Queen Ethelburga’s College, part of Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, received the title in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026, which is widely regarded as a leading survey of the country’s top-performing schools.
The guide named Queen Ethelburga’s sixth overall in the UK among co-educational independent schools for A*/A grades at A Level, and first in the North of England for both A Level and GCSE results.
Dan Machin, principal at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, said: “Our goal is to consistently set the standard for independent education – combining academic rigour, sporting ambition, and creative opportunity in an environment designed to inspire.
“From 150+ weekly activities and global trips to leadership programmes shaping tomorrow’s doctors, engineers, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs – QE offers a scale of opportunity few can match.
“Our staff work incredibly hard to offer a student experience that is not only focussed on personal success for the individual, but also providing an education that equips them with the skills and resilience to reach their aspirations when they leave us.
“We’re delighted to win this award for the fifth year in a row, showcasing our commitment to achieving the very best for our students.”
The Parent Power Guide highlighted the college’s personalised learning programmes, which allow students to tailor their studies to individual interests and combine traditional A-levels with vocational and creative options.
The school reported that 83 per cent of A-level results in 2024 were graded A*-A, and 90.3 per cent of GCSEs were graded 9-7.
Recent student achievements include two esports teams reaching the podium at the Daigon School Esports World Championships in Malta, with Queen Ethelburga’s the only school globally to have two teams in the competition.
A student was also appointed to the AI Student Council of the Good Futures Foundation, contributing youth perspectives to the development of inclusive and ethical artificial intelligence.
Other successes included a Year 12 footballer representing Bermuda in the CONCACAF W Qualifiers and the senior girls’ cricket team appearing in Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams.
The college staged a full-scale, three-night pantomime in its on-site professional theatre, one of three major productions held each year.
Investments in sports coaching include the appointment of former England U21 striker Matt Derbyshire and FA and para football specialist Sam Sharman as UEFA A licensed lead football coaches.
Cricket coaching is led by Shrikant Wagh, with over 250 professional matches and five IPL seasons to his name, supported by ECB Level 3 coach Dan Ranasinghe.
The college offers international trips and leadership programmes, aiming to develop future doctors, engineers, athletes, artists, and entrepreneurs.
