South Wilts Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 160
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Good
South Wilts Grammar School
South Wilts Grammar School (SWGS) is a selective grammar school for girls aged 11 to 18, based in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Known for its academic excellence and supportive learning environment, the school focuses on helping pupils become confident, independent and inquisitive learners.
Established in 1927, South Wilts Grammar blends traditional values with modern teaching and facilities. The school offers a broad and challenging curriculum, with particular strengths in maths, science and languages, alongside a vibrant music and performing arts scene.
Students at SWGS consistently achieve excellent GCSE and A level results, with many progressing to leading universities. The school also promotes personal growth through a wide range of clubs, societies and leadership opportunities. South Wilts Grammar School is part of the South West Grammar Schools Consortium and shares its 11 Plus entrance process with Bishop Wordsworth’s School.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for South Wilts Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for South Wilts Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at South Wilts Grammar 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 South Wilts Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for South Wilts Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for South Wilts Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
South Wilts Grammar School Key Information
Under this section we keep relevant and up-to-date information on South Wilts. Please find and use any useful links and information in your application and admission process.
School Address
Full Address:
South Wilts Grammar SchoolStratford Road
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP1 3JJ
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is no parking available on site at South Wilts Grammar School.
Additional parking off site
Alternative parking can be found at the venues listed below:
- Five Rivers Leisure Centre, Hulse Road, Salisbury SP1 3NR (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
- Millstream, Mill Stream Approach, Salisbury, SP1 3TA (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
- Waitrose, Churchill Way West, Salisbury, SP2 7TS (Opening Times: Mon-Sat 07:30-20:00 & Sun 10:00-16:00)
South Wilts Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: South Wilts Grammar School is a good school, with outstanding behaviour and attitudes.
Academic strength: The curriculum is broad and ambitious, helping pupils achieve strong GCSE results and make excellent progress across subjects.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is engaging and well planned, with expert teachers who encourage curiosity and academic confidence.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is outstanding. Pupils are respectful, motivated and enthusiastic, contributing to a positive and inclusive school community.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is strong and focused on improvement. Safeguarding is effective, with pupils’ safety and wellbeing given high priority.
The South Wilts Grammar School Exam Format
Admission to Year 7 at South Wilts Grammar School is based on results from the 11 Plus exam, set by GL Assessment and shared with Bishop Wordsworth’s 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
The South Wilts Grammar School 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Scores are age-standardised and combined into a single total score. There is no set pass mark, but the top 160 applicants are typically offered places, subject to the school’s admissions policy.
Catchment Area
South Wilts Grammar School does not have a formal catchment area, although distance is an important factor when places are limited.
Additional Eligibility
When more candidates qualify than places available, the following oversubscription criteria are applied:
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Looked-after or previously looked-after children
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Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium funding
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Girls with siblings currently attending the school
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Applicants living closest to the school (measured in a straight line)
Click here to view the full South Wilts Grammar School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at South Wilts Grammar 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 South Wilts Grammar 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 South Wilts Grammar School
The admissions process to South Wilts Grammar School requires parents to adhere to the registration deadlines put in place. We regularly update on key dates and deadlines at 11 Plus Hero such as that listed below.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Entrance Test Date
Reserve Test Date
Results Released
Common Application Form (CAF) Deadline
Offer Day
South Wilts Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at South Wilts Grammar 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 South Wilts Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Registration opens on 2 June 2025 and must be completed through the council website. The deadline for registration is 1 September 2025, and only those who register by this date will be eligible to sit the entrance test.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with South Wilts Grammar 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.
South Wilts Grammar School FAQs
You’ll need to register your child for the GL Assessment 11 Plus test and list South Wilts Grammar School on your local authority’s Common Application Form (CAF) before the 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 competitive, as places are usually offered to the top 160 scorers. Offers are made based on ranked results and the school’s oversubscription criteria, such as distance and Pupil Premium eligibility.
There is no formal catchment area, but distance from the school is considered when allocating places. South Wilts Grammar welcomes applicants from Salisbury and surrounding areas.