Current Notices

Outstanding GCSE Results Mark Another Milestone for Queen Elizabeth School & Queen Elizabeth Studio School

Kirkby Lonsdale, [August 2026] – Queen Elizabeth School and Queen Elizabeth Studio School are celebrating yet another year of exceptional GCSE results, setting new records and solidifying their position as one of the country's leading state schools. As students across the nation receive their GCSE results, the remarkable young people from the Queen Elizabeth Family of Schools are proudly taking the next step in their academic, technical and vocational journeys, with many already planning to continue their studies at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form.

David Waugh, Executive Headteacher, expressed his pride in the students’ achievements:

“Genuinely, I cannot be prouder of our students, their families and our staff.  This year’s results are quite simply the best on record.  Whether that be the sheer magnitude of Grade 9’s our students have achieve - over 100 of them!! – or the significant gains in all subject areas across both schools. 

Once again, our students have delivered outstanding results, whether it is our 12 students who have achieved all Grade 8’s and 9’s or our 20 students who gained Distinctions in their technical qualifications.  It is a true testament to their hard work, the unwavering support of their families, and the dedication of our staff. Today is a day of celebration, and I could not be prouder of what they have accomplished. Our students have truly knocked it out of the park!”

He continued, “Days like today are incredibly inspiring.  Our staff are walking around with the biggest beaming smiles on their faces as we listen to the squeals of delight, the hugging, crying tears of joy or simply the look on our students faces as they realise, they’ve done it, achieved it and succeeded.  We get to celebrate the individual successes of our students and hear about the exciting next steps they are about to embark on. Whether it is A-Levels in our Sixth Form or apprenticeships with local employers, our students have demonstrated exceptional drive, determination, and success. Congratulations to the class of 2026!”

Record-Breaking Achievements

This year’s cohort has delivered some remarkable individual results, with Kaia and Robin achieving straight Grade 9’s, Bridget, Anna, Gabriel, Callum, Grace, Oliver, Chloe, Henry, Maisie, Heather, Pei Ru, Samuel, Olivia, Chloe, Sian, Ben and Imogen who have achieved 155 Grade 8’s and 9’s between them.  Overall, when we look at our results compared to previous years, which were themselves outstanding, this year’s cohort have achieved approximately half a grade higher in every single subject by every single student.  Such significant additional gains in achievement gives our students bigger, brighter and such exciting passports to their next stages in life. 

Queen Elizabeth students are celebrating across the board and are moving on to such exciting next steps.  Henry is off to Australia to continue his farming and agricultural studies, Frankie is off to study a professional dance diploma at the very prestigious Preston Dance College, our very own national champion in U21 Curling, Ollie, is studying A-Levels and our twins, Francesca and Georgina who achieved respective Distinctions in their performing arts and sports vocational pathways, are off to continue their technical-vocational learning. 

The QE Class of 2026 have been utterly amazing, and we wish them the very best of luck for all their future endeavours.  We know they are going to be hugely successful in all that they do. 

Simply inspiring:  Queen Elizabeth Class of 2026 Celebrates Record-Breaking Results

Another year and another set of inspirational young people going on to take on the world!  Students from Queen Elizabeth School and Queen Elizabeth Studio School in Kirkby Lonsdale are once again celebrating outstanding achievements as they receive their A-Level and Post-16 results. This year, 98 Sixth Form students from Kirkby Lonsdale are marking an extraordinary milestone with results that place them at the forefront nationally.

With nearly half of all grades awarded at Grade B or higher our students are today embarking on their own individual journeys ahead.  The results reflect the hard work, dedication, and unwavering support from both families and staff. Mr. David Waugh, Executive Headteacher, shared his pride:

“…I absolutely love days like today!  In the space of 3-minutes I have spoken with one student who was skipping (literally) as she had successfully gained her place at Leeds Beckett University to study Speech & Language Therapy, another student who is going on to read Economics at Leeds and was telling me all about her accommodation already arranged, and our very own Head Student who has successfully achieved his life’s ambition, a Degree Apprenticeship with BAE.  These are just a handful of the inspirational stories, whether it be the four A* Grades achieved by Connie Maye, the two A*’s and an A Grade by Lily, or the seven Distinction Stars achieved by our Digital Creative cohort within our Post 16 Studio School. 

