# Queen Margaret's School, York

Established in 1901, Queen Margaret's (QM) is an independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11–18 set in 75 acres of parkland, six miles south of York.

## History

Queen Margaret's was established in 1901 in Scarborough mainly by Jane Leeke Latham of the Woodard Foundation. Woodard are an organisation committed to the establishment of boarding schools where teaching would be firmly based on the Christian religion. The founding head was Agnes Body who arrived from Lincoln with some of her former staff. In 1913, when ill health made her retire, it was said that QM was known as "Miss Body's School".
Rosalind Fowler became the second Head and she supervised the evacuation of the School to the Atholl Palace Hotel, Pitlochry during the First World War. Following another evacuation to Castle Howard in the Second World War, QM finally came to Escrick Park, six miles south of York, in 1949, where it remains today.

## Today

In its own words, Queen Margaret’s, York, "combines a girls-only education with supportive staff and small class sizes to create the most effective environment for nurturing girls’ self-belief." The school focuses on individual growth and prepares students for life beyond school. It also uses a "bespoke" approach to boarding, accommodating the needs of individual families. The school provides support through English as an Additional Language (EAL) lessons for international students, and has a counsellor available for pastoral and academic guidance. Queen Margaret's offers a variety of boarding options, including Day, Flexi, Weekly, and Full boarding.
The school is located in a rural setting six miles from the historic city of York, giving students access to cultural attractions. London and Edinburgh are only two hours away by direct train.
Ms Nicola Dudley commenced the headship of QM in September 2024, taking over from the previous Head Mrs Sue Baillie.

## Vision, Ethos, and Values: "Self-Belief" Campaign

In January 2025, Queen Margaret's launched a refreshment of its core values in a coordinated campaign focussed on the concept of self-belief.
Vision
Queen Margaret's School for Girls envisions itself as "the school where self-belief thrives." The school’s vision is "to empower students through the cultivation of their self-belief so that they have a strong mindset to take on the challenges of tomorrow."
Ethos
Queen Margaret's School states that it "specialises in building self-belief in our students. Both our culture and our attitude to learning stem from this singular purpose." According to the school, "every girl's journey to fulfilling her potential begins with self-belief—it is the foundation for unlocking strong friendships, academic achievement and lifelong resilience."
The school creates "the most effective environment for nurturing self-belief" by combining "a girls-only education with supportive staff and small class sizes."
Values
The school highlights and celebrates the following values that underpin its mission to build self-belief:
* Courage: "We support and celebrate girls who challenge themselves and expand their comfort zone."
* Commitment: "We support and celebrate girls who are dedicated to their responsibilities and who persevere in the face of challenges."
* Curiosity: "We support and celebrate girls who enthusiastically pursue their passions both inside and outside the school."
* Respectfulness: "We celebrate each other’s successes, both big and small."
* Kindness: "We support and celebrate girls who demonstrate selflessness and generosity towards their peers."
* Fun: "We celebrate a positive attitude and the ability to make learning and living at school enjoyable."
* Inclusivity: "We celebrate and support all girls who express their individuality and embrace diversity."

## Exam Results

Queen Margaret's School for Girls has demonstrated strong academic performance. In 2024, 66% of A Level students achieved A* or A grades and 89% achieved A*-B grades. 54% of GCSE entries in 2024 were at grades 9-7 (equivalent to A*-A in the previous grading system). Almost 70% of students scored at least one grade 9 or 8, with 96% of entries in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Computer Science achieving grades 9-7.

## Inspection

A 2019 inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded Queen Margaret's its highest 'Excellent' rating across all categories inspected.
The February 2024 ISI inspection report found that Queen Margaret's School for Girls met all the relevant standards. The report praised the school for its strong leadership, noting that leaders fulfil their duties and ensure the school meets the independent school standards regulations. The report also highlighted the school's commitment to pupil progress, stating that it provides a suitable and effective range of methods and resources to promote pupils' progress.
The inspection team also commended the school's dedication to safeguarding, emphasising that it accords a high priority to safeguarding pupils and promoting their well-being, with staff appropriately trained and understanding their duty of care. Furthermore, the report recognized the effective governance at the school, stating that governors effectively monitor and evaluate the school's work, and that leaders are highly self-evaluative.
In summary, the inspection report painted a very positive picture of Queen Margaret's School for Girls, highlighting its strengths in leadership, teaching, pupil care, and governance.

