Queen Mary’s Grammar School (QMGS): 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Located in Walsall, West Midlands, Queen Mary’s Grammar School (QMGS) is a selective grammar school for boys aged 11–18, with a co-educational Sixth Form. Renowned for its academic excellence, historical significance, and holistic approach to education, QMGS has earned a reputation as one of the top grammar schools in the UK. The school combines its historic heritage with modern facilities and a commitment to developing well-rounded students.
This article explores the history of QMGS, its current pupil demographics, state-of-the-art academic facilities, and its many accolades.
History of Queen Mary’s Grammar School
Founding and Early Years
Queen Mary’s Grammar School was established in 1554 by Queen Mary I under a royal charter, alongside its sister school, Queen Mary’s High School. It was founded with the aim of providing free grammar education to boys in the Walsall area, focusing on classical subjects such as Latin and Greek. The school’s motto, “Quas dederis solas semper habebis opes” (What you have given, you will always have as your wealth), reflects its ethos of education as a lifelong treasure.
Initially housed in modest facilities, the school moved to its current site on Sutton Road in the 19th century to accommodate a growing number of pupils. Over the centuries, QMGS has evolved into a modern academic institution while preserving its historic identity.
Key Historical Milestones
- 1554: Queen Mary I granted the school its royal charter.
- 1818: The school moved to its second site, before eventually relocating to Sutton Road.
- 1893: The school became a day school after the boarding program ended.
- 1974: The school became a voluntary aided grammar school under the Education Act.
- 2011: Queen Mary’s Grammar School converted to Academy status, giving it greater autonomy over its curriculum and funding.
- 2024: The school will celebrate its 470th anniversary, a testament to its enduring legacy.
Pupil Numbers and Admissions
Student Enrollment
Queen Mary’s Grammar School currently caters to approximately 1,200 students, including a thriving co-educational Sixth Form of around 400 students.
Co-Educational Sixth Form
While QMGS admits only boys in Years 7–11, its Sixth Form is co-educational, welcoming both male and female students for A-level studies.
Awards and Recognition
Academic Excellence
Queen Mary’s Grammar School consistently ranks among the top-performing grammar schools in the UK:
- GCSE Results: Over 90% of students achieve grades 7–9 (A*/A equivalent).
- A-level Results: A high proportion of students achieve A*/A grades, with many securing places at Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.
STEM Leadership
- The school has been recognized as a leader in STEM education, participating in initiatives such as the UK Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Challenges and British Physics Olympiad.
Eco-School Awards
- QMGS has received the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award for its commitment to sustainability and environmental education.
Sports Achievements
- Regularly competes in regional and national tournaments for rugby, cricket, and athletics.
- The school’s rugby team has earned a reputation for excellence in inter-school competitions.
Ofsted Rating
- The school has consistently been rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted for its teaching quality, leadership, and student outcomes
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
🏫 Queen Mary’s Grammar School – Contact Information
School Name: Queen Mary’s Grammar School (QMGS)
Type: Selective Grammar School for Boys (Co-ed in Sixth Form)
📍 Address:
Queen Mary’s Grammar School
Sutton Road
Walsall
West Midlands
WS1 2PG
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)1922 720696
📧 Email:
school.office@qmgs.merciantrust.org.uk
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
-
Twitter/X: @QMGS1554
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Facebook: Queen Mary’s Grammar School
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Instagram: @qmgs.walsall
📝 Exam Board: West Midlands Partnership – GL Assessment
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for Queen Mary’s Grammar School 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Queen Mary’s Grammar School is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.
To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.
How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed
1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format
ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.
✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the Queen Mary’s Grammar School entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.
2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.
4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques
Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.
📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.
5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day
Confidence is crucial for success in the Queen Mary’s Grammar School 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Queen Mary’s Grammar School Preparation?
✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.
How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers
1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.
📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.
Queen Mary’s Grammar School Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.
By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to Queen Mary’s Grammar School.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Queen Mary’s Grammar School (QMGS) Year 7 Admissions: How to Apply for Year 7
Queen Mary’s Grammar School (QMGS), located in Walsall, West Midlands, is one of the most prestigious grammar schools in the UK. Admission to Year 7 at QMGS is highly competitive and is based on performance in the 11+ entrance exam, which is part of the Consortium of Grammar Schools in Birmingham. This guide provides a detailed overview of the Year 7 admissions process at QMGS, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, and key deadlines.
Eligibility Criteria for Year 7 Admissions
Age Requirements
- Students must be aged 11 on or before 31st August of the year they start Year 7.
- For September entry, students must have been born between 1st September and 31st August of the chosen year.
