Queen's College, London Review 2026: Pioneering Girls' Education in the Heart of London

When Queen's was established in 1848 by theologian Frederick Denison Maurice, the school became the first British educational establishment to award academic qualifications to women. Nearly 175 years later, it remains at the forefront of girls' education, having shaped the lives of alumnae including archaeologist Gertrude Bell, author Katherine Mansfield, and Vogue editor Anna Wintour. Today, the College occupies a commanding position on Harley Street in Westminster, with a teaching philosophy rooted in the conviction that girls thrive when they feel valued and respected. The school's latest ISI inspection in February 2025 affirmed this approach, noting that pupils flourish academically and personally through the many opportunities available. With strong GCSE and A-level results, Queen's ranks in the top 10% of schools in England (FindMySchool data), positioning itself alongside England's most selective independent schools. This is a place where academic rigour coexists with genuine pastoral care.

The College's four Grade II-listed townhouses on Harley Street create a distinctive educational environment in central London. Senior students traverse these connected buildings throughout the day, moving between purpose-built science laboratories, a light-filled art studio, music rooms, and recently upgraded facilities including a new sixth form centre with views across London. The architecture speaks to history: these are the same buildings where Maurice taught his revolutionary classes to pioneer women educators in the 1840s, yet they have been thoughtfully modernised with contemporary teaching spaces added over decades.

Richard Tillett, Principal since 2017, has cultivated an educational culture built on what he describes as the intersection of academic ambition and genuine kindness. The school's foundational belief is that wellbeing underpins learning: if students aren’t happy, progress stalls. This isn't mere rhetoric but shapes daily decisions: pastoral care is woven throughout, not separated from teaching. The 2025 ISI inspection confirmed that pupils' self-confidence and self-esteem develop well in an atmosphere where they know they are genuinely valued and respected. Class sizes average 22 students, allowing teachers to personalise their approach and know students deeply.

The student body comprises approximately 670 girls aged 4–18, with around 630 at the secondary level. Queen's has become increasingly diverse, reflecting London's cosmopolitan character. The school's foundational ethos, established by Maurice, remains explicitly liberal and focused on empowering girls to become thoughtful, engaged citizens. This is evident in the curriculum's breadth (27 A-level subjects, including Latin, Politics, History of Art) and the emphasis on intellectual curiosity beyond exams.

GCSE Performance

Examination performance is consistently strong. In 2024, 73% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9–7 (equivalent to A*/A), compared to the England average of 54%, positioning Queen's well above the national benchmark. The proportion achieving the top grades (9–8) stood at 52%. These results place the school 164th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), situated in the top 10% nationally, and 4th among 45 independent schools in Westminster. The sustained strength across year groups reflects structured teaching from Year 7 onward, with clear progression pathways from lower to upper school.

Subject performance remains broad: students engage meaningfully with sciences (separate from Year 10), humanities (including History of Art and Classical Civilisation), languages (French, Spanish, Italian), and mathematics through A-level Further Mathematics. English Literature results are particularly strong, reflecting the school's emphasis on close reading, essay writing, and engagement with complex texts.

A-Level Performance

At A-level, performance exceeds GCSE proportions. In 2024, 92% of grades achieved were A*–B, with 29% at A* and 34% at A. This distribution places the school 80th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), comfortably in the top 5% of independent schools. Locally, Queen's ranks 3rd among independent secondary schools in Westminster and City of London. Twenty-seven A-level subjects are offered, including specialist options like Politics, Psychology, History of Art, Religious Studies, and Mathematics with Further Mathematics available for the mathematically talented.

University entry is the norm. In 2024, graduates progressed to universities including Cambridge, Bristol, UCL, King's College London, Imperial College, Edinburgh, and Durham. Eight students secured Oxbridge places, with one Cambridge offer among 3 applications from the cohort. Beyond Oxbridge, destinations reflect strong academic grounding: engineering degrees at leading universities, medical school places, and specialist programmes including the Boston Conservatory and Parsons Paris for students combining academic study with creative disciplines. In 2024, 63% of leavers progressed to university, with a further 6% entering further education and 2% apprenticeships.

