WHAT? WHERE?

There are 120 girls in Senior school at Queen Mary’s, North Yorkshire where each one is taught the four cornerstones of the 100-year-old establishment – hard work, public spirit, good manners and trustworthiness. Students appear to flourish in this single sex school, where girls are shown how to garner resilience, develop independence and foster strong emotional awareness – so that they can have the best foundation to thrive in their chosen Sixth Form and beyond.

The Grade I listed stately Baldersby Park, which is home to the 220-pupil school (100 in Prep), 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 to Baldersby’s ornate entrance, 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.

Founded in 1925 in nearby Duncombe Park, the school moved to its new home – once owned by notorious York railway magnate George Hudson who was forced to sell the house and move into a debtor’s prison in the 1880s. Thankfully, Baldersby’s current inhabitants face a much more flourishing future.

FACILITIES

Behind Queen Mary’s grand façade lies a winning blend of history and modernity. Think a wood-panelled library (once the Ballroom) just steps from a heated swimming pool with temperature-controlled changing rooms. Classrooms, once gracious reception rooms, are now light, airy spaces where small class sizes (typically around 17) allow for plenty of individual attention. Budding scientists have access to fully equipped modern labs, while specialist facilities for Music, Art, IT and Technology keep creative sparks flying. And foodies, rejoice – the enormous new Food Tech Room is built for banquet-worthy cook-offs, whether you’re channelling your inner Nigella or just showing off to mates.

Sporty types are spoilt too, with standout facilities like tennis courts, climbing wall and a floodlit synthetic pitch opened by Olympic hockey champ Sam Quek. But it’s the Equestrian Centre that truly sets Queen Mary’s apart – a full-service livery yard caters to everyone from pony-mad beginners to national-level riders. One star pupil, Ella Kay, even scooped the 128cm title at the 2023 Horse of the Year Show. Add to that acres of glorious Yorkshire countryside, and the great outdoors is very much part of the curriculum – wild swimming in the River Swale with Head of Adventure Mr Burn? Just another day at Queen Mary’s.

SPORT

Sport is a big deal at Queen Mary’s, and Senior girls are right in the thick of it. From the first whistle, they’re encouraged to throw themselves into everything from hockey and netball to lacrosse and tennis – and with 80% of girls representing the school in at least one sport, there’s a brilliant ‘give it a go’ spirit here. Core sports include hockey, netball, rounders, athletics, tennis and cross-country, but there’s plenty of room to mix it up with more niche activities too – think climbing (they have their own climbing wall), trampolining, yoga, rugby, Zumba and even Kwik Cricket.

The school is proud of its inclusive approach, but that doesn’t mean they don’t win things. Recent accolades include the U10 Gymnastics Team scooping third place nationally at the Independent Schools Gymnastics Championships, and Queen Mary’s continues to punch above its weight at county and national fixtures, particularly in equestrian and athletics.

Senior girls benefit from eight specialist PE staff and coaches who bring energy, expertise and encouragement – helping pupils compete with confidence, or just enjoy getting active in a supportive setting. The school is also keen to expand opportunities in emerging sports (girls’ football is growing fast here), and there’s a growing emphasis on sport for mental wellbeing as well as physical health. Whether your daughter is a future Olympian or just in it for the fun, there’s space for every kind of sporty streak.

CREATIVE & PERFORMING ARTS

The creative arts are absolutely thriving at Queen Mary’s, with pupils encouraged to explore, perform and showcase their talents across drama, dance, music and art. Several Old Marys have made serious waves in the industry – from acclaimed art director Katie Gormley to international fine art dealer Emma Ward. The school gives its girls every opportunity to flex their creative muscles, whether centre stage or behind the scenes.

Drama plays a leading role in school life, with pupils invited to perform, direct, design or stage manage a variety of productions throughout the year. The calendar includes everything from intimate studio performances to big-ticket shows like the upcoming production of Legally Blonde. Facilities support the drama programme brilliantly – with a dedicated theatre space, specialist lighting and sound, and support from experienced staff. Dance is also offered both within the curriculum and as an extracurricular, with pupils able to take part in performances and showcase their work in school events.

The visual arts department is equally impressive. The light-filled art studio is a stunner – and currently houses some eerily lifelike busts created in a recent sculpture challenge. Pupils work in a wide range of media including painting, textiles, printmaking and ceramics, with regular opportunities to exhibit their work both in school and locally.

