Queen's College, London

Focus

Achievement and a forward-looking mindset

Day fees 2025/26

$43,600

Term dates

• Term 1: 3 September to 12 December 2025
  
• Term 2: 6 January to 27 March 2026
  
• Term 3: 14 April to 3 July 2026
  

Ages

11-18

Pupils

412

Spear’s Review

As the first British educational institution to grant academic qualifications to women, Queen’s College, London has a rich history of pioneering women’s education. It was founded in 1848 and in 1853 became the first girls’ school to receive a Royal Charter from Queen Victoria, solidifying its commitment to women’s education.

In recent years the efforts of current principal Richard Tillett have raised academic standards so it can compete with other London day schools. 

Queen’s College has a strong tradition in the arts, with a thriving drama and music department. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including clubs, sports, and creative arts such as dance and music.

Academics

In 2025:

• 81 per cent of GCSE results were grades 7-9
  
• 52 per cent of A-Level results were A* or A
  

School Profile

Queen’s College, London is an independent day school for girls aged 11-18 in central London, combining academic ambition with warmth and intellectual curiosity. Founded in 1848, Queen’s holds a distinctive place in educational history as the first institution in Britain where girls could study for and gain academic qualifications.

This pioneering spirit continues to shape the school today. Queen’s offers a broad, future-orientated curriculum awarded the Chartered College of Teaching Research Mark Plus. From September 2026, the school will introduce Future Frontiers, an interdisciplinary qualification unique to Queen’s and endorsed by EduQual, bringing together fields such as AI, neuroscience and psychology to explore ideas shaping the future.

A scholarship programme in academic study, art, dance, drama, music and sport enables pupils to pursue their talents in depth. Beyond the classroom, pupils benefit from a co-curricular programme including more than 70 clubs, societies and sports teams.

A-Level students progress to leading universities in the UK and internationally. In 2025, 89 per cent of Queen’s applicants to UK universities secured places at Russell Group institutions. Several students also pursued international pathways, enrolling at universities including Barnard College, NYU and Vanderbilt in the United States. Pupils study disciplines ranging from engineering and biomedical science to law, philosophy and the arts.

At Queen’s, education is shaped by the belief that girls flourish when they feel secure and respected. Pastoral care sits at the heart of the school’s experience, supporting pupils to grow in confidence and independence.

Queen’s remains true to its founding purpose: empowering young women with the knowledge, confidence and perspective to shape their own futures.

Head teacher

Richard Tillett has been principal of Queen’s College London since 2017. Prior to that, he worked at Harrogate Ladies’ College, The Leys School and King Edward VI Grammar School.

University and college destinations

According to the school, 87 per cent of pupils from the 2025 cohort secured their top university choice, with destinations including Imperial College London, the University of St Andrew’s, the University of Bristol, Vanderbilt and NYU.

Admissions

The main point of admission is at 11+; students also join in Sixth Form.

Entry at 11+ is on the basis of an entrance exam, an interview and a reference from the applicant’s current school. Applicants to Sixth Form will attend an interview and submit a reference from their current school. They must achieve the minimum required grades for each of their preferred A-level subjects, as well as GCSE maths and GCSE English.

The process is highly competitive, and all candidates must meet the required standards.

Notable alumnae

• Dame Anna Wintour (fashion and media)
  
• Gertrude Bell (archaeologist, explorer and spy)
  
• Katherine Mansfield (author)
  

Accessibility

Heathrow Airport: 45 minutes

Location

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