Queen Mary's Grammar School 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Queen Mary's Grammar School.

How to get into Queen Mary's Grammar School

Queen Mary's Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Walsall. To get into Queen Mary's Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Queen Mary's Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.

School Background

Queen Mary's Grammar School offers 180 places for boys at Year 7 entry [1]. The school admits only boys to Years 7 to 11, but accepts both boys and girls in Year 12 [1]. Located in Walsall, West Midlands, the school is part of the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ system.

The school has no defined catchment area and welcomes applications from families living both within and beyond the Borough of Walsall [1]. There is no charge or cost related to admission [1].

Admission Requirements

Boys born between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2025. Admission is based on results from the school's entrance test [1].

The test provider for 2025 entry is GL Assessment [1]. The school uses the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ examination system, which is shared across 19 grammar schools throughout Birmingham, Shropshire, Walsall, Warwickshire, and Wolverhampton.

  • Children must achieve the qualifying score in the entrance examination
  • No specific academic prerequisites beyond the entrance test
  • No residential requirements - families from any location may apply
  • Free admission with no application fees

Application Process

For September 2026 entry, families must complete two separate application processes. Registration for the entrance test opens in early May 2025 and closes at 4pm on Friday 27th June 2025, with the test taking place on Saturday 13th September 2025 [1].

Families receive test scores in October 2025, before completing their Local Authority preference form by 31st October 2025 [1]. Places are allocated by Local Authorities on 1st March 2026 [1].

  • Step 1: Register for the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ test through the official portal
  • Step 2: Children are allocated a test centre closest to their home address
  • Step 3: Complete the Local Authority Common Application Form listing preferred schools
  • Step 4: Submit special arrangements requests during test registration if needed
  • Step 5: Receive test results before making final school preferences

Entrance Examination

The test comprises two papers assessing Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning, with each paper lasting approximately 50 minutes [1]. School administration extends each test to one hour, with candidates receiving a short break between papers [1].

The examination uses multiple-choice questions with electronic marking. Test weightings are 50% for English/verbal reasoning, 25% for non-verbal reasoning, and 25% for mathematics. Results use age-weighted standardisation around a median score of 200 [1].

  • All questions are multiple-choice format
  • Separate answer sheets provided for electronic marking
  • Age standardisation ensures younger children are not disadvantaged
  • No creative writing component in the examination

Oversubscription Criteria

When more qualified boys apply than places available, the school applies specific criteria in priority order. Priority is given first to Looked After or previously Looked After Children, then up to 54 boys who receive Pupil Premium (in order of test score, with priority for those attending primary schools in the Walsall Children's Services Directory), followed by other boys who achieve the qualifying score in rank order of their score [1].

  • First priority: Looked After or previously Looked After children who achieve the qualifying score
  • Second priority: Up to 54 boys receiving Pupil Premium who achieve the qualifying score
  • Third priority: All other boys achieving the qualifying score, ranked by test performance
  • Pupil Premium applicants from Walsall state primary schools receive additional priority

Preparation Guidance

Effective preparation should begin at least 12-18 months before the test date. Families should establish regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11 years. The school recommends building knowledge gradually using a consistent approach.

Children who consistently score 80%+ in practice tests historically perform well in the entrance examination. The school partners with Atom Learning to provide free online preparation for Pupil Premium eligible children, including practice questions, learning resources, mock tests and practice papers [1].

  • Focus on verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and numerical reasoning skills
  • Practice with multiple-choice format questions and separate answer sheets
  • Access practice papers from multiple sources
  • Consider professional tutoring for additional support
  • Ensure familiarity with timed examination conditions

Important Dates and Deadlines

For September 2026 entry, key dates follow a structured timeline. Test registration opens in early May and closes in late June, with examinations in early September and results in October.

  • May 2025: Test registration portal opens
  • 27th June 2025: Test registration closes at 4pm
  • 13th September 2025: Entrance examination date
  • October 2025: Test results released
  • 31st October 2025: Local Authority application deadline
  • 1st March 2026: School places allocated

Special Educational Needs Support

Families may apply for special arrangements if their son has special educational needs or disabilities, by indicating this during the online application and completing the Consortium's special arrangements request form [1].