Teaching across the school balances academic structure with intellectual curiosity. In the junior years, girls learn French from Year 1 and foundation subjects emphasise reading fluency and mathematical reasoning. By Year 7, the curriculum operates on a traditional framework spanning English, Mathematics, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics taught separately from Year 10), History, Geography, Languages, Arts, PE, and wellbeing. Music becomes compulsory in Years 7–9 with weekly lessons. Design and Technology, Food and Nutrition, and Computer Science broaden STEM options.

The sixth form pathway allows specialisation. With 27 A-level choices, students construct rigorous programmes suited to university aspirations. The new sixth form centre, created in 2017 in roof space above the main buildings, provides dedicated study areas, seminar rooms, and a common room where older students mentor younger pupils. Teaching in the sixth form emphasises independent research, essays, and seminar-style discussion. The academic enrichment programme includes visiting lecturers, competitions (Mathematics Olympiad, essay prizes), and opportunities to attend university taster courses.

The ISI inspection noted that pupils' knowledge and understanding across the curriculum develop well, supported by warm encouragement and clear teacher expectations. This balance between rigour and support is central to the school's identity. Teachers have strong subject expertise; many hold specialist qualifications or advanced degrees.

The Thrive programme, launched in 2020, trains students as anti-bullying ambassadors and peer mentors. Years 7, 8, and 9 receive structured support in resolving friendship issues independently, fostering emotional intelligence from the outset. Termly Thrive weeks embed kindness and resilience into the school calendar; one recent Kindness Week recorded over 1,000 acts of documented kindness across the school community. Failure Week invited teachers to share their biggest setbacks, deliberately countering perfectionism.

The school operates a house system through which pastoral care runs vertically through the years. Each pupil has a form tutor who monitors academic and personal wellbeing. Mental health support is accessible through the school counsellor; the ISI inspection confirmed that pupils feel empowered to speak up and access help without stigma. Mobile phone use is carefully managed during school hours, prioritising face-to-face connection and reducing anxiety-inducing social media during the school day.

The small size of the school — 670 students across all phases — means leaders know the student body intimately. Safeguarding is rigorous; the ISI inspection found the school compliant with all independent school standards.

University progression is nearly universal for sixth form leavers. In 2024, 63% proceeded directly to university, representing typical outcomes for a school of Queen's academic standing. The 2024 cohort of 51 leavers saw destinations across Russell Group universities (Durham, Bristol, UCL, King's, Edinburgh) and specialist institutions (Imperial College for engineering; Boston Conservatory for music). Eight students secured Oxbridge places, indicating selective university pathways. Beyond the top tier, students consistently access good degrees at solid universities, reflecting both academic preparation and breadth of educational opportunity.

The school's university advisory team guides students through applications from Year 12. For those pursuing medicine, law, or other competitive subjects, additional support includes interview preparation and mentoring. For students considering gap years, creative pathways, or non-traditional routes, the school supports these equally.

Younger students typically progress to well-regarded secondary schools. The preparatory school (Reception–Year 6) on Portland Place feeds directly into the senior college; most move through at 11+, though external candidates enter at this stage and beyond.

The school offers more than 70 clubs and societies, with leadership positions typically held by sixth form students who mentor younger participants. This diverse provision reflects both the school's urban location in central London and genuine space for student interest to flourish.

Music: Central to School Life

Music holds a special place at Queen's. Weekly music lessons are compulsory in Years 7–9, taught by specialist staff. Beyond the classroom, the music department runs numerous ensembles, including a Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Choir, smaller singing groups, and a Jazz Ensemble. String players form a dedicated quartet; wind players meet as a band. The school maintains partnerships with organisations including Trinity Laban Conservatoire and regularly hosts visiting musicians. Approximately half the pupil body learns an instrument, either through school-provided tuition or privately. Music scholarships at 11+ and 16+ entry attract applicants with genuine passion; at A-level, several students combine Music with other subjects, and many proceed to specialist conservatoire or university music programmes.

Concerts and performances happen throughout the academic year, culminating in major seasonal productions. The school collaborates with Bampton Classical Opera and the Little Opera Company for operatic productions. Music is offered at GCSE and A-level, with cohorts taking both qualifications.

