FAQ's
Our teachers provide an environment in which inspiration, enthusiasm, creativity and genuine scholarship all thrive. Our boys develop lifelong passions for academic work and they have a great deal of fun along the way.
We aim for the widest possible social access – admitting boys regardless of social, cultural, religious and financial background.
Each of our boys is an individual and we treat him as such. The well-being of each member of our community is promoted and supported by strong pastoral care. Tutor groups are small - no more than 12 pupils - to enable strong bonds to develop between tutor and tutees.
Our boys are encouraged to take responsibility for their own work and for the support, leadership and guidance they might provide for others – to develop independence of mind and spirit.
We want our boys to make the most of the tremendous opportunities we give them – within every boy there is a spark which we aim to ignite. The choice here is unrivalled – in clubs and societies, through drama, music and sports, on camps and treks, and as community volunteers.
Yes. Every year we hold a series of whole school open events, for both our Senior and Junior Schools.
Our doors are also open for personal tours during normal school days. To arrange a tour, please contact our Admissions Team:
admissions@mgs.org
We look forward to welcoming you to MGS soon.
We are a regional school and, as such, we provide wide transport links.
Please see the Transport page on our website for comprehensive details
We have a vast array of clubs, societies, after-school activities, trips and visits - far more than you would normally expect to find in a school.
Pleasae contact our Admissions Office for more information:
admissions@mgs.org
No. MGS is a day school only - there is no boarding.
Application and Assessment
- Junior School at ages 7, 8, 9 or 10 (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6)
- Senior School, normally at age 11 (Year 7)
- Senior School at age 12, 13 and 14 (Late Entry to Year 7, entry to Year 8, 9 and 10)
- Sixth Form at age 16+ (Year 12)
The main application window for September 2024 entry to the Junior School, Year 7 and Sixth Form has now passed, however, if you are still interested in applying, please contact the Admissions Manager to check availability of places.
For September 2025 entry, the application process will open in mid-July. The deadline for Junior School and for Year 7 applications is Monday 18 November. The deadline for Year 12 bursary applications is Friday 7 March and for Year 12 fee-paying applications, we strongly advise applying by Friday 14 March to ensure the availability of space on assessment days and subject choices.
For all Late Entry enquiries please contact the Admissions Department:
admissions@mgs.org
To discuss any individual Late Entry requirements, please contact our Admissions Manager Kath Heathcote:
k.t.heathcote@mgs.org
Sixth Form entry is determined by an Assessment Day, tailored to the particular subjects candidates are interested in pursuing. Once an application is made, we will be in touch with a date for assessment. Conditional offers are made to successful applicants.
It is best if your son arrives with an open mind, ready to respond to new ideas and challenges.
He will participate in a busy day of activities that will demonstrate his potential in different areas.
His ability to manipulate numbers, work with texts, think creatively, solve puzzles and interact in a group situation, are all part of the assessment process. The day is designed to bring out the best in your son.
Yes, but please read the advice below.
We realise that sitting any entrance examination is a daunting task for a child, and MGS papers are designed to challenge the mind of any child (and parent) attempting them. However, please note that if your son is scoring 50% and over, he is well on the way to reaching the MGS entrance criteria. The exercise simply gives us a great deal of insight into how boys respond to a range of questions under pressure.
We suggest that the first set of papers is completed as a joint enterprise by you with your son. This first set may appear difficult as the style of questions is unique to MGS. However, our experience suggests that the second set, which we recommend is completed by your son first, will appear easier and much more interesting. The third set should be carried out by your son on his own and in the set time; this should start to be a reasonable target, and perhaps even fun! The fourth and fifth sets can then be used as out-and-out practice, focusing on time management and accuracy.? Note that answers are provided to help beleaguered parents!
A boy who reads, enjoys puzzles, and does these past papers is well placed for the examination. It is our experience that a boy who needs intensive coaching over and above this is unlikely to be happy here, even if he is successful.
Sample papers are not available for Junior School entry as there is no formal examination for this stage of entry. The Assessment Day will allow us to focus on how your son responds to the style and pace of teaching characteristic to MGS.
We do not have a formal quota for entry to the Senior School, and so we can adjust our provision accordingly.
The important question is whether or not a boy will flourish. If we believe that he will thrive here, we shall offer a place.
You are welcome to apply for our means-tested bursary scheme if you apply before the bursary deadline date. This is applicable to those applying for a place in Year 7 and for Sixth Form.
For further information about Fees, please visit the Fees page on our website
If you are applying for funding, please indicate so on the form in the applicable box.