Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate is a EYFS (Early years foundation stage) / British Curriculum / BTEC Qualification school in Ouseburn, United Kingdom. Founded in 1912. It serves 1,400 students for students aged 3–19. Annual tuition ranges from $54,374 to $63,481 USD.
Explore This School
Location & Getting There
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Scholarships available to UK students with gifts in academics, sports, music, or drama.
Key facts
Fees & the true cost of attendance
Published fees · inclusive of VAT
| Phase | Per term | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter House Reception–Year 5 (Day) | £4,675 | £14,025 |
| Chapter House Reception–Year 5 (Weekly Boarding) | £12,300 | £36,900 |
| Chapter House Reception–Year 5 (Full Boarding) | £13,100 | £39,300 |
| King's Magna Year 6–9 (Day) | £6,825 | £20,475 |
| King's Magna Year 6–9 (Weekly Boarding) | £12,850 | £38,550 |
| King's Magna Year 6–9 (Full Boarding) | £13,650 | £40,950 |
| College Year 10–11 (Day) | £7,450 | £22,350 |
| College Year 10–11 (Weekly Boarding) | £13,475 | £40,425 |
| College Year 10–11 (Full Boarding) | £14,275 | £42,825 |
| College Year 12–13 (Day) | £7,900 | £23,700 |
| College Year 12–13 (Weekly Boarding) | £14,000 | £42,000 |
| College Year 12–13 (Full Boarding) | £14,800 | £44,400 |
Compulsory extras (on top of tuition)
| Item | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Registration fee (ages 4+) | One-time | £354 |
| Registration fee (Explorers Nursery) | One-time | £99 |
Budget beyond the sticker price. Assume the real annual spend is 5–15% higher than the headline fee. Hidden costs typically include: registration fee, acceptance deposit (usually one term's fees, refundable at the end of schooling), uniform + sports kit, trips and expeditions, individual music tuition, exam entry fees, travel to/from home.
Ask the Bursar for a sample "all-in" first-year invoice before committing.
Merit-based scholarships (1 types)
ℹ️ This school has not published the exact % fee remission for each award. Ask the admissions team directly — typical independent school scholarships range from 5% to 50% of fees.
About
Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate is a forward-looking independent foundation of four schools with over 1,400 students aged 3–19, recruiting boys and girls from the UK and internationally with the majority being boarders. The schools achieve strong academic results across a wide range of abilities, catering for traditional academic, creative, and vocational pathways. Purpose-built facilities and extensive extra-curricular opportunities underpin a well-rounded educational experience.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
What Makes This School Different
Academic Results
Admissions
| Entry point | Assessment | Assessment date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursery (3 months onwards) | No formal entry requirements; application review | Year-round | Any time during year |
| Reception and Key Stage 1 | CAT4 cognitive ability test | As part of application | Beginning of academic year |
| Year 6 and Key Stage 3 | CAT4; interview | Autumn term prior to entry | Spring of year prior |
| Year 10 (GCSE entry) | CAT4; academic review | Spring/Summer of Year 9 | Prior to September |
| Sixth Form (Year 12) | Previous academic record; interview | Spring/Summer Year 11 | Prior to September |
How to apply
- 1. Contact Admissions Team via enquiry form, phone or email
- 2. Tour school and meet staff
- 3. Submit application with supporting documentation
- 4. Complete CAT4 cognitive ability test
- 5. Attend interview
- 6. Receive admissions decision
What you'll need to submit
- Online enquiry/registration form
- Previous school reports
- References from current school
Open events
- Open Days (five per year)
- Stay and Play sessions (fortnightly for younger children)
- Taster Days available
- Private tours by appointment
Scholarships: Scholarship opportunities available at 11+, 13+ and Sixth Form
Admissions contact: [email protected]
Non-selective school with no formal academic entry requirements. All applicants take CAT4 to understand learning strengths. Applications accepted at any time during year.
Why Families Choose
Four-school collegiate structure, strong academic results across ability ranges, traditional and vocational pathways, majority boarding community, purpose-built facilities, EAL support included in fees
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| International Boarding (annual) | GBP 66,990~$ 84,797 |
| College Years 10-11 (annual day) | GBP 21,480~$ 27,190 |
| Boarding Years 10-11 full (annual) | GBP 41,190~$ 52,139 |
| Boarding Years 12-13 full (annual) | GBP 42,720~$ 54,076 |
| King's Magna Years 6-9 (annual day) | GBP 19,680~$ 24,911 |
| Sixth Form Years 12-13 (annual day) | GBP 22,785~$ 28,842 |
| Boarding Years 10-11 weekly (annual) | GBP 38,790~$ 49,101 |
| Boarding Years 12-13 weekly (annual) | GBP 40,320~$ 51,038 |
| Explorers Nursery / Chapter House (annual day) | GBP 13,455~$ 17,032 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: £13,345 – £16,625 per term (Y12 and Y13). Application fee: $450.
Admissions Process
- 1UK entry (Years 4–13): contact Admissions Team, submit passport, 2 school reports, birth certificate and application form, visit Open Day or arrange a private tour, take CAT4 assessment (not an entry exam), accept offer and pay £354 non-refundable registration fee. 2. Foundation Stage, Reception and Years 1–3: same five-step process with £354 registration. 3. Nursery (Explorers, 3 months–3 years): contact for application form, submit passport and birth certificate, visit Open Day, pay £99 non-refundable registration, complete a four-hour settling-in session. 4. International entry: register with an International Rep or agency, provide passport and 2 school reports, complete online English test, CAT4, Personal Résumé and Personal Interview (in person or video), receive offer letter, pay £354 registration fee plus an international deposit equal to one term's full fees.
Boarding Life
Boarding is offered across three age bands (7–11, 11–14, 14–18) with full-time and weekly options. Years 3–6 have a dedicated junior boarding space with age-appropriate lower furniture and a bath. Evening and weekend activities are provided, a House Parent supports younger boarders with bedtime routines, and a welfare team is on call 24 hours a day.
Day boarding and full boarding available for students aged 7–19
School Day
Queen Ethelburga's comprises four schools with wraparound care available for up to 24 hours, including the Early Risers club, evening meals, and overnight stays as part of the boarding provision.
Student Life
The Academic House System comprises four houses: Cantwara, Eoforwic, Derwent and Lyminge. The system fosters community and friendly competition through regular house events and a House Cup, with staff and students working alongside Heads of Academic Houses.
Uniform lists exist for Chapter House, King's Magna and QE College. Uniforms can be ordered online via the Uniform Shop at www.qe.org or by emailing [email protected]. All items must be named clearly and permanently. For girls, accessories must be black.
Boarding students have access to the school shop and vending machines on site for snacks and drinks. Takeaway food is permitted for Years 11–13 from QE's approved providers; takeaways for younger boarders are not allowed. Tuck (two pieces a day) is allowed and students may bring their own chocolate spread.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
A weekly one-hour Personal Development session addresses resilience, kindness, emotional intelligence, online safety and staying mentally and physically healthy. Forest School is available as an outdoor wellbeing activity, and Stay and Play sessions include forest school experiences.
Welfare is described as the school's first priority, with all staff committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. A dedicated welfare team is on call 24 hours a day; regular Personal Development sessions cover staying safe and related safeguarding topics.
Student Demographics
School Background
Independent