Queen Ethelburga's Chapter House (Prep)
York, North Yorkshire
Chapter House is the early years and primary school at Queen Ethelburga’s, welcoming children from 3 months to 10 years. Set within the school’s beautiful North Yorkshire estate, it provides a warm, family-oriented environment where children are encouraged to learn, explore and develop with confidence.
The school combines a strong academic foundation with an extensive programme of experiences, including Forest School, swimming, sport, cooking and baking, music, performing arts and language learning. This breadth gives children opportunities to discover their interests and develop skills both inside and beyond the classroom.
With a strong emphasis on knowing each child as an individual, Chapter House supports academic progress alongside wellbeing, independence and personal development, providing a positive foundation for the next stage of their education.
| Gender | Co-ed (Prep) |
| Boarding/Day | Boarding, Day & Flexi |
| Age Range | 3 – 10 |
| Entrance Exam | No |
Welcome to Chapter House, where children are encouraged to learn with curiosity, grow in confidence and discover their individual strengths.
From the earliest years, we create a supportive environment in which every child feels valued and encouraged to become an independent, enthusiastic learner.
As part of Queen Ethelburga’s, children can enjoy a continuous educational journey from the early years through to Sixth Form, benefiting from outstanding facilities, specialist teaching and a wealth of opportunities as they grow.
Our ambition is to provide every child with a strong start, a broad range of experiences and the confidence to embrace what comes next.
Karen Kilkenny
Head of Chapter House and Explorers Nursery
Annual Fees
Queen Ethelburga’s welcomes boarders from Year 3. Boarding fees include tuition and boarding. Flexible boarding options are available to suit students and their families, including Flexi Boarding for 2, 3, 4 or 5 nights per week. For further information and Flexi Boarding fees, please visit qe.org.
All fees shown are annual and are inclusive of VAT.
Boarding at Queen Ethelburga's Chapter House (Prep)
Boarding at Queen Ethelburga’s gives younger children a supportive, home-from-home experience alongside access to the school’s extensive facilities.
Students in Years 3–5 have dedicated boarding accommodation designed for younger children, with age-appropriate facilities and attentive House Parents. Children are supported in developing independence, from everyday routines to practical life skills, while enjoying a wide range of activities, sports and leisure facilities.
With on-site medical care, 24/7 security, daily housekeeping and staff support, boarding offers families peace of mind while giving children the opportunity to make the most of life at QE—both in and beyond the school day.
Strengths at Queen Ethelburga's Chapter House (Prep)
Chapter House combines the personal attention and nurturing environment of a small prep school with the exceptional facilities, resources and breadth of opportunities available across a much larger educational community.
Bespoke/Personalised Education
Small classes allow teachers to know students well and provide personalised support, helping children build confidence, develop independence and make strong academic progress.
Community Engagement & Service
From an early age, pupils can explore a wide range of sport, music and performing arts, developing new interests, confidence, teamwork and skills beyond the classroom.
Outdoor Pursuits
Forest School and outdoor activities give children the opportunity to explore, take on challenges, develop practical skills and learn through first-hand experiences beyond the classroom.
Specialist Facilities
As part of Queen Ethelburga’s, Chapter House pupils benefit from an unusually extensive range of facilities, resources and enrichment opportunities for a preparatory school, supporting learning across academic, creative, sporting and practical activities.
Global Citizenship & Internationalism
Exposure to additional languages and a diverse school community helps develop curiosity about other cultures and an outward-looking perspective.
Wrap-Around Care
Before- and after-school care provides families with added flexibility, while giving children continuity in a familiar, welcoming environment where they can feel settled and supported.
Latest events and open days
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Location
Thorpe Underwood Estate
York
YO26 9SS
Nearest Airports
- Leeds Bradford18.6 miles (30.0km)
- Manchester61.5 miles (99.0km)
- London Heathrow179.6 miles (289.0km)
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