Drama: Professional Ambition and Accessible Participation

Drama at Queen's operates at both recreational and advanced levels. Year 7 girls (Class 3) perform a classical play during their second term as a lunchtime activity; this tradition builds confidence in younger pupils. A major theatrical production runs each Michaelmas term at the College's main performance space, a professionally equipped venue. Recent major shows have included The Sound of Music, Twelfth Night, and Into the Woods. In addition, the school mounts partnerships with opera companies, staging full productions. Individual speech and drama tuition is available, with students preparing for Trinity Guildhall exams. Drama scholarships at 11+ and 16+ entry reflect the strength of the provision. Drama is offered at GCSE, and Theatre Studies is available at A-level, attracting a consistent cohort.

Dance: Performance and Technique

Dance classes operate at multiple levels, from recreational participation through to GCSE and beyond. An annual Dance Show showcases student choreography and technique. Dance scholarships are awarded at 11+ entry, recognising that specialist training begins early. The school offers both classical technique and contemporary creative approaches.

Sport: Breadth and Excellence

Sport operates according to a clear philosophy: all students participate regularly, whilst the most talented are encouraged to reach elite levels. Affiliated partnerships include Academy Netball Club, Blackheath Lacrosse Club, Cumberland Netball Club (Gold CAPS accredited), and MCC Cricket Academy. College-organised teams compete in netball, hockey, tennis, football, rounders, swimming, gymnastics, and dance. The school fields teams across year groups, competing in local and regional competitions. Facilities are centred on nearby Regent's Park, which provides pitches for field sports; on-site indoor facilities have been recently upgraded. Additional opportunities include participation in the London Mini Marathon, Race for Life, overseas sports tours (including tennis), ski trips, and PGL activity weekends. The Gym and Dance Competition and Duke of Edinburgh's Award (with participants reaching Gold level) extend extracurricular sport beyond traditional competitive fixtures.

STEM, Innovation & Academic Clubs

The school has strengthened STEM pathways through contemporary clubs and activities. Academic clubs and societies reflect student and staff interests, changing year to year. These have included coding clubs, robotics, debate societies, historical societies, and subject-specific enrichment groups. The recent emphasis on computer science, data analysis, and emerging technologies is reflected in sixth form subject choices and lunchtime offerings.

Creative Arts Beyond Drama

The Art department operates from a light, airy studio space with strong technical facilities. Teaching emphasises individual creative development through painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, construction, and textiles. Contextual studies are integral to all courses; sketchbook-based research forms the foundation of creative process across year groups. Lunchtime workshops and visiting artist specialists enrich classroom learning. Photography and art trips, including gallery visits, exploit London's cultural resources. Art scholarships at both 11+ and 16+ entry reflect departmental strength. Art GCSE attracts consistent numbers, and A-level Art and Design is regularly taken.

Other Notable Clubs & Activities

Additional clubs include Cheerleading, Debate Society, and various subject-specific enrichment groups. The school emphasises that clubs are student-led where possible, developing leadership in older girls who run lunchtime and after-school societies. Houses also organise internal competitions and social events, creating vertical connections across the school.

Sixth Form Privilege & Leadership

Sixth form students exercise genuine leadership responsibility. Prefects support pastoral care, and many lead clubs or mentor younger pupils. The dedicated sixth form common room and study areas provide autonomy befitting older students preparing for independent university life.

Tuition fees are £8,575 per term for both the Senior School and Sixth Form (2025–26) , equivalent to approximately £25,725 annually. For the 2025–26 academic year, fees have been set at £8,835 plus VAT (£10,602) per term according to one source ; families should confirm exact fees with the school, as different pricing may apply to different entry points. Means-tested bursaries are available, with support ranging from 10% of fees up to 100% depending on family circumstances.

The school also offers scholarships for pupils showing particular academic aptitude or talent, including in Art, Music, and the Sciences.

The preparatory school operates on separate fee structures; families should contact admissions for current rates.

Entry is possible at multiple points: Reception and Year 1 (preparatory school), Year 7 (11+), and Year 12 (16+/sixth form). The school is selective at each stage, using entrance examinations and interviews to assess both academic capability and fit with the school's ethos.

