What our boys say about starting Year 7 at QEH

Thursday 18.06.2026 Thu 18.06.2026

What our boys say about starting Year 7 at QEH

George and Jonty look back on their first experiences of Year 7 at QEH, from PGL and house events to choir, rugby, lessons, and making new friends.

Starting a new school can feel like a big step, so we asked two of our current Year 7 boys; George and Jonty to share what it is really like joining QEH, and what they wish they had known before they started. George joined us from a local primary school and Jonty joined from QEH Junior School.

“I had mixed emotions about starting school at QEH, with the main one being excitement. I was quite sad about leaving my primary school, but as soon as I got here, I knew I would not miss it. There is so much to do, whether you are spending your break times in the library, playing ping pong, or playing tag on the 180-year-old tiled Yard” – George

“I started in September and was excited to meet new people and make the most of the opportunities that QEH was going to offer me. These included the great sports facilities at Failand, our amazing set of teachers and their interesting lessons. I have particularly enjoyed history and science; I especially like Physics.” Jonty

“I was a little bit nervous because I was going into an environment I had never experienced before, but everything was okay because we had already done lots of build-up days, and all the staff and other pupils were really welcoming.” George

“Although I already had lots of friends here, I managed to make more straight away. It was easy because all the people here are just so nice.” George

“There is something for everyone.” Jonty

The boys have thrown themselves into lots of school activities outside the classroom, they both performed in the superb school play ‘Animal Farm’ and have both participated in lots of music events. The boys described their favourite highlights of the year so far;

“In Year 7 everyone gets a chance to audition for the whole school choir, which I was selected for… performing at the Christmas Carol Service at the Cathedral was amazing.” – Jonty

“The Jingle Jam, where the choir and musicians come together for an outstanding night of music.” George

“Performing in the Year 7 to Year 9 play, Animal Farm.” George

In addition to music and drama sport and activities have been a big part of their Year 7 experience too:

“House rugby and all the House events are a wonderful time up in Failand, being pushed to our limits by our Sixth Formers.” George

“I have also been lucky enough to represent the school in the A team rugby as their hooker… we have had a very successful season, and I loved playing alongside my friends.” Jonty

And of course, they did not forget to talk about the food:

“School lunches are amazing, especially on Friday, where we either have fish and chips, a massive piece of pizza and chips or we have a chicken burger, with chips” George

One of the standout memories for both Jonty and George was the Year 7 PGL trip to Osmington Bay!

“The whole year went, and I knew it would be loads of fun… We did lots of challenging activities that pushed me out of my comfort zone, including the Big Swing (I’m terrified of heights!) and team-building challenges with my mates. Overall, PGL was a great start to my senior school years.” – Jonty

Their message to new starters is simple, get involved, try everything, and enjoy it:

“Year 7 at QEH has been sensational so far!” – Jonty

George and Jonty’s experiences capture the excitement and variety of life at QEH, from co-curricular activities to making new friends. As the year progressed, these early impressions developed into confidence and a deeper involvement in school life.

Year 7 at QEH is full of moments that shape the start of Senior School life. We look forward to seeing how this Year group continues to grow, take on new challenges, and make the most of everything QEH has to offer.

You can also hear directly from more of our Year 7 pupils in the video below, as they share some of their favourite moments and experiences of life at QEH so far. From lessons and activities to friendships and house events, it offers a wonderful glimpse into the start of their senior school journey.

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.

“Pupils are confident articulate communicators; they listen well and produce effective written work.” ISI Report, 2022

ISI Report

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.