Bringing a wealth of experience

Bringing a wealth of experience, gained through her 27 year teaching career, Sue has previously worked as Pastoral Director, Second Deputy Head and Head of History and Politics, equipping her with extensive senior leadership experience in both all-girls and boarding schools.

‘QM is a wonderful place – set in the most glorious rural surroundings yet close by to the rich cultural diversity of the city of York. As soon as I first arrived I sensed what a special place it was and I felt an affinity with the school values. Built upon a firm foundation of tradition, Queen Margaret's has a long, established background of nurturing girls into independent confident young ladies equipped with the mindset that they can achieve anything. From this foundation is a modern offer, achieved through an extensive ongoing programme of investment and development in both the high calibre of teaching staff and school facilities. Our success is regularly recognised through awards; most recently we are proud to have collaborated with the Carnegie School of Education at Leeds Beckett University to achieve their Gold Mental Health Award. This award is in recognition of the continual work we do supporting the emotional health and mental wellbeing of our school community. In 2021 QM was named Independent School of the Year for Student Wellbeing in the Independent Schools of the Year Awards, and we have previously been shortlisted for 'Community Outreach' (2020) and ‘Performing Arts School of the Year’ (2019). We have also earned the ‘Boarding Innovation Award’ presented by the Boarding Schools’ Association (2018).

I want to continue the good work that has gone before me, maintaining the girls’ sense of fun, friendship and pride in their school, whilst encouraging a strong work ethic where girls have a go at all the opportunities a QM education presents. I want our girls to achieve beyond their expectations and become dynamic, grounded and confident individuals well equipped for life beyond QM.

I would encourage you to come and visit us and see everything we have to offer for yourselves. Gain a first-hand impression of the School, meet the teachers and our current girls, view our facilities and get a sense of our unique atmosphere yourself by attending one of our Open Days or arrange a personal visit.

Sue Baillie
Head