Queen Mary’s Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 180
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Queen Mary’s Grammar School
Queen Mary’s Grammar School (QMGS) is a selective boys’ grammar school located in Walsall, West Midlands. Founded in 1554, it combines a rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach to education. As part of the Mercian Trust, the school is renowned for its academic excellence, strong leadership opportunities, and supportive community.
The curriculum at QMGS is broad, challenging, and designed to inspire curiosity, independence, and resilience. Alongside core subjects such as English, maths, and science, pupils study humanities, languages, and the arts. The school also offers a wide range of enrichment activities, including music, drama, debating, sport, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, helping students develop both academically and personally.
QMGS continues to invest in its facilities, with modern science labs, upgraded IT suites, and dedicated Sixth Form spaces. These resources support high-quality teaching and help prepare students for life beyond school. Queen Mary’s Grammar School is one of the most sought-after selective schools in the West Midlands, receiving a large number of applications each year for 180 Year 7 places. Admission is determined by performance in the West Midlands Grammar Schools Consortium 11 Plus exam.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Queen Mary’s Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Queen Mary’s Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Queen Mary’s Grammar School
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Queen Mary’s Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Queen Mary’s Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Queen Mary’s Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Queen Mary’s Grammar School Information
This is important information on where to find the school, how to best contact the admission team, and the key information of the school.
School Address
Full Address:
Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Sutton RoadWalsall
West Midlands
WS1 2PG
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is parking in the school, and on the streets around the school.
Additional parking off site
- Car park on Upper Rushall St, WS1 1QJ, which is 0.7 miles away from the school.
- Car park on Lower Rushall St, WS1 2AE, which is 0.7 miles away from the school.
Queen Mary’s Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Outstanding in every area, with pupils achieving exceptional academic results in a caring, ambitious, and inclusive school community.
Academic strength: The curriculum is rigorous and well planned. Teaching is highly effective, helping all pupils, including those with SEND, reach their full potential.
Teaching and curriculum: Behaviour is exceptional. Pupils are respectful, motivated, and proud of their school.
Behaviour and culture: Enrichment opportunities are outstanding, with sport, music, trips, and leadership roles promoting confidence and equality.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is inspiring and forward-looking. Staff wellbeing is valued, and safeguarding is strong and effective.
Queen Mary’s Grammar School Exam Format
Admission to Year 7 at Queen Mary’s Grammar School is determined by performance in the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11 Plus exam, administered by GL Assessment and used across all consortium schools.
Queen Mary’s Grammar School Exam Format: Overview
The entrance test includes two multiple-choice papers, each lasting around 50 to 60 minutes. Answers are recorded on separate sheets, and scores are age-standardised for fairness. The papers assess English Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics and Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning and results are weighted as follows: 50% English/Verbal Reasoning, 25% Non-Verbal Reasoning, and 25% Mathematics.
Paper One
A multiple-choice exam that assesses all four key areas – English comprehension, verbal reasoning, mathematics, and non-verbal or spatial reasoning.
Paper Two
A multiple-choice exam that assesses all four key areas – English comprehension, verbal reasoning, mathematics, and non-verbal or spatial reasoning.
West Midlands 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Queen Mary’s Grammar School does not use a pass mark for determination of places awarded. Instead exams are ordered by merit and places are given to those who have scored highest in the entry exam. There is a minimum qualifying score for the purpose of allowing “Pupil Premium”” and Looked After Children” entry to the school.
Catchment Area
Queen Mary’s Grammar School does not operate a defined catchment area, meaning applications are welcomed from pupils across a wide geographical region
Additional Eligibility
If more candidates reach the qualifying score than there are available places, the school applies the following oversubscription criteria:
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Looked-after or previously looked-after children who meet the qualifying score
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Children eligible for Pupil Premium who meet the qualifying score
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Other applicants who meet the qualifying score, ranked by score until all places are filled
Click here to view the full Queen Mary’s Grammar School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Queen Mary’s Grammar School
Preparation for the 11 Plus exam should focus on accuracy, speed and confidence across four subject areas. Here are some effective strategies:
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Queen Mary’s Grammar School. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
Queen Mary’s Grammar School Key Dates and Application Information
A summary of the key dates for the application and examination to enter Queen Mary’s Grammar School. Links are provided for additional information and for application.
Registration Opens
Deadline for Access Arrangements
Registration Closes
Entrance Test Dates
Results Released
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Queen Mary’s Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Queen Mary’s Grammar School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Queen Mary’s Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
You must register through the West Midlands Grammar Schools portal. Registration opens on Tuesday 6th May 2025 and closes at 4:00pm on Friday 27th June 2025. Requests for access arrangements must be submitted by 4:00pm on Friday 13th June 2025.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Queen Mary’s Grammar School listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed – failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
Queen Mary’s Grammar School FAQs
To apply for Year 7, you must register your child for the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11 Plus exam and submit the local authority’s secondary school application form before the deadline.
The 11 Plus exam, provided by GL Assessment, includes two multiple-choice papers lasting around 50–60 minutes. It tests English comprehension, verbal reasoning, maths, and non-verbal or spatial reasoning skills.
Entry is highly competitive, with far more applicants than available places each year. Offers are made in rank order of standardised 11 Plus scores, according to the school’s admissions criteria.
No. Queen Mary’s Grammar School does not have a set catchment area and welcomes applications from a wide geographical area, with places allocated based on entrance exam performance.