Queen Mary's Grammar School Review 2026: One of England's Oldest State Schools

Every July, the youngest member of Year 7 and the senior school prefect travel together to Westminster Abbey to lay a wreath on the tomb of Queen Mary I, honouring the school's founder. This 470-year-old tradition, beginning in 1554, anchors one of England's most historic grammar schools to its origins. Today, Queen Mary's Grammar School serves as a beacon of academic excellence within the state sector, combining rigorous scholarship with a genuine commitment to community and wellbeing that sets it apart from many selective peers.

Located a mile from Walsall town centre in the West Midlands, this boys' grammar school educates around 810 students in Years 7 to 11, with a coeducational sixth form of over 400. The 2023 Ofsted inspection awarded Outstanding in all areas, with inspectors praising exceptional academic achievement alongside exemplary behaviour and a highly ambitious, inclusive curriculum. At GCSE, the school ranks 235th (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 5% in England. At A-level, it ranks 452nd in England (FindMySchool data), reflecting solid performance among top-tier academic institutions. For families seeking selective, free, high-performing education, this school delivers consistently.

The approach to Queen Mary's reveals a campus that has evolved thoughtfully across half a millennium. The original 1960s buildings (when the school relocated to its current Mayfield site) now stand alongside modern extensions: a striking new sixth form and community learning centre, upgraded science block with dedicated biology laboratories, dedicated music facility, and purpose-built student welfare hub. The school buildings project ambition without ostentation, reflecting the institution's philosophy that academic rigour should coexist with genuine care.

The ethos is often summarised by the Latin Quas dederis solas semper habebis opes — essentially, that generosity is the lasting ‘wealth’ — and the review frames this as feeding a culture of service. The school has gained national recognition for the Change Your Mind programme, a student-led mental health initiative where sixth formers design and deliver wellbeing workshops to younger students and local primary schools. This is not performative pastoral care; it reflects genuine institutional commitment to emotional development alongside academic progress.

Leadership under Headmaster Richard Langton (appointed 2018) has been marked by thoughtful modernisation. The school doubled in size between 2011 and 2022, growing from 718 to 1,305 students, requiring significant infrastructure investment and cultural adaptation. Langton, who previously served as deputy head at this school and spent eleven years leading at Lawrence Sheriff School in Warwickshire, has navigated this growth without compromising the school's character. Parents and inspectors consistently remark on a culture of courtesy, with older pupils mentoring younger ones, contributing to exceptionally low levels of behaviour problems.

The four pillars of school life, academic purpose, international outlook, generosity in approach, and enterprising spirit, are manifested through a formal house system that creates smaller communities within the larger organisation. Students wear a traditional uniform, which many experience as clarifying rather than restrictive.

GCSE Performance

In 2024, Queen Mary's delivered strong results that reflect the school's selective intake and rigorous teaching. The average Attainment 8 score of 74.3 sits well above the England average of 51 (FindMySchool data), indicating that pupils achieve notably above the typical student in England. At GCSE, 43% of grades awarded were 9 or 8 (the highest levels), and 65% of entries achieved grades 9, 8, or 7. The school ranks 235th out of 4,593 secondary schools in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 5% and 2nd in Walsall locally among state secondaries.

The Progress 8 score of +0.6 is meaningfully above the England average of 0 (a positive figure indicates pupils made above-average progress from their starting points). This metric matters particularly in grammar schools; it confirms that the school is adding educational value beyond what might be expected from a selective intake. In plain terms, able pupils enter QMGS already academically strong, and the school helps them progress further than they would have at an average secondary.

The English Baccalaureate measure shows 71% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above in English, maths, sciences, languages, and humanities. This broad curriculum strength signals that the school is not narrowing to exam-focused corridors but instead deepening knowledge across disciplines.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form has grown substantially since 2012, when it housed fewer than 150 students. Today, over 400 sixth formers (both male and female, who join at Year 12) study across 26 A-level subjects. In 2024, 12% achieved A* grades and 29% achieved A grades, meaning 66% of grades were A* to B. This sits comfortably above the England average of 24% at A* and A combined.

The school ranks 452nd in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool data), sitting in the top 25% (top 25% of schools in England) and 1st in Walsall among state sixth forms. The breadth of subject offering, including Classical Greek, Russian, and History of Art alongside sciences and mathematics, allows students to pursue unusual specialisms that broaden their university competitiveness.

The curriculum is ambitious and traditional, with a strong commitment to academic rigour reflected in the Ofsted finding that "leaders have designed a highly ambitious programme of study" combining "academic rigour with a very strong commitment to diversity and inclusion." Languages are central to school identity; the school's 2007 designation as a specialist Language College catalysed investment in language facilities and a culture of linguistic excellence that persists. Beyond languages, the school has secured two Mandarin Excellence Programme places, reflecting the widening multilingual focus.

Teaching is consistently strong. The Ofsted team noted that "teachers check closely what pupils have learned before moving on in lessons. They pick up quickly on any misconceptions." This feedback-driven, responsive approach means lessons move at pace without leaving students behind. Subject expertise is high; the inspection highlighted that "teachers, including those at the early stages of their careers, are highly knowledgeable in their subjects."

