South Wilts Grammar School (SWGS) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
South Wilts Grammar School (SWGS) is a selective grammar school for girls aged 11–18, with a co-educational Sixth Form, located in Salisbury, Wiltshire. It is known for its high academic standards, supportive environment, and a long-standing tradition of excellence in girls’ education.
🏛️ History of the School
- Founded: 1927
- Originally opened as South Wilts Grammar School for Girls, it has been providing high-quality education to girls in Salisbury and the surrounding areas for nearly a century.
- Became a Science Specialist School in 2003, enhancing its provision in STEM subjects.
- Converted to academy status in 2011, gaining autonomy over curriculum and governance.
- In recent years, the school has worked closely with Bishop Wordsworth’s School, the nearby boys’ grammar school, particularly at Sixth Form level.
👩🎓👨🎓 Pupil Numbers
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Total students: Approximately 1,050
- Years 7–11 (Girls only): ~750
- Sixth Form (Co-educational): ~300 students (includes boys from Bishop Wordsworth’s and other local schools)
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Entry into Year 7 is via the 11+ test, which is part of the Wiltshire grammar school selection process. The school uses the GL Assessment exam.
🎓 Academic Reputation
SWGS has built a strong reputation both regionally and nationally as a top-performing girls’ grammar school. It is known for a broad, challenging curriculum, excellent teaching, and outstanding outcomes at both GCSE and A-Level.
📈 Exam Results:
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GCSEs:
- Around 90–95% of grades are 7–9 (A–A*)
- Strong subjects include Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, and Languages
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A-Levels:
- Approximately 75–85% of grades are A–B*
- Popular subjects include Sciences, Psychology, History, and Economics
🎓 University Destinations:
- High proportion of students go on to:
- Russell Group universities, including:
- Oxford & Cambridge
- Bath, Bristol, Durham, Warwick, and UCL
- Many pursue STEM, Law, Medicine, and Humanities degrees
- Russell Group universities, including:
🏆 Ofsted & Awards
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Ofsted Rating:
- Outstanding in most recent inspection
- Commended for:
- Academic rigour
- Pastoral care
- Leadership and student behaviour
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Recognised for:
- Participation in national STEM and Maths competitions
- High achievement in UKMT Maths Challenge, Science Olympiads, and Young Enterprise
- Excellent value-added progress scores and university application support
🏫 South Wilts Grammar School – Contact Information
School Name: South Wilts Grammar School (SWGS)
Type: Selective State Grammar School for Girls (Co-educational in Sixth Form, Ages 11–18)
📍 Address:
South Wilts Grammar School
Stratford Road
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP1 3JJ
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)1722 323326
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
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Twitter/X: @SWGSalisbury
📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the South Wilts Grammar School for Girls 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at South Wilts Grammar School for Girls is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.
To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.
How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed
1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format
ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.
✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the South Wilts Grammar School for Girls entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.
2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.
4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques
Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.
📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.
5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day
Confidence is crucial for success in the South Wilts Grammar School for Girls 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for South Wilts Grammar School for Girls Preparation?
✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.
How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers
1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.
📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.
South Wilts Grammar School for Girls Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.
By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to South Wilts Grammar School for Girls.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
South Wilts Grammar School for Girls – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Selective Girls’ Grammar School | Salisbury, Wiltshire | GL Assessment
South Wilts Grammar School (SWGS) is a state-funded selective grammar school for girls aged 11–18, located in Salisbury, Wiltshire. It offers a co-educational Sixth Form and is known for its strong academic outcomes and pastoral care. Entry into Year 7 is determined by performance in the 11+ Entrance Test, provided by GL Assessment.
✅ Year 7 Admissions Criteria
📌 Planned Admission Number (PAN):
- 160 girls admitted into Year 7
To be considered for admission, applicants must sit and qualify in the 11+ test.
🔹 1. GL Assessment 11+ Test
SWGS uses the 11+ test provided by GL Assessment, coordinated jointly with Bishop Wordsworth’s School (the boys’ grammar in Salisbury).
Test Format:
- Paper 1: Verbal Reasoning
- Paper 2: Non-Verbal Reasoning & Mathematics
✔️ Features:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Age-standardised scores
- Test usually taken in September of Year 6
🔹 2. Minimum Qualifying Score
- A combined standardised score is required to qualify.
- There is no fixed pass mark; students are ranked by score and placed on the ranked admissions list.
🔹 3. Oversubscription Criteria
If more girls qualify than there are places available, the following criteria are applied in order:
- Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
- Pupil Premium / Free School Meals eligibility
- Rank order of score
- Distance from home to school (straight-line, as a tie-breaker)
📍 There is no fixed catchment area, but distance may be used when ranking pupils with similar scores.
📝 How to Apply for Year 7 at SWGS
✅ Step 1: Register for the 11+ Test
- Registration Opens: April–May
- Closes: Mid-June
- Register online via the school website:
🔗 www.swgs.wilts.sch.uk
📝 One registration covers both South Wilts Grammar and Bishop Wordsworth’s School
✅ Step 2: Sit the 11+ Test
- Date: Mid-September
- Held at either SWGS or Bishop Wordsworth’s School
✅ Step 3: Receive Results
- Results released: Mid-October
- Parents are informed if their child has met the qualifying standard
✅ Step 4: Submit Common Application Form (CAF)
- Submit via your home local authority
- Deadline: 31st October
- List South Wilts Grammar School as a preference
✅ Step 5: National Offer Day
- Offers released on 1st March
🔗 Useful Links
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SWGS Admissions Page:
https://www.swgs.wilts.sch.uk/Admissions -
Bishop Wordsworth’s School (shared testing info):
www.bws-school.org.uk -
Wiltshire Council School Admissions:
www.wiltshire.gov.uk/schools-learning-admissions-online
