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

Key Information Summary

• School: Queen Mary's High School
• Location: Upper Forster Street, Walsall, West Midlands WS4 2AE
• Type: Selective grammar school for girls (ages 11-18)
• Capacity: Approximately 937 students
• Entry Requirements: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test
• Registration Period: May to June annually
• Test Dates: Mid-September
• Contact: qmarys@qmhs.merciantrust.org.uk

About Queen Mary's High School

Queen Mary's High School has been nurturing academic excellence in young women for over 125 years, establishing itself as one of the West Midlands' premier selective grammar schools. Located in the heart of Walsall, this girls-only institution serves approximately 937 students aged 11-18, consistently delivering exceptional GCSE and A-level results that place it amongst the top-performing schools nationally.

As part of the Mercian Trust, Queen Mary's operates with a distinctive ethos that balances rigorous academic standards with comprehensive personal development. The school's most recent Ofsted inspection rated it "Outstanding" across all areas, particularly commending the quality of education, student behaviour, personal development opportunities, and leadership excellence.

The school's commitment extends beyond traditional academics, offering an extensive co-curricular programme that includes competitive sports, performing arts, STEM clubs, and leadership opportunities. This holistic approach ensures that students develop not only intellectual capabilities but also the confidence, creativity, and character traits valued by top universities and future employers.

Academic Excellence and University Preparation

Queen Mary's maintains consistently impressive academic outcomes, with the vast majority of students progressing to Russell Group universities. The school's sixth form provision is particularly strong, offering a comprehensive range of A-level subjects alongside university preparation programmes that include UCAS support, interview coaching, and subject-specific extension activities.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Entry to Queen Mary's High School is determined through the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test, a standardised assessment that evaluates students' academic potential across three core areas. The examination is designed to identify girls who will thrive in the school's academically rigorous environment.

Test Components and Weighting

• English and Verbal Reasoning (50%): Assesses reading comprehension, vocabulary, language manipulation, and logical reasoning through verbal content
• Mathematics (25%): Evaluates numerical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 students
• Non-Verbal Reasoning (25%): Tests spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and logical thinking through visual puzzles and diagrams

All scores are age-standardised to ensure fairness across candidates born in different months of the academic year. The school sets a qualifying threshold based on overall performance, and successful candidates must achieve this standard across all three components.

Oversubscription Criteria

When applications exceed the approximately 150 Year 7 places available, Queen Mary's applies specific oversubscription criteria. Priority is given to Looked After Children and those eligible for Pupil Premium, reflecting the school's commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds who demonstrate academic potential.

How to Apply

Key Dates for 2024-2025 Entry

• Registration Opens: 7th May 2024
• Registration Deadline: 28th June 2024
• Entrance Test Dates: 14th-16th September 2024
• Results Released: 18th October 2024
• Secondary School Application Deadline: 31st October 2024
• National Offer Day: 3rd March 2025

Application Process

The application process begins with online registration through the West Midlands Grammar Schools consortium during the specified registration window. Parents must register their daughter for the entrance test before proceeding with their local authority secondary school application.

Queen Mary's operates without geographical catchment restrictions, welcoming applications from girls across the region who meet the academic qualifying standards. This approach ensures that entrance is based purely on academic merit rather than postcode proximity.

Preparation Recommendations

Whilst Queen Mary's assesses students on their natural academic ability, effective preparation can help candidates perform to their full potential. The school recommends familiarising students with the test format through practice papers and developing strong foundations in core literacy and numeracy skills throughout primary education.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's comprehensive 11+ preparation programme has supported numerous families in securing places at Queen Mary's High School and other leading grammar schools across the West Midlands. Our approach combines academic excellence with detailed understanding of each school's specific requirements and assessment styles.

Tailored Preparation Strategy

Our experienced tutors work closely with each student to develop personalised preparation plans that address individual strengths and areas for development. We provide intensive practice across all three test components, ensuring students are thoroughly prepared for English and verbal reasoning, mathematics, and non-verbal reasoning challenges.

Comprehensive Support Programme

• Diagnostic Assessment: Initial evaluation to identify learning priorities and create targeted preparation plans
• Subject-Specific Tuition: Expert guidance in English, mathematics, and reasoning skills with Queen Mary's entrance requirements in mind
• Mock Examinations: Regular practice tests under exam conditions to build confidence and identify areas requiring additional focus
• Application Guidance: Support with registration processes, timeline management, and understanding oversubscription criteria
• Interview Preparation: Should circumstances require, coaching for any additional assessment components

Track Record of Success

Taylor Tuition has consistently helped students gain entry to Queen Mary's High School, with our tutors' deep understanding of the West Midlands grammar school landscape proving invaluable to families navigating the competitive admissions process. Our personalised approach ensures each student receives the specific preparation they need to demonstrate their academic potential effectively.

For families considering Queen Mary's High School, Taylor Tuition provides the expert guidance and comprehensive preparation necessary to maximise your daughter's chances of securing a place at this exceptional institution. Contact us to discuss how our tailored 11+ preparation programme can support your family's educational aspirations.