Queen Ethelburga’s College, part of Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, has been awarded the accolade of Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the North by The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026, for the fifth year running. 

Widely acknowledged as the most authoritative survey of the country’s top schools, the guide is recognised as the definitive ranking of the UK’s top primary and secondary state and independent schools, and an essential resource for parents seeking the very best in education for their children. The associated league table puts Queen Ethelburga’s in 6th place in the UK amongst co-educational independent schools for its A*/A results at A Level, and first in the north for both A Level and GCSE results. 

Queen Ethelburga’s College, from Year 10 to 13, offers an unparalleled breadth of academic, vocational, sporting, performance, creative, and co-curricular opportunities. This latest accolade comes hot on the heels of other schools in the Collegiate being named a finalist for Junior School of the Year at the ISA Awards 2025 and winning Senior School of the Year at the ISA Awards 2024.  

Within this academic year alone, QE has already curated some incredible opportunities for its students: 

· In October, a group of QE Esports students went to the inaugural Daigon School Esports World Championships in Malta, which is the culmination of the esports season featuring hundreds of teams from dozens of countries around the globe – QE was the only school in the world to have two teams in this competition – and both ended up on the podiums in the final, making our students amongst the best in the world in their age groups. 

· One of our most AI literate students, has been appointed to the AI Student Council of the Good Futures Foundation. This prestigious role recognises his passion for technology and commitment to shaping ethical and inclusive artificial intelligence. 

· A group of Sixth Form students in Years 12 and 13 have completed their Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and the Management of Anaphylaxis Course – showing the breadth of opportunities, not only academically-focused but heavily supported by real life skills. 

· One of the Year 12 footballers has represented Bermuda in the CONCACAF W Qualifiers – demonstrating how QE can help students to thrive academically and in their sporting pursuits, side by side. 

· The senior girls cricket team featured in Episode 3 of Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams, showcasing our commitment to girls in sport and raising the profile of the opportunities out there for female athletes. 

· A full-scale three-night pantomime production delivered, around and amongst students’ academic studies, and one of three large-scale productions offered across the year for Performing Arts students at QE in our on-site professional theatre. 

 Dan Machin, Principal at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, said: “Our goal is to consistently set the standard for independent education – combining academic rigour, sporting ambition, and creative opportunity in an environment designed to inspire.  

“From 150+ weekly activities and global trips to leadership programmes shaping tomorrow’s doctors, engineers, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs— QE offers a scale of opportunity few can match. Our staff work incredibly hard to offer a student experience that is not only focussed on personal success for the individual, but also providing an education that equips them with the skills and resilience to reach their aspirations when they leave us. We’re delighted to win this award for the fifth year in a row, showcasing our commitment to achieving the very best for our students.”

To find out more about QE or to book on an Open Day, click here.

To see the Parent Power guide – click here