AN independent day and boarding school is set to receive a £6m cash boost as part of a new development fund.

Queen Mary’s School at Baldersby Park, near Thirsk, will use the money to widen access to the school through bursaries.

The cash will also help to support projects that will enhance the school for current and future pupils, as well as for community use.

It will be donated over three years held by the newly formed Queen Mary’s Foundation.

Tom Fielden, chair of governors, said: “A sum of this size sets Queen Mary’s up for a very healthy future, and represents a rare and important opportunity.”