Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School
Salisbury, SP1 2ED · Wiltshire · Grammar school
Check the area around this school
1st of 27 secondary schools in Wiltshire we can score, 28 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 154 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.4/10 among them, against 9.3/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 98.1 · 98 | 30% | 2.95 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.55 · 86 | 25% | 2.14 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 73.5 · 98 | 10% | 0.98 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2023. In 2024/25, 96.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 73.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.55 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.5 out of 10 among them, against 9.3 out of 10 nationally.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the House Music Festival, The Choir, Bishops Singers, Orchestra, Big Band, Bishops Brass, Bishops Wind, and Senior Brass. Additional provision includes instrumental lessons, chamber groups, and musical theatre productions.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,193 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,200. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to maintain progress scores above the national baseline? What specific support is available for students aiming for high attainment in English and maths?
What Ofsted said about Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils are "proud to attend" and feel "safe and happy." Leaders maintain "extremely high expectations," resulting in "exemplary" behaviour and a strong culture of respect. The curriculum is "rigorous and ambitious," with teachers using strong subject knowledge to ensure learning is well-matched to pupils’ capabilities.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "broad" with academic subjects at the heart, ensuring "all subjects are valued as part of a balanced education."
- Teachers possess "very strong subject knowledge" and provide "precise guidance" to support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- Assessment is "rigorous," with teachers correcting errors and explaining misconceptions so pupils "do not repeat them."
- Pupils develop talents through a "myriad of extracurricular activities," including sports, music, and clubs for coding and philosophy.
- Careers education provides "impartial advice" and meets the requirements of the Baker Clause, preparing pupils well for life beyond school.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with staff trained to identify risks and leaders making "appropriate referrals to other agencies when required."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 72.3 |
| 2024/25 | 73.1 |
| 2025/26 | 73.5 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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