Queen Margaret’s School for Girls: Nurturing self-belief and fulfilling potential

When Paula Bejarano first arrived at Queen Margaret’s School for Girls as a short-stay student, she figured she’d stay no longer than a year. What she did not expect was to find a home away from home in the form of an independent day and boarding school for girls aged 10-18 in York, UK.

“I found more than I expected,” says Bejarano. “A complete education, friendships from around the world, and the fortune of having teachers who are always waiting to help and support you.”

Bejarano took the leap from Juárez, Mexico, to a 75-acre parkland in the Yorkshire countryside. It was a huge transition to make, but it’s one she never had to face alone. At QM, 35% of students are from overseas, representing 14 nationalities.

As a natural go-getter, Bejarano was heavily involved in school activities. The ballet dancer starred as the leading role in the school’s dance adaptation of Peter Pan and was named the Dance Prefect in 2023. She completed the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at the Gold level – the most challenging – and was invited to Buckingham Palace in recognition. She was the Omnikin Squad captain, a sport where students keep a 33” to 72” inch ball from hitting the floor.

Bejarano was merely one of 200 girls thriving under QM’s roof. Here, individuals learn that fulfilling your potential begins with self-belief.

Paula and Simon Hill. Source: Queen Margaret’s School for Girls

The 2023 recipient of the Small Independent School of the Year award, QM is an institution where every girl is heard, inspired, and empowered to strive for their individual passions; where they’re guided by dedicated teachers to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. Through small classes, extensive extracurriculars, and a nurturing horizontal boarding system where girls board by year group – students are bound to reach their full potential in a place that’s equal in opportunity, and free of stereotypes.

“The daily interaction with the teachers and housemistresses helps guide you in the process of what to study,” Bejarano says. “My teachers saw that I was creative and helped me to choose what could be my strength for the future.” It’s through that lens that Bejarano developed her creative passion for photography and architecture. Through QM, she met pro-photographer Simon Hill, President of the Royal Photographic Society, who she considers her mentor and the person who pushed her to be courageous.

Just like that – every student is encouraged to discover their passion as independent learners. They spend their day-to-day broadening their perspectives through a wide range of enrichment opportunities, and even take initiative to start their own. Bejarano founded QM’s running club while she was a GCSE student as a way for girls from all years to reduce stress, and even went as far as designing t-shirts, medals, and prizes. She grew her confidence, took liberty to suggest yearly book donations to the library, and propose an annual 5k fundraising run.

All this growth takes place in a safe learning environment, a campus situated close to the city of York. QM allows plenty of room for girls to flourish in their journey, with purpose-built facilities like The Chapman Theatre, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, and The Wenlock Library. In cosy boarding houses grouped by year, with Sixth Formers living in their own cottages, friendship bonds are formed alongside the care of excellent pastoral staff.

“I am an only child, so my friends became part of my life and the sisters I didn’t have,” says Bejarano. “I learned so much from each of them, and hope they learned something from me too.”

Indoor swimming pool at QM. Source: Queen Margaret’s School for Girls

Today, Bejarano is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Photography and Creative Industries at the University of the Arts London – ranked second in the world for Art and Design by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025. Then, she’ll head on to pursue architecture with a focus on urbanisation for her master’s degree, having developed an interest in her literature classes at QM on how societies and cities develop.

Prestigious university destinations beyond graduation aren’t new to QM’s graduates. From the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, the Royal College of Music, and the London School of Economics, QM’s graduates join these top-ranking institutions with little doubt in their own capabilities.

After all, the strong results the girls achieve year after year is proof of their skill and determination. In 2024, 66% of A Level students achieved an A* or A grade in their exams, while 89% of them obtained an A*-B grade. 54% of all GCSEs awarded at the school in 2024 were A*-A, with results in STEM subjects like Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science performing particularly well.

It’s no wonder they make waves even after graduating from QM’s halls. Bejarano’s latest achievement is being named the youngest to have a photograph exhibited at the Mexican Embassy in London, and she’s currently working on a series that documents the wonders of the Rarámuri women, an indigenous group from northern Mexico. She’s moving on to big things – but she’ll never forget her identity as an Old Margaretian.

Check out the Queen Margaret’s School for Girls, where many girls find their second home.

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