The curriculum reflects careful breadth. Beyond core subjects, pupils study humanities, languages, and the arts. Food technology is taught in a state-of-the-art facility, and creative subjects are supported by expanded art and design technology workshops. Science sits in modernised laboratories with dedicated equipment for separate sciences (biology, chemistry, physics taught as distinct subjects rather than combined). The school's investment in information technology means computing is strongly positioned, with regularly updated IT suites.

The majority of leavers progress to higher education. In 2024, 62% of sixth form leavers entered university (according to DfE leaver destination data), 14% entered employment, 7% began apprenticeships, and 2% progressed to further education. This broadly typical profile reflects the school's mixed catchment; whilst many students go to Russell Group institutions, others choose alternatives aligned with their specific goals.

In the measurement period, 5 students secured Oxbridge places (4 to Oxford, 1 to Cambridge). The school ranks 218th in England for Oxbridge outcomes (FindMySchool data), indicating moderate strength in competitive university admissions. Medicine is notably popular; in recent years, the school has sent regularly 12 to 18 students to medical schools annually, with students securing places at prestigious institutions.

Cricket features prominently in destinations; the school is recognised as a top-100 cricket school by the Cricketer magazine, and several leavers progress to university cricket programmes or club cricket at national level. Beyond sports, the school's international trips and enrichment culture encourage wide university selection across Russell Group and other selective institutions.

Queen Mary's is a selective state school requiring entrance via the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ examination, administered by GL Assessment. The test comprises two papers of approximately 50-60 minutes each, assessing English comprehension, verbal reasoning, mathematics, and non-verbal/spatial reasoning. Scores are age-standardised to prevent younger candidates from being disadvantaged relative to slightly older peers.

Historically, approximately 1,400 boys apply for 180 places (roughly 8 applicants per place). With girls joining at sixth form, the secondary intake remains boys-only, maintaining a single-sex environment for Years 7 to 11. The school operates no formal catchment area; applicants from across the West Midlands and beyond may apply through the coordinated admissions process. There is no charge for admission.

Sixth form entry is academic: candidates require a minimum score of 54 points across their GCSEs and at least a grade 7 in their intended A-level subjects. The sixth form has grown markedly as the school's reputation has strengthened, now attracting academically strong students from over 100 different schools across the West Midlands.

The school maintains a waiting list for Year 7 places through to the end of the first term; unsuccessful candidates who performed well may secure places if spaces emerge through withdrawals.

Wellbeing is a genuine institutional priority, not a tokenistic addition to the prospectus. The Change Your Mind programme, conceived at QMGS and now in England recognized, exemplifies this. Sixth form students design and deliver workshops on mental health and wellbeing to younger students and local primary schools, embedding peer support and student agency into the pastoral framework.

The school operates a dedicated welfare hub where students can access counselling and support. Around 50 pupils receive learning support, including 4 with EHCPs (Education Health and Care Plans), whilst another 50 are monitored at "alert" level (they may have a diagnosis but currently face no barriers to learning). The inspection confirmed that "pupils with SEND receive high-quality support in lessons and through the welfare hub."

Behaviour is exemplary. Inspectors found "behaviour of pupils is exemplary around school. Pupils show a high degree of respect for each other." A restorative approach to behaviour management, combined with a mentoring culture where older pupils support younger ones, keeps serious incidents rare. Parents consistently note that the school "runs a tight ship" with "high expectations of also an excellent attitude."

All pupils reported feeling safe. The school's safeguarding procedures are rigorous; leaders are "assiduous at identifying pupils at risk" and "do whatever it takes to secure the help these pupils need as quickly as possible," according to the inspection.

Enrichment is exceptional and genuinely transformative. This is the longest and most important section because extracurricular opportunity distinguishes QMGS from many peers.

Music: Central to School Life

Music flourishes. The school operates a dedicated music facility with practice rooms, and the programme encompasses individual instrumental tuition, ensemble work, and performance opportunities. The chapel choir performs regularly, often at formal events and occasionally on external visits. Students form jazz ensembles and orchestras; the scale of musical provision means that whether a student wishes to pursue music seriously or enjoy it casually, pathways exist. The school has invested substantially in music leadership and facilities, recognising that instrumental learning develops discipline, confidence, and cultural sophistication.

Combined Cadet Force: Dual Military Tradition

The CCF is a major pillar of school life, with both Army and RAF sections. Students progress through ranks and undertake annual camps at Farchynys, the school's field centre in North Wales. CCF activities include field craft, expedition planning, leadership training, and adventure activities. The Farchynys centre itself hosts visits from across the year groups; Year 9 pupils visit Harlech Castle, explore local slate mines, and visit the Centre for Alternative Technology, whilst older students undertake more challenging expeditions. The CCF-led Battlefields trip to Belgium and France enables Year 9 pupils to visit Ypres, the Menin Gate, and World War I memorial sites, connecting the school's own historical legacy (a plaque at Saint George's Memorial Church in Ypres honours old pupils who died in the Salient) to broader historical understanding.

