WHAT? WHERE?

Queen Mary’s in North Yorkshire is an all-through for girls aged 3-16 yrs – founded in 1925 at nearby Duncombe Park, before moving to its new home, Baldersby Park. There are 220 girls across Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior – 100 in Prep, 120 in Senior – with each taught the school’s four cornerstones: hard work, public spirit, good manners and trustworthiness. The girls here are shown how to garner resilience, develop independence and foster strong emotional awareness from a young age.

The Grade I listed stately Baldersby Park, was the first Palladian villa to be built in England. Set in 40 breathtaking acres, you can almost hear the rousing tones of Elgar’s The Lark Ascending as you glide up the driveway, past lush meadows dotted with contented grazing sheep.

Fun fact: Baldersby Park was transformed by Lord Grantham in the 1700s and rumour has it was the inspiration for Julian Fellowes’ Downton Abbey, which is based between Ripon and Thirsk. The house was later owned by notorious York railway magnate George Hudson, who was forced to sell the estate and move into a debtor’s prison in the 1880s. Thankfully, Baldersby’s current inhabitants face a much more flourishing future, with many being horse obsessives. Pre-Prep girls are often spotted jumping their ponies across the West Lawn to the delight of the rest of the school.

FACILITIES

QUEEN MARY'S SCHOOL YORKSHIRE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

Behind the grand Queen Mary’s façade lies a clever blend of period charm and modern facilities. Think wood-panelled library (once the Ballroom), a heated pool with temperature-controlled changing rooms, and classrooms that were once gracious reception rooms – now airy, light-filled spaces perfect for focused learning in small classes of up to 17 pupils. Budding scientists will thrive in the well-equipped modern labs, while Music, Art, IT, and Technology are all taught in specialist spaces designed to inspire. And for future Nigella Lawsons (or have-a-go bakers), the brand-new Food Technology Room is impressively vast – ideal for whipping up feasts worthy of Wonderland.

Sporty types are equally well catered for, with standout facilities including a floodlit synthetic pitch officially opened by Olympic gold medallist Sam Quek. But the jewel in Queen Mary’s crown? Its Equestrian Centre, which supports riders of all levels – from beginners to competitive pros – complete with a full-service livery yard for those bringing their own horses, plus tennis courts and climbing wall. Add to that the school’s stunning setting, with acres of countryside, riverside rambles by the Swale, and outdoor adventures in the Forest School, and you’ve got an education that’s far from ordinary.

SPORT

Queen Mary’s girls thrive in the great outdoors, and with acres of Yorkshire countryside at their feet, it’s easy to see why. Forest School is a weekly highlight in Prep, where den building and top-secret missions are all part of the timetable. Sport is a big part of life here too – not just for the elite athletes, but for every girl to get stuck in. From weekly swimming lessons to matches on the all-weather astro and time in the gym, there’s a real emphasis on both skill-building and enjoyment.

While the school champions participation, it also punches above its weight in certain sports – particularly equestrian, where girls compete nationally (and there’s an on-site Equestrian Centre for training and events). Netball, hockey, athletics and rounders are the core sports in Prep, with inter-house matches, county fixtures and the annual Sports Day bringing plenty of competitive buzz. Beyond the curriculum, co-curricular clubs cover everything from yoga and dance to fencing and Zumba, giving every girl the chance to find her thing – whether she’s sporty, spirited, or somewhere in between.

CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS

Queen Mary's School Yorkshire Prep art studio

Creativity is woven into daily life at Queen Mary’s, where Art, Design Technology, Drama and Music are all given centre stage. From an early age, pupils are encouraged to experiment, compose, and create – with Music taught using the Kodály method, which builds a strong foundation in pitch and rhythm through singing and movement. Budding performers get to try out string instruments in the Y4 Orchestra, with many going on to take individual lessons in everything from piano to percussion, singing to saxophone. Choir is a big deal here and the girls raise the roof in the school chapel with practices held here and in the impressive Great Hall.

Performance opportunities are plentiful, from adorable lower school productions like Nativity in the Woods, to more ambitious concerts and plays as pupils move up the school. Recent highlights include, Aladdin and a moving production of The Little Match Girl performed at the historic Baldersby St James Church, much to the delight of the local community. Beyond the classroom, co-curricular options include LAMDA (100% pass rate with distinctions or merits) choirs, dance clubs, and art workshops, ensuring that every girl can find her creative outlet – whether she’s centre stage, behind the easel, or belting out a solo in chapel.

LITTLIES

Life in Pre-Prep at Queen Mary’s is pretty idyllic. Whether it’s thoughtfully debating which superpower they’d most like to have (flying and invisibility are hot favourites), or exploring marine life at Hull’s The Deep, the emphasis here is on hands-on, curiosity-fuelled learning.

