This shows the number of students taking up places at the respective universities from each cohort of recent leavers.
This shows the number of students taking up the selected subject at these universities, aggregated since 2016.
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This measure looks at the progress made by pupils between the end of primary school and the end of GCSEs. Despite the already high calibre of our intake, boys at QE can expect to achieve more than a whole grade higher at the age of 16 than they would be predicted to, based on their prior ability. Since this measure was introduced QE has been among the very best schools nationally, of any type, for pupil progress – demonstrating our commitment to stretch all our boys to ensure they reach their full potential.
Recent Government analysis showed that QE sent a higher proportion of its pupils to the prestigious Russell Group of universities than any other state-funded school in the country over the last three years. 40 Elizabethans took up places at Oxford and Cambridge in 2020, with a further 39 securing places in 2021,34 in 2022 and 44 in 2023. A new School record of 53 places has been set in 2024.
A growing number of Elizabethans are opting to look at the ultra-competitive Ivy League universities in the United States, with recent Old Elizabethans studying at Harvard, Stanford and UCLA. The School now runs a dedicated programme of support and preparation for those looking to study in North America.
Paul who will be reading Mechanical Engineering at Manchester after gaining all A* grades, was one of the two Senior Vice-Captains in 2021. “I chose Mechanical Engineering because there are other areas that are related to it – like aeronautics, military engineering and biotech – it’s flexible, you can go into those areas or stick with Mechanical Engineering. There is also a bit of a lack of mechanical engineers in the world: I would like to fill up that gap and capitalise!”
Paul joined the School in Year 9. Although unsurprisingly concerned about joining the School two years after his classmates, he readily found a group “who were nice to me”, while he found that teachers were actively looking out for him as a newcomer, too. He quickly settled in, but says taking it easy was not an option as he rose through the School. “When you get into Years 11, 12 and 13, your effort definitely has to go up. It’s a school that challenges you, but a school that will help you through those challenges.”
He exemplifies the QE aim of creating well-rounded individuals. He has been a peer mentor and also volunteered with the National Citizens Service: “I and a few of my friends that I gathered notified people about how they could support their local foodbank in Cheshunt.” Drama has been another key interest: “I played the Prince of Morocco from The Merchant of Venice for the Shakespeare Schools Festival. I really enjoyed that really because it allowed me to be free in how I acted – I even got to dance a little bit!” In robotics, he was his team’s lead designer and developed CAD models.
