A top 5 British independent school (no sixth form) and best value boarding school between Ripon and Thirsk.
A Top 5 Independent School in the UK (no Sixth Form) – Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2026.
A Top 10 best value boarding school – The Daily Telegraph
Learning at Queen Mary’s feels good. Our pupils enjoy making excellent academic progress in our welcoming, supportive setting. Our small size allows us to take a personalised approach to learning for girls aged 3 – 16 and boys up to age 8.
With class sizes typically around 17, each pupil benefits from individual attention and the chance to progress at a pace that suits her. Our value-added scores—on average 1.33 grades above predicted outcomes—reflect the steady progress our pupils make during their time with us.
Queen Mary’s size and ethos create a truly personalised education, ensuring every day is Her Best Day.
Family Friendly Boarding
With flexibility in boarding—from one night per term to every night—we give you the freedom to make Queen Mary’s your home.
Academic Challenge
Queen Mary’s commitment to personalised learning is evident in its diverse curriculum with the Good Schools Guide agreeing that “There is a strong focus on high quality teaching and learning”. Traditional subjects sit alongside Coding, Performing Arts and Entrepreneurship within the Personal Development Programme to prepare pupils for an ever-changing and complex world centred around developing a love of learning. Former pupils have gone on to succeed in many areas and we currently have girls studying at Oxbridge and other top universities.
Excellence and Opportunities Everywhere
Whether you crave national success or wish to try a new opportunity, discover your passions with over 65 activities per week on offer each week including Gymnastics, Dance, Debating and STEM as well as outstanding Music and Choral provision. Queen Mary’s pupils have received national awards in Music, Sport and Riding and get involved in everything from the Annual House Show to the UK Youth Parliament.
All Girls
We believe girls do best in an environment designed especially for them – and research shows just how much better they do. Proven repeatedly, an all-girls education powers up young women to fulfil their potential to be the stateswomen of their own lives. Here, each girl is known, supported and given the space and opportunities to shine. We’re committed to empowering our girls, ensuring they leave with the skills, confidence and capabilities to take on the world and happily become who and what they want to be.
She Who Dares
At Queen Mary’s, pupils are not just taught how to pass exams. Going beyond the curriculum, they enjoy incredible adventures, experiences and outdoor education led by Queen Mary’s Head of Adventure, including on the river, a climbing wall, and the WOLF run—all within the school grounds. In addition, they participate in trips and study tours which enriches learning beyond the curriculum. Pupils are inspired to embrace challenges, developing into well-rounded, resilient, and independent thinkers—confident in who they are and ready to seize any opportunity.
Together
Pupils at Queen Mary’s are welcomed into what feels like a large, happy family, living in a warm, family-like environment. Boarders and Day Girls, who are welcome to stay into the evening, create a close-knit and friendly community. A Queen Mary’s education for girls aged 3 to 16 is truly special. It fosters friendships across year groups, provides senior girls with early leadership opportunities, and encourages peer-to-peer learning—proven to enhance academic outcomes.