Open Events

Open Events

Queen Mary’s College is a high-achieving sixth form college that offers a diverse range of academic courses and activities. QMC offers an exceptional environment for advancing your education. With a lively and welcoming atmosphere and dedicated teachers and staff, it is the perfect place to pursue your studies and achieve your aspirations. Our campus boasts modern facilities and state-of-the-art resources, providing a dynamic setting for learning.

A QMC teacher discussing Art at QMC with visits on Open Evening

To truly experience what we have to offer, we invite you to join us at one of our Open Evenings. This is your opportunity to explore the full array of courses available and discover what life as a QMC student is all about. Read on for more information about what you can expect when attending one of our Open Events.

Upcoming Open Event
16th April 2026, 5-8pm
Book for QMC Open Evening

Useful Information for Open Evening…
A printed map and subject locations will be available for you to collect upon your arrival. You’ll be able to familiarise yourself with the layout of the College and plan your evening to ensure you visit all of the departments and areas of the campus that interest you.

Talks
Principal’s Talks: 5.45 pm and 6.45 pm (tbc) in QM Hall. Duration: Approximately 20 minutes.
Triple A+ Talks:
6:30 pm & 7:30 (tbc) pm in the Progression Hub, room 3018, Spectrum Building. Duration: Approximately 15 minutes. Find out about our programme of support for high achieving students, including the super-curriculum, applying to competitive pathways such as Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group universities, Higher Apprenticeships and Conservatoires.

Parking
Parking on QMC Campus is for Blue Badge holders only.

Park and Ride
We operate a park and ride service from Festival Place Car Park, Basingstoke, RG21 7BA. The current cost for parking after 5pm is £2 and the shuttle bus service is free for our Open Evening guests. Please note that if you arrive before 5pm, additional parking charges will apply.
Please park in the orange parking zone and exit the lift adjacent to Five Guys. Turn left to exit onto Festival Square and follow signs to the Bus Station where the QMC Park and Ride service will be clearly marked. View Map >> 

Buses will depart approximately every 15 minutes starting at 4:45pm (tbc) 
The last returning bus will depart from Queen Mary’s College at 8:15 PM. The waiting place for this is close to the main College exit road, near the Student Car Park.

Alternative: Pay & Display Car Parks
If you prefer not to use the park and ride, several pay and display car parks are within walking distance of the college including Southern Road Car Park, Top of Town, off New Road, RG21 3DY.

No Parking on Cliddesden Road
Please be aware that parking is not permitted on Cliddesden Road or the surrounding streets during the Open Evening. We kindly ask you to be mindful of our neighbours, their driveways, and the local community.

Accessibility
If you wish to discuss any accessibility requirements with us in advance of the evening please email us: info@qmc.ac.uk or call on 01256 417500 so that we can help to accommodate your needs. Please be aware that Open Evenings are usually busy events, so it may be helpful to plan ahead if this could make your visit more comfortable.

Refreshments
Refreshments will be available in the Spectrum Building and Café QM, 5-7:15 pm.

How to apply to study at QMC
The deadline for applications for September 2026 entry was 7th December 2025. Applications for 2027 entry will open late September 2026. We encourage you to apply in time as applications received within the deadline are prioritised. More information can be found here.

Aiming High?
Short 10-15minute talks will take place in the Progression Hub (room 3018, Spectrum Building) at 6.30 pm & 7:30 pm.
Discover all you need to know about maximising your chances of success including:

  • QMC’s Triple A+ Programme
  • Applying to selective universities including Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group.
  • QMC’s specialist programme for aspiring medics and vets.
  • The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and other extra-curricular enrichments.
  • Applying for the most sought after apprenticeships/sponsored degree programmes
  • Stretch and Challenge

Sport Facilities
Our impressive facilities are available for all students and are also open to the public. On Open Evening you will be able to look around QM Sports Centre and find out about the activities QM Leisure offers. These include gym, fitness classes, swimming, children’s activities, parties, recording studio, theatre shows, facility hire and more!

QMC is an inclusive, happy and purposeful environment to study in. On Open Evening we hope you’ll get a true sense of the positive learning environment. We look forward to seeing you.