The bespoke Pre-Prep building offers a safe, nurturing environment with bright, spacious classrooms and its own secure outdoor play and learning areas, allowing children to explore, climb, plant, and play freely. The curriculum is structured around four key areas – Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, and Expressive Arts and Design – but learning is always lively and engaging.

Reading is a big focus, with phonics taught through the Oxford Reading Tree programme, and pupils also enjoy specialist lessons in French, Computing, Music, and PE from a young age. Some families may prefer a more play-based, child-led approach without formal academic structure creeping in too soon, but the girls seem to enjoy them. There’s also a strong emphasis on creativity, with art, singing, storytelling and drama all woven into everyday learning.

Unique to Queen Mary’s is the way Pre-Prep children are gently included in the wider school community, with access to inspiring whole-school facilities such as the swimming pool, chapel, and Forest School. They also belong to one of four houses, so they have older role models so they feel very much part of the school community.

PREP SCHOOL

Tucked away in the West Wing of this historic school lies the Prep, home to dedicated classrooms and spaces for Prep pupils. Being part of an all-through school means the Prep girls have access to the Senior school’s superb specialist classrooms including, Science Labs, Food and Textile Rooms, Music Studios, an IT Suite, and impressive sports facilities.

With small class sizes and a lively, theme-based curriculum that builds on the foundations of Pre-Prep, learning here is both creative and cross-curricular. Subjects are pretty standard, but Food Technology (often neglected in many schools) is a hot topic. Regular educational trips to places like the National Science and Media Museum, the Life Museum, and overnight camps helping to bring the syllabus to life.

Residential trips further afield include adventures to France and London, while guest authors, musicians, and travelling theatre companies regularly visit to fire up their creativity. On joining the Prep, girls become part of one of four houses – Byland, Fountains, Jervaulx, or Rievaulx – and enjoy a rich programme of inter-house events including charity fashion shows, bake-offs, and house music competitions, all designed to build confidence and a healthy dose of friendly rivalry.

ACADEMICS

Queen Mary’s is proudly a non-selective school yet achieves outstanding GCSE results – keeping the pressure cooker low has paid dividends here. The school’s top notch teaching and individual support ensure every pupil reaches their potential. With a value-added score of +1.3, girls on average achieve more than a full grade higher per subject than expected, reflecting the school’s strong focus on individual progress and academic excellence.

PASTORAL CARE

Respect, tolerance, and trust are deeply embedded in the pastoral culture at Queen Mary’s, where every girl is supported within a genuinely kind, inclusive and community-focused environment. Wellbeing is closely monitored and recorded, with form tutors, pastoral leads, and the dedicated Health Hub team working together to ensure that no child slips through the net. If a pupil is struggling, the school offers a multi-layered support system including access to a school nurse, a live-in member of boarding staff, and a welcoming Health Hub space that includes a medical room, bedroom, and calm relaxation area.

The school takes mental health seriously, with regular check-ins and access to a clinical psychologist, school counsellor, chaplain and doctor, all available to provide guidance and a listening ear. For those who prefer fur over formalities, animal companionship plays a quiet but powerful role – from ponies in the fields to staff dogs in classrooms. One gorgeous black spaniel was recently spotted curled up beside a young girl needing comfort, demonstrating how tuned in the school is to emotional wellbeing. Kindness is also actioned – not just encouraged – with pupils regularly meeting in a ‘random acts of kindness’ group to do thoughtful things for others, whether that’s tidying a friend’s room or writing a heartfelt note to someone in need. It’s this holistic, proactive approach to care that really sets Queen Mary’s apart.

BOARDING

Boarding at Queen Mary’s is a warm, family-style experience rooted in fun, friendship, and flexibility. With around 25 full-time boarders from Y4 upwards, the community feels close-knit and nurturing – more like an extended sleepover with your best friends than a traditional, formal boarding setup. The school makes the most of its unique setting, with boarding houses tucked inside what was once a grand family home. Rooms are shared between three to five girls, creating a sociable, comforting environment that encourages strong peer bonds.

Boarding life is lively, with the team curating a packed programme of evening and weekend activities – think seaside outings, Harry Potter nights complete with potions and quidditch, movie marathons on the outdoor screen, and trips to York’s museums. There are also fun all-in nights where Prep and Senior pupils board together after major school events like drama productions or concerts.

That said, this informal and social model may not suit every child. Those who value more privacy or alone time might find shared rooms and a busy common room atmosphere a little intense. Similarly, the relatively small number of full-time boarders might be a consideration for parents seeking a more structured or traditional boarding culture. However, for many families, it’s this friendly, flexible approach – with options for weekly and occasional boarding – that makes Queen Mary’s such a brilliant fit.

THE HEAD

FE BEDENELL HEAD QUEEN MARY'S SCHOOL YORKSHIRE

Queen Mary’s is going through a transitionary period as Fe Beadnell, who was head of Sixth Form at Barnard Castle has recently taken over from the much-loved Carole Cameron. During Mrs Cameron’s 10 yr tenure, the school has been hailed as one of the UK’s top 10 independent schools with no Sixth Form in the Sunday Times 2025 Parent Power Guide .

