Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College


Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, or QE as it is commonly known, is a sixth form college on Vane Terrace in Darlington, County Durham, England. It educates nearly 2000 students from Darlington and the surrounding areas with students coming from Stockton, Richmond, Newton Aycliffe and elsewhere. It is situated near the town centre, next to Stanhope Park.

History

It was established in 1970 on the site of the old Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, designed by George Gordon Hoskins. The original educational establishment was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth I, hence the name. Much of the building was refurbished following a fire in 1987 and on 17 April 1991, the Duchess of Kent opened the library. In 2004 a large extension was completed, the Trinity building, including a new sports hall, art department and atrium study area, increasing the capacity of students. In 2012 another extension was completed with the Stanhope building, designed to house creative arts and media, as well as a refurbishment of the library with more computer and study areas.

Admissions

Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College is one of the most highly rated colleges in England and has almost 2000 students, mostly aged 16–18. It offers around 40 full-time AS and A level courses, some vocational courses and GCSEs, as well as several part-time evening classes. For most students the college requires that applicants have at least 6 GCSEs at grades A* to C to begin A level courses.

Student Association

The college operates a student body, known as the Student Association. Yearly presidential elections are held, in which candidates campaign for the votes of their fellow students. The SA President for 2017/2018 is Isobel Joyce and the Vice President is Tom Weston.

Extra-curricular activities

QE boasts many student societies including sports clubs, React, a social action group, and one of the few sixth form level Labour Party groups in the country.

Academic performance

A level results for 2011 had over 99% pass rate and over 60% A*-B grades.

Alumni