Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield

The school is committed to academic excellence, strong student support, and the development of skilled, healthy, and culturally competent leaders. Its core values—Care, Contribute, and Aspire—guide daily life, with a focus on tailoring education to individual needs and fostering a sense of adventure and curiosity. The institution aims to combine traditional values with modern innovation to prepare pupils for the contemporary world.

The Foundation offers a continuous educational pathway starting with co-educational provision from age 3 to 7 at the Pre-Preparatory School. From age 7, students transition to gender-specific junior and senior schools, with the Sixth Form offering 26 subjects, including some taught jointly between schools. The curriculum is broad-based and incorporates themed learning, outdoor exploration, and a dedicated online education provision.

Students consistently progress to a variety of exceptional destinations, including top universities and sought-after degree apprenticeships. Alumni have achieved success in diverse fields, including business leadership, creative entrepreneurship, and international trade negotiations. The school maintains a strong network of alumni who serve as role models and mentors for current students.

The school provides dedicated learning support as part of its educational offering. Pastoral and careers support is integrated into the daily routine, including individual tutorial time in the Sixth Form to help students achieve their academic and personal goals. Additionally, the school maintains a commitment to interactive education by providing students in the senior section with Google Chromebooks to facilitate both classroom and remote learning.

The school welcomes applications year-round, subject to availability, though early application is encouraged for key entry stages. Prospective families are invited to attend Open Doors events or arrange a personal visit to experience the school culture. The admissions process seeks students who demonstrate curiosity, intrinsic motivation, and the ability to succeed in an academically rigorous environment.

The academic year is divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. The 2026-2027 Autumn term runs from 7 September to 16 December, the Spring term from 6 January to 25 March, and the Summer term from 13 April to 7 July. The calendar includes scheduled half-term breaks and bank holidays.

The Foundation operates multiple campuses featuring extensive facilities, including the Elizabeth Theatre, various sports halls, gyms, and pavilions. Outdoor sporting amenities include cricket pitches, hockey pitches, rounders pitches, and an athletics track. Many of these facilities, such as the Queen Elizabeth Hall and Jubilee Hall, are available for hire by the public during evenings, weekends, and school holidays.

The school provides over 100 enrichment activities across all age ranges. A central feature is the QED (QEGS Enrichment and Development) programme, where staff lead sessions on interests ranging from mountain biking and photography to public speaking. These activities are designed to engage students both in and out of the classroom and strengthen the relationship between staff and pupils.