QEH Welcomes New Expertise to its Girls’ Sport Coaching Team

QEH is strengthening its girls’ sport coaching team with an outstanding range of experience across netball, hockey, and rugby. From Cardiff Dragons Super League player Laura Rudland to experienced hockey and rugby coaches, our team is helping girls develop their skills, confidence, and ambition.

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Monday 26.10.2026 Mon 26.10.2026

QEH Welcomes New Expertise to its Girls’ Sport Coaching Team

QEH is strengthening its girls’ sport provision with an experienced coaching team across netball, hockey, and rugby, creating opportunities for every pupil to get involved and helping talented players take their performance further.

Mrs Jackie Lawrence, Head of Girls’ Sport, explains QEH’s approach:

“At QEH, our aim is to give every girl the opportunity to participate in sport, whatever her ability or experience. We are proud that over 80% of our girls have participated in match play, reflecting our commitment to making sport accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for all.”

We are delighted to welcome Laura Rudland to QEH, bringing an impressive record in elite netball to our coaching team. Laura is currently Head of Netball at the University of Exeter and will lead our 1st team, as well as coaching our other netball players.

Laura has competed in the Netball Superleague for eight years, having started her career at Team Bath before going on to represent Severn Stars and Celtic Dragons, now Cardiff Dragons. Her experience at the highest level of the game is a fantastic addition to QEH, giving our players the opportunity to learn from someone who has competed against some of the best netballers in the country.

Having Laura involved in our netball programme is an exciting step for girls’ sport at QEH, and we look forward to seeing our players benefit from her expertise and experience on court.

Watch the video below to hear from Laura and find out more about her role at QEH.

Mrs Jackie Lawrence also leads hockey at QEH, bringing more than 15 years of junior coaching experience. At Clifton Robinson’s Hockey Club, she coached teams through to Regional and National England Hockey finals. During her ten years at Redmaids’ High School, she also achieved success in county, regional, and national indoor and outdoor competitions.

She is supported by Mr George Britton, our Sports Graduate, whose playing experience includes national club finals, school hockey, and representing the University of Birmingham. George brings valuable playing knowledge to the coaching team.

Mr Thom Ruane, who also coaches hockey in the Junior School, supports our 2nd and 3rd XI teams, helping to develop our players across the senior hockey programme.

Mrs Vicky Townsend brings more than 20 years of teaching experience and a particular specialism in rugby. She leads our girls’ rugby programme at an exciting time, as the team begins preparations for the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens this year. Her experience will help our players develop their skills and confidence as they take on the challenge of competing in one of the major events in the school rugby calendar.

With specialist coaching across all three sports, we look forward to an exciting season for girls’ sport at QEH, with opportunities for our players to enjoy competing, develop their abilities, and see how far they can go.

Well done to Sidney who represented Gloucester County Cricket Club U18's in Dubai. A testament to her hard work she has shown in training and in matches.

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Since joining the school, we have been constantly amazed by the support and kindness given by the teachers, staff and other pupils and, above all, by the injection of fun that infiltrates throughout whether they're playing sport, completing a science project and participating in a school play. No doubt there will be challenges ahead but we're confident the school will provide the support and guidance that has our sons' best interests at heart.

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Michelle, Current Parent

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.