Wolverhampton Grammar School was founded in 1512 by Sir Stephen Jenyns – a Wolverhampton man who achieved success as a wool merchant, became a member of The Merchant Taylors’ Company, then Lord Mayor of London. He decided to benefit his hometown by founding a school ‘for the instruction of youth in good manners and learning’. The school retains close links with the Company.
Wolverhampton Grammar School is an all-through independent, selective day school for boys and girls aged 4–18 from a wide catchment area throughout the West Midlands, Staffordshire and Shropshire. It is ranked in the top 10 independent schools for academic performance in the West Midlands by the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2024.
The School’s vision is to deliver ‘an education that transforms lives as well as minds’. A personalised curriculum provides an education and learning experience that is unique. Students achieve excellent GCSE and A Level exam results alongside an experience that includes the largest range of extracurricular activities of any school in the area.
In its last ISI inspection, WGS was judged to be ‘Excellent’ in all areas. The report can be read on the ISI website: www.isi.net.
Buildings. The stunning 25-acre site includes a purpose-built Sixth Form Centre and Learning Hub, a Design Studio with CAD/CAM modelling suite and workshop and the £3.8 million Arts and Drama Centre. A Sports Centre and floodlit all-weather AstroTurf pitches offer some of the best sporting facilities in the area, with a Sports Pavilion providing panoramic views of the playing fields. Chemistry, Physics and Biology laboratories have been refurbished to the highest modern standards. Technology is integrated seamlessly into lessons using iPads as an effective educational tool. All pupils from Year 3 upwards have their own iPad which allows them to access specialist apps and bespoke textbooks. The learning experience is enhanced further through virtual and augmented reality.
Admission. The School accepts applications to the Junior, Senior and Sixth Form (Reception to Year 13) throughout the year, although new students usually join in September. The School’s own Year 7 entrance tests are held in the preceding January. Offers for the Sixth Form are made subject to GCSE results and interview. Applicants are advised to apply early and before the end of the Autumn term.
Fees per term (2023-2024). Reception: £3,300; Years 1 & 2: £3,300; Years 3 to 6: £4,000; Senior School and Sixth Form: £5,200.
Entrance scholarships. The Jenyns Scholarship is a means-tested award for Year 7 applicants living in a Wolverhampton (WV) postcode. It may be offered as one full fee-paying place or shared between multiple students as a proportion of fees. As a guideline, family household income should not exceed £60,000. A Year 7 Music Scholarship worth up to 25% fee remission is awarded annually to a candidate working towards Grade 5 in their chosen instrument. The successful candidate must also pass the School's Entrance Test.
For students entering at 16+, a Music Scholarship worth up to 25% fee remission is awarded annually to a candidate working at Grade 6 standard in their chosen instrument. The successful candidate must meet the Sixth Form entry requirements and be aiming to reach Grade 8 by the end of Upper Sixth. A means-tested, OW Sports Scholarship is offered to one student playing at county, regional or national level in their chosen sport. It is equivalent to one full fee-paying place and is for applicants living in the Wolverhampton area (WV postcode). Applicants must fulfil the entry criteria for the Sixth Form and take a practical assessment with the Director of Sport.
Assistance with fees. The School offers several means-tested bursaries to children from less affluent families who can demonstrate that they will benefit from the opportunity of an education with Wolverhampton Grammar School. Contact the Admissions team to find out more.
Curriculum. The curriculum is delivered using a two-week timetable and covers a broad range of academic subjects including language choices and Computer Science. Sixth Formers have a choice of 20+ A Level subjects and Cambridge Technical qualifications as well as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Students go on to excellent universities including Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group institutions.
Games and outdoor activities. Students benefit from over 140 extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, trips, international expeditions and sport tours. Sport has a long tradition at the school and students compete at city, regional and national level. The 25-acre site includes rugby, cricket, hockey and football pitches, netball courts, an all-weather Astroturf and athletics track as well as a fully equipped sports centre with dance studio, multi-gym and indoor courts for badminton, squash and nets. A ‘sport for all’ attitude exists in games and PE, where the staff endeavour to match the student to a sport or activity in which they can succeed. There is a commitment to the highest standards of skill and sportsmanship but the emphasis is also placed on enjoyment. The School participates in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme and there are opportunities to undertake field trips and foreign exchanges. The School also has Fives Courts as well as a purpose-built climbing wall.
Dyslexia. The School’s OpAL (Opportunities through Assisted Learning) department is designed to allow bright children with Specific Learning Difficulties (Dyslexia) to enjoy the challenge of a first-rate academic education. OpAL students achieve notable success at GCSE and A Level; grades are consistently above the national average. Students also have access to additional 1-2-1 and small group teaching around core curriculum subjects.
Arts and other activities. Purpose-built facilities for art, music and drama provide the best venues possible for exhibitions and school productions. The professional art gallery known as the Viner Gallery is used by students and commercial artists alike, whilst the contemporary Hutton Theatre is home to exceptional performances by students from across the School. A thriving music department is at the heart of the campus and students take part in the many music groups and ensembles before and after school. An active student Charity Fundraising Committee ensure that all students are involved in working for the good of others.
Pastoral Care. The School’s first priority is the happiness of its students. Overseen by an Assistant Head with responsibility for Pastoral Care, WGS has a dedicated, expert pastoral team, a school counsellor, Wellbeing department and Sixth Form mentors. An important forum is the Student Parliament which consists of elected representatives from all year groups who are encouraged to suggest improvements to school life.
Charitable status. Wolverhampton Grammar School Limited is a Registered Charity, number 1125268.
Governors & Staff:
Chair of the Board of Directors: Mr James Sage
Head of Wolverhampton Grammar School: Mr Nic Anderson
Head of Wolverhampton Grammar Junior School: Mr Dan Peters
Finance Director: Mrs Shona Hemmings
Deputy Head: Mr Toby Hughes
Assistant Head (Teaching & Learning): Mr Alex Yarnley
Assistant Head (Academic Administration): Mr Jon Wood
Assistant Head (Pastoral): Miss Claudine Jones
Director of Marketing and Communications: Mrs Jenny Dredger