Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• Location: Thorpe Underwood, North Yorkshire (near York and Harrogate)
• Age Range: 3 months to 19 years across four schools
• School Type: Independent co-educational day and boarding
• Entry Points: Multiple entry points throughout the academic year
• Academic Performance: Consistently ranks amongst the top independent schools for GCSE and A-Level results
• Unique Features: Four-school structure with specialised facilities including sports village and creative arts centre

About Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate

Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate represents one of Yorkshire's most comprehensive educational establishments, uniquely structured as four interconnected schools serving students from early years through to university preparation. Located on a stunning 220-acre campus in Thorpe Underwood, the Collegiate offers an unparalleled educational journey that adapts to each child's developmental stage.

The four schools within the Collegiate are carefully designed to provide seamless progression: Chapter House nurtures children from 3 months to Year 5, King's Magna guides students through the crucial middle years (Year 6-9), whilst The College and The Faculty both cater to GCSE and A-Level students with different educational philosophies. This structure ensures that families can maintain continuity throughout their child's entire educational journey.

The school's commitment to academic excellence is evidenced by its exceptional examination results, consistently placing it amongst the highest-performing independent schools nationally. Beyond academics, Queen Ethelburga's emphasises character development, leadership skills, and global citizenship, preparing students for success in an increasingly competitive world.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate

Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate employs a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify students who will thrive within their unique educational environment. The 11+ assessment typically includes:

• Academic Assessments: Tailored tests in English and Mathematics that evaluate comprehension, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities
• Reasoning Tests: Both verbal and non-verbal reasoning components to assess logical thinking and cognitive potential
• Creative Tasks: Practical exercises that demonstrate creativity, collaboration, and innovative thinking
• Personal Interview: A discussion with senior staff to understand the child's interests, aspirations, and compatibility with the school's ethos

The assessment process is designed to be supportive rather than intimidating, recognising that children may demonstrate their abilities in different ways. The school values potential as much as current achievement, seeking students who will contribute positively to their vibrant community.

How to Apply

The application process for Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate is straightforward and supportive:

• Initial Enquiry: Contact the admissions team to discuss your child's educational needs and arrange a campus visit
• Application Submission: Complete the comprehensive application form, including previous school reports and references
• Assessment Day: Attend the assessment day, which includes academic tests, creative activities, and a personal interview
• School Reports: Provide recent school reports and teacher references to support the application
• Offer and Acceptance: Successful candidates receive an offer within two weeks of assessment

The school encourages early application, particularly for popular entry points, and offers multiple assessment dates throughout the academic year to accommodate family schedules.

Preparing for the Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.