Queen Mary's Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Name: Queen Mary's Grammar School (QMGS)
• Location: Sutton Road, Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 2PG
• Type: Selective boys' grammar school with academy status
• Founded: 1554 by Mary Tudor
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Pupils: Approximately 1,384 students (483 in sixth form)
• Headteacher: Mr Richard Langton
• Motto: "Quas dederis solas semper habebis opes"

About Queen Mary's Grammar School

Queen Mary's Grammar School represents one of England's most historically significant educational institutions, with nearly five centuries of academic excellence since its founding by Mary Tudor in 1554. Located in Walsall's heart, this selective boys' grammar school has evolved into a modern academy whilst preserving its distinguished heritage and traditional values.

The school's unique approach centres on balancing rigorous academic standards with comprehensive student wellbeing. QMGS pioneered the innovative "Change Your Mind" programme, demonstrating its commitment to mental health awareness and peer support systems. This holistic approach ensures students develop both intellectual capabilities and emotional resilience essential for future success.

With approximately 1,384 pupils, including a substantial sixth form of 483 students, QMGS maintains an intimate yet dynamic learning environment. The school's motto reflects its foundational philosophy of nurturing generous, thoughtful young men who contribute meaningfully to their communities. This ethos permeates every aspect of school life, from academic pursuits to extracurricular activities.

The school's reputation extends beyond academic achievement, with national recognition for educational innovation and student welfare initiatives. QMGS consistently attracts families seeking an institution that combines traditional grammar school rigour with progressive approaches to modern education challenges.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Queen Mary's Grammar School employs a comprehensive 11+ assessment designed to identify academically gifted boys who will thrive in its challenging environment. The examination typically encompasses four core areas:

• Mathematics: Advanced arithmetic, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning beyond standard Year 6 curriculum
• English: Complex reading comprehension, advanced vocabulary, and sophisticated writing skills
• Verbal Reasoning: Logical thinking through language-based challenges and analytical questions
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and abstract thinking through visual puzzles

The assessment process is designed to evaluate potential rather than simply rehearsed knowledge. QMGS seeks candidates who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, analytical thinking, and the capacity to excel in an academically demanding environment. The school values boys who show promise across multiple disciplines whilst displaying the character traits that align with its community ethos.

Preparation typically requires sustained effort over 12-18 months, with candidates benefiting from exposure to challenging material beyond standard primary school curricula. The school particularly values candidates who demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for learning rather than purely mechanical test preparation.

How to Apply

The application process for Queen Mary's Grammar School follows a structured timeline beginning in early summer for September entry the following year:

Application Timeline

• Early Summer: Registration opens on the school's official website
• Autumn Term: Entrance examination typically held in September/October
• Late Autumn: Results notification and offer letters distributed
• Winter Term: Acceptance deadline and place confirmation

Required Steps

1. Online Registration: Complete the detailed application form via the school website
2. Documentation: Submit required academic records and supporting information
3. Entrance Examination: Attend the scheduled assessment day
4. Interview Process: Selected candidates may be invited for additional assessment
5. Offer Response: Confirm acceptance within specified timeframe

Families should monitor the school website regularly for specific dates and detailed requirements, as these may vary annually. Early preparation and timely submission are essential for successful application.

Preparing for the Queen Mary's Grammar School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Queen Mary's Grammar School 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.