The Queen Elizabeth Academy has an illustrious history spanning over 450 years in serving the community of Atherstone and its surrounding villages in North Warwickshire.
The school was established in 1573 where it was founded as the Queen Elizabeth Grammar school. In 1962 Queen Elizabeth II visited the school to celebrate its 450th anniversary.
In 1976 the Atherstone Grammar school merged with the High school to form the Queen Elizabeth School, as a mainstream comprehensive.
In 2007 the school obtained Specialist school status as a sports college and in 2014 it converted to an academy. In doing so the school became proud members of the Academy Transformation Trust of 22 schools nationwide.
In 2016, 40 years of a split site era in the schools’ history came to an end with the delivery of a new purpose-built building. In 2022 the academy proudly hosted the Commonwealth Games torch and, as the reputation of the academy continues to grow, will take delivery of a new expansion block of classrooms to support increased pupil numbers. Over the past 10 years the academy has seen an increase of over 200 pupils on roll.
The proud motto of the academy is, “We Can and We Will”, which is our concept of the determination, ability and resilience that our community celebrates as we strive for success in all we do. However, in doing so, we find strength in humility and kindness and we recognise the struggles we must overcome to follow our chosen path.
Our four key values, displayed throughout the academy, are Endeavour, Resilience, Pride and Kindness.
- Endeavour – Our pupils learn the value of hard work in achieving their dreams and goals. To do that we have high aspirations and know that hard work is a requisite to developing our talents to the full.
- Resilience– We teach our pupils the value of never giving up and overcoming the challenges we face. Remembering we can and we will at all times. Knowing that the moment we get over the hurdles we face makes us better learners and more resolute individuals. We recognise that learning requires us to struggle at times.
- Pride– We love our academy and our community and are proud to be belong to it. We are determined to show our talents and celebrate our successes. We are committed to representing ourselves and our academy in the best light at all times.
- Kindness– We are a caring academy. We teach pupils the value of manners, politeness and of supporting those less fortunate in society. We expect our community to show care and compassion for one another and to support one another in charity. We leave the academy as young adults contributing positively to society and looking forward to a life well-lived.
Our mission and pledge to our community is deeply important to us and is entitled, ATT2030. It is a vision of excellence and hope. It is a commitment to ensuring that we meet every child where they are and never leave them there – giving them both roots and wings. That every person that works or learns in our community acts ethically, celebrates excellence and pursues the highest standards in all we do.
Our Three Goals
Everything in ATT2030 is organised around three interlinked goals that describe the kind of people – pupils and adults – that we are forming:
- Capable: equipped with the knowledge, skills, and emotional readiness to perform to a high standard, adapt to change, and contribute meaningfully.
- Competent: possessing the knowledge, habits, and judgement to get things done – well, reliably, and independently – handling setbacks and making steady progress.
- Confident: feeling safe, happy, and known – secure enough to take risks, speak up, and grow with purpose and integrity.
Our goals translate into nine aims that define success for us by 2030:
Capable
- Professional Excellence – skilled professionals delivering consistently high standards.
- Fluent Learners and Thinkers – confident, curious learners fluent in communication and technology.
- Multiple Pathways to Success – diverse routes that recognise varied talents and passions.
Competent
- Purposeful, Knowledge-Rich Learning – rigorous, meaningful learning that enriches lives.
- Unwavering Focus – purposeful use of time and energy on what matters most.
- Strength Through Challenge – resilience built by tackling challenge and learning from it.
Confident
- Valued and Empowered Individuals – everyone known, valued, and supported to be their best.
- Leading with Integrity, Celebrating Excellence – values-led leadership and cultures that recognise excellence.
- Moments That Shape Us – deliberate rites of passage and significant experiences that foster growth and self-discovery.
Our academy is a place of joy and learning. A special place where respect, care and integrity is at the heart of all we do. Somewhere where we belong and become well prepared to fly and follow our chosen path on our life journey.