Catchment Area
- While Queen Mary’s Grammar School accepts applications from students across the West Midlands and beyond, priority is given to those living within the school’s designated catchment area.
- Families can use the catchment area checker on the QMGS website or contact the admissions office to confirm eligibility.
Academic Selection
- Admission is based on a student’s performance in the 11+ entrance exam, with places offered to those who achieve the qualifying score.
- The school’s admissions policy may give additional consideration to children eligible for Pupil Premium funding, Looked-After Children (LAC), or children with special educational needs (SEN).
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Year 7 at Queen Mary’s Grammar School
Step 1: Register for the 11+ Entrance Exam
The 11+ exam, designed by GL Assessment, is a key component of the admissions process.
Who Needs to Register?
- Registration is not automatic, so all parents must register their child for the 11+ exam, regardless of their child’s current school.
Registration Process
- Visit the Consortium of Grammar Schools in Birmingham website: www.birminghamgrammarschools.org.
- Complete the online registration form.
- Submit the form before the deadline (typically in June of Year 5).
Step 2: Prepare for the 11+ Exam
The 11+ exam for QMGS tests a student’s ability in the following areas:
- Verbal Reasoning: Assesses vocabulary, logical reasoning, and language comprehension.
- English: Includes reading comprehension, grammar, and punctuation.
- Mathematics: Covers problem-solving, arithmetic, and numerical reasoning.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Tests pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and shape manipulation.
Exam Format
- Two Multiple-Choice Papers:
- Paper 1: Verbal reasoning and English.
- Paper 2: Mathematics and non-verbal reasoning.
- Time Limit: Each paper lasts approximately 45–50 minutes.
Preparation Tips
- Practice Regularly: Use GL Assessment-style practice papers to build familiarity with the exam format.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify subjects where your child needs improvement and focus on those areas.
- Take Mock Exams: Simulate the test environment by timing mock exams and reviewing results.
- Use Quality Resources: Platforms like ourselves – ExamTutor.co.uk offer practice papers with detailed video explanations for every question, helping students fully understand the concepts.
Step 3: Take the 11+ Exam
The 11+ exam is typically held in early September of Year 6.
Results Notification
- Results are sent to parents in October of every year, indicating whether their child has achieved the qualifying score for admission to QMGS.
Step 4: Submit the Secondary School Application Form (CAF)
Once you have your child’s 11+ results, the next step is to complete the Common Application Form (CAF) to list your preferred secondary schools.
Key Details
- Deadline: The CAF must be submitted by 31st October 2024.
- How to Apply:
- Apply through your local council’s admissions portal (e.g., Walsall Council if you live in Walsall).
- Include Queen Mary’s Grammar School as one of your preferences.
Tips for the CAF
- List Queen Mary’s Grammar School as your first choice if it is your preferred school.
- Ensure all details are accurate, as late or incorrect submissions can affect your child’s application.
Step 5: National Offer Day
Parents will be notified of their child’s school place on 1st March (National Offer Day). Notifications are sent via email or letter by your local council.
If Your Child Receives an Offer
- Accept the place by the deadline (usually mid-March in every year).
If Your Child Does Not Receive an Offer
- Waiting List: Your child may be placed on a waiting list if they meet the qualifying score but the school is oversubscribed.
- Appeals Process: You have the right to appeal if your child is not offered a place. Appeals are heard by an independent panel and require strong evidence to support your case.
Oversubscription Criteria
If the number of students achieving the qualifying score exceeds the available places, the following oversubscription criteria are used to allocate places:
- Looked-After or Previously Looked-After Children (LAC).
- Pupil Premium Eligibility: Students eligible for Pupil Premium funding.
- Siblings: Children with a sibling currently attending QMGS.
- Distance from the School: Places are offered based on the student’s proximity to the school, measured in a straight line.
Special Considerations
Pupil Premium Priority
- Students eligible for Pupil Premium funding receive additional priority in the admissions process.
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
- Students with SEN can receive reasonable adjustments during the 11+ exam. Parents should notify the Consortium of Grammar Schools in Birmingham of any SEN requirements during registration.
Tips for Success in the QMGS Admissions Process
- Start Early: Begin preparing for the 11+ exam at least 12 months in advance.
- Practice Regularly: Dedicate time each week to practice verbal reasoning, English, mathematics, and non-verbal reasoning.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Take full-length mock exams to build confidence and improve time management.
- Use Quality Resources: Platforms like ExamTutor.co.uk provide 11+ practice papers with video explanations, helping your child understand challenging questions.
- Attend Open Events: Visit Queen Mary’s Grammar School during open days to get a better understanding of its ethos and facilities.



