Our History

Our History

Wolverhampton Grammar School was founded in 1512 by Sir Stephen Jenyns to provide a “good, moral education” for the children of Wolverhampton.

Although that same impulse motivates us today, children now join our School community from across Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, Shropshire and the wider West Midlands region.

Our legacy

We partner with a range of local, national and international organisations to deliver a rigorous education both within the classroom and outside the school. These associations include the prestigious Merchant Taylors’ Company where our founder was twice elected Master.

Over 500 years later, Jenyns’ school is now an award-winning, successful coeducational independent school with a national reputation and an alumni community that spans over 30 countries.

If you are interested in learning more about the history and heritage of Wolverhampton Grammar School please contact the school to arrange a tour, visit or just to chat with one of our staff or members of our alumni community. Alternatively, the school has a range of commemorative items available to help celebrate your connections and memories of school – all proceeds from the sale of these items go towards our bursary provision.

Our campus

Our Compton Road campus, located to the west of Wolverhampton spans over 25 acres, with stunning architecture offering a reminder of our School’s rich history. The large school hall, affectionately known as “Big School” by our staff and students is a well known local landmark and reminder of our long, successful heritage.

Our facilities

1512: Wolverhampton Grammar School was founded

Stephen Jenyns, Lord Mayor of London, founded Wolverhampton Grammar School.

1875: The Compton Road campus is occupied for the first time

The school is occupied for the first time on the Compton Road site.

1918: The end of the WWI

By the end of WWI, 105 pupils, former pupils, teachers and staff have fallen.

1942: Women join

Women join the staff for the first time.

1962: A visit from Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II visits Wolverhampton Grammar School to celebrate the school’s 450th anniversary.

1979: An independent school

Wolverhampton Grammar School becomes an independent school.

1981: Introduction of assisted places scheme

The assisted places scheme for students is introduced.

1984: Girls are admitted into the Sixth Form

Girls are admitted into the Sixth Form for the first time.

1992: A fully co-educational school

The school becomes fully co-educational and admits girls in Year 7.

2004: The Big 6

Ten year old students are admitted to the school and are known as Big 6.

2011: Junior School is reopened

Wolverhampton Grammar Junior School opens under the Headship of Andrew Hymer.

2012: 500th anniversary

The school celebrates its 500th anniversary.

2013: Kathy Crewe-Read is appointed

The School’s first female Head, Kathy Crewe-Read is appointed.

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1875
1918
1942
1962
1979
1981
1984
1992
2004
2011
2012
2013

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Our legacy

Our campus

1512: Wolverhampton Grammar School was founded

1875: The Compton Road campus is occupied for the first time

1918: The end of the WWI

1942: Women join

1962: A visit from Queen Elizabeth II

1979: An independent school

1981: Introduction of assisted places scheme

1984: Girls are admitted into the Sixth Form

1992: A fully co-educational school

2004: The Big 6

2011: Junior School is reopened

2012: 500th anniversary

2013: Kathy Crewe-Read is appointed