## Academics
### GCSEs and A Levels

Queen Margaret's offers a wide array of GCSE and A Level subjects. The school encourages students to choose subjects based on their abilities, interests, and future goals, emphasizing that quality is more important than quantity.
QM offers a Personal Tutoring Scheme, described by the Good Schools Guide as a "very significant USP". Every girl has a personal tutor who they meet with weekly. The tutor oversees the girl's academic progress, wellbeing, monitors their workload, and ensures they are meeting their targets. The tutor also discusses reports with each student, encourages them to reflect on their progress, and take responsibility for their learning.

### Extracurricular Activities

Queen Margaret's offers a wide-ranging extracurricular programme that includes Art, Dance, Drama, Music, and Sport. A significant number of these activities are included in the school fees. Some extracurricular activities, however, require additional fees, such as private lessons in Dance, Tennis, Riding, LAMDA, and Music.

#### Dance

The School offers individual and group lessons in ballet, tap, hip-hop, contemporary and modern dance.

#### Music

Music plays an important role in life at QM with 45% of girls learning at least one instrument and over a quarter of those girls learning more than one instrument.

#### Sport

Sports facilities include an all-weather Astroturf, a sports hall, a competition-standard indoor swimming pool and a recreational outdoor pool, all-weather tennis courts, indoor squash courts, and a riding school adjacent to the main school campus. Main winter activities include: lacrosse, cross country, hockey, and netball. Summer sports include: athletics, cricket and rounders. Badminton, tennis, and squash are played at all levels.

### University Guidance and Support

Sixth Form students are provided guidance on UCAS applications, personal statement and CV writing, work experience, career opportunities, and alternatives to university. There is also an Oxbridge Programme which offers specific support to students considering applying to Oxford or Cambridge.
The school holds a UCAS Discovery Day for Year 12 students to explore various universities and courses. In Year 13, there is an Applications Focus Afternoon designed to help students progress with their university applications.
Graduates from Queen Margaret’s have gone on to study a diverse range of subjects at respected universities including Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, Exeter, Durham, Bristol, and Edinburgh. Some students have also chosen to attend prominent Art and Design institutions or pursued vocational paths.

## Houses

Queen Margaret's has horizontal boarding houses for boarding, and vertical houses across all ages.
There are six vertical houses: Garry, Pitlochry, Duncan, QM Hall, School and St Aidan's. Each pupil and teacher is assigned to one of the houses and each house is run by a teacher as Head of House; two Upper Sixth girls are chosen to be House Captain and Deputy House Captain, and two or three Fourth Year (Year 10) girls are chosen as House Monitors. Inter-house competitions include those for sport, cookery and music.

## Boarding

Queen Margaret’s is primarily a boarding school, with around 80% of students boarding. There are four boarding houses, each with a unique environment and dedicated staff:
* Warwick House: For Years 7–9 (Queen Margaret's Years I–III). Warwick House offers a vibrant boarding community, providing a special home for students during their GCSE years.
* Winifred Holtby House ("Winnie's"): For Years 10–11 (Queen Margaret's Years IV–V). Located in a scenic part of the campus, "Winnie's" is purpose-built and features spacious dormitories, individual study rooms, a comfortable common room, and kitchenettes.
* Cloisters: For Year 12 (Queen Margaret's Lower Sixth). Cloisters is a recently refurbished boarding house offering twin rooms, a communal café, and living room.
* The Cottages: For Year 13 (Queen Margaret's Upper Sixth). The Cottages are six period houses where girls can experience independent living.
The school also has a Stay In For Leave Out (SIFLO) programme allowing international students to stay at the school during Leave Out weekends.

