s, as well as the substantial benefits of boarding to the academic and personal development of the girls.

“The staff here work diligently to provide a holistic education and it is wonderful to hear from both the inspectors and from the girls themselves that this is being achieved.”

The benefits of boarding are highlighted a number of times in the report with inspectors finding ‘boarding makes a very positive contribution to pupils’ overall academic success’.

The girls agree, having told inspectors they feel increasingly confident as a consequence of their boarding experience.

Queen Margaret’s is an independent girls’ boarding school which welcomes day girls.

The school is for girls aged 11-18 and is situated in 70 acres of parkland in Escrick, six miles south of the City of York.

It has a proven track record of academic results, exceptional performing arts including dance, music and drama, and a busy, fun and innovative boarding programme of events and activities.

The first open morning of the new school year will be held on Saturday, September 14.

Prospective parents and pupils will enjoy a tour of the school, meet house staff, teachers and current girls, and get a flavour of what a Queen Margaret’s education has to offer.

The morning will conclude with a delicious lunch served in Wenlock, cooked by the award-winning in-house catering team.

To register, call the admissions department on 01904 727630, email [email protected] or visit queenmargarets.com.

A sixth-form open morning will be held on Saturday, October 12, with further school open mornings on Saturday, November 9, and Saturday, March 21.