I started at QM in the 3rd year and going from a Lancashire day school to a Yorkshire boarding school was a bit of a culture shock! However, the transition was made far easier, by living with a hilarious group of sixty girls of my age, by the support of the housemistresses (who dealt with problems ranging from lost underwear to homesickness) and by the amount of activities available. The first few weeks flew by. Our time was filled up with sport matches, junior plays, music lessons, normal lessons, break time toast and of course, dorm hopping.
Five years later, and I’m as busy as ever, playing senior sport, performing in senior plays such as ‘A Christmas Carol’ (and still going to lessons!). Now, as sixth formers, we also have added distractions like shopping in York, the famous QM Battle of the Bands and, on Saturday nights, the draw of ‘Cellars’, the Sixth form bar.
With the mixture of old and new buildings and facilities, Escrick Park is a pretty cool place to live and the beautiful grounds even make going for runs around the ‘Cinders’ track bearable. The Common Room is the centre of each year group and is the place to have a laugh with your friends, make toast and watch our beloved Neighbours: all things that are high up on QM girls’ priorities.
However Escrick and boarding aren’t for everyone so come and have a look round and decide for yourself. If you do come here, you will have years ahead of you living with your best friends for 36 weeks each year. As I enter Upper Sixth, I must admit that when I think that new girls have so much time at QM ahead of them, I am a tad jealous.
Jenny Hobbiss
Head Girl