Project Horizon: Near-Space Exploration

Unique to QMGS is Project Horizon, the school's near-space programme launched in 2012. Students design and build a payload (cameras, tracking hardware, and scientific instruments) that is lifted by a high-altitude helium balloon into the stratosphere. Data is collected and analyzed; missions run annually and represent genuine engineering, physics, and project management. No other school in Walsall offers this calibre of STEM enrichment, and it attracts science-minded pupils who crave hands-on innovation.

Drama and Theatre

Drama is thriving, with students producing major theatre productions throughout the year. Ofsted noted "enrichment opportunities for pupils are exceptional," and drama features prominently. Theatre trips are routine in English lessons, exposing pupils to professional performance and enhancing literary understanding. The school's drama block provides rehearsal and performance space, allowing multiple productions to run simultaneously.

Sports: Cricket, Rugby, Hockey, and Beyond

The school maintains a formidable sports programme. Cricket is a particular strength; the school is ranked among the top 100 cricket schools in England by the Cricketer magazine, and the coaching and facilities reflect this. Rugby and hockey are the other primary sports, with teams competing regularly against "the best schools also in the Midlands" and regularly winning county cups. The school has invested in a modern sports hall, gym, fitness suite, and updated changing facilities. Swimming facilities support water-based activities. Individual and team sports are encouraged; competitive fixtures run throughout the year, and participation is broad rather than elitist.

Debating and Public Speaking

Debating features in the enrichment calendar, with students developing rhetorical and argumentative skills. Public speaking is embedded in the culture, and the school participates in external competitions.

Academic Enrichment: STEM and Languages

Beyond extracurricular societies, the school runs STEM Olympiad competitions, preparing students for national competitions in mathematics, biology, and physics. Arkwright Engineering scholarships are regularly secured by students pursuing design and technology. A partnership with Morgan Motors (the sports car manufacturer based locally in Malvern) includes a design-thinking initiative where students engage with real engineering problems.

The Mandarin Excellence Programme brings specialist language instruction, reflecting the school's ambition to develop fluency in Mandarin Chinese, increasingly relevant for students considering international careers.

The Sixth Form Experience

For sixth formers, enrichment broadens into mentoring younger pupils, leadership roles within the house system, and preparation for competitive university applications. The Change Your Mind workshops are designed and delivered primarily by sixth formers, providing genuine responsibility and service-learning opportunity.

Named Clubs and Societies

The enrichment calendar includes chess, coding clubs, cricket, hockey, rugby, drama, music ensembles, combined cadet force (Army and RAF sections), Project Horizon, debating, public speaking, and STEM Olympiad preparation. The scale and depth of provision mean that students develop resilience, confidence, and hidden talents through sustained engagement with activities they genuinely choose.

School hours run from 8:50am to 3:20pm for main school students. The school operates no wraparound childcare (breakfast club, after-school provision), which distinguishes it from some state secondaries and may be relevant for working families. Lunch is provided on-site.

Transport links are reasonable. The school is situated approximately one mile from Walsall town centre and is accessible by local bus routes. Parking exists on-site and on surrounding streets; the Walsall Council car parks on Upper and Lower Rushall Street are within walking distance (approximately 0.7 miles). Families living further afield within the West Midlands can access the school via public transport; many students travel from Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and outlying areas.

The school is part of the Mercian Trust, a multi-academy trust established in 2018. This structure provides governance independence whilst maintaining alignment with broader educational standards. The trust includes other Walsall schools, enabling some cross-site initiatives and specialist provision sharing.

Entrance intensity. With 1,400 applicants for 180 places, competition is fierce. Many families engage tutoring despite the school and testing body emphasising that the test is designed to be low-coaching-sensitive. Parents should be realistic about odds; even tutored children may not achieve the qualifying score. The emotional impact of rejection after 18+ months of preparation should not be underestimated.

Boys-only to age 16. The school remains single-sex for Years 7 to 11. Girls join at sixth form. For families seeking coeducation throughout secondary, this is a consideration.

No catchment, wide travel. Whilst the lack of a formal catchment is inclusive, it means students travel widely, sometimes from considerable distances. Travel time for distant families can be 45 minutes to an hour each way, which is manageable but worth factoring into daily logistics.

Grammar culture. This is a selective grammar school with a traditional ethos. Boys arrive as the highest-achieving pupils from their primary schools; the peer group is academically homogeneous. This suits some brilliantly and others less well. Some feel liberated by peers who take learning seriously; others find the competitive tone exhausting.

Queen Mary's Grammar School offers outstanding education within the state system, combining academic excellence, genuine pastoral care, and exceptional enrichment. For families seeking selective, free, high-performing secondary education in the West Midlands, this school is a compelling choice. The 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed outstanding practice across all areas; the school's GCSE and A-level results place it among England's strongest state schools; and the breadth of enrichment, from Project Horizon to the Change Your Mind programme, distinguishes it from many peers.

The main barrier is entry. With approximately 8 applicants per place, admission is highly competitive. For those who secure a place, however, the education is exceptional and genuinely transformative.