Educated at Malvern Girls College and the University of Leeds, Fe Beadnell is a strong advocate of single sex education. ‘Having attended an all-girls school I hugely feel that every girl can be encouraged to embrace any challenge she faces, progressing with determination, integrity and resilience.’

The stylish Fe Beadnell believes she is so lucky to have been given what she believes is ‘the best job in the world!’. But Fe knows she follows in great footsteps. ‘Carole has done such an amazing job; this school is incredible. As soon as I came here it just felt right, the girls light up the room and are so warm and enthusiastic.’

The former head will hugely miss seeing the close knitted community of staff and pupils. ‘They are such special girls and are brimming with confidence.’ She is very proud that the pupils have huge awareness of what is going on in the world, despite living in an idyllic corner of North Yorkshire. ‘We are a School of Sanctuary which means we are open to looking after refugees in need of asylum. We recently had a lovely Ukrainian girl in Year 11, and I think we learnt as much from her as she did studying here.’

QUIRKS

There are too many to mentionl. The girls use a mattress to fly down the flights of steps on the Grand Staircase, while The Great Hall and Dining Room plays host to numerous events such as Burns Night where girls can dress up, devour haggis and dance Scottish reels and girls in their final year at Queen Mary’s receive a special necklace, symbolising their journey and lasting connection to the school.

Students in the four houses take part in shows which have a distinct theme such as TV show Friends or the NHS, where they design costumes, slather on make-up and dance for joy. And there’s more! We love the sound of ‘Woman of the Week’ – celebrating female achievement and the Friendship Programme which sees every new girl paired with a ‘Good Neighbour’ buddy to help them settle in.

Prep pupils love taking part in extracurricular activities such as Wild Swimming (brrr, when the weather warms up), Paddle Boarding, Kayaking, Brain Busters, Lego and sewing bee. A much-loved annual whole school event is the Pet Service – where students, staff and pets gather to enjoy a spiritual experience. The school’s religion is Church of England but Queen Mary’s welcomes people from all faiths or no faith.

WRAP AROUND CARE

For Pre-Prep and Prep School wrap around care is available between 8am to 6pm charged at £3.50 per half hour.

ISI REPORT

In December 2023, the ISI visited the school for a full inspection. Read the full report here

MOBILE PHONE POLICY

Phones must be handed in on arrival and are given back at the end of the school day.

TRANSPORT

The school is minutes from the A1M and based between Ripon and Thirsk. There is a minibus service bringing pupils from across the region with 25 pick up and drop off spots including Scotch Corner and Harrogate.

Nearest trains stations are: Thirsk (5 mins) and Northallerton (15 mins), both are on the fast main line from London to Scotland. For air travel, Durham Tees Valley Airport is the nearest airport (45 mins) and Newcastle and Leeds-Bradford are both about 1hr away. Manchester Airport is a 2hr drive.

FEES

Day fees: Reception £4,505 per term; Y1-Y3 £4,932 and Y4-Y6 £8,156. Weekly boarding is £11,263; full boarding £11,768 and flexi is charged at £55 per night. The school offers a 5% sibling discount, 10% MOD and 10% clergy fee remission from the annual school fees. Queen Mary’s also offers a bursary programme.

WORD ON THE GROUND

Parents of Queen Mary’s School in Yorkshire rave aout its nurturing environment, dedicated staff, and the strong sense of community. Many alumnae choose to send their daughters back, highlighting a deep-rooted trust in the ethos and educational approach here. Parents Lunches are a big hit – offering a relaxed opportunity for girls, parents and staff to scoff and quaff together.

The school’s setting – surrounded by picturesque countryside and enriched with activities like horse riding and outdoor adventures – contributes to a holistic education that balances academics with personal development. Sometimes the school can feel quite small and the rural location, while idyllic, can pose logistical challenges. That said, its location and size is very much part of its appeal for the majority.

THE MUDDY VERDICT

GOOD FOR: families seeking a down-to-earth and character-building education in a rural setting – it especially suits outdoorsy, adventurous girls who thrive in close-knit communities with room to grow as individuals. Also good for family-friendly, flexible boarding.

NOT FOR: girls who need a large, urban environment with bigger year groups or who thrive in high-octane, competitive academic settings may find the slower pace and rural location less stimulating.

DARE TO DISAGREE?: Next opportunities to visi t: Open Doors Fri 6 March; Open Day Sat 25 April and they also run monthly Early Years Sessions.

Queen Mary’s School, Baldersby Park, Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, England, YO7 3BZ. Call 01845 575000. Email admin@queenmarys.org

Queen Mary’s School (Pre-Prep & Prep), Topcliffe, North Yorkshire

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