Achievements

History

The school began in 1843 as an association helping women access education. It reopened in 1869 as a home for Methodist daughters, then officially launched on 23 September 1894 under Miss Marion Waller’s leadership. Real transformation started in 1897 when Miss Ethel Mary Travers took over as head, steering the school toward its modern identity.

Infrastructure at Queenswood School

New buildings opened in Hatfield in 1926, establishing the school’s permanent home. A swimming pool followed in 1933, then the Bellman Library and science blocks in 1957. The 1985 additions—Belling Centre and Sixth Form Centre—expanded facilities significantly. More recently, a second pool opened in 2004, and the Clarissa Farr Theatre arrived in 2006, creating space for performances and cultural events that enrich campus life.

Academic Achievements

Results reflect strong teaching across subjects. In 2024, 66.2% of students achieved A*-B grades at A-Level, with English Literature and Geography reaching 100% at these top bands. The average UCAS score stood at 134 points per student—equivalent to ABB+—which opens pathways to universities like UCL and LSE, where many graduates continue their studies.

Leadership at Queenswood School

Miss Ritchie’s appointment in 1971 marked a turning point in how the school developed. Miss Clarissa Farr became head in 1996, followed by Mrs Jo Cameron in 2016, each bringing fresh perspectives while maintaining continuity. On the governance side, Ed Sutter joined as chair in 2014, succeeded by James de Sausmarez in 2019. This leadership stability has strengthened the school’s reputation internationally while encouraging innovation in how students learn.

Accreditation

The Independent Schools Inspectorate reviewed all operations in 2021 and found every area met rigorous standards. Earlier, in 2017, inspectors had rated teaching quality as excellent. Recognition came from beyond traditional educational bodies too—in 2021, Queenswood School won the Pearson National Teaching Award for digital technology, acknowledging how effectively it adapted to remote learning during the pandemic.