Queen Ethelburga’s near Harrogate named Best Value Co-Educational Private School in Britain by The Telegraph

Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate has retained its title as the UK's Best Value Co-Educational Private School in The Telegraph's annual rankings, while also securing second place overall for a second consecutive year.

The Thorpe Underwood-based independent school, near Harrogate, finished behind only King Edward VI High School for Girls in Birmingham, making it the highest-ranked co-educational school in the country for value.

The annual rankings assess independent schools based on the relationship between academic performance, facilities and fees, highlighting those that offer the strongest overall value for families.

Queen Ethelburga's, where maximum day fees are around £23,700, was recognised for combining strong academic results with a broad range of facilities and extra-curricular opportunities.

The school said 90 per cent of GCSE grades achieved this year were at grades 7 to 9, the highest proportion in Yorkshire, while 83 per cent of A-level grades were awarded A* to A, placing the school among the top 15 nationally.

Students also have access to facilities including an athlete performance gym, sports pitches, climbing wall, tennis and padel courts, a professional-standard theatre and specialist teaching spaces, alongside full and flexible boarding options.

In announcing this year's rankings, The Telegraph said: "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."

A spokesperson for the Independent Schools Council added: "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."

Daniel Machin, Principal of Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate, welcomed the recognition, describing it as a significant achievement for the school.

He said: "This is a hugely significant accolade for Queen Ethelburga's and one we are incredibly proud to receive.

"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.

"Throughout this period, our priority has been clear: to protect the quality of education and opportunities our students receive while doing everything possible to minimise the financial impact on both current and prospective families."

Mr Machin said demand for places at the school continues to grow, with more local families choosing independent education because of the value they believe it offers.

He added that Queen Ethelburga's will introduce a new flexible boarding option from September 2026, allowing pupils to board for two, three, four or five nights each week.

He said: "Education should never stand still.

"We continually evolve our provision to meet the changing needs of young people and modern family life.

"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."

Set within its campus at Thorpe Underwood, Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate offers day and boarding education, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement alongside sport, performing arts, STEM subjects and pastoral care.

For more information about Queen Ethelburga's, visit https://www.qe.org/