Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School
Salisbury, Wiltshire · SP1 2ED
Bishop Wordsworth's is a well-established Church of England grammar school founded in 1890, educating around 1,200 boys (Years 7–13) and girls (Sixth Form only) in Salisbury. The school emphasises academic excellence within a values-driven Christian framework, with a motto centred on growing together, searching for truth, and living in love. It maintains strong ties to Salisbury Cathedral and the local community, positioning itself as a centre of educational excellence at the heart of the market town.
- →Selective grammar entry with proven track record of academic rigour and university progression
- →Strong extracurricular offer including DofE, overseas expeditions (Italy, Belgium, Wales), and competitive sport
- →Church of England ethos providing pastoral care and character development within a values-based framework
- →Central Salisbury location with accessible transport and established feeder network from primary schools
Who thrives here
Academically able boys seeking rigorous grammar-school education in a traditional, values-driven setting; pupils who engage with Christian ethos and appreciate a structured pastoral system; students keen on expedition, sport, and breadth of co-curricular activities.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Exeter Street
Salisbury, Wiltshire
SP1 2ED
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Cliff Richard
British pop legend and entertainer
Richard Dimbleby
Broadcaster and journalist
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
How much does Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School cost?
Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School is a state grammar school, so there are no tuition fees — places are free and allocated by the 11-plus exam and the school’s admissions criteria.
How do you get into Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School?
Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School's exam results?
At Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School, 32.8% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 66.2% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School a boarding school?
Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School is a day school in Salisbury and does not offer boarding.
What is Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School “Outstanding” (2022).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Strong academic outcomes and rigorous curriculum suited to able pupils
✓Excellent pastoral care and wellbeing support; staff approachability and Christian values
✓Outstanding co-curricular breadth: expeditions, DofE, sport, music, drama all well-resourced
✓Effective transition support for Year 7 joiners; positive peer culture and house system
✓Good value for money as state selective grammar; engaged parent community via BWSPA
Common concerns
!Not yet inspected by Ofsted; limited independent validation of quality (though HMC membership provides assurance)
!Limited online presence of recent exam data or detailed destinations information relative to comparable schools
!Sixth Form girls-only intake may limit social integration in lower years; pastoral considerations for gender transition at Y12
!Dependence on selective intake means limited support for pupils who plateau academically mid-school; grammar model not suited to all learners