QEH Junior School Sports Tour 2026

From elite training pitches to the bright lights of Stamford Bridge, 56 QEH Junior School boys recently enjoyed a whirlwind tour of English football. Read about their professional coaching sessions, behind-the-scenes stadium tours, and Premier League match-day drama.

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Tuesday 31.03.2026 Tue 31.03.2026

QEH Junior School Sports Tour 2026

It was an early start for the annual QEH Junior School sports tour. A packed itinerary required a 07.00 start to the day, as 56 pupils embarked on an immersive tour of some of England’s most iconic sporting venues.

From elite training clinics to the electric atmosphere of the Premier League, the itinerary offered a world-class experience of the professional game.

Elite Training at Harrow School

The tour kicked off with an exclusive session at the historic Harrow School. Under the guidance of Dan Edwards and professional coaches from Queens Park Rangers, our boys were given the “elite” treatment.

Utilising the school’s vast acreage, the group engaged in high-intensity training across four specialist zones: match play, shooting, tactical attack and defence, and a dedicated skills zone. The boys gave a stellar account of themselves, with one coach noting the impressive “talent” on display across the training arena.

A Masterclass in Teamwork at QPR

Our first stadium stop was Loftus Road, the home of QPR. Beyond a fascinating tour of the facilities, including a peek into the owner’s private box, the boys participated in a series of competitive teamwork games.

The spirit was high as the group vied for the “prime performer” QPR scarf, showcasing the camaraderie that defines QEH sport. The stadium’s personal feel and the pride of our guides provided a wonderful introduction to the heritage of the London club scene.

Friday Night Lights in Reading

The excitement continued at the Madejski stadium, where we were billeted for the night. Staying at the stadium hotel allowed for a seamless transition from a fantastic evening buffet to the stands to watch Reading U21s take on Manchester United U21s.
Watching the stars of the future in action provided a valuable masterclass in tactical discipline and professional fitness, capped off by a quiet and restful night’s sleep in preparation for a busy Saturday.

The Grandeur of Stamford Bridge

Fully fuelled on fruit, yoghurt, toast, pastries, and the various components of cooked breakfast, we were back on the coach and bound for Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea FC. This was a chance for the boys to experience the scale of a global powerhouse.

From sitting in the very seats used by their favourite stars in the sprawling home dressing room to the thrill of a tunnel run out into the stadium, the boys were duly impressed. A visit to the club shop ensured everyone headed back to the coach with a memento of their visit to the “millionaire’s play place.”

Premier League Drama at Craven Cottage

The tour reached a crescendo at Fulham’s Craven Cottage. Seated at the very top of the new stand, the boys enjoyed spectacular views of the London skyline while watching Fulham host Burnley.

The second half proved to be the highlight of the weekend; after Burnley took the lead, the hosts replied with three goals. A last-minute penalty sent our 56 young Bristolians into a frenzy of celebration, featuring some “top-drawer” dance moves to mark the end of a victorious outing.

A Hero’s Return

After a weekend of “sports appetites sated,” the party returned to Bristol on Saturday evening. We returned 56 tired, happy, and fulfilled boys to their parents, all of whom gained invaluable memories from a truly cracking couple of days away.

Our sincere thanks go to Mr Thomas and Jem for their incredible work in organising such an enriching and exciting tour.

QEH Sixth Forms girls enjoyed a rugby coaching session with Bristol Bears.

The people are nice, the lessons are fun … and the food is great!

Year 7 Pupil

Head’s Welcome

‘‘The school gets boys. It’s the way the teachers talk to the boys. And if there is anything, it’s dealt with straight away.” Current Parent

“Children are stretched because the teaching can be individualised to suit the needs of every boy.” Year 6 Parent

“The nurturing environment that QEH provides has enabled him to settle in so much faster than we ever expected.” Year 5 parent

We believe in the importance of the Creative Arts

“Nothing’s uncool – at QEH, he’s involved in stuff he would never have done before, he always held back before saying something wasn’t cool.” Current Parent

QE Award

The Extended Day

Head’s Welcome

We believe that, in the earlier years of school, boys learn best this way.

We aim to produce young adults who are well-educated not just well-qualified. Small classes, a positive work ethic and teachers with a real passion for their subject create a learning environment where students are stretched, not stressed.

We’ll give you lots of freedom and independence but we also recognise there may be times when you need support. If you do, we’ll be there to help.

From the outside QEH may appear daunting, especially for new boys to the school. On the inside, however, it is a totally different story.

Year 9 is distinctly defined at QEH, being between the Lower and Middle School and offering boys unique challenges and opportunities.

The transition through the Middle School is a pivotal period between the early years of secondary school and university preparation in the Sixth Form.

Medical and Health

Our contract caterers, Holroyd Howe, provide first-class lunches for our pupils. These offer a healthy, balanced, nutritious diet each day for our pupils. Holroyd Howe also provide excellent breakfasts, which are available for pupils to purchase, and catering for special functions.

QEH cares about the way our students develop as human beings. All pupils in Years 7 to 10 take part in an exciting and meaningful programme that ensures our students are equipped to live a responsible and fulfilling life.

Sport

The Performing Arts flourish at QEH.

