OUTSIDE of the box thinking prepares students not only for school, but for life, at Queen’s College.

Headteacher, Dr Lorraine Earps, challenges traditional methods of thinking and encourages pupils to use what they learn in all aspects of living.

Somerset County Gazette:

Dr Lorraine Earps. 

Dr Earps, who has been at the school for five years, said: “One of my favourite parts of the job is seeing young people do themselves justice and doing their best.

“They throw themselves into life at the school, into drama productions, music and sport. Seeing them on results day is fantastic.

“The students like that they are treated as individuals here, we are like a family and they have good relationships with all the teachers.

“The grounds at Queen’s are stunning – we are blessed with a beautiful building, but it’s the people here that make it great.”

One key practice Dr Earps has introduced to the school is developing metacognition – changing the way students think.

“It won’t be what you know, but what you do with what you know,” she added.

“We want them to be well-prepared for the future. And that’s across all areas including sport, the arts and academics.

“When students leave us they can think for themselves and have the self-awareness to cope with life.”

Somerset County Gazette:

FAMILY FEEL: A range of students through the year groups. 

Mark Edwards, chairman of governors, is a former student of the school who wanted to give something back.

“I loved my time there, so my children were always going to go there, too,” He said.

“It all goes back to the time I had here. The building puts it on the map, but it’s about having the right people to make sure the children are happy and fulfilled.

Jenny Brierley, head of English, says the children she teaches are caring, thoughtful and funny.

She said: “It’s important to encourage every young person to work out their own ideas, and to find ways of expressing them.

“Life skills are championed at all levels, watching them have those ‘eureka’ moments. They have such determination.”

The next school year will see Queen's celebrate its 175th birthday, while the 40th anniversary of co-education at Queen's will be marked with a day of celebrations on April 28.