“Connie Maye is off to Durham University to read Physics and Mathematics, Lily, also off to Durham, is going to read Anthropology and Archaeology.  Connie Maye and Lily topped the charts academically, however every single one of our students has their own individual success story.  Marley (AAB) has secured a highly competitive degree apprenticeship with Channel 4's social media team and William (Dist*AA) and Euan (Dist*BC) both take up prestigious degree apprenticeships at BAE Systems. Creative careers continue to be a focus: Solomon (AAB) is heading off to Salford to study Film Production; Hannah (Dist*BB) goes to study Interior Architecture at Leeds Beckett. 

“Our broad curriculum opens up a range of vocational and technical routes into higher education: Annalise (A*AA) leaves us to study Criminology at the University of Manchester; Arthur (D*BB) goes to study Computer Science at Newcastle University and Scarlet (ABB) to study Law at the University of Lincoln.

“These individual results are the tip of the iceberg: we are so proud of all our students, not only for their results but for their leadership. community spirit and resilience. We wish them all the very, very best for the future.”

QES and QEStudio schools are now closed for the Summer holiday, we reopen on Tuesday 1st September 2026.

If you have a safeguarding concern regarding one of our pupils please email: safeguarding@qes.org.uk this inbox will be monitored periodically during weekdays over Summer.

Alternatively please phone the relevant Safeguarding hub:

Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Hub: 0333 240 1727 

Lancashire Safeguarding Hub: 0300 1236720 

North Yorkshire Safeguarding Hub: 01609 636993

Police: 101 

If you are worried, or have a concern about your or another child over the holiday period other contacts you can use include: 

NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 

Childline: 0800 1111 

For concerns regarding online content or conduct: https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/

For Mental Health support please see the support lines available on our website, some contacts you could use are:

Papyrus: text 07860039967 Phone 08000684141

www.kooth.com

SHOUT: text MRF to 85258

Young Minds: text YM to 85258

Every Life Matters: https://www.every-life-matters.org.uk/suicide-safer-schools/

CAMHS: crisis 01228603964

Samaritans: 116113

From September 2026, QE Schools will operate a mobile phone-free school day.

This supports our commitment to creating a calm, focused and purposeful learning environment where pupils can fully engage in learning and build positive relationships, without digital distractions. It also aligns with the latest Department for Education guidance and the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026.

The attached document explains the introduction of our phone-free school day for pupils in Years 7 to 11. QESixth students follow separate mobile phone arrangements outlined in the guide.

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am delighted to share with you the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection for our QEStudio provision and to enclose a copy of the inspection report.

As many of you know, Queen Elizabeth Studio School has been on a significant journey over recent years. We have worked tirelessly to create an educational experience that combines high-quality academic learning with technical education, employer engagement and meaningful preparation for the world beyond school. It is therefore incredibly rewarding to see so much of this recognised by Ofsted.

The inspection confirms that the school is meeting the expected standard across all areas and recognises our Post-16 provision as a "Strong Standard", a judgement reserved for provision operating above the standard expected nationally. Inspectors praised the personalised nature of our curriculum, the quality of teaching, students' readiness for their next steps and the extensive opportunities available to them through work-related learning and enrichment.

For a Studio School, this is a particularly significant achievement. Studio Schools are designed to offer a distinctive model of education, blending academic and vocational learning with real-world experiences and strong employer connections. The report recognises many of the features that make our school unique and, in our view, places Queen Elizabeth Studio School amongst the leading examples of Studio School education nationally.

We were especially pleased that inspectors highlighted:

• The calm, respectful and inclusive culture across the school.
• The positive relationships between students and staff and the strong safeguarding culture.
• The broad curriculum and specialist pathways that support students' aspirations.
• The extensive personal development opportunities, including Duke of Edinburgh, public speaking, performances, environmental projects and leadership experiences.
• The strength of our careers programme, employer engagement and preparation for future education, employment and training.
• The confidence, independence and maturity demonstrated by our students.

