This article is sponsored by Queen Mary’s School.
Choosing a school for your child is one of the biggest decisions you will make as a parent.
Finding the right place to nurture your child’s young mind, delivering everything from the best possible academic teaching to support for their growing talents and passions, can be tricky.
At Queen Mary’s School, that balance of academia and extra-curricular opportunities is the highest priority.
The results speak for themselves: But as all parents know, school is about so much more than numbers and letters on a piece of paper before you leave.
There’s much more to Queen Mary’s.
Queen Mary’s offers outstanding opportunities for young people from the age of four to begin exploring the things they enjoy. That might be acting, horse riding, tennis, computing, lacrosse, science, languages, dance, or any number of other skills.
Pupils are given the support and encouragement to find their passions in life and Queen Mary’s School is more than willing to adapt its offering to suit their needs.
From musicals to opera to rock band
Take music, for example.
Queen Mary’s has introduced new scholarships to enable talented young musicians to develop their skills, with contributions to paid instrument lessons included.
Budding choristers can join the Chapel Choir as part of their scholarship. The Choir, which was formed 40 years ago, has been featured on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 4. Some members of the school community have performed at the Royal Albert Hall.
Former chorister Emilia Jacques was one of the BBC Young Choristers of the Year in 2018. She then went on to receive a choral scholarship to study music at Queen’s College Oxford.
Pupils are also encouraged to take exams on their chosen instruments, with many achieving Grade 8 before the age of 16.
The production of Dido and Aeneas.
Last year, one pupil who achieved the milestone with distinction on the flute then went on to achieve her Diploma. Another achieved the Diploma as a singer at just 12 years old and has her sights set on a career as a professional singer.
Queen Mary’s has also put on numerous productions including Matilda the Musical Junior, Sister Act Junior, and the opera Dido and Aeneas. This year they are rehearsing for Mary Poppins.
Head Carole Cameron said:
“Music is one of our priorities at Queen Mary’s, and not just because of the enjoyment it brings to those performing and hearing it.
“Research shows that studying music and playing instruments are beneficial to academic studies.
“It also provides opportunities for children to learn additional skills, building their confidence and giving them experience in performance which is helpful for their future careers, too.”
Opportunities in classrooms and outside
Naturally, it is not just about the music. The school excels in sports, with a brand new astro pitch and sports pavilion on site, and has a British Horse Society-approved equestrian centre.
Girls are encouraged to compete in their chosen sports both regionally and nationally.
Pupils excel at sport.
That focus on extra-curricular activities is not to the detriment of academic time: at Queen Mary’s, the focus is on learning to balance the two.
Facilities in the school are also outstanding, with planning permission granted for a brand new learning resource centre. The design will reflect the acres of countryside surrounding the school, which lies between Ripon and Thirsk.
Mrs Cameron said:
“We always say we offer academic excellence and extensive extra-curricular activities in a nurturing environment, but even knowing that, families are always surprised by the warmth of Queen Mary’s when they visit.
“It’s such a pleasure to show people what we offer and to demonstrate how our flexible approach will give the right support for their child’s future.”