  • Request special arrangements during test registration
  • Complete additional documentation provided by the consortium
  • Arrangements must be approved by school governors
  • Early application recommended for complex requirements

Partnership Schools and Result Sharing

The West Midlands Grammar Schools Partnership allows result sharing between member schools, meaning children can apply to grammar schools across Birmingham, Shropshire, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Warwickshire with one test [1].

Families must tick the relevant box on the test application form to consent to sharing results with multiple schools [1]. Any request to share results after the registration closing date will not be considered until after school offers are made [1].

Practical Advice for Families

Successful applications require careful planning and realistic expectations. Families should prepare backup school options and understand that achieving the qualifying score does not guarantee admission when the school is oversubscribed.

On examination day, children should arrive early and bring required identification. Regular practice with timed conditions helps reduce anxiety. Families should maintain realistic expectations while celebrating their child's efforts regardless of outcomes.

  • Research alternative secondary schools in the Walsall area
  • Practice examination techniques including time management
  • Maintain a positive approach throughout the preparation period
  • Contact the school information section for specific queries
  • Consider the school's academic culture and whether it suits the child's learning style

[1]Queen Mary's Grammar School official website

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Information

In order to get into Queen Mary's Grammar School, children need to pass the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Subjects & Structure

The West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

  • English comprehension
  • Maths
  • Verbal reasoning
  • Non-verbal reasoning

The West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test is the examination used by Queen Mary's Grammar School to assess prospective students. This rigorous assessment consists of two papers, each lasting one hour. The papers are further divided into smaller sections, each with its own allocated time, focusing on various aspects of a student's academic abilities.

The exam covers a range of subjects, including English comprehension, which tests a student's understanding and interpretation of written passages. Mathematical skills are also evaluated, assessing a student's proficiency in numerical reasoning and problem-solving. Additionally, the exam includes sections on verbal and non-verbal reasoning, which measure a student's ability to analyze and interpret information presented in different formats.

Throughout the examination, students are required to select their answers from multiple-choice options and record them on separate answer sheets. These answer sheets are then electronically marked to ensure accuracy and fairness in the assessment process. The West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test is designed to identify students with the academic potential to thrive in the challenging educational environment provided by Queen Mary's Grammar School.

Other Schools using West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+

As well as Queen Mary's Grammar School, several other schools also use West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+. These are:

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Queen Mary's Grammar School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.

Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.

Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.
Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.

Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.

It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Pass Mark

The pass mark for the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).

Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.
Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.

Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Queen Mary's Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Queen Mary's Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Queen Mary's Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.

DateEventCalendar Link
06/05/2025Registration Opens For The West Midlands Grammar Schools' Entrance Test
13/06/2025Reasonable Adjustments Deadline
27/06/2025Test Registration Closes
13/09/2025West Midlands Grammar Schools’ Entrance Test
Mid OctoberParents Receive Test Results
Late OctoberSecondary School Applications Close At 5pm
02/03/2026Secondary School National Offers Day

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Queen Mary's Grammar School as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Queen Mary's Grammar School

As the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.

Why use a private 11+ tutor?

Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the GL Assessment 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.

11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.

11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!
11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!

11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.

Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!

Private 11+ Tutors for the Queen Mary's Grammar School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Queen Mary's Grammar School 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.

11+ Past Papers for Queen Mary's Grammar School

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Queen Mary's Grammar School. Please note that this may include 11+ past papers, past familiarisation booklets, past practice materials published by third parties and past 11+ exam guides written by the school. These materials are provided 'as-is' and may no longer reflect the subjects, format, structure or exam board that Queen Mary's Grammar School currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that Queen Mary's Grammar School chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.

As well as these past 11+ papers, you may find our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers helpful for your child's preparation.

Exam BoardSubject11+ Past Paper
CEM*
Now use GL Assessment
Mixed

11+ Practice Papers for Queen Mary's Grammar School

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Ensure you double-check with Queen Mary's Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.

