About Wiltshire Grammar Schools
Wiltshire has two grammar schools, both in Salisbury: Bishop Wordsworth’s School (boys, Church of England) and South Wilts Grammar School (girls). Both use GL Assessment, but they set separate tests with different formats and dates, so you register with each school individually.
Admissions are coordinated by Wiltshire Council. You complete each school’s online registration (via the school/Council website) ahead of the September test, then list the school on your home authority’s Common Application Form by 31 October; offers are issued on National Offer Day (1 March).
For September 2027 entry, Bishop Wordsworth’s registration opens around 25 March 2026 and South Wilts around 1 June 2026, both closing 1 September 2026; the tests are sat in September and results follow in October. Both schools are oversubscribed.
Wiltshire Grammar Schools
Wiltshire’s two Salisbury grammar schools each run their own GL Assessment test. Click a school for its detailed admission guide, test format, catchment and key dates:
Bishop Wordsworth’s (boys) and South Wilts (girls) coordinate loosely but set separate tests and have different registration dates, so register with each separately. Both use distance as a key factor when oversubscribed.
About the Wiltshire 11+
Both Wiltshire grammar schools use GL Assessment, but each sets its own separate test with its own format and date — there is no single shared Wiltshire test.
Bishop Wordsworth’s (boys): GL papers covering reasoning (verbal and non-verbal) with English and mathematics; the entrance test is sat on Saturday 26 September 2026 for 2027 entry. The school has a designated catchment area, with entry based first on test score.
South Wilts (girls): GL multiple-choice papers covering English, Mathematics and reasoning, sat in mid-September. Scores are age-standardised and ranked; there is no formal catchment, but distance is decisive when places are limited (around 160 places).
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Wiltshire Grammar Schools
Wiltshire’s grammar schools run separate admissions coordinated by Wiltshire Council. Complete each school’s online registration ahead of its September test — for 2027 entry, Bishop Wordsworth’s registration opens around 25 March 2026 and South Wilts around 1 June 2026, both closing 1 September 2026. Bishop Wordsworth’s sits its test on 26 September 2026; South Wilts in mid-September. Results arrive in October; you then list the school on your home authority’s Common Application Form by 31 October, with offers on National Offer Day (1 March). Entry is based first on test score, then each school’s catchment / distance criteria.
What the Tests Cover
Both schools’ GL tests cover English, Mathematics and reasoning (verbal and non-verbal), though Bishop Wordsworth’s and South Wilts set separate papers. Practising realistic GL-style papers across these areas is the most effective preparation.
How to Prepare for the Wiltshire 11+
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GL Assessment Practice Papers and Quest Software for Wiltshire Grammar Schools
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View GL Assessment practice papers →Wiltshire Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
How many grammar schools are in Wiltshire?
Two, both in Salisbury: Bishop Wordsworth's School (boys) and South Wilts Grammar School (girls).
Do they share one test?
No — both use GL Assessment but set separate tests with different formats and dates, so you register with each school separately.
What does Bishop Wordsworth's test cover?
GL papers covering reasoning (verbal and non-verbal) with English and mathematics; the test is sat on Saturday 26 September 2026 for 2027 entry.
What does South Wilts' test cover?
GL multiple-choice papers covering English, Mathematics and reasoning, sat in mid-September; scores are age-standardised and ranked.
How do I register?
Complete each school's online registration (via the school/Wiltshire Council website). For 2027 entry, Bishop Wordsworth's opens around 25 March and South Wilts around 1 June, both closing 1 September 2026.
How do I apply for a place?
List your chosen school on your local authority's Common Application Form by 31 October; offers are made on National Offer Day (1 March).
Is there a catchment area?
Bishop Wordsworth's has a designated area; South Wilts has no formal catchment but uses distance when oversubscribed. Entry is based first on test score.
Who manages admissions?
Admissions are coordinated by Wiltshire Council; residents of neighbouring counties apply via their own council's Common Application Form.
Start preparing for the Wiltshire Grammar Schools 11+
Try the free GL Assessment samples first — a real paper, a tutor video and the Quest demo, no sign-up. Then choose a pack when you're ready.