Ages 
Parents told us they chose the school because it offers ‘more opportunities beyond the classroom’ and is felt to be ‘more caring’ than other grammars – and they haven’t been disappointed. Pupils – a delightful bunch – speak of a ‘real sense of community’ and teachers ‘going well beyond the call of duty’. They are regularly pushed out of their comfort zones, including travelling far and wide, grateful for the opportunities to constantly stretch themselves and find hidden talents.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,384 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 483 ·
- Religion
- None
- Local authority
- Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council
Headteacher
Headmaster
Richard Langton
Since 2018, Richard Langton, previously deputy head and head of school at QMGS, and before that, at Lawrence Sheriff School for 11 years, where he was head of geography and head of year. State educated, he decided on a teaching career ‘because of my
Entrance
Historically, around 1,400 have applied for one of the 180 year 7 places, although applicants now sit the Midlands Grammar School Test, a consortium entrance exam for all local grammars. Pupils come from over 100 primary schools, with those on pupil
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- Sixth form: November; Whole school open evening: June
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
Around a quarter leave after GCSEs for more vocational programmes. Most sixth form leavers to university, and most of those to Russell Group universities. Local Midlands destinations (Aston, Birmingham and Warwick) are front runners. Three to
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2024, 65 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 39 per cent A*/A at A level (65 per cent A*-B). In 2023, 69 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 35 per cent A*/A at A level (64 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Parents talk of a ‘expectation to do your best’ but with ‘less pressure than at other local grammars’. No shortage of support, whether in class (we noticed teachers going round to pupils individually in several lessons) or via clinics, mentoring and
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
- VRQ
Learning support & SEN
Provision has gone through the roof since our last visit. Around 50 pupils now receive learning support, four of them with EHCPs, while another 50 are at ‘monitoring’ level, ie they might have a diagnosis but currently no barriers to learning. Not a
Arts & extracurricular
Enrichment a real boon, and the clincher for many families. ‘Other grammars just didn’t have the more rounded outlook.’ Includes theatre trips in English, STEM Olympiad competitions, regular Arkwright scholarships, DT initiative with Morgan Motors,
Sport
A Cricketer top-100 school (magazine proudly displayed on head’s desk), with rugby and hockey the other main sports. Regular fixtures against ‘the best schools in the Midlands’, with school regularly winning county cups and reaching the odd national
Ethos & heritage
School’s doubling in numbers has required massive investment in the infrastructure, with the original 1960s block now joined by extension to hall/canteen, extended sixth form centre, more art/DT workshops, new student welfare hub, music centre,
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘They run a tight ship,’ say parents, with ‘high expectations of an excellent attitude’. A culture of courtesy and older pupils mentoring younger ones also felt to help keep behaviour problems low-level and infrequent, with a restorative approach to
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Mobile phones and handheld devices can cause an unnecessary distraction during the working day and are often to be considered intrusive when used in the company of others. For this reason, devices should not be used unless directed by a member of staff whilst on the school site. Devices will be confiscated from pupils and returned at the end of the school day if they are used without the permission of a member of staff. Repeated failure to follow the school’s policy on mobile phones and other BYODs will result in the normal school sanctions being used. Further details can be found the school’s policy on E-safety.
Pupils & parents
Pupils come from as far afield as Birmingham and Derby. We found them polite and talkative, with a maturity beyond their years. It’s clear they feel a strong sense of belonging, which also emanates from the staff. QMGS is the only school in the trust
The last word
Parents told us they chose the school because it offers ‘more opportunities beyond the classroom’ and is felt to be ‘more caring’ than other grammars – and they haven’t been disappointed. Pupils – a delightful bunch – speak of a ‘real sense of
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
