Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School (QEGS)

Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School is a co-educational, all-through free school in Blackburn for pupils and students aged 4-19. 

The school is believed to have been founded in 1509. It survived the Reformation and in 1567 was granted a Royal Charter by Queen Elizabeth I. After 500 years of history, the school became a free school in September 2014.  To read more about the School's history, please see our website https://www.qegsblackburn.com/why-qegs/history/

Head - Claire Gammon

Values and vision

Although we no longer charges fees, we pride ourselves on retaining an independent school ethos, and place strong emphasis on high academic standards, exemplary behaviour and extra-curricular commitment. 

The school’s curriculum is founded on high aspirations allied with academic breadth and challenge. It has a strong emphasis on oral communication and extends beyond the national curriculum in offering PSHEE. The introduction of French in Year 3, plus specialist-taught science and music and an extended programme of physical education, help to develop early habits of co-operation, application and aspiration. All pupils are expected to participate in these activities as we wish to help them to benefit from a broad experience that sees them working co-operatively with others, irrespective of their background or faith.  We are a truly integrated school which encourages tolerance and diversity within a broad Christian ethos.

Queen Elizabeth's also wishes to establish within students the habits of application, attendance, and healthy living. It aims to support this through, among other things, regular monitoring of individual progress.

The school enjoys a reputation for academic excellence. It continues to draw pupils and students from a wide area of north and east Lancashire, as well as beyond. A number of students proceed to the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and almost all the Year 13 students go on to university. 

Newly Qualified Teachers

Benefit from a programme led by members of the Senior Leadership Team.

Staff Benefits

- Full induction/training programme

- Teachers' Pension Scheme

- Continuous Professional Development with annual review

- Tea and coffee provided during breaks and lunchtimes

- Designated staff room with IT facilities

- Free school meal in our very own "Hogwarts"

- Free staff parking

- Use of school transport (covers many boroughs throughout Lancashire)

- Staff room Social Committee that organises various staff events

- Extended school holidays (compared to other local state schools)

- Located right across from Corporation Park, a lovely place to take a walk!

Houses

The system of 'Houses' was introduced nearly 100 years ago.  Today every staff member belongs to one of six Houses, each named after an Elizabethan sea captain.  House assemblies take place each week giving pupils and staff chance to meet and discuss new ideas.

Extra-curricular

Our aim is to develop rounded human beings through a broad and challenging range of educational experiences. So, while we place due emphasis on the academic aspects of school life, the education on offer at QEGS extends far beyond the classroom.
  We offer a full programme of during and after-school clubs, societies and activities. There are plenty of non-sporting pastimes and pursuits, including the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Art Club, Debating Society, Electronics Club and the Chess Club. All new members of staff are encouraged to support the extra-curricular programme within School.

Our school has a long-standing and deserved reputation for the quality of its sports provision and for playing sport both competitively and fairly.  QEGS pupils and students benefit from excellent sports facilities and the school’s Playing Fields at Lammack are a hive of activity and sporting encouragement most Saturday mornings. The dedication of QEGS staff in encouraging a love of sport and then developing individual talents and team ethics is second to none.

The Drama and Music Departments offers staff, pupils and students of all standards the opportunity to participate in a diverse range of ensembles which perform in numerous concerts, theatre productions and events throughout the year. Backstage roles are also available for those who are camera shy!

School trips include: Geography field trips, Battlefield visits, Iceland, netball tour to Barbados, trips to Europe to develop MFL, cultural visits to museums/concerts/plays.  Sixth Form visit Uganda every other year which has a tremendous charitable impact.

Facilities

In addition to our outstanding academic facilities, our School is fortunate to have:-

Library stocked with over 14,000 books

4x networked IT suites

Indoor, heated Swimming Pool

Fully equipped gymnasium

Sports fields and sports hall at Lammack, Witton Park and East Lancs Cricket Club

2x Design Technology workshops, traditional and digital

Transport provision throughout the county

Dedicated Sixth Form Centre, Singleton House