QUEEN MARY'S GRAMMAR SCHOOL in West Midlands, Walsall

Education Centre Information: Queen Mary's Grammar School:

Establishment Type:Voluntary Aided School
Phase of Education: Secondary
Status: Closed
Local Authority: Walsall
Reason Establishment Closed: Academy Converter
Establishment Close Date: 31/05/2011
Boarders: No Boarders
Sixth Form: Has a sixth form
Urban/Rural Description: Urban > 10k - less sparse
Special Classes: No Special Classes
Religious Character: None
Total Pupils: 722
Number of boys: 682
Number of girls: 40
Admissions: Selective
Age Range: 11-18
Gender: Boys
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Background:

Founded in 1554 by Queen Mary Tudor, current buildings opened by Dean of Westminster in 1966; occupies 20-acre greenfield site a mile south of Walsall centre and takes pupils from wide area beyond the boundaries of Walsall borough (population 285,000). Facilities include indoor swimming pool, rifle range and extensive playing fields; new sports hall completed in 2004. Strong sporting traditions in rugby, hockey, cricket and cross-country. The Combined Cadet Force celebrated centenary in 2000 with visit by Duke of York; Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme; outdoor activities at school's own field centre near Dolgellau. Lively drama and choral music. Old Marians society. Clubs include chess, Scrabble, debating, wargaming, model-making and many subject-based societies. Flourishing exchange with school in Biedenkopf, Germany; French exchange and regular visits to France; frequent overseas residential trips. Specialist language college status from September 2002. Over-subscribed, with seven applications per place. DfES achievement award. Ethos: 'The school aims to achieve academic success for pupils of high academic ability and help them to develop as individuals through participation in a wide range of extra-curricular activities'.