The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga’s Takes the Win for ISA Senior School of the Year
The Faculty of Queen Ethelburga’s, one of two senior schools for students in Years 10-13 at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, has been awarded the prestigious title of Independent Schools Association (ISA) Senior School of the Year. The annual ISA Awards celebrate success in independent education, recognising the breadth and quality of provision within the sector.
QE Faculty combines academic excellence with opportunities to pursue vocational and creative aspirations. Offering both A Levels and BTECs, the Faculty provides a diverse and flexible curriculum tailored to individual student goals.
Speaking about the award, the ISA judges commented:
“QE Faculty wins this award because its application shows a clear cause and effect between a range of innovative strategies and their intended outcomes in two key areas of the Faculty’s work. The flexibility of a twin A Level and BTEC qualification offer, the provision of structured opportunities for developing excellence in sport and dramatic arts, and the innovative Esports BTEC provide excellent opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to excel. The use of several student profiles to showcase the effectiveness of QE’s approach was highly effective.”
This curriculum flexibility allows students to pursue community action or dedicate additional time to areas of particular talent. For example, A Level students excelling in sports benefit from structured opportunities within the Performance Sport Programme. This pathway integrates five additional hours per week for Year 12 students' sporting development alongside four AS Levels, fostering a high-achieving cohort of aspiring athletes.
Helping Every Student To Reach Their Potential
QE Faculty’s tailored approach enables students to achieve strong academic outcomes while supporting ambitions in diverse fields such as Oxbridge applications, professional sports, entrepreneurship, and the performing arts.
In 2023, QE Faculty launched the BTEC Esports course for Year 10 and Year 12 students as part of its commitment to offering modern subjects aligned with future industries.
Sport and subject innovation are just two examples of how QE Faculty fosters passion through its curriculum. The Academy of Dramatic Arts (ADA) pathway supports students in developing skills in acting, musical theatre, comedy, stage combat, and various dance styles. Students dedicate additional school hours to hone their craft, with many progressing to prestigious institutions like the BIMM Institute, Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and Regent’s University London.
Performing arts students showcase their talents in school productions held in QE’s professional 312-seat theatre, outdoor shows, and annual events such as the QE Gym and Dance Display, Dance and Drama Festival, Verse-Us Choir Competition, and Speech Day. Co-curricular opportunities abound, with clubs and ensembles for dance, drama, and music.
Creative Arts is another cornerstone of the QE Faculty curriculum. In 2023, the Faculty received the Gold Artsmark Award from Arts Council England, which praised QE’s rich and varied arts offerings within and beyond the classroom.
ISA senior schools are among the best in the country. To win ISA Senior School of the Year, schools must demonstrate how they positively impact pupil outcomes. QE Faculty excels in fostering academic success, creativity, and individual talent, providing students with the tools to shape their personal development and future.
This award follows the recent recognition of Queen Ethelburga’s College, QE’s other senior school, which placed sixth in The Telegraph’s Best Private Schools in the UK by A Level Results 2024 and The Times Independent School Exam Results rankings.
To learn more about Queen Ethelburga’s visit the school at an Open Day or book a private tour.
