Queen's Gate School

Queen’s Gate aims to be a ‘greenhouse’ rather than a ‘hothouse,’ fostering a supportive, collaborative, and positive atmosphere where happy pupils are encouraged to exceed their baseline potential. The school values individuality, aiming for each girl to become the best version of herself as a learner, friend, leader, and citizen. It promotes a ‘have a go’ attitude and encourages pupils to use their voices to tackle societal gender inequality.

The school offers a broad curriculum from age 4 to 18. The Junior School provides a bespoke Pre-Prep curriculum and, from Year 3, includes subjects such as philosophy and history of art alongside core subjects. The Senior School and Sixth Form maintain an aspirational academic focus, with specialist teaching in sciences, languages, and the arts. The school is exempt from the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, allowing for a more flexible approach to early education.

The school achieves high academic results, with many pupils attaining top grades at GCSE and A Level. It is consistently ranked among the top-ten schools in the country for value-added scores. Leavers progress to a variety of destinations, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, NYU, and elite art schools such as Central St. Martins and Parsons School of Design, as well as STEM-focused courses at universities like St. Andrews and UCL.

The school provides personalised support throughout a pupil's academic journey, including extra lunchtime clinics and holiday revision classes. The learning enhancement department supports pupils with specific needs, and the super-curricular offering is inclusive of pupils with SEND. Pastoral care is a priority, supported by a regularly reviewed PSHE programme and strong staff-pupil relationships.

The school’s main entry points are at 4+ and 7+ for the Junior School, and 11+ and 16+ for the Senior School. It also welcomes applications for ‘occasional places’ at other stages. The process involves online registration, followed by an invitation to an Open Day or a private visit to meet the Principal or the Director of the Junior School. Prospective families are encouraged to bring their daughters to these visits.

The school operates on a three-term basis: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. The Autumn term typically runs from early September to mid-December, the Spring term from early January to late March, and the Summer term from mid-April to early July. Each term includes a half-term break, and the calendar incorporates staff INSET days and professional development days.

The school is housed in five Victorian mansions in South Kensington, London. Facilities include well-equipped science laboratories, a newly refurbished library, a large hall for music and drama, and a dedicated STEAM room. The school leverages its location to use nearby museums, the Royal Albert Hall, the Royal Academy of Music, and various parks and sports centres as an extended campus.

The co-curricular programme is broad, encompassing super-curricular options, creative activities, and recreational clubs. Music, Drama, and Sport are well-represented, with facilities including access to Hyde Park, Battersea Park, and various leisure centres. Pupils have opportunities to serve on committees to share feedback and ideas, and the school hosts activities such as debating fixtures, entrepreneurial projects, and English Speaking Board examinations. Additionally, the ‘Albertopolis’ super-curriculum offers weekly clubs and activities designed to extend learning beyond the classroom.