South Wilts Grammar School
Salisbury, Wiltshire · SP1 3JJ
South Wilts Grammar School is a high-performing selective girls' school in Salisbury with a co-educational sixth form of around 400 students, making it one of the larger grammar schools in the South West. Operating under the motto 'Be Kind, Be Involved, Be Aspirational', the school places academic excellence within a broader vision of personal development and community engagement. Named Sunday Times State Secondary School of the Year for the South West in 2026, it is widely regarded as one of the country's top state schools. The school is part of the South West Academic Trust and has a strong tradition of intellectual curiosity, wide extracurricular life, and outstanding examination outcomes.
- →Consistently outstanding examination results placing it among the top state schools nationally
- →Co-educational sixth form attracts boys from across the region, broadening social experience
- →Strong ethos of intellectual curiosity with staff praised for subject passion and sparking pupil engagement
- →Named Sunday Times State Secondary School of the Year — South West 2026
Who thrives here
Academically able and intellectually curious girls who enjoy being stretched beyond the syllabus and want a school where ambition, kindness, and wider involvement are all expected. The co-ed sixth form suits students who want a more collegiate environment as they prepare for university.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Stratford Road
Salisbury, Wiltshire
SP1 3JJ
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Penny Mordaunt
Conservative politician and Cabinet minister
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
How much does South Wilts Grammar School cost?
South Wilts Grammar School is a state grammar school, so there are no tuition fees — places are free and allocated by the 11-plus exam and the school’s admissions criteria.
How do you get into South Wilts Grammar School?
South Wilts Grammar School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are South Wilts Grammar School's exam results?
At South Wilts Grammar School, 23.3% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 77% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is South Wilts Grammar School a boarding school?
South Wilts Grammar School is a day school in Salisbury and does not offer boarding.
What is South Wilts Grammar School's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated South Wilts Grammar School “Good” (2019).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Teachers are described as genuinely passionate about their subjects and effective at inspiring pupils
✓Strong reading culture and intellectual atmosphere praised by parents and noted in external reviews
✓Pupils have highly positive attitudes to school, suggesting a happy and motivated cohort
✓Excellent exam results and strong university destinations
Common concerns
!As a large grammar school (1130+ pupils), some parents note that less academically confident pupils or those needing additional support can feel overlooked
!Wide catchment area means significant travel time for some pupils, limiting after-school activity participation
!The selective nature of admission means the school is not accessible to the majority of local children