Queen's College, London
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| Established | 1848 |
|---|---|
| Type | Independent day school |
| Principal | Frances Ramsey |
| Visitor | Richard Chartres, Bishop of London |
| Chairman of Governors | Michael Sharman |
| Founder | Frederick Denison Maurice |
| Location |
43–49 Harley Street London W1G 8BT England |
| Local authority | City of Westminster |
| DfE number | 213/6036 |
| DfE URN | 101157 Tables |
| Students | 520~ |
| Gender | Girls |
| Ages | 4–18 |
| Colours | |
| Former pupils | Old Queen's |
| Website | www |
Queen's College is an independent school for girls aged 11–18 with an adjoining prep school for girls aged 4–11 in the City of Westminster, London. Founded in 1848 by theologian and social reformer Frederick Denison Maurice, Professor of English Literature and History at King's College London, along with a committee of patrons, the College was the first institution in the world to award academic qualifications to women. In 1853, it also became the first girls' school to be granted a Royal Charter for the furtherance of women's education. Ever since, the College patron has been a British queen; the current patron is Queen Elizabeth II.
The College has a distinctly liberal ethos based upon the principles of F.D. Maurice. Through its non-competitive spirit and avoidance of excessive regulation, the College claims to produce confident and open-minded young women. Like other colleges of its type, it offers a broad curriculum and a range of extra-curricular activities.
Founded at a time when educational opportunities were restricted for women in Britain, Queen's College became a pioneer in the field of women's education and emancipation. It also led the way in the study of music for women under William Sterndale Bennett and John Pyke Hullah who were among the founding directors. At the time, the establishment of the College was met with criticism in the press and the founder F. D. Maurice was forced to defend the intention of teaching mathematics to women against claims of its 'dangerous' consequences.
In 1845 David Laing, chaplain of the Middlesex Hospital raised the money with a committee of patrons to acquire the building at 47 Harley Street with the intention of creating a home for governesses who were between jobs. Laing was keen to develop the institution to provide governesses with an education and certification. In 1847 he acquired the agreement of professors from King's College London to give lectures in the Home. Queen Victoria gave her assent, the promise of funds and agreed to be patron. In 1847, the first lectures took place, the Committee of Education was established under the chair of F. D. Maurice, and number 45 was purchased. In December of the same year, the first certificates were issued. Meanwhile, it was decided to extend the reach of the education on offer to women who were not governesses.
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