Our Four Foundations
Underpinning and enabling everything we do at Queen Elizabeth’s in support of our mission are the following foundations:
Bold decision making
The QE of today owes much to the adventurous spirit shown by our forebears in boldly seizing opportunities and thus overcoming crises that on multiple occasions threatened the School’s very existence. That spirit has again flourished in the modern era. The growth of The Friends of Queen Elizabeth’s is one example, its well-supported and innovative fund-raising securing major improvements to the campus. Recently, the establishment of FQE International Enterprises and the QE Global Schools programme has demonstrated true entrepreneurialism, with the QE governors showing they are prepared to pioneer radically new initiatives in pursuit of the School’s long term financial interests. Such bold decision-making will continue to be a mark of leadership and governance at Queen Elizabeth’s School.
Creative thinking around our space and place
QE seeks to make the most of its attractive Queen’s Road site and of the happy circumstance of its location on the threshold of one the world’s great cities, yet within easy reach of beautiful countryside. We take full advantage of our proximity to the capital, whether it is theatre trips to the West End, visits to Parliament, or links through our alumni with City of London financial institutions. At the same time, QE remains very much a Barnet school, as prescribed in our Tudor charter. We are proud of our local links and our partnerships with nearby primary schools and other bodies. Our new estates strategy builds on the good work already done to turn our campus into a first-class educational environment. The strategy will integrate the thoughtful improvement of existing buildings with the creation of new, high-quality facilities. We will invest in the ongoing development of our digital infrastucture and follow our climate action plan as we create a culture that prioritises sustainability, thinking about how, and with whom, we work.
Developing people and partnerships
We see our pupils, parents, staff, governors and volunteers as all parts of our core Elizabethan community, working together as a coherent team. Investing in careful recruitment and effective training & development, we maintain a healthy and fruitful culture, giving especial attention to areas such as equality, diversity & inclusion, as well as safeguarding. Our aim is that all at QE will have opportunities to broaden their horizons, expand their thinking, and deepen their knowledge, so that everyone can grow to model the qualities we aspire to in our boys and each make a broad and telling contribution. Through our wider community, encompassing our alumni body and other friends, we encourage and support philanthropy and active engagement. We invest not only in individuals, but in partnerships, too, thereby inspiring excellence, strengthening external relationships, learning from other organisations, and making a positive impact on society.
Smart application of technology
The School is wholeheartedly committed to the judicious use of technology, including AI, wherever it can help us fulfil our mission. Technology is opening up whole new realms of possibility in teaching & learning, and we are embracing this through our carefully considered digital strategy and 1:1 programme. We will continue to explore technology’s potential for inspiring personal development and supporting enhanced capability across the School’s operations, while reflecting upon the need to protect wellbeing, privacy and security. It is also helping us to maintain clear, appropriate and timely communications with parents and others within the Elizabethan community.
Read the full plan
Our forward-looking plan explains our vision for equipping our pupils to live successful and worthwhile lives in a fast-changing world replete with opportunity. Comprehensive in its scope, the 35-page plan looks at the particular qualities we are seeking to nuture in our boys, as well as the foundations that underpin the School's own ability to be agile.
