(Image: Pic supplied)
An independent school in North Yorkshire has been named the best value co-educational private school in the UK.
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE), located at Thorpe Underwood, between York and Harrogate, received the title in The Telegraph’s latest annual rankings, which assess schools based on the relationship between academic performance, facilities, and fees.
The school was also ranked second overall in the UK for the second year running, behind only King Edward VI High School for Girls in Birmingham.
Daniel Machin, principal of Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, said: "This is a hugely significant accolade for Queen Ethelburga’s and one we are incredibly proud to receive.
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"It is particularly meaningful at a time when the independent sector continues to navigate unprecedented financial pressures following the introduction of VAT on school fees.
"Excellence is not defined solely by what happens in the classroom; it is the complete educational experience that enables every child to flourish.
"This recognition reflects the commitment of our staff, the ambition of our students and the trust our families place in us every day."
Queen Ethelburga’s has maximum day fees of around £23,700 per year for day pupils and delivers strong academic results, with 90 per cent of GCSE grades awarded at 7–9 and 83 per cent of A-level grades at A*–A.
The school is among the top 15 nationally.
The Telegraph noted: "For many parents, the value of independent schools goes beyond academic achievements; they want a well-rounded experience for their children that includes opportunities in sport, performing arts and music."
Queen Ethelburga’s students benefit from extensive on-site facilities, including an athlete-performance gym, sports pitches, a climbing wall, padel and tennis courts, a professional-standard theatre, and specialist teaching spaces.
The school offers both full and flexible boarding, and from September 2026 will introduce flexible boarding options for two, three, four, or five nights per week.
A spokesperson for the Independent Schools Council said: "Independent schools take a much wider view of education than just exam results.
"Boarding schools, in particular, offer a wide range of activities outside the classroom and subjects inside the classroom."
Mr Machin said that demand for QE continues to grow.
He said: "Our day school is thriving, with increasing numbers of local families choosing to invest in an independent education because they recognise the value it delivers.
"Families rightly expect more than outstanding academic results, and that is exactly what we provide."