Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School
School summary
A selective Church of England grammar school for boys in Salisbury, Bishop Wordsworth's combines a strong academic record with a distinct religious character. The school holds an Ofsted rating of Outstanding across every category, including quality of education, behaviour, personal development, leadership and the sixth form. With 1,188 pupils against a capacity of 1,200, it is a large school running close to full, which speaks to its standing locally. Entry is competitive, and the consistently high results suggest a setting that suits academically motivated boys who will thrive in a stretching environment.
How hard is it to get in?
Highly competitive · 4 of 5 on the Passmate scale. Applications far outnumber the 160 Year 7 places each September, so exam performance matters more here than at most selective schools.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
Attainment 8
73.1
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
97%
National average 47%
Inspection reports
- Ofsted overall
- Outstanding
- Quality of education
- Outstanding
- Behaviour & attitudes
- Outstanding
- Last inspected
- 15 November 2022
Teaching & academics
Results sit well above national norms: an Attainment 8 score of 73.1 compares with a national average of 46.9, and 97% of pupils achieve grade 5 or above in English and Maths against a national figure of 47%. Ofsted judged the quality of education and the sixth form both Outstanding. The pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 21.3 is on the larger side, though the outcomes indicate this is managed effectively.
School life & ethos
- Religious character
- Church of England
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 0.93%
- EHC plans
- 0.34%
- English as additional language
- 8.7%
- Free school meals
- 4.1%
Schools nearby
South Wilts Grammar School
Salisbury, South West
Bournemouth School for Girls
Bournemouth, South West
Bournemouth School
Bournemouth, South West
Poole Grammar School
Poole, South West
Parkstone Grammar School
Poole, South West
Kendrick School
Reading, South East
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Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
An Outstanding-rated boys' grammar with results among the strongest you will find. Families confident in tackling a competitive 11+ should look closely.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School 11+: frequently asked questions
Passmate rating: benchmarked against every selective school in England using official admissions data. It measures demand for places, not school quality. Updated July 2026.
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.