South Wilts Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: South Wilts Grammar School
• Location: Stratford Road, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 3JJ
• Type: Girls' grammar school (ages 11-16) with coeducational sixth form
• Established: 1927
• Students: Over 1,000 pupils, including 376 in sixth form
• Headteacher: Dr Amanda Smith
• Ofsted Rating: Good (2019)
• Specialisms: Mathematics and Computing

About South Wilts Grammar School

South Wilts Grammar School has earned its reputation as one of Salisbury's premier educational institutions since its founding in 1927. Originally established as a girls-only school, this forward-thinking institution made a significant transition in 2020 by opening its sixth form to boys, creating a coeducational environment for Years 12 and 13 whilst maintaining its traditional girls-only approach for Years 7-11.

The school's specialist status in mathematics and computing reflects its commitment to academic excellence in STEM subjects. With over 1,000 students, South Wilts Grammar School maintains an intimate learning environment where individual attention remains paramount. The institution has consistently delivered outstanding examination results across all key stages, reflecting the high academic standards expected from its carefully selected student body.

Beyond academics, the school offers an extensive programme of extracurricular activities including music ensembles, public speaking competitions, and debating societies. These opportunities allow students to develop confidence and leadership skills essential for their future academic and professional endeavours.

The 11+ Assessment Process

South Wilts Grammar School employs a comprehensive 11+ examination to select students for Year 7 entry. The assessment is designed to identify pupils with strong academic potential across three key areas:

Verbal Reasoning

This component evaluates students' ability to understand and manipulate language-based information. Pupils must demonstrate proficiency in comprehension, vocabulary, and logical reasoning using written material. The test requires quick thinking and strong English language skills.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Students face challenges involving visual information, patterns, and shapes. This section assesses logical reasoning abilities independent of language skills, requiring pupils to identify relationships and solve problems using diagrams and abstract concepts.

Mathematics

The mathematics component tests problem-solving abilities and numerical reasoning. Students must demonstrate competency in key mathematical concepts whilst applying logical thinking to complex scenarios. This section aligns with the school's specialist mathematics status.

The examination is typically held in the autumn term, with preparation beginning in the spring of the preceding year. Success requires consistent practice and familiarity with question formats specific to grammar school entrance requirements.

How to Apply

The application process for South Wilts Grammar School follows a structured timeline that parents must navigate carefully:

Registration Phase

Applications typically open in spring for the following academic year. Parents must register their child for the 11+ examination through the designated application portal. Early registration is advisable as places for the examination itself can be limited.

Examination Period

The entrance examination takes place during the autumn term, usually in September or October. Students attend the school premises for the assessment, which lasts approximately two hours. Specific dates and venues are communicated following successful registration.

Application Submission

Parents must complete the formal application through their local authority by the specified deadline, typically in October. This application should include the school as a preference choice, clearly indicating South Wilts Grammar School as the desired destination.

Results and Offers

Results are communicated in early March, coinciding with national offer day. Successful candidates receive offers based on their examination performance and the availability of places. Parents have a limited window to accept or decline offers.

We strongly recommend consulting the school's official website or contacting the admissions office directly for the most current dates and specific requirements, as these can vary annually.

Preparing for the South Wilts Grammar School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The South Wilts Grammar School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.