Meanwhile, music is embedded in the school’s DNA. With 19 professional music teachers offering tuition in everything from piano and harp to drums and double bass, students can pursue graded exams or just play for the joy of it. Queen Mary’s has a rich tradition in instrumental and choral music, and there are countless opportunities to perform – whether it’s in Ripon Cathedral, the school’s own Great Hall, or even Battle of the Bands. From rock bands to flute ensembles and whole-school singalongs, there’s something here for every musical taste and talent.

GENERAL

QUEEN MARY'S School yorkshire senior pupil

Beyond the sports pitches and creative spaces, Queen Mary’s offers an impressive range of facilities designed to support academic excellence and nurture inquisitive, confident minds. Classrooms are bright and well-equipped, housed in the school’s beautiful historic buildings alongside modern science labs, specialist teaching areas and tech-enabled learning spaces. Whether pupils are deciphering Latin in a quiet study room or baking up a storm in the sparkling new Food Technology suite, there’s a sense of purpose and possibility throughout.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious. Alongside core subjects like English, Maths and the Sciences, girls can opt for everything from Classical Civilisation to Computer Science, and there’s plenty of personalised support when it comes to choosing GCSE options – with a well-timed Spring Term information evening for Year 9 girls and their parents. Each pupil is assigned a dedicated personal tutor, ensuring individual talents and aspirations are not just recognised but actively nurtured.

Real-world learning is a big part of life here too. Pupils are encouraged to step outside the classroom through clubs like Science, Coding and Debating, as well as through national competitions such as the UK Mathematics Trust Challenges. A recent debating team made the school proud by coming second in a regional competition – and they were the youngest there by a year. Meanwhile, trips offer a chance to explore new cultures: senior girls recently headed off to South Africa on a sports and culture tour, where they not only played their hearts out but immersed themselves in local life, music and food.

ACADEMICS

Proudly non-selective, Queen Mary’s has a robust reputation for its all-round education, but make no mistake the GCSE results are impressive (without needing to turn up the academic thermostat). In 2025, more than 58% GCSE entries were awarded the 9-8 grades (equivalent to an A* or A), with results consistently soaring above the national average across the board.

Pupils benefit from small class sizes, exceptional teaching and a curriculum that’s both rigorous and refreshingly broad. The school’s top notch teaching and individual support ensures every pupil reaches her potentil. 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.

By the time girls reach GCSEs, they have a generous menu of over 13 subjects to choose from – spanning the core trio of English, Maths and Science to more distinctive options like Classical Civilisation, Latin, Religious Studies, and Food Technology. There’s also the chance to get hands-on with Business Studies and Computer Science, giving academically curious pupils a strong foundation whether they’re STEM-focused, creatively inclined or somewhere in between.

While Queen Mary’s doesn’t have its own Sixth Form, girls head off to some of the UK’s top senior schools including Ripon Grammar, St Peter’s York, Ampleforth, Shrewsbury and Uppingham. They join an illustrious list of alumnae who’ve made their mark in everything from the West End to international film – including playwright Charley Miles, Oscar-winning short film producer Serena Armitage, and acclaimed sporting artist Tania Still. Whether they’re heading for Oxbridge or the Royal Academy, girls leave Queen Mary’s with a clear sense of self and a strong academic foundation.

PASTORAL CARE

Pastoral care at Queen Mary’s is more than just a support system – it’s the beating heart of school life. With respect, kindness and inclusivity deeply embedded into the school culture, the emphasis is on building a tight-knit, trusting community where girls feel known, seen and valued. Each pupil is assigned a personal tutor who tracks both academic progress and emotional wellbeing, and there’s an open-door policy when it comes to seeking support.

The dedicated Health Hub is a comforting first port of call for anyone in need, staffed by a qualified school nurse and members of the boarding team who are available around the clock. It houses a medical room, a quiet relaxation space, and a rest bedroom, providing a welcoming environment for girls to decompress. For those who need more specialised support, the school also offers access to a clinical psychologist, a counsellor, and the chaplain – ensuring every pupil has the option to talk to someone they trust.

Beyond formal care structures, Queen Mary’s takes a holistic approach to mental health, with regular wellbeing check-ins and a culture that encourages openness and empathy. And sometimes, emotional support comes with four legs and a wagging tail – the school’s animal-loving ethos means that cuddly pooches (including teachers’ dogs) are often found in classrooms, offering spontaneous comfort. One spaniel in particular is known for sitting patiently beside girls who are having a tough day – no questions asked, just quiet support.

