Queen Elizabeth School, Luton Review 2026: Reborn and Rising

Queen Elizabeth School (QES) is a school defined by transformation. Formerly known as Ashcroft High School, it rebranded in September 2021 with a new name, a new uniform, and a renewed sense of purpose. Located on Crawley Green Road in south Luton, this mixed foundation school for students aged 11 to 18 serves a diverse local community with an ethos centred on "aspiration and innovation."

Under the leadership of Headteacher Mrs Rhoda McPherson, appointed in September 2020, the school has undergone significant cultural change. The 2023 Ofsted inspection noted that "the school is not the same place that it was a few years ago," highlighting a shift towards higher expectations and a calmer atmosphere. With around 1,260 students, QES is large enough to offer breadth but retains a distinct community feel, emphasized by unique pastoral touches like the school dog and courtyard chickens.

The rebranding was not merely cosmetic; it signalled a break from the past. Visitors today find a school that operates with clear routines and a focus on professional standards. The environment is purposeful, with the distinct purple-trimmed blazers visible throughout the corridors.

The atmosphere is described by inspectors as "calm," a marked improvement from the school's previous iteration. This calmness is fostered by strict behaviour policies that students report are "much stricter than they used to be," creating a safe space for learning. The diversity of the student body is a core strength , with dozens of languages spoken and a culture of mutual respect that Ofsted rated as Good.

A standout feature of the school's character is its innovative approach to wellbeing. The presence of a school dog and chickens in the central courtyard provides a tangible, nurturing element to the school day. These features soften the secondary school experience and offer students opportunities for responsibility and empathy that go beyond the classroom.

In 2024, the school's academic performance reflects its journey of improvement. Queen Elizabeth School ranks 2,229th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This performance sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), described as solid performance. Locally, the school ranks 10th in Luton.

The Average Attainment 8 score of 41.8 is slightly below the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of -0.34 indicates that students, on average, achieve approximately one-third of a grade lower across their subjects than pupils with similar starting points nationally. While this suggests room for further value-added growth, the school's "Good" Ofsted rating validates the quality of education provided.

Subject performance highlights the school's broad offer. In 2024, 41.4% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in English and Mathematics. The school maintains a balanced curriculum where vocational and creative subjects sit alongside the core academic diet, ensuring that students of all abilities have pathways to success.

The curriculum at QES is ambitious and designed to address social disadvantage by prioritizing literacy and vocabulary. Leaders have mapped out the "important knowledge" for each subject, ensuring that students revisit key concepts regularly to build long-term memory. This structured approach is evident in lessons, where routines are consistent and expectations are clear.

Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9) remains broad, resisting the trend to narrow choices too early. Students study the full range of National Curriculum subjects, including Art, Drama, and Technology. In Key Stage 4, the options process allows for a mix of GCSEs and vocational qualifications. The school has invested in its vocational facilities, recognizing that for many of its students, practical application provides a compelling route to engagement and achievement.

Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) has been overhauled. The 2023 inspection confirmed that systems for identifying and supporting these students are now effective , with pupils achieving well from their starting points. The "Hub" provides a dedicated space for those who need additional support to access the mainstream curriculum.

The launch of "QE6" (Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form) has transformed the post-16 landscape for QES students. As Luton's newest sixth form provision, it offers a continuity of education that was previously missing. The sixth form focuses on "future-ready" pathways, combining A-levels with robust vocational Level 3 courses.

While detailed long-term destination data for the new sixth form is still accumulating, early indicators show a healthy progression to university and apprenticeships. The school's careers programme begins early, with high-quality advice ensuring that students in Year 11 make informed choices about whether to stay at QE6 or progress to other local colleges like Luton Sixth Form College.

Admissions are coordinated by Luton Borough Council. The school is a popular choice for families in the Crawley Green, High Town, and Stopsley areas.

For Year 7 entry, the school is currently oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions round, the school received 461 applications for 182 places, resulting in a subscription ratio of 2.5 applicants per place. This high demand means that after priority for Looked After Children and siblings, places are allocated strictly by straight-line distance.

The open evening for prospective Year 7 families typically takes place in early October (Thursday 9 October 2025 for 2026 entry). Sixth form applications follow a separate timeline, with an open evening in November and application deadlines in January.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Pastoral care is a visible priority. The school uses a year-group structure, meaning students have a dedicated Head of Year who moves with them through the school. This continuity allows strong relationships to build between families and the pastoral team.

The "stricter" behaviour policy is balanced by genuine care. Students report feeling safe and emphasize that bullying is rare and dealt with effectively. The school's commitment to mental health is evidenced by its internal support structures and the unique environmental features like the courtyard animals, which provide a calming influence during the school day.

Extracurricular life at QES is vibrant and inclusive. The "period 6" enrichment programme offers students access to clubs ranging from sports and performing arts to academic societies.

Sport is a strength, with the school maximizing its on-site facilities to run competitive teams in football, basketball, and netball. The Arts department is equally active, with annual productions and music showcases giving students a platform to perform.

Trips and visits are a key part of the "aspiration" ethos. Leaders ensure that financial barriers do not prevent students from participating in cultural experiences, with recent visits including theatre trips to London and geography fieldwork.

The school day starts at 8:40am and finishes at 3:10pm. Located on Crawley Green Road, the site is well-connected by local bus routes.

Uniform is a key part of the school's new identity. Students wear a black blazer with purple piping and the QES crest, a white shirt, and a school tie. The strict adherence to uniform code is part of the school's drive for high standards.

Wraparound care is not applicable as this is a secondary school, but the library and some clubs run before and after school hours.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state school with no tuition fees.

Parents are expected to cover the cost of the uniform, which can be purchased from designated local suppliers. The school supports families eligible for Pupil Premium with uniform costs and contributions towards educational visits. Music lessons and some extracurricular activities may incur a small charge, though subsidies are often available for eligible families.

Transformation is ongoing. While the "Good" rating confirms the school has turned a corner, it is still on a journey. The negative Progress 8 score suggests that academic value-added is an area where the school is still working to match the best in the borough.

Strict culture. The shift to a stricter behaviour policy suits many students who value the calm, but it requires buy-in from families. Parents should be comfortable with a school that places high importance on uniform, punctuality, and compliance with rules.

Oversubscription. With 2.5 applications per place, this is not a "safe bet" backup school. Families living outside the immediate Crawley Green area without a sibling link may struggle to secure a place.

Queen Elizabeth School has successfully reinvented itself as a disciplined, nurturing, and ambitious community school. The "Good" Ofsted rating validates the hard work of the new leadership, and features like the school farm animals speak to a genuine care for student wellbeing. Best suited to local families who want a structured, improving school with a strong community heart. The main challenge is securing a place in a competitive year.