Inspectors also recognised the work undertaken by leaders, governors and trustees to strengthen the school, improve teaching and develop an ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of our young people.

Importantly, the report is balanced and developmental. Ofsted has identified areas where we can continue to improve, particularly around ensuring greater consistency in assessment and feedback across subjects and continuing our work to improve attendance alongside all schools nationally. These priorities align closely with our own self-evaluation, and we already have plans in place to address them.

I would like to thank our students, whose conduct, enthusiasm and honesty during the inspection were a credit to themselves and the school. I would also like to thank our staff, governors, trustees, employer partners and, most importantly, our families. Your support, trust and commitment enable us to provide the unique opportunities that make Queen Elizabeth Studio School such a special place.

We are incredibly proud of this report and of what it says about our school community. While we will take time to celebrate this achievement, we remain ambitious for the future and committed to ensuring that every young person who attends Queen Elizabeth Studio School receives an exceptional education and the very best preparation for adult life.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours faithfully,

David Waugh
 Executive Headteacher, Queen Elizabeth School & Queen Elizabeth Studio School
Trust Leader, Lunesdale Learning Trust

We will be holding an Open Evening for Year 7 Entry for September 2027 on Tuesday 22 September 5pm - 8pm.

Please complete the form here to register

This notice is to update you on the Council's proposed changes to their home to school transport policy.  Westmorland & Furness Council are consulting on proposals which would affect its residents from September 2027 onwards.  To be clear, these proposals will not affect current students, or students joining us in September 2026.  Rather, they would impact on families currently with children in years 5 or below.  The changes only affect Westmorland & Furness Council residents, not our families from North Yorkshire or Lancashire.  

Links to the proposals can be found here, Home to School Transport: policy changes consultation | Westmorland and Furness Council.  In summary, the proposed changes include:

• free transport for eligible pupils will only be to the nearest school (not nearest or catchment)
• reviewing how the spare seat scheme currently operates
• removing automatic entitlement to free transport for 4 year olds
• introducing a means-tested charge for Post16 SEND transport - aligned with the mainstream spare seat price

Specifically relating to Post 16 Transport options, a greater range of options will be explored before providing dedicated transport, including:

• bus or rail passes
• Independent Travel Training
• Personal Travel Budgets
• commissioned transport where other options are not suitable

The consultation document states that the changes are intended to "assist in ensuring service sustainability and value for money", but many of the proposals represent a reduction in the level of support currently provided.  They also shift a number of costs and responsibilities from the Council on to families, including those with the least flexibility in terms of travel, work patterns and financial resources.  

In determining the potential impact of these proposals, I have modelled them on our current cohort, i.e. if we were to have the same demographic in 5-years' time as we do now, and then apply the proposals, it would affect up to 300-families.  In other words, if these proposals were to be in place on our current families, 300 students would have to pay for their bus pass (circa £1200pa) or make their own way to QES as the bus route would simply not exist.  Our modelling suggests that the split would be 100-families would have to pay for their bus pass and up to 200 families could potentially have the bus route removed.  

We believe that the key bus routes that would be affected are the T5814, T5801, T5802, T5812, T5808 and T5809.  

The proposals would force families to potentially only have access to their nearest school, not either their nearest school or school in catchment.  

I believe that the proposals are inherently unfair given the rurality and size of our catchment and if applied entirely, would have a significant impact on the size of our school, the community we serve as a school, local traffic levels, negative environmental impacts and wider social exclusion.  

Each of our families will be affected in different ways.  If you are a family who is resident in North Yorkshire or Lancashire, you would not be affected directly in respect to transport, and I very much acknowledge that you currently pay for your travel arrangements to and from school.  However, as this would impact on our school sustainability and effectiveness, the impact would be on the wider aspects of your child's education.  If you are resident in Westmorland & Furness, it may be that the traditional bus routes to QES from places such as Endmoor, Sedbergh, Old Hutton, Kendal, etc. would simply not exist and therefore you would either have to make your own way to QES or choose the closest school to you.  

