Welcome to Queen Elizabeth Studio School

Our Sixth Form is a vibrant and successful community. We are rooted in the QES values which date from the 16th century, but at the same time we are a forward-looking institution with our gaze firmly on the future for our young people. Our mission is simply this: to prepare our young adults to stand up and step out on whatever path they choose. That next step may be into the fields and fells around Kirkby Lonsdale and beyond; to universities across the country and indeed the globe; or to apprenticeships, employment, or a myriad of other opportunities. Whatever your path might be, our team here in the Sixth Form has the experience, ambition and care you need to set you out along that road.We offer an incredibly broad curriculum, with courses in both QES and QEStudio providing a diverse range of qualifications for you to choose from. Most students choose three courses, with many also undertaking the Extended Project Qualification alongside these. Whether your courses are largely technical and vocational, academic or a combination of these, you are a vital part of our community. It is our diverse mixture of talents and abilities which makes our community as strong as it is.The step from Level 2 to Level 3 qualifications is one of the most significant academic transitions, and we have a carefully planned programme in place to support you, both with your studies and with the wider challenges and opportunities which come with becoming a young adult. We run a comprehensive induction programme for all Year 12 students, and a thorough Personal Development programme which is delivered by experienced form tutors. The timeless QES motto of ‘Scholarship and Care’ is more relevant than ever in the Sixth Form and strong relationships are at the heart of this provision.As Sixth Formers, you are role models for the whole school community and this leadership experience is central to what we do. On any given day of the week, you can see a Sixth Former setting a fantastic example to lower school students; whether running clubs, mentoring or coaching. Our team of Senior Student Leaders, elected every year in the summer of Year 12, co-ordinate a huge amount of work ‘behind the scenes’ and demonstrate the leadership qualities that universities and employers value so highly. There are countless opportunities to get involved in all aspects of Sixth Form life. We value the voice of our students especially and while we are proud of our achievements, we are never complacent and regularly seek feedback from our student body to help us develop the Sixth Form even further. We are committed to ensuring you have the resources to help you succeed, whether that’s in our wonderful Sixth Form library, our online access to academic journals or the delicious food available in Café 6!Whether you are at QES, QEStudio or a different school, we do hope you will consider joining our wonderful community. It is our young people who make us who we are: who knows what you will bring?I look forward to welcoming you,Ms TurnerAssistant Headteacher and Director of QESixth

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Boarding Type

No Boarder

School Type

Suitable Ages

14 to 19

Gender

Mixed

No. of Students

332 Total

No. of Boys

178 (53.6%)

No. of Girls

154 (46.4%)


Academic Excellence

GCSE Results

Latest Examination

2.9%

Students achieving A*/A grades (9/8/7)

A-Level Results

Sixth Form Performance

A* grades

1.72%

A*/A grades

6.9%


Leavers' Destinations

Destinations after GCSEs

Staying in education

70%

School

79%

England

Apprenticeships

17%

School

3%

England

Further education

School:39%
England:51%

School sixth form

School:30%
England:19%

Sixth form college

School:0%
England:7%

Other education destinations

School:1%
England:2%

Destinations after A-Levels

UK higher education

43%

School

1%

England

Apprenticeships

2%

School

19%

England

Higher education or training

School:91%
England:63%

Further education

School:7%
England:4%

Employment

School:39%
England:35%

Not sustained in education/employment

School:7%
England:26%

Exciting Updates Ahead!

We're currently gearing up to offer you a full list of our courses. Stay tuned — amazing learning opportunities are on their way very soon. Thank you for your interest and enthusiasm!


Exciting Events Ahead!

A detailed admissions process on ApplicaaOne is coming soon.

Please see our website for more information on our admissions process.


Admissions Process

Go to School Website

Key Dates & Deadlines

Nov 26, 2025

Sixth Form Open Evening

Dec 12, 2025

Application Deadline

Jun 17, 2026

Sixth Form Step Up Day

Aug 20, 2026

GCSE Results Day and QESixth Enrolment day


Term Dates & Half-Term Holidays

Planning ahead for school holidays? Below are the term dates and half-term dates for the 2025/2026 academic year.

Autumn

2 terms

Half Term 1

Sep 1 - Oct 24

Half Term 2

Nov 3 - Dec 19

Spring

2 terms

Half Term 1

Jan 5 - Feb 12

Half Term 2

Feb 22 - Mar 31

Summer

2 terms

Half Term 1

Apr 19 - May 28

Half Term 2

Jun 7 - Jul 21

Half-Term & Holiday Dates

Autumn Half Term

Oct 27 - Oct 31

Christmas Break

Dec 20 - Jan 4

Spring Half Term

Feb 13 - Feb 19

Easter Break

Apr 1 - Apr 18

Summer Half Term

May 29 - Jun 5


Alumni Stories

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Updates Coming Soon!

We’ll be sharing information about the destinations of our alumni here soon.


Enrichment Activities

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One of our core values is ‘getting involved’ and we know how important extra curricular is to our pupils. Extra-curricular activities boost young people’s confidence to interact socially with others; extend their social networks; and provide them with new skills and abilities. Above all, they offer an important space to have fun and relax. At QES we have over 50 different extracurricular activities to offer our pupils in all year groups.

Young Enterprise
Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

About School

RegionNorth West
Local AuthorityWestmorland and Furness
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeMixed