Confident, able & responsible

Our mission is to produce young men who are confident, able and responsible; prepared to lead happy and fulfilled adult lives and to make a positive contribution to others.

Thriving from ancient roots

In 1573 Queen Elizabeth I granted the charter, for "...the establishment of the Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth in Barnet, for the education, bringing up and instruction of boys”. The School therefore celebrated its 450th anniversary in 2023.

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#QE450

2023 was the School's 450th anniversary - a year of reflection and celebration.

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Sunday Times State School of the Year for A-levels 2025

“Success in examinations comes as a by-product of a wider school ethos centred on fully developing the boys’ considerable talents. Boys leave the school confident young men capable of taking their place in the world, nurtured by a school with outstanding facilities and exceptional teaching.” (Alastair McCall, Editor of The Sunday Times Parent Power)

'Pupils flourish at QE'

Ofsted has judged the School to be 'Outstanding' in all areas, following an inspection carried out in May 2022 - the sixth consecutive time QE has been awarded the highest grading.

Building on distinction

In our School plan, for 2021-2025, we take inspiration from our Tudor tenets and our long history of success, whilst ensuring that our mission is tailored for the 2020s.

Free-thinking scholarship

At QE, we seek to engender a spirit of scholarship. We ensure that pupils acquire a thorough mastery of their subjects; from this foundation, we cultivate intellectual curiosity, with each boy encouraged to pursue his own academic interests.

A world beyond the classroom

At QE we offer a wealth of opportunities beyond our academic curriculum, to enrich the experiences of our boys and to help them become fully rounded young men.

Bespoke support

Boys benefit from a wide-ranging programme of bespoke support and guidance, forging strong relationships with staff and their peers to ensure their all-round wellbeing.

'An exceptional and rounded education'

'One of the most inspiring learning environments we've ever come across.' (The Good Schools Guide, 2020)

Out of the depths: understanding Berlin’s dark past, looking ahead to its future

21.04.2025

History | Trips

Out of the depths: understanding Berlin’s dark past, looking ahead to its future

Year 10 History students headed to Berlin to deepen their understanding of the central role played by the German capital in the 20th century. The 25 boys arrived in the...

Solving Chemistry problems, discovering the wonder of books – together!

19.04.2025

Chemistry | Library & creative writing | Partnership

Solving Chemistry problems, discovering the wonder of books – together!

Community collaboration came to the fore in two special events involving youngsters from local schools working with QE staff and pupils. QE’s youngest boys were joined by Year 7 pupils...

Debaters excel on both sides of the Atlantic

15.04.2025

Academic enrichment | Debating & public speaking

Debaters excel on both sides of the Atlantic

QE pupils have picked up crucial skills – as well as awards – at two prestigious Model United Nations conferences in London and one hosted by an élite university in...

Brilliant Beethoven performance secures national first place for junior quartet

11.04.2025

Music

Brilliant Beethoven performance secures national first place for junior quartet

Four young musicians won the junior category prize at the prestigious Pro Corda Chamber Music Festival – and the School put on a special concert to celebrate. The Junior String...

Problem-solvers! Five fly high in international Mathematics competition

09.04.2025

Academic enrichment | Maths

Problem-solvers! Five fly high in international Mathematics competition

A Sixth Form team came second in London and third across the whole country in the long-running Náboj Math competition. The Year 12 boys’ performance in the London heat of...

A state school experience like no other

Our ancient heritage, meritocratic ethos, highly skilled staff and state of the art facilities together make Queen Elizabeth's a truly unique school, in which our very capable boys flourish.

Building on Distinction

Our ambitious plan for 2021-25, which includes our 450th anniversary year, draws upon the best of our long heritage, whilst re-shaping our mission to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 2020s.

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Transforming our campus

Through our new estates strategy, QE seeks to establish the best possible learning environment for pupils, emulating past successes, such as our acclaimed Martin Pool, as we progressively enhance our campus. Our immediate sights are now set on building a sports hall and on creating a new dining space, the Fern Café.

Investing in top performers!

Queen Elizabeth’s School has invested heavily in the performing arts in recent years. The first fruits of the £5 million spent were our Friends’ Recital Hall & Music Rooms. Then, in 2024, we opened The Robert Dudley Studio – a 200-seat drama and spoken word facility.

QE goes global

In a first for a UK state school, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, is working with business partner Global Education (GEDU) to establish new schools overseas that will carry the QE name. Initial plans are for schools in India and UAE.

Thriving from ancient roots: Queen Elizabeth's School, 1573–2023

In 1573, at the request of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, Queen Elizabeth I granted a charter ‘for the establishment of the Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth in Barnet’. With 2023 thus marking the 450th anniversary of our School, a number of special celebrations took place.