Why Choose a British International Boarding School?
Choosing the right school for your child can be challenging, especially when considering options across the globe.
However, if you seek an institution that fosters cultural awareness, equips students with the necessary skills to gain admission into world-class universities, and offers access to state of the art facilities used by professional sports teams, a British international boarding school should be at the top of your list, particularly prestigious institutions such as Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate.
Experience a Diverse and Multicultural Environment
British international boarding schools welcome students from a vast array of cultures and nationalities. At Queen Ethelburga’s, students represent over 70 countries, from Thailand to Türkiye and the Fijian Islands to Mexico. The school celebrates this diversity through events such as Cultural Awareness Day, where students wear traditional attire, and national celebrations like Chinese New Year, Australia Day, Black History Month, and Eid al-Fitr. The school's catering also accommodates various dietary requirements, including Halal, and offers international cuisine.
Boarding common rooms serve as cultural exchange hubs, where students prepare regional dishes and learn about one another’s traditions. Many students highlight this cultural diversity as one of the most enriching aspects of their boarding experience.
Queen Ethelburga’s offers a unique combination of an idyllic rural Yorkshire setting and a global community. With a strong cohort of both day and UK boarding students, international students gain an authentic British cultural experience while honing their English-speaking skills in real-life contexts.
Staff members are trained to support students in adjusting to their new environment, helping them navigate cultural differences and language barriers. New students are paired with buddies from the same nationality to ease their transition into the school community.
First-Class Education
As the Top Independent School in the North for Academic Results for the fourth consecutive year, Queen Ethelburga’s students consistently achieve outstanding grades, securing places at the world's best universities. In 2024, 33 students progressed to one of the top 10 universities in the UK, while 12 gained admission to one of the top 25 universities worldwide, according to The Times Higher Education.
The school ensures a smooth transition into the curriculum, tailoring programmes to accommodate students' English proficiency. King's Magna, Faculty, and College each offer an Intensive English Programme (IEP) designed to enhance students’ language skills and prepare them for the UK national curriculum. Faculty and College students can also pursue IGCSE, A Level, or BTEC qualifications while enrolled in the IEP.
IGCSEs are the preferred qualification for 14 to 16-year-olds at Queen Ethelburga’s, as they are specifically designed for international students, using accessible language and avoiding reliance on British cultural knowledge. While participating in the IEP, all students work towards IGCSEs in Art, Mathematics, and Science.
Experience Life at a British International Boarding School
Many British international boarding schools offer summer programmes for students to experience life at a top-tier institution. Queen Ethelburga’s provides a unique International Summer School, allowing students aged 7 to 17 to board at the school for one to four weeks. During their stay, they engage in lessons, activities, and trips across the UK.
For 2025, Queen Ethelburga’s is launching an exclusive football camp in partnership with Mike Phelan Coaching. Mike Phelan, former Manchester United coach and key figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s team, will offer students insight into the world of professional football. Open to both international and UK students, the camp will explore career paths in sports, from playing and coaching to sports psychology and research.
Begin Your Journey at Queen Ethelburga’s
Queen Ethelburga’s application process is open year-round. If you are interested in joining, contact our admissions team or book a place at the International Summer School to experience life at one of the UK’s leading independent schools.