Music is at the heart of school life at QEH and plays a key role both socially and academically. Our aim is to offer everyone the opportunity to get involved in the many varied musical activities we provide.

With our dedicated music studio, we offer workshops for pupils to learn the basics of how to use a recording studio and also give them the opportunity to record their own ensembles or solo performances.

QEH Theatre is a striking modern building, with a comfortable three-sided auditorium seating 220, creating an intimate and dynamic atmosphere.

Sometimes students learn as much out of the classroom as in it.

In recent years the programme for Outdoor Pursuits has become a special strength of the school.

QEH prides itself on the range of activities it provides, reflecting the wide interests and talents of the pupils and the commitment of the staff.

QEH prides itself on offering a comprehensive range of trips and educational visits, designed both to enhance the pupils’ learning and stimulate their inquisitiveness.

We are delighted that our pupils have been successful in their efforts to gain top GCSE grades after 18 months of Covid-related disruption to learning. This year’s exam success is a result of the pupils’ commitment to learning, ably supported by both teachers and parents.

Welcome to Sixth Form

Your time in the Sixth Form provides the foundation for the rest of your life.

Whether you want to do some reading, focus on that all-important essay, or relax and catch up with your friends, the purpose-built Sixth Form centre ticks all the boxes.

Currently Sixth Form students are expected to study four A-level subjects in Year 12 and then complete full A-levels by continuing with at least three of these.

Your success in the wider world after school depends in part on your ability to take responsibility, be proactive, learn from your mistakes, and work alongside others to make things happen.

We’ll give you lots of freedom and independence but we also recognise there may be times when you need support. If you do, we’ll be there to help.

Sometimes students learn as much out of the classroom as in it.

Sport

In Sixth Form, there are many opportunities to be involved in Music and Drama.

Rupert Heathcote, Head at QEH, has today paid tribute to the students and staff at QEH for their hard work over the last two years.

One of the most important features of the Sixth Form at QEH is how it prepares its students for Higher Education and beyond.

Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital was founded in 1590 as a ‘hospital or place for the bringing up of poor children or orphans being men children as such shall be born in the city of Bristol…’

The Friends of QEH is an active group of teachers and parents who help to build the school community from Juniors right through to Sixth Form.

The Next Ten Years

Inspection Reports – Independent Schools Inspectorate

PDF versions of our policies and documents, which are available to parents of current and prospective pupils, can be downloaded below.

Our FAQ page addresses a variety of common questions about QEH and related topics.

The School is fortunate in having well-qualified and committed Staff and Governors.

Sustainability at QEH

Inspection Reports

QEH is located in Berkeley Place, Clifton. The Junior School can be found at 9 Upper Berkeley Place, in the terrace of Georgian houses behind the QEH Senior School building.

When there are vacancies at QEH, full details of the position and the application procedure will be available below.

There is a regular QEH podcast, the place to find out more about the school and to connect with staff, pupils and parents at a deeper level.

This event has now finished. If you would like information on future events at QEH, please contact the Marketing Office.

Why QEH

Beyond QEH

Parents & Students

Prospectus

Head’s Welcome

‘‘The school gets boys. It’s the way the teachers talk to the boys. And if there is anything, it’s dealt with straight away.” Current Parent

“Children are stretched because the teaching can be individualised to suit the needs of every boy.” Year 6 Parent

“The nurturing environment that QEH provides has enabled him to settle in so much faster than we ever expected.” Year 5 parent

We believe in the importance of the Creative Arts

“Nothing’s uncool – at QEH, he’s involved in stuff he would never have done before, he always held back before saying something wasn’t cool.” Current Parent

QE Award

The Extended Day

Head’s Welcome

We believe that, in the earlier years of school, boys learn best this way.

We aim to produce young adults who are well-educated not just well-qualified. Small classes, a positive work ethic and teachers with a real passion for their subject create a learning environment where students are stretched, not stressed.

We’ll give you lots of freedom and independence but we also recognise there may be times when you need support. If you do, we’ll be there to help.

From the outside QEH may appear daunting, especially for new boys to the school. On the inside, however, it is a totally different story.

Year 9 is distinctly defined at QEH, being between the Lower and Middle School and offering boys unique challenges and opportunities.

The transition through the Middle School is a pivotal period between the early years of secondary school and university preparation in the Sixth Form.

Medical and Health

Our contract caterers, Holroyd Howe, provide first-class lunches for our pupils. These offer a healthy, balanced, nutritious diet each day for our pupils. Holroyd Howe also provide excellent breakfasts, which are available for pupils to purchase, and catering for special functions.

QEH cares about the way our students develop as human beings. All pupils in Years 7 to 10 take part in an exciting and meaningful programme that ensures our students are equipped to live a responsible and fulfilling life.

Sport

The Performing Arts flourish at QEH.

Music is at the heart of school life at QEH and plays a key role both socially and academically. Our aim is to offer everyone the opportunity to get involved in the many varied musical activities we provide.

With our dedicated music studio, we offer workshops for pupils to learn the basics of how to use a recording studio and also give them the opportunity to record their own ensembles or solo performances.

QEH Theatre is a striking modern building, with a comfortable three-sided auditorium seating 220, creating an intimate and dynamic atmosphere.

Sometimes students learn as much out of the classroom as in it.