11+ Entry

Candidates sit entrance exams in English, Mathematics, and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Interviews follow, assessing suitability beyond exam performance. School references are required. Offers are made based on exam results, interview impression, and referee comments. The process is highly competitive; details of applications and offers are not published, but the school reports consistent oversubscription, indicating strong local and national demand.

Registration for 2025 entry closed in January 2024; prospective families should contact the school for current timelines. Academic, Music, Drama, Dance, and Art scholarships are available at 11+ entry; all applicants sitting entrance exams are automatically considered for academic scholarships, whilst performance-based scholarships (music, drama, dance, art) require portfolio submission or audition for short-listed candidates.

16+ Entry (Sixth Form)

External candidates are welcome alongside internal progression. Academic entry requires strong GCSE grades (typically grades 7–9 in subjects to be studied at A-level). Scholarship examinations are held in November; both internal and external candidates may apply. Academic scholarships are available; other specialisms are considered.

Bursaries & Financial Aid

Means-tested bursaries are available on entry at 11+ and 16+, with the school's stated commitment to admitting any girl of academic potential regardless of financial circumstances. Bursary support ranges from 10% to 100% fee remission depending on family circumstances. A small Hardship Fund assists with items not covered by full bursaries. The school has reached its target of supporting at least 10% of all pupils on full bursaries, demonstrating meaningful commitment to access.

Academic, Music, and Art scholarships are awarded at 11+ (with drama and dance scholarships also available). Scholarships typically provide 10–25% fee remission; they differ from bursaries in that they recognise merit or talent rather than financial need, though bursary and scholarship support may be combined in exceptional cases.

School day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm for the senior school. The preparatory school (Reception–Year 6) operates from 8:40am to 3:30pm.

The school is located centrally in Westminster, with direct access to London's cultural institutions, museums, and universities. Nearest underground stations are Oxford Circus (0.15 miles) and Tottenham Court Road (0.3 miles), both on the Central or Northern lines. Regular buses serve the area. On-site parking is limited; most families rely on public transport or walking.

The Harley Street location is both an asset and constraint: families benefit from proximity to London's educational and cultural resources, yet on-site sports facilities are limited, necessitating use of nearby Regent's Park for team sports.

Competitive entry process. Admission at all levels is selective. At 11+, places are highly sought; external candidates should expect a rigorous entrance examination and interview. Families may wish to arrange private tutoring, though the school notes entrance exams have been redesigned to reduce tutoring advantage. Entry at 16+ requires strong GCSE performance and competitive A-level choices.

Central London location with space constraints. Whilst the Harley Street campus is architecturally distinctive and places students at the heart of London's intellectual life, on-campus sports and recreation space is limited. Most team sports use nearby Regent's Park; some activities may require travel. Families seeking spacious, rural campuses should look elsewhere.

High expectations and pace. The school's academic ambition is genuine. Students are expected to engage deeply with rigorous content, manage independent study, and participate actively in discussion-based learning. Those preferring a less intellectually demanding environment should consider alternatives.

Fee structure reflects independent school pricing. At approximately £25,725 annually, fees place Queen's in the mid-to-premium tier of London independent schools. Whilst bursaries are meaningful, families without financial support should budget accordingly. State school alternatives exist in the area for those seeking strong academics without fees.

Girls-only education. The school educates girls aged 4–18 (all-through, single sex in the senior school). Families preferring co-education should look elsewhere. The six form welcomes both internal progressions and external applicants and is female-only.

Queen's College represents a rare combination: genuine intellectual ambition paired with sincere pastoral care, delivered in an institution with a powerful 175-year track record of pioneering women's education. The latest ISI inspection confirms what parents observe: students flourish academically and personally in an environment built on respect, kindness, and rigorous teaching. Strong examination results (top 10% of schools in England), excellent university outcomes, and a vibrant extracurricular culture including music, drama, and sport make this a compelling choice for academically able girls. The central London location brings exposure to cultural institutions; the school's liberal, forward-thinking ethos attracts a diverse student body.

Best suited to families seeking a selective, academically rigorous girls' education in London with a genuine commitment to pastoral wellbeing, creative opportunities, and university preparation. The main challenge is gaining entry; those who secure places typically find the education and support exceptional.