Private School in Blackburn, UK

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn:
At our centrally located campus in Blackburn, Lancashire, the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School offers the finest quality independent education for boys and girls, ages 3-18. We provide a comprehensive education package from Infant School at age 3 all the way up to Sixth Form at age 18. While academic achievement is our first priority, we provide a great deal beyond the classroom. Throughout our school, pupils benefit from small class sizes and excellent pastoral care. They thrive in a safe, caring environment and form stable and enduring friendships which continue well beyond school. This means that a pupil leaving QEGS is a rounded human being who has benefited from a wealth of opportunities in music, drama and sport and also has experience of leadership, so that he or she is well prepared for the next step in life.

Education Programmes:

Infant School (3-6 years)
The Infant School, implementing the Lower School Program of the Curriculum, offers the best possible start to boys and girls aged 3-6. It covers the whole of the Foundation Stage, plus Years 1 and 2. Opened in 2002 in its own discrete area within the Junior area of the school, the Infant School (previously known as “Early Years” at Queen Elizabeth’s) is a supportive environment, fully geared to encouraging the development of its pupils. Small class sizes, a broad and carefully designed curriculum, plus experienced teachers and support staff, all combine to ensure boys and girls receive individual attention as they learn and progress. Literacy and Numeracy are central to the curriculum, with a complementary programme of activities including Art, Dance, French, Music, PE and Swimming. This reflects the close tie between the academic, cultural and physical development of each child.

Junior School (7-10 years)
The Junior School at Queen Elizabeth’s implelents the Middle School Program of the Curriculum and has its own distinct identity within the school campus, but is closely integrated with the Main School, so that boys and girls benefit from using facilities such as the on-site Swimming Pool and the Playing Fields at Lammack. Pupils learn a broad range of subjects in a programme that goes far beyond the National Curriculum. The emphasis throughout is on building knowledge and confidence, while at the same time providing ample opportunities for boys and girls to develop their abilities and explore interests in a happy, purposeful environment. Our Junior School provides a strong foundation for the future. Some pupils come for an assessment in early Spring for entry in September at age 7+ (Year 3), but places may be available at other ages depending on reports received and an assessment.

Senior School (11-16 years)
Implementing the Upper School Program, the Senior School at QEGS gives students the benefit of fine facilities and small class sizes, supported by a strong pastoral care system. Pupils tackle a broad and challenging curriculum.  They also have a wealth of opportunities for extra-curricular activities, which enable them to develop their individual interests and enthusiasms. At Queen Elizabeth’s, education is based on clear, Christian values and the programme of study includes religious, civic, personal and social education.  For all our boys and girls, their time in the Senior School is not only focused on preparation for university (to which nearly all go), but also on preparing for life. Recreational activities are also a key feature.  While many Queen Elizabeth’s pupils have gone on to achieve sporting success at regional, national and international level, we also set great score by the contribution our pupils make to drama, music and other cultural pursuits.  The House system ensures that all our boys and girls can make a positive contribution to the life of the school.

Sixth Form (16+)
Our co-educational Sixth Form is an excellent preparation for life at university and beyond, when students of both genders will be required to work and socialise naturally with each other. Singleton House, the purpose-built Sixth Form Centre at Queen Elizabeth’s, is an ideal setting for students to prepare for this important next step in their careers. Here they can study for the A level examinations and the results they need – over 61% achieved the top grades, A*, A or B in 2010.  As for universities, 98% of our students achieved a university place of their choice in 2010, with a large proportion gaining a place at one of the top UK universities. The excellent pastoral care provided by tutors who really know them as individuals and then write their references helps to underpin these crucial two years. Students also make use of the well-resourced Careers Library and benefit from practical and up-to-date careers advice from experienced staff.

Q-Plus Before and After-School Care
Q-Plus offers busy parents of Infant and Junior School pupils at QEGS a safe and secure environment for their children before and after the school day. The Breakfast Club runs from 7.45am each school day and children meet at the Q-Plus Club Room in Ormerod House on the Dukes Brow side of the site. From here they are escorted to Big School, the main dining hall, to enjoy a range of breakfast options.  They are then escorted to the Infant School or the Junior School as appropriate, in good time for the school day.