SchoolScoresBishop Wordsworth's CofE Grammar School
Grammar school · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Boys only · Church of England · Sixth form
Part of BISHOP WORDSWORTH'S CHURCH OF ENGLAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Exeter Street, Salisbury, SP1 2ED
01722 333851 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Outstanding at the inspection that started on 15 November 2022.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Personal development | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form | Outstanding |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
157 pupils in this year group.
97% — 52 points above the Wiltshire average, and 51 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Wiltshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 97% | 45% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 73.1 | 46.2 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 6.8 | 4.0 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
155 pupils in this year group.
99% — 5 points above the Wiltshire average, and 7 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Wiltshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 99% | 94% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 84% | 43% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 10% | 6% | 13% |
| Further education college | 3% | 38% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 0% | 3% | 3% |
| Work | 1% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 99% | 99% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
196 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Wiltshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B+ | B- | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 49% | 26% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 81% | 54% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 43.6 | 35.4 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
23 subjects, 610 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 100 | 27% | 64% | 40% |
| Chemistry | 83 | 17% | 53% | 30% |
| Biology | 68 | 12% | 37% | 27% |
| Psychology | 46 | 24% | 52% | 19% |
| Physics | 43 | 28% | 56% | 31% |
| History | 36 | 11% | 47% | 23% |
| Economics | 33 | 15% | 45% | 26% |
| Geography | 30 | 3% | 33% | 23% |
| Government and Politics | 21 | 14% | 43% | 26% |
| Religious Studies | 20 | 10% | 45% | 22% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 19 | 37% | 74% | 59% |
| English Literature | 18 | 17% | 39% | 23% |
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 18 | 0% | 28% | 17% |
| Business Studies:Single | 16 | 13% | 31% | 16% |
| French | 13 | 0% | 15% | 38% |
| Classical Civilisation | 12 | 8% | 33% | 23% |
| German | 9 | 22% | 44% | 42% |
| Spanish | 9 | 11% | 44% | 34% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Geology, Art and Design (Graphics), Art and Design, Music, Art and Design (Photography).
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
192 students in this year group.
84% — 2 points above the Wiltshire average, and 5 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Wiltshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 84% | 82% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 1% | 7% | 7% |
| Work | 22% | 38% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 84% | 84% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
164 students in this year group.
85% — 26 points above the Wiltshire average, and 25 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Wiltshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 85% | 59% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 60% | 23% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 89% | 85% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Wiltshire. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were about 1.5 first-choice applications for every place.
| Places offered | 157 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 213 |
| Of those, offered a place | 157 (74%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 249 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.4 · 2025: 1.4 · 2026: 1.4
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
This is a Church of England school. When it has more applicants than places it can give priority to families of the faith, for example those who can show regular worship. Check the school's admissions policy to see how places are allocated.
This is a grammar school: places depend on passing an entrance test (the 11 plus), usually taken in September of Year 6.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Wiltshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 6th highest of 8 state secondary schools in Salisbury (Wiltshire). Higher than 2% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 5.2% | 18.7%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 8th highest of 8 state secondary schools in Salisbury (Wiltshire). Higher than 2% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 0.3% | 4.4%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 8th highest of 8 state secondary schools in Salisbury (Wiltshire). Higher than 0% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 0.9% | 12.7%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 5th highest of 8 state secondary schools in Salisbury (Wiltshire). Higher than 39% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 8.7% | 7.5%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 2nd lowest of 7 state secondary schools in Salisbury (Wiltshire). Lower than 96% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 4.7% | 8.7%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 2nd lowest of 7 state secondary schools in Salisbury (Wiltshire). Lower than 89% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 13.9% | 21.9%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 2nd lowest of 8 state secondary schools in Salisbury (Wiltshire). Lower than 98% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 0.6 | 21.0 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 3rd lowest of 8 state secondary schools in Salisbury (Wiltshire). Lower than 97% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 0.6% | 6.8% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded0 pupils | 0.00% | 0.01% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 2nd highest of 8 state secondary schools in Salisbury (Wiltshire). Higher than 93% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 19.9 | 17.2 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 2nd highest of 8 state secondary schools in Salisbury (Wiltshire). Higher than 98% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 16.1 | 12.3 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 6th highest of 8 state secondary schools in Salisbury (Wiltshire). Higher than 13% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 7.3% | 12.9%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
Nearby secondary schools
- Salisbury Cathedral School 0.1 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Salisbury Sixth Form College 0.4 miles · Ofsted: Not yet inspected · C average A level grade
- Chafyn-Godolphin 0.5 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 35% A*/A at A level
- Leehurst Swan School 0.8 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- Brunel College 1.0 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- South Wilts Grammar School 1.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2019), improved significantly 2025 · 99% grade 5+ English and maths
- Wyvern St Edmund's Academy 1.4 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 40% grade 5+ English and maths
- St Joseph's Catholic School 1.5 miles · Ofsted: Requires improvement (2024) · 39% grade 5+ English and maths
- Sarum Academy 2.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2017), confirmed 2023 · 24% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Bishop Wordsworth's CofE Grammar School's Ofsted rating?
Bishop Wordsworth's CofE Grammar School was rated Outstanding by Ofsted at its inspection in 15 November 2022.
How did Bishop Wordsworth's CofE Grammar School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 97% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 51 points above the England average of 45%.
Is Bishop Wordsworth's CofE Grammar School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 213 families put Bishop Wordsworth's CofE Grammar School as their first choice for 157 places: about 1.5 first-choice applications for every place. 157 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 136500.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.