Queen Margaret's School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent all-girls boarding and day school
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Location: Escrick Park, York, North Yorkshire
• Pupil Numbers: Approximately 213 students
• Boarding: Flexible options from 1-7 nights weekly
• Head: Mrs Sue Baillie
• Founded: 1901
• Accolades: Small Independent School of the Year 2023

About Queen Margaret's School

Queen Margaret's School provides an exceptional educational experience for girls aged 11-18 within the historic setting of Escrick Park, six miles south of York. Established in 1901, this distinguished school combines over a century of educational excellence with modern teaching approaches across 75 acres of beautiful Yorkshire parkland.

The school's intimate size of approximately 213 students ensures personalised attention whilst fostering a close-knit community where every girl is known and valued. This nurturing environment has earned recognition as the Small Independent School of the Year in 2023, alongside prestigious awards for student wellbeing, reflecting the school's commitment to developing confident, capable young women.

Queen Margaret's offers flexible boarding arrangements, allowing families to choose from one to seven nights per week, perfectly accommodating diverse family circumstances whilst providing girls with independence and lifelong friendships. The school's academic excellence speaks for itself, with 100% pass rates at both A Level and GCSE, including 47% of A Level grades achieving A* standard.

Beyond academics, Queen Margaret's provides extensive co-curricular opportunities including equestrian facilities, performing arts programmes, and competitive sports, ensuring girls develop their talents across multiple disciplines within the school's supportive community atmosphere.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Queen Margaret's School employs a comprehensive assessment process designed to identify girls who will flourish within its academic environment and contribute positively to school life. The 11+ entrance examination evaluates candidates across several key areas:

Mathematics Assessment:
Tests numerical understanding, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical reasoning skills appropriate for Year 7 entry. The assessment focuses on practical application rather than rote learning.

English Evaluation:
Examines reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and creative writing capabilities. Girls demonstrate their ability to analyse texts and express ideas clearly and imaginatively.

Personal Interview:
A crucial component where candidates discuss their interests, aspirations, and potential contributions to school life. This allows the admissions team to assess motivation, character, and suitability for Queen Margaret's nurturing environment.

The assessment process considers each girl holistically, recognising that academic potential extends beyond examination performance to include curiosity, resilience, and enthusiasm for learning.

How to Apply

The application process for Queen Margaret's School involves several straightforward steps:

School Visit:
Prospective families are strongly encouraged to attend an Open Day or arrange a personalised tour. These visits provide invaluable insights into daily life at Queen Margaret's and allow families to experience the school's welcoming atmosphere firsthand.

Application Submission:
Complete the application form available through the school's website, providing comprehensive information about your daughter's academic background, interests, and aspirations.

Assessment Arrangements:
Following application submission, the school will arrange assessment dates including entrance examinations and interview appointments. The admissions team works closely with families to accommodate scheduling requirements.

Financial Support:
Queen Margaret's offers various scholarships recognising academic excellence and talents in music, drama, and sports. Need-based bursaries are available to support families from diverse backgrounds, ensuring the school remains accessible to exceptional girls regardless of financial circumstances.

The admissions team provides comprehensive guidance throughout the process, ensuring families feel supported and informed at every stage.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in independent school admissions proves invaluable for families considering Queen Margaret's School. Our comprehensive understanding of the school's values, assessment criteria, and community culture enables us to prepare your daughter effectively for every aspect of the application process.

Tailored 11+ Preparation:
Our specialist tutors develop personalised programmes targeting Queen Margaret's specific mathematics and English requirements. We focus on building genuine understanding rather than examination technique, ensuring your daughter demonstrates the intellectual curiosity the school values.

Interview Coaching:
Through mock interviews and confidence-building exercises, we prepare girls to articulate their interests and aspirations effectively. Our coaching helps candidates present their authentic selves whilst demonstrating the qualities Queen Margaret's seeks in its students.

Application Strategy:
We guide families through every application stage, from initial school selection through to interview preparation. Our insights into Queen Margaret's admissions process ensure applications highlight your daughter's suitability for this exceptional educational environment.

Ongoing Support:
Beyond successful admission, Taylor Tuition provides transitional support, helping girls adapt to Queen Margaret's academic expectations and boarding life where applicable. Our commitment extends to ensuring long-term success within the school's nurturing community.

Contact Taylor Tuition today to discover how our expertise can secure your daughter's place at Queen Margaret's School, where she will flourish academically and personally within Yorkshire's most supportive educational environment.