## Awards and Recognitions

* Independent Schools of the Year 2024: QM was a finalist in the "Independent School of the Year for International Student Experience" category, recognised for its commitment to creating a nurturing, inclusive atmosphere for international students.
* Talk Education Awards 2024: QM achieved finalist status in the "Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion" category, acknowledging its dedication to a fully inclusive school community.
* Muddy Stilettos Awards 2024: The school received two honours in the Best School Awards, with finalist status in the "Awesome Sixth Form" category and a "Highly Commended" designation for "Best Learning Support."
* United Against Bullying Bronze Award 2024: Awarded by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, QM received the Bronze Award for its efforts in promoting pupil wellbeing and combating bullying, led by Housemistress Jill Roe.
* Independent Schools of the Year - Small Independent School of the Year 2023: QM was awarded the title of "Small Independent School of the Year" for its personal tutoring system, new Sixth Form study centre, bespoke boarding arrangements, and its gold mental health accreditation.
* The Good Schools Guide 2023: The Guide describes QM as "small but perfectly formed," highlighting the school’s emphasis on community and personalised attention.
* Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health in Schools 2022-2025: In 2023, QM achieved the Gold standard in mental health provision, recognising its extensive mental health support system.
* Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing 2021: QM won the Student Wellbeing category at the ISOTY Awards 2021, in part for its seamless approach to online learning during the pandemic.
* Independent Schools of the Year 2019: QM was shortlisted for the Independent School of the Year for Performing Arts category.
* Boarding Innovation Award 2018: QM received the Boarding Innovation Award from the Boarding Schools' Association for its "Community Weekends" initiative, a student-led boarding experience promoting leadership and collaboration across year groups.

## QM Family

Queen Margaret's is known for its strong sense of community. The school's motto, "Filia Regis" ("Daughter of the King"), is present throughout its history and traditions.
A key tradition is the red ribbon, dating back to the 1920s, which symbolises the QM journey of personal growth. Each girl wears a red ribbon on Speech Day, marking the culmination of their time at Queen Margaret's.
The Old Margaretian Association (OMA) connects alumnae and provides support to the school. The Friends of Queen Margaret's (FoQMs), a parent group, offers support to new families and organises school events

## Notable former pupils

See also Category:People educated at Queen Margaret's School, York
* Druie Bowett, artist
* Sarah Connolly, opera Singer
* Winifred Holtby, novelist and journalist
* Joan Hall, politician
* Ann Jellicoe, actor, theatre director and playwright
* Katharine, Duchess of Kent
* Dame Eleanor King, High Court Judge
* Matilda Lowther, fashion model
* Lady Alice Manners, fashion columnist
* Lady Eliza Manners, socialite
* Lady Violet Manners, fashion model
* Suraya Marshall, Air Officer Commanding of No. 2 Group RAF
* Elizabeth Poston, Composer
* Amanda Staveley, businesswoman

## Heads
### The Heads of Queen Margaret's are as follows

* Agnes Body (1901–1913)
* Rosalind Fowler (1913–1928)
* Mildred Burella-Taylor (1928–1934)
* Lily Parsons (1934–1938)
* Joyce Brown (1938–1960)
* Barbara Snape (1960–1980)
* Pat Valentine (1980–1983)
* Colin McGarrigle (1983–1992)
* Geoffrey Chapman (1993–2009)
* Paul Silverwood (2009–2014)
* Carole Cameron, Acting Head (2014–2015)
* Jessica Miles (2015–2019)
* Sue Baillie (2019–2024)
* Nicola Dudley (2024- )

## Arms

Coat of arms of Queen Margaret's School, York :
* CrestOn a wreath Or Gules Azure Argent Aules and Azure out of a chaplet of roses Argent barbed and seeded Proper a demi lion rampant Gules gorged with a collar gemel flory counterflory Or supporting a key in bend Gold.
* EscutcheonAzure on a cross formy between four crested tits Or a rose Argent barbed and seeded Proper on a chief Ermine an ancient crown Gold.
* MottoFilia Regis