An introduction

The School was founded in 1573 when Queen Elizabeth I granted a charter for the establishment of "the Free Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth in Barnet, for the education, bringing up and instruction of boys”. This rich heritage continues to play an important role in the modern life of the School.

The School's mission has always been to produce young men that are confident, able and responsible. There is also focus on helping boys to develop the resilience and independence of thought that will help them thrive in their adult lives beyond QE and to become the leaders of their generation in their chosen fields.

At QE we support boys to investigate their subjects well beyond the scope of the syllabus, developing a free-thinking scholarship which enables them to think critically and to produce new insights and solutions. Our extensive programme of enrichment further enhances the academic experience.

QE is among the very highest performing schools in the UK, across both the state and independent sectors, for exam results and the progress our boys make. In 2026, 98% of A-levels were awarded A*-B and the proportion of Grades 9-7 at GCSE exceeded 97%. Boys progress to the best universities in the world.

QE has a strong and active network of alumni who are engaged in supporting the School and the current boys, offering careers advice, interview practice, work experience placements and great inspiration. Old Elizabethans are members of our unique community for life and are forever welcome back at the School.

Our highly qualified and dedicated staff create a unique environment in which each boy is challenged and stretched, but also fully supported - with bespoke tutoring and tailored interventions being the norm across the School. Our senior leadership team works tirelessly to drive further advancements to QE's offer.

The staff and boys are supported in their endeavours by the Friends of Queen Elizabeth's - a charitable foundation that fund raises to help deliver new facilities and opportunities, whilst also providing a social network for new parents. The Friends organise the Founder's Day fete, which is a major annual celebration.

As a result of the generous donations of the School community, we have been able to transform our site over recent years by delivering new state of the art facilities. Our Giving to QE campaign has greatly enhanced the opportunities available to our boys and helped inspire further participation and achievement.