Girls regularly take part in community outreach projects, and a ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ group meets weekly to encourage thoughtful gestures – from leaving surprise notes to helping a friend tidy her dorm. During the war in Ukraine, pupils planted sunflower seeds as a symbolic reminder of hope and resilience, while at Christmas, Y8s hand wrote cards and spent time with residents at a local care home. It’s this careful balance of structured support and meaningful connection that helps girls at Queen Mary’s thrive emotionally as well as academically.

BOARDING

Boarding at Queen Mary’s may be small in numbers – with around 25 full-time boarders – but it’s a much-loved and integral part of school life. Many senior girls (100+) choose to flexi or occasional board during the week, often staying over for early morning sports fixtures, school productions or simply to enjoy a more relaxed evening routine with friends. The flexibility makes it ideal for busy families, and helps students develop independence in a safe, supportive environment.

Set within the school’s historic main house, the boarding spaces feel homely and full of character. Girls typically share rooms of three to five, creating a close-knit, sociable atmosphere, while still having room for privacy and downtime. The boarding staff – many of whom also teach during the day – offer continuity of care and really get to know each girl, helping to strike a healthy balance between structured routines and freedom to unwind.

Weekends and evenings are carefully planned with a variety of optional activities on offer. From outings to the seaside and shopping trips in York to film nights on the big outdoor screen, the programme caters to all interests. Themed events – like murder mysteries or Harry Potter evenings – are popular highlights, alongside simpler pleasures like campfire cooking, quizzes or baking in the kitchen.

Boarding isn’t just about fun, though. The environment encourages responsibility, resilience and mutual respect – with time set aside for prep, one-to-one support if needed, and quiet reflection. And yes, some of the girls do enjoy telling ghost stories (including one about a mysterious lady in white on the West Lawn), but it’s the warm friendships and shared memories that really define the boarding experience at Queen Mary’s.

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 ten-year tenure, the school has been hailed as one of the UK’s top six independent schools with no Sixth Form in The Sunday Times 2025 Parents Power School 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

Oh, my goodness, so many to mention. The stunning wood panelled Great Hall has steel bars running below the ceiling and girls place mattresses below the bars, attempting to walk across without tumbling onto the comfy padding. They also use a mattress to fly down the flights of steps on the Grand Staircase. The Grand Hall and Dining Room plays host to numerous events such as Burns Night where the seniors dress up, devour haggis and dance Scottish reels.

Students in the four houses, all named after famous abbeys in the region – Byland, Rievaulx, Jervaulx and Fountains – 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. The girls also relish creating plays where they impersonate a teacher in its central row, such as how that teacher would be on Love Island!

Fire seems to be a theme too. Sadly, in the early 1900s the entire hall minus the façade burnt down. There’s a breathtaking portrait above the fireplace in The Library of a lady named Madam Gwyn (possibly Nell Gwyn) who the girls believe cry real tears when there’s a fire. On close inspection there are actual tear like marks on her cheek. As a privilege, Y11 girls are allowed to make burnt toast in the toaster which in turn sets off the fire alarm, occasionally leading to more sobbing from poor Madam Gwyn.

Girls in their final year at Queen Mary’s receive a special necklace, symbolising their journey and lasting connection to the school – a rather sweet tradition to mark the end of an era.

WRAP AROUND CARE

The school day is 8.30am – 4.40pm. There is a Saturday school from 9am – 11.45am which mainly involves a sporting activity. There are a host of after school activities – around 75 per week – many of which encourage the girls to be outdoorsy and adventurous in a controlled environment. These include camping on the riverbanks, using the climbing wall and scaffolding poles, learning bushcraft and canoeing.

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

FEES

Fees: Day Y7 – Y8 £8,844 per term; weekly boarding £12,012 and full boarding £12,532. Day Y9 – Y10 £10,036 per term; weekly boarding £13,283 and full boarding £13,832. Flexi is £52 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: parents seeking a nurturing environment where academic achievement, personal growth, and extracurricular opportunities thrive. Queen Mary’s is ideal for girls who want a balanced, well-rounded education in a supportive, rural setting. If you’re looking for family-friendly, flexible boarding, you’ll find it here.

NOT FOR: Pupils with animal allergies, the array of horses, dogs and sheep are part of Queen Mary’s charm but could cause a flare up. Queen Mary’s may not suit students who prefer a more independent or hands-off approach, as the school focuses on close-knit relationships and individual attention in both academic and extracurricular activities.

DARE TO DISAGREE: Open Doors Fri 6 March and Whole School Open Day Sat 25 April

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

Queen Mary’s School (Senior), Topcliffe, North Yorkshire

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