Bishop Wordsworth's School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 160
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Bishop Wordworth’s School
Bishop Wordsworth’s School (BWS) is a selective Church of England grammar school for boys located in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Known for its academic excellence, sporting success and strong community values, it is one of the leading grammar schools in the South West.
The school aims to develop confident, responsible and intellectually curious young men through a broad and challenging curriculum. Alongside academic study, pupils can take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities including sport, music, drama and the Combined Cadet Force.
BWS consistently achieves outstanding exam results, with many students progressing to top universities, including Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions. The school shares its 11 Plus entrance process with South Wilts Grammar School as part of the South West Grammar Schools Consortium.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Bishop Wordworth’s School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Bishop Wordworth’s School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Bishop Wordworth’s School
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Bishop Wordworth’s School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Bishop Wordworth’s School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Bishop Wordworth’s School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Bishop Wordsworth's School Key Information
We have collated key information regarding Bishop Wordsworth to be used by prospective students and parents in the admissions process.
School Address
Full Address:
Bishop Wordsworth’s SchoolExeter Street
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP1 2ED
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is little parking available on site at Bishop Wordsworth’s School.
Additional parking off site
There are many pay and display parking sites available within a 10-minute walk:
- Old George Mall, 6 New Street, Salisbury SP1 2PH (Opening Times: Mon-Sat 07:00-20:00, Sun 10:00-17:00)
- Brown Street East, 41 Brown Street, Salisbury SP1 2AS (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
Bishop Wordworth’s School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Bishop Wordsworth’s School is an outstanding school where pupils excel academically and personally within a respectful, ambitious and caring community.
Academic strength: The curriculum is broad and challenging, supported by excellent teaching that promotes deep understanding and high achievement.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers use strong subject knowledge and clear assessment to ensure pupils make exceptional progress and produce high-quality work.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary, and pupils are confident, motivated and proud of their school, benefiting from a wide range of activities and opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is exceptional, and safeguarding is thorough, proactive and central to the school’s inclusive, supportive environment.
Bishop Wordsworth's Exam Format
Admission to Year 7 at Bishop Wordsworth’s School (BWS) is determined by performance in the 11 Plus entrance exam, which is set by GL Assessment and shared with South Wilts Grammar School.
Test Overview
GL Assessment Entrance Test
The entrance test consists of two multiple-choice papers. Each paper lasts approximately 50 minutes and is normally held at the school in mid-September, with a reserve date available for absences supported by valid reasons. Scores are age-standardised and combined into a total score used to rank candidates for admission.
Paper One
English: assessing reading comprehension and vocabulary
Paper Two
Maths: covering Key Stage 2-level topics
Bishop Wordsworth's 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no fixed pass criteria for admission to Bishop Wordsworth’s School. Instead, candidates must meet a ‘required standard’ in order to be eligible for admission. This is subject to change each year and merely reaching the required standard does not guarantee a candidate a place at that school.
Catchment Area
Although Bishop Wordsworth’s School does not have a fixed catchment area, distance plays an important role when places are oversubscribed. The school welcomes applications from across Salisbury and neighbouring counties.
Additional Eligibility
After achieving a qualifying score, applicants are considered according to the following oversubscription criteria:
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Looked-after or previously looked-after children
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Boys eligible for Pupil Premium
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Siblings of current pupils
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Boys living closest to the school (measured by straight-line distance)
Click here to view the full Bishop Wordworth’s School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Bishop Wordworth’s School
Here’s how you can help your son feel ready and confident on exam day:
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Bishop Wordsworth’s School. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
Key Events for Admission to Bishop Wordsworth's School
Under this section, we keep key dates and deadlines to be used by prospective students and parents in the application and admissions process to the school.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Entrance Test Date
Local Authority Applications Close
Offer Day
Bishop Wordworth’s School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Bishop Wordworth’s School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Bishop Wordworth’s School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Complete the online registration form on the Wiltshire Council website between Tuesday 1 April 2025 and Monday 30 June 2025. This registration is required for your child to sit the entrance exam.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Bishop Wordworth’s School listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed, failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
Bishop Wordsworth’s School FAQs
You’ll need to register your child for the GL Assessment 11 Plus test and list Bishop Wordsworth’s School on your local authority’s Common Application Form (CAF) before the application deadline.
The 11 Plus exam includes two multiple-choice papers in English and maths. Each paper lasts around 50 minutes and assesses comprehension, vocabulary and Key Stage 2 maths skills.
Entry is highly competitive, as many applicants achieve strong scores. Places are offered to the highest-ranking pupils according to the school’s oversubscription criteria, including distance and Pupil Premium eligibility.
There is no formal catchment area, but distance from the school is a key factor when allocating places. BWS welcomes applicants from Salisbury and surrounding areas, including nearby counties.