The boarding at QM is arranged horizontally. Girls begin in Red House (Year 7), a large farm house. It is a safe and homely environment for the girls to learn to live together. From there they transfer to Howard House (Year 8) in the main building, a Georgian mansion with spectacular views over Escrick Park. Whilst they have dedicated staff and space, they are able to benefit form shared social and study facilities and libraries. Girls stay in the main building (in either Scarborough House or Atholl House for Years 9 and 10), before moving to the modern Winifred Holtby House for Year 11. With its purpose-built studies and bedrooms (each accommodating four girls) arranged conveniently together, we provide an excellent environment for the girls in their 'GCSE year'. The Lower Sixth (Year 12) occupy twin study bedrooms in the Cloisters at the heart of the school. The Upper Sixth (Year 13) live in a series of cottages within the school grounds. Grouped with between four to eight friends, depending upon the size of the cottage, the girls have kitchens, living rooms and the opportunities to test out a degree of independent living before going to university.