As stated above, these proposals do not affect current students or students in Year 6 joining us in September.  However, over time these proposals have the potential for having a metamorphic impact on our school community.  The proposals themselves pitch community against community, school against school.  I believe them to be inherently unfair and would encourage you to complete a consultation return.  

Thank you in advance for your support and consideration.  As a school, we are making strong representations accordingly but would value your support and "voice" in helping us to protect our school community.  If you have any questions in this regard, please email headteacher@qes.org.uk and I will endeavour to answer your questions.

I hope you all have a lovely Easter break, thank you again for your consideration of this matter.

Yours faithfully

Mr. David Waugh
Executive Headteacher and Trust Leader
Queen Elizabeth School
Queen Elizabeth Studio School
Lunesdale Learning Trust

Students from Queen Elizabeth School and Queen Elizabeth Studio School in Kirkby Lonsdale are once again celebrating outstanding achievements as they receive their A-Level and Post-16 results. This year, 113 Sixth Form students from Kirkby Lonsdale are marking an extraordinary milestone with results that place them at the forefront nationally.

With nearly half of all grades awarded at Grade B or higher, and 80% at Grade C or above, the results reflect the hard work, dedication, and unwavering support from both families and staff. Mr. David Waugh, Executive Headteacher, shared his pride:

“We are incredibly proud of all our students, whose exceptional results are a direct reflection of their commitment and the dedication of our staff and their families. Witnessing these remarkable achievements is truly inspiring, and we are excited for the opportunities that await each of them. The Class of 2025 has set a record-breaking high standard, and these results mark the beginning of their next journey. We wish them all the very best in their futures.”

Top Achievers and Bright Futures
At the top of the academic chart is Thomas Jackson, who has earned A*A*A*A* and will be pursuing Engineering at Pembroke College, Oxford. Matthew Moses achieved A*A*A* and will study Economics, Finance, and Data Science at Imperial College London. Amber Storry secured A*AB and will read Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Edinburgh.  Ellie Welbank has achieved A*AA and goes to read Law at Edinburgh University. 

"We're proud to send students into diverse fields, and it's exciting to see so many pursuing careers in creative industries," added Ms Turner, Director of Sixth Form. Among the talented artists heading into the world of theatre and design are Lola Barker, who will study Acting at York St John University; Lily Timmis, who will pursue Costume Design at the University of Salford; and Phoebe Lunn, who will read Animation at the University of Central Lancashire.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Educators
It is also heartening to see students inspired to enter education, with Alice Chee taking up a place at Bath Spa University to study Education and Rebekah Clarke continuing her studies in Education at the University of York. These students are a testament to the incredible educators here at QES and QEStudio, and we take great pride in supporting the next generation of teachers.

Entrepreneurs of the Future
We are equally thrilled to be sending off students who are eager to make their mark in the world of business. Liv Wozny and Georgina Simpson are both preparing to launch their own ventures—Liv in sport and personal training, and Georgina in photography. We have no doubt that these students will become the future "Dragons of the Den."

As the Class of 2025 prepares to embark on their exciting journeys, we congratulate them on their outstanding achievements and wish them continued success in all their future endeavours.

We are delighted to announce that we have achieved the School Mental Health Award which is delivered by the Carnegie Centre for Excellence for Mental Health in Schools.  Both QES and QEStudio have been awarded the Bronze standard for our mental health and wellbeing provision.

There is always much we are working on to improve and development our provision in support of our fantastic pupils, but our continued commitment to the positive wellbeing of everyone in our community is central.  This Award is testament to the journey we are on in developing our practices, improving awareness and creating a climate in which everyone can feel supported and thrive.

Thank you to the huge efforts of Laura Shepherd, our lead in this area, and to all the parents, carers, colleagues and pupils who continue to support us in this significant area of our schools.

Please see the document below for details of the cubs & activities on offer at school.