11+ Practice Papers for Queen Mary's Grammar School by Bond

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ to get into Queen Mary's Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Queen Mary's Grammar School by GL Assessment

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into Queen Mary's Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Queen Mary's Grammar School by Exam Ninja

These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish

11+ Practice Papers for Queen Mary's Grammar School by Owl Tutors

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into Queen Mary's Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentWriting
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Queen Mary's Grammar School by CGP

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into Queen Mary's Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Queen Mary's Grammar School ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Queen Mary's Grammar School by 11+ For You

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Queen Mary's Grammar School by Independent Junction

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Queen Mary's Grammar School by IPS

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

11+ Practice Papers for Queen Mary's Grammar School by Schofield & Sims

These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

School Information

Below you will find further information about Queen Mary's Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Queen Mary's Grammar School is a boys-only grammar school.
Queen Mary's Grammar School is a boys-only grammar school.
Address
Queen Mary's Grammar School,
Sutton Road,
Walsall,
West Midlands
WS1 2PG
School Website
Telephone01922720696
Email Addressadmissions@qmgs.merciantrust.org.uk
GenderBoys only
Total Year 7 Places180
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1312 (134 Girls / 1178 Boys)
Headmaster Mr Richard Langton

Queen Mary's Grammar School is a boys only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 1,312 pupils attend Queen Mary's Grammar School and it's led by the Headmaster, Mr Richard Langton.

Queen Mary's Grammar School Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

Queen Mary's Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 28/03/2023 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 22/05/2023, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Queen Mary's Grammar School obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.
Queen Mary's Grammar School obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
28/03/2023122/05/2023OutstandingFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

Queen Mary's Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 28 March 2023 and received an Outstanding rating in all areas. The school demonstrated exceptional quality of education, with students consistently achieving high academic standards. The behaviour and attitudes of pupils were also deemed outstanding, creating a positive learning environment throughout the school.

The school's personal development provision was highly commended, offering a wide range of opportunities for students to grow and develop beyond the classroom. Leadership and management were found to be outstanding, with a clear vision and effective strategies in place to drive continuous improvement.

The sixth form provision at Queen Mary's Grammar School was also rated as outstanding, preparing students exceptionally well for their future education and careers. Overall, the school has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality education and support for its students.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Queen Mary's Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (148 pupils)
  • English Literature (148 pupils)
  • Mathematics (148 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (147 pupils)
  • Biology (141 pupils)
  • Chemistry (140 pupils)
  • Physics (140 pupils)
  • Geography (83 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (68 pupils)
  • Spanish (53 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (48 pupils)
  • Chinese (47 pupils)
  • History (44 pupils)
  • French (35 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (25 pupils)
  • Art & Design (9 pupils)
  • Music (7 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (7 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (6 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (170 pupils)
  • Chemistry (136 pupils)
  • Biology (123 pupils)
  • Physics (74 pupils)
  • Economics (37 pupils)
  • History (30 pupils)
  • Psychology (28 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (26 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Product Design) (24 pupils)
  • Geography (22 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (17 pupils)
  • English Literature (14 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (11 pupils)
  • Logic / Philosophy (10 pupils)
  • English Language and Literature (9 pupils)
  • Chinese (6 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Queen Mary's Grammar School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
U123456789
Art & Design9------4122
Biology141-----625303545
Business Studies:Single68---12814151513
Chemistry140----1824273248
Chinese471--1-21121911
Computer Studies/Computing48-11--41110138
Design & Technology25-----23578
English Language148---251553352117
English Literature1481--12933464016
French351---295954
Geography83----3810232316
History44---323261315
Mathematics148---11716335436
Music7-----2--23
Physics140-----621263651
Religious Studies147-1-342731372420
Spanish531--364111378
Physical Education/Sports Studies6------33--
Science: Double Award71---------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Biology123-21423451819
Business Studies:Single11---5411
Chemistry136-71625353219
Computer Studies / Computing17--22335
Design and Technology (Product Design)24---51351
Economics37--198171
English Language and Literature9-1-323-
English Literature14---284-
Geography22--14953
History30---71283
Logic / Philosophy10---622-
Mathematics170-62031354727
Mathematics (Further)26--34387
Physics74-8131717126
Psychology28--181432
Chinese6-------

FAQ

Is Queen Mary's Grammar School hard to get into?

Yes, Queen Mary's Grammar School is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.

Is Queen Mary's Grammar School a private school?

No, Queen Mary's Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is Queen Mary's Grammar School free?

Yes, Queen Mary's Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Queen Mary's Grammar School won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into Queen Mary's Grammar School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Queen Mary's Grammar School for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.

Is Queen Mary's Grammar School a boys-only school?

Yes, Queen Mary's Grammar School is a boys-only school.

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