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School open days around York this autumn and news from York’s independent schools

Schools York

It’s that time of year again when many schools open their doors to welcome prospective parents to have a look around. Details of all the open events for state schools in York can be found here (primary schools) and here (secondary schools) – there are too many for us to list! As for the independent schools in and around York, here are the all-important details and their latest news.


Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

“To be the best that I can with the gifts that I have”.  Set in more than 220 acres of beautiful North Yorkshire countryside in a secure rural location, and under 2.5 hours from the capital by train, Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate welcomes girls and boys aged from 3 months and supports them through its four schools – Chapter House (3 months to Year 5), King’s Magna (Year 6 to 9), The College and The Faculty (both Year 10 to 13.)  This unique model made up of four smaller schools is designed to maintain a nurturing family atmosphere and sense of individuality, with each school having their own Heads and staff teams. 

QE is rated excellent (ISI 2019) with a vibrant, supportive and diverse school community that places a great emphasis on growing the students into resilient, caring, compassionate and confident adults. With a school ethos of “To be the best that I can with the gifts that I have” underpinning everything at the collegiate, it strives to help every individual at the school excel both academically and in their extra-curriculars, of which QE offers over 100 options across a campus of outstanding facilities. Students are encouraged to enjoy a varied programme to help them grow into well-rounded, independent individuals who can take responsibility for their own learning and futures.

As Winner of the BSA Boarding Innovation Award 2022, the boarding facility prides itself on creating a ‘home from home’ where boarders from Year 3 onwards can thrive under the guidance of specialist care staff that are separate to the academic team. 

Every student at QE has access to an excellent pastoral team who run the THRIVE@QE programme, ensuring that student mental health is a priority. The team is available for students at any time of day or night and there is a dedicated area in the school where THRIVE activities take place and students can go for help and support. The school runs a ‘buddy’ system between students and has Sixth Form Peer Mentors who are happy to offer support to younger students. The collegiate also offers a high-quality careers service, featuring both advisors and alumni to further aid each student’s transition through their formative years. Co-ed; daily or weekly/flex boarding;  6th form, nursery, prep, pre-prep, senior.


St Peter’s School, York

St Peter's School York

An award-winning school and nursery  – Find out how St Peter’s School, York, can help your child to learn, grow and thrive. St Peter’s School is one of the best independent schools in the UK. It was named TES Pre-Prep School of the Year and Independent School of the Year 2021, with a 47-acre green campus, minutes from York Minster. Their inspirational teaching staff, outstanding facilities and extensive riverside campus at the heart of York combine to create an exceptional learning environment where children can fulfil their potential. They welcome applications from Nursery through to Sixth Form and their mission is to create amazing adults, who go on to lead happy, successful and fulfilled lives. St Peter’s would be delighted to welcome you to their forthcoming Open Days. Please register in advance, as pre-booking is required: www.stpetersyork.org.uk/open-events  


Bootham School, York

Bootham Junior School is situated on the outskirts of the beautiful and historic city of York. With purpose built classrooms, outdoor play areas and plenty of green space, the school provides pupils from ages 3- 11 with the space and environment to thrive. Classes are small to ensure each child benefits from individual attention and support and standards are high, both academically and pastorally.

As a Quaker school, Bootham emphasises responsibility for self and for others – with a premium on integrity, honesty and trustworthiness from an early age. Through a lively curriculum and a varied range of activities, dedicated staff strive to embed the necessary skills for the educational challenges that pupils will face in the years ahead.

Bootham has an excellent reputation for its pastoral care and maintaining the health and well-being of pupils is extremely important. Staff work with parents and guardians and welcome active support and involvement. Good work habits, co-operation and tolerance create the happy, family atmosphere for which the School is known.

To arrange a visit or for more information please contact the Junior School on junior.admissions@boothamschool.com or simply call on 01904 272592. 


Terrington Hall School

Terrington Hall School

Children are happy, relaxed and confident at Terrington Hall School. Every pupil is nurtured as they grow into bright and sparky achievers who are well-prepared for their chosen senior school. Join Terrington Hall’s Open Days on Friday September 29th and Saturday September 30th to see how children aged 3-13 thrive in the care of its specialist teachers. Day pupils as well as flexi, weekly and full-time boarders are welcomed to this idyllic setting in the Howardian Hills north of York.

Children and parents love Terrington Hall because of its stimulating atmosphere and safe, rural environment. Yet it’s just 14 miles from York, with minibus services serving routes from York, Scarborough, Kirkbymoorside, Sledmere, Thirsk and Easingwold. 

Book an Open Day visit or a bespoke tour to see the school in action and speak to both pupils and teachers about life at this dynamic, forward-thinking community. Take an informal tour of the school, its facilities and nine acres of grounds. See children learn to swim in its pool, hone their sporting skills on its pitches, express themselves through music and performance, and be inspired by creative and enthusiastic teachers. 

Headmaster Simon Kibler and his staff are ambitious for the children in their care and dedicated to expanding every child’s horizons through an exciting and stimulating curriculum inside and outside the classroom. From Nursery to Year 8, boys and girls thrive on the school’s exceptional pastoral care and focus on kindness and friendship. 

Book your visit to see how close teacher support and small class sizes inspire children to follow their passions and develop a real sense of achievement in skills which will serve them for life.  
Find out more at www.terringtonhall.com


The Mount School, York

The Mount School York

The Mount Junior School teaches a bespoke curriculum through a carefully balanced combination of specialist teaching and creative thinking. Young minds are naturally inquisitive, and we very much encourage this. Our teachers develop this curiosity into a deep love of learning. By making lessons what they should be – fun! 

We harness children’s natural inquisitiveness by encouraging them to explore and question. Our aim is to provide our pupils with a deep foundation of skills knowledge and attitudes that will equip them to thrive at school, university and long into their lives. Whilst the exact nature of their future careers is hard to predict, our Curriculum is designed to develop 21st Century skills – using your imagination, problem-solving, independent thinking, and digital literacy. 

Our Creative curriculum, known as Explore, Discover, Create, has been designed to support natural curiosity and stimulate creativity. Taught by primary specialists our approach ensures children develop the confidence and independence to question, cultivate and articulate their own opinions and ideas.  

It is all about Creative Thinking, exploring, discovering and creating with your mind. It is about encouraging the children to think outside the box, giving them opportunities to develop and express themselves, and their ideas, in new ways. In fact, we don’t just encourage children to think outside the box, we encourage them to destroy the box! 

The Mount School, Dalton Terrace, York YO24 4DD

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