Queen Margaret’s School: A Leading Girls’ School in the UK
Why QM is Among the Best Schools in the UK for Girls
Published Monday 28th October 2024
Queen Margaret’s in York offers a uniquely personal education for girls, in a setting designed for them to flourish. As one of the UK’s top independent girls' schools, our intentionally small size and all-girls approach provides an environment where each student’s self-belief can develop naturally. Here, every girl is encouraged to explore her passions, set her own goals, and receive incredible support along the way.
For families who value a close-knit, supportive setting with high academic standards, Queen Margaret’s offers a place where girls aren’t just prepared for the future—they’re ready to embrace it with confidence.
What Makes Queen Margaret’s Special
Academic Excellence in a Personalised Setting
Our academic programme is designed to give each girl the best possible start, with close support from teachers who know them well. Queen Margaret’s small size means that every student receives personal attention, with encouragement to pursue her own interests and stretch herself. From the sciences to the arts, and sports to the performing arts, we’re proud of the way our students thrive academically while exploring paths that suit them best.
With outstanding exam results and strong university placements, our girls graduate ready for their next steps—whether that’s at a leading university or a specialised field of study.
Building Self-Belief and Character
Self-belief isn’t just taught here; it grows naturally in an environment where girls are encouraged to take the lead. Our co-curricular programme—from sports and arts to leadership roles and community projects—allows students to explore their interests, discover new strengths, and develop resilience. These experiences help shape confident, well-rounded individuals ready to make an impact beyond school.
“Queen Margaret’s has helped our daughter discover her strengths and encouraged her to develop them. She’s grown in confidence and is more determined to follow her path.” – Parent Testimonial
A Nurturing, All-Girls Environment
In an all-girls setting, students can focus on their own growth without the pressures they might face elsewhere. Queen Margaret’s creates a close, encouraging environment where girls can be themselves, support each other, and find confidence in their abilities. This atmosphere allows students to develop a strong sense of self and independence, giving them the skills they need to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
Our Personal Tutors means that every student gets one-to-one support from a mentor who knows them incredibly well. In addition, our PASS (Progress, Achievement and Student Support) department is second to none in the way it supports all issues, ranging from neurodiversity to self-confidence and general day-to-day challenges. Our small size means we know our girls incredibly well, which is reflected in the support available to them.
An Inspiring Environment with Top Facilities
Located in the beautiful city of York, Queen Margaret’s is set on Escrick Park, blending modern facilities with a peaceful atmosphere. From our dedicated spaces for sciences, sports, and creative arts to our stunning theatre, our Sixth Form Study centre, our "Cottages" boarding accommodation, and our welcoming common areas; the school is designed to feel like a home away from home. It’s a space where students can explore, learn, and grow in a setting that encourages focus and curiosity.
Student Success Stories:
Our graduates continue to excel, with many attending prestigious universities in the UK and abroad. These achievements reflect the support and personal growth fostered at Queen Margaret’s, where students are encouraged to pursue their unique paths.
Last year, several students from Queen Margaret's School secured places in prestigious courses at renowned institutions, such as Marine Biology at Eckerd College in Florida and Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast. Their exceptional A-level results reflect their talents, as they pursued diverse degrees in fields including an Apprenticeship in Biology in Darmstadt, Germany, a Combined Honours degree in Social Sciences at Durham University, and Fashion Communication at Condé Nast College in London.
Read more about our 2024 A Level Leavers and their prestigious university destinations.
Awards and Recognition
Queen Margaret’s has received national recognition with numerous awards for its strong academic programme, emphasis on student well-being, and commitment to helping each girl reach her full potential, including:
- Talk Education Awards 2024: Finalist in the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion category
- Muddy Stilettos Awards 2024: Finalist in the "Awesome Sixth Form" category and "Highly Commended" in the "Best Learning Support" category
- United Against Bullying: Bronze Award 2024
- Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2023: Small Independent School of the Year
- The Good Schools Guide 2023: "Queen Margaret’s is small but perfectly formed and has everything you could wish for, unless you crave anonymity and getting lost in the crowd."
- Carnegie Centre of Excellence for Mental Health In Schools: Mental Health Award, Gold
Perfect Location
Just minutes from York, and easily reachable within a few hours from London or Edinburgh, Queen Margaret's is set on an idyllic country estate with its own beautiful grounds and riding stables.
The historic City of York is a short journey away and offers culture, great food, and many sights to see.
Yorkshire offers a perfect alternative to London and schools in the South. It can be reached in a few hours by train, and York itself is a vibrant city that's classed as the capital of Yorkshire.
Discover Queen Margaret’s Yourself
Want to see firsthand how Queen Margaret’s supports girls to believe in themselves and find their path? We welcome you to visit, speak with our teachers, and see our community in action.
You can book a visit now, or talk to our Admissions team for more information.
FAQ Section
What makes Queen Margaret’s one of the best all-girls schools in the UK?
Our purposefully small size and all-girls environment allow each student to receive personal attention and follow her path with confidence. We combine academic excellence with a strong focus on personal growth.
What are Queen Margaret’s admissions requirements?
Our admissions process is designed to get to know each applicant’s interests and potential. We welcome students who are enthusiastic about learning and will benefit from our close-knit, supportive community.
How does Queen Margaret’s prepare students for the future?
Our graduates leave Queen Margaret’s well-prepared for top universities and beyond, with self-belief and the resilience to pursue their goals. Alumnae are known for their confidence, empathy, and commitment to making a positive impact.
Start your journey to discover what makes Queen Margaret’s one of the best choices for girls’ education. Whether it’s our strong academic focus, our nurturing environment, or our commitment to each girl’s unique path, we’re here to answer your questions and welcome you to the Queen Margaret’s community.
