South Wilts Grammar School 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for South Wilts Grammar School.

How to get into South Wilts Grammar School

South Wilts Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Wiltshire. To get into South Wilts Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into South Wilts Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.

Admission Requirements

Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2026 (see key dates). The school offers 160 places annually [1].

South Wilts is a high performing girls' grammar school (age 11-16) with a distinctive coeducational sixth form [1]. It is the only selective school for girls in Wiltshire.

All applicants must pass the South Wilts 11+ examination. Registration opens on Monday 2nd June 2025 and closes on Monday 1st September 2025 (see key dates).

All images © South Wilts Grammar School.
All images © South Wilts Grammar School.
  • Complete the online registration form on the school website during the registration period
  • Submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through the relevant local authority
  • Must be academically ready for the challenging entrance examination
  • Contact details available in the school information section

Application Process

Families must name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form, available from early September and must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates).

The application involves two separate forms that must be completed:

  • Register for the South Wilts 11+ examination directly with the school between Monday 2nd June 2025 and Monday 1st September 2025
  • Submit the Common Application Form through the local authority by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Include South Wilts Grammar School as a preferred choice on the CAF
  • Provide required supporting documents such as proof of address and birth certificate
  • Families may accept an invitation for the familiarisation test the week before the exam, which consists of a verbal reasoning practice paper to help children get familiar with the types of questions

Remember that passing the 11 plus doesn't guarantee a place allocation, as many grammar schools are often oversubscribed with qualified children.

All images © South Wilts Grammar School.
All images © South Wilts Grammar School.

Exam Structure and Scoring

South Wilts Grammar School uses 11 plus papers provided by GL Assessment, the main provider of grammar school 11 plus exams in England. Children will take the 11+ exam on Saturday 27th September and receive results by Mid-October (see key dates).

The exam consists of three papers, each around 45 minutes to one hour, with breaks between:

  • Mathematics: Based on Key Stage 2 maths national curriculum, including number, algebra, measures, shape and space, and handling data
  • English: Based on Key Stage 2 curriculum, assessing reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation and grammar
  • Verbal Reasoning: Assesses how well children can use logic and reasoning to solve problems with written information, such as letters, words, symbols and numbers

All questions are multiple-choice with children using separate answer sheets to mark their answers. The pass mark is normally between 70% and 74% of the overall standardised mark, and has been 71% for the last 7 years.

All images © South Wilts Grammar School.
All images © South Wilts Grammar School.

Oversubscription Criteria

There are 160 places in Year 7, and if the number of children achieving the pass mark exceeds this, the school applies oversubscription criteria [1].

Children are prioritised for places in the following order:

  • Looked after children and previously looked after children
  • Children eligible for the pupil premium and/or the service premium
  • Children who live within the school catchment area
  • Children who live with at least one parent or step parent who has been employed at the school for at least two years
  • Children who live outside the catchment area but who have a sibling attending the school
  • Other children who have achieved the required academic standard, allocated in order of distance

Places within criteria are allocated in order of distance (as the crow flies). South Wilts Grammar School has a catchment area (known as a 'designated area').

Preparation Guidance

Families should begin preparation well in advance of the South Wilts 11+ examination. Child psychologists recommend regular study sessions of 20–30 minutes for children aged 10–11.

As a rule-of-thumb, children should aim for roughly 75-80% in practice tests, though this won't guarantee a place. The school sets the pass mark at 71%, and pupils scoring 80%+ consistently in practice tests should be on track to pass.

Recommended preparation approach includes:

  • Starting preparation early in Year 5 for optimal results
  • Using regular short study sessions rather than intensive cramming
  • Focusing on Key Stage 2 curriculum content for all three exam subjects
  • Practising with GL Assessment style papers specifically
  • Taking advantage of the familiarisation session offered by the school
  • Free preparation resources available at practice papers section
  • Professional tutoring guidance available at tutoring section

Practical Advice

For the examination day on Saturday 27th September 2025 (see key dates), families should ensure children are well-prepared and confident.

Essential exam day preparation includes:

  • Arriving at the school with plenty of time to settle before the examination
  • Bringing required identification documents and stationery as specified by the school
  • Ensuring children have had adequate rest and nutrition before the exam
  • Practicing multiple-choice answer sheet techniques beforehand
  • Managing exam stress through relaxation techniques and positive encouragement

Alternative school options in Wiltshire include comprehensive secondary schools and Bishop Wordsworth's School for boys. Registration for Bishop Wordsworth's School opens on Tuesday 1st April 2025, providing families with additional selective school options.

For specific contact information, admissions deadlines, and detailed guidance, families should refer to the school information section and contact the school directly for the most current requirements.

South Wilts 11+ Information

In order to get into South Wilts Grammar School, children need to pass the South Wilts 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

South Wilts 11+ Subjects & Structure

The South Wilts 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

  • Maths
  • English
  • Verbal Reasoning

The 11 plus exam for entry into South Wilts Grammar School is provided by GL Assessment, a leading supplier of grammar school entrance exams in England. The assessment consists of three papers, each lasting approximately 45 minutes to one hour, with breaks in between.

The Maths paper covers topics from the Key Stage 2 maths national curriculum, including number, algebra, measures, shape and space, and handling data. The English paper also follows the Key Stage 2 curriculum, evaluating reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Lastly, the Verbal Reasoning paper tests a child's ability to apply logic and reasoning to solve problems involving written information, such as letters, words, symbols, and numbers.

All questions in the South Wilts Grammar School 11 plus exam are multiple-choice, and children will mark their answers on separate answer sheets, which are electronically marked. The school offers a familiarisation test one week before the exam, consisting of a verbal reasoning practice paper to help children become acquainted with the question types and exam environment. However, this paper is not marked.

South Wilts 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as South Wilts Grammar School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.

Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.

Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.
Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.

Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.

It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!

South Wilts 11+ Pass Mark

The pass mark for the South Wilts 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).

Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.
Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.

Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at South Wilts Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the South Wilts Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into South Wilts Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.

DateEventCalendar Link
02/06/2025South Wilts Grammar School 11+ Applications Open
01/09/2025South Wilts Grammar School 11+ Applications Close
27/09/2025South Wilts Grammar School 11+ Exam
Late OctoberSecondary School Applications Close At 5pm
02/03/2026Secondary School National Offers Day

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with South Wilts Grammar School as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for South Wilts Grammar School

As the South Wilts 11+ entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.

Why use a private 11+ tutor?

Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the GL Assessment 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.

11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.

11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!
11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!

11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.

Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!

Private 11+ Tutors for the South Wilts Grammar School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the South Wilts Grammar School 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.

11+ Past Papers for South Wilts Grammar School

Unfortunately, South Wilts Grammar School has not made any of their 11+ past papers publicly available. However, you can use However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.

11+ Practice Papers for South Wilts Grammar School

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the South Wilts 11+ Ensure you double-check with South Wilts Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.

This is just a sample of our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers. Please click here to see the full collection.

11+ Practice Papers for South Wilts Grammar School by Bond

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the South Wilts 11+ to get into South Wilts Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for South Wilts Grammar School by GL Assessment

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into South Wilts Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for South Wilts Grammar School by Exam Ninja

These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the South Wilts 11+.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish

11+ Practice Papