QE takes pride in fostering future readiness by developing the wider skills that are essential for future employability and success. Working together, our Stretch and Challenge and Pastoral teams provide weekly sessions on mental health, wellness, physical health, and future-readiness.

We also run several lectures on topics such as networking, tackling procrastination, managing finances, and balancing study with collegiate life. In addition, our award-winning catering team teach 14 classes a week on topics from cooking at university to growing, harvesting and preparing food. 

Students can seek professional careers assistance from our highly experienced careers team, can join our Early Applicant Programme for competitive university courses and can benefit from a personal UCAS application mentor. Students can also participate in several informative workshops and lectures delivered by academic staff, alumni and external professionals to help them best prepare for UCAS applications, further education and beyond. 

The Northern Echo:
Our regular programme of visiting professionals and alumni includes talks on a diverse set of topics from diversity and inclusion, career progression, applying to Oxbridge and studying medicine and veterinary at university. 

QE's various roles of responsibility provide opportunities for students to practice and improve skills in leadership, collaboration, planning, organisation, presenting, and negotiating. These key skills are further enhanced through opportunities to lead academic societies, coordinate projects such as the school newsletter and leavers annual, organise a variety of different events, and volunteer in community projects.

Students can also undertake external qualifications in areas such as lifeguarding, gym instructing, youth mental health and anti-bullying, which not only assists them in becoming more well-rounded and versatile but provides further opportunities to hone their life skills through experience whilst contributing positively to collegiate life.  

The Northern Echo:
Our business and enterprise clubs develop essential ‘future success’ skills in entrepreneurship, collaboration, ICT, communication, and critical thinking through projects and competitions focused around using key skills in financial management, strategic planning, and entrepreneurial thinking. These run alongside our extensive STEM co-curricular programme which promotes innovation, curiosity, exploration and problem-solving through extra-curricular practical science sessions, science fun days, and national initiatives such as Mars Balloon. 

In 2022, we introduced the Whole School Revision Project, which has enabled our students to develop vital life skills, including mental agility, resilience, teamwork, collaboration, and effective study habits. The project takes a research-led approach to developing the most efficient revision techniques for our students, so they are better prepared to retain knowledge, apply critical thinking skills, and excel in examinations not just in the immediate future but throughout their life.

The Northern Echo:
By revolutionising our students’ approach to revision with impactful methods such as Cornell notes, flashcards, and blank page retrieval, we have been able to empower them to become future-ready, independent individuals. In addition, the project developed leadership skills among 27 students who acted as Ambassadors for the project. The impact of this initiative is evident through student feedback, with 43% of students expressing increased focus and dedication to their revision.   

QE is dedicated to developing students’ passions and achievements, both within and beyond the curriculum. We make sure that we provide our students with learning opportunities dedicated to essential life skills with chances to challenge themselves and gain invaluable hands-on experience so that they are fully equipped for further education and beyond. 

Nestled in 220 acres of North Yorkshire countryside, QE is a co-educational day and boarding school for students from 3 months to 19 years, known for its academic success and excellent facilities. Contact admissions@qe.org to book onto our open morning on Saturday 27th April. Alternatively, email to organise a private tour or visit www.qe.org to find out more.