We Spoke to the Academic Director of a Top Yorkshire School About Private Education, Development & How Tech Shapes Learning

Queen Ethelburga’s award-winning approach to private education is renowned for creating first-class leaders and innovators.

In a world where state schools are facing growing challenges due to underfunding, many parents are looking for alternative ways to ensure their children receive the best possible education. By providing high-quality teaching, exceptional facilities and personalised support, private education can help students reach their full potential.

Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate is a leading independent school known for its commitment to academic excellence and student well-being. We caught up with Kevin Oldershaw, Academic Director at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, to discuss the benefits of private education on developing young minds and how tech can be used to shape learning.

While many schools follow a rigid national curriculum, independent schools like QE have the freedom to adapt and enhance their offerings. This means that not only do students meet national academic standards, they also have access to vocational qualifications, specialist subjects and diverse learning pathways. Fancy studying esports? You can do it at QE.

“At Queen Ethelburga’s, we follow the national curriculum but also have the freedom to supplement and adapt it, offering international GCSEs and a wider range of courses,” Kevin told us.

When QE students reach Year 10, there are two senior schools they can choose from. They can follow the Queen Ethelburga’s College route, a strongly academic pathway offering a more traditional-style GCSE and A Level curriculum, or they can join the Faculty, which offers a wide range of courses and is ready-made for students pursuing sport and the arts.

Both schools are award-winning, with the College named by The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2025 as the Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the North for a fourth consecutive year and the Faculty honoured as the Independent Schools Association’s Senior School of the Year in 2024.

This flexibility is especially invaluable for students with different learning styles. Whether your child is high-achieving and looking for an extra challenge or they require extra support to reach their full potential, QE can personalise their educational journey to best suit their needs.

Another key advantage of private education is the ability to offer smaller class sizes. Unlike state schools, where larger class sizes can make it difficult to cater to every student’s needs, at private schools, no child is left behind, and teachers have more time to offer students more hands-on attention.

“Private education remains vital because it offers parents a choice and takes the strain off an overcrowded and underfunded state education system,” Kevin explained. “It provides smaller class sizes and individual attention, which can significantly enhance the learning experience.”

This personalised approach to learning helps students build confidence, master subjects at their own pace and develop a love for learning – something that’s harder to achieve in an overcrowded classroom.

Underfunding in state schools can mean limited access to modern technology, specialised teachers and extracurricular opportunities. That’s not the case at QE, where students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities. There are over 100 different clubs and activities for students to get involved with, as well as a choice of enrichment activities built into student timetables from Year 6 onwards.

This investment in facilities means that students can explore their interests beyond the standard curriculum, developing skills in sports, music, drama and technology that could shape their future careers.

Credit: Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate

QE also integrates real-world skills into its curriculum, helping mould the innovators of the future. Focusing on leadership, problem-solving and independent thinking helps prepare students not just for exams, but for life.

“We support students in building these essential skills through lessons, a comprehensive Stretch and Challenge programme, leadership opportunities and real-world experiences,” Kevin explained.

While academia is important, it’s also crucial that students have everything they need to ensure their mental well-being. Kevin reassured us that at QE, students are supported every step of the way.

“Our strong pastoral care system ensures that students’ welfare and well-being are always a priority, allowing them to thrive both academically and personally,” he told us.

This balanced approach to development helps students build resilience, self-discipline and a strong work ethic – qualities demonstrated by the world’s top leaders and innovators.

One of the biggest shifts in education today is the rise of AI. While some schools struggle to keep up with these advancements, QE’s forward-thinking approach equips students with the digital skills needed to thrive in the modern world.

“The growth in the availability of generative AI in all sectors, including education, is significant,” Kevin explained. “It’s crucial for students to understand its safe, ethical, and responsible use, and we are committed to educating our students in these skills and building their overall digital competence.”

Integrating advanced digital platforms into the curriculum not only makes learning more dynamic and interactive, it means that students don’t just use technology without thinking, they learn how to navigate it responsibly.

For parents looking for more than just a standard education, private education offers an exciting alternative. If you want to see your child thrive, grow and build a future that’s full of possibilities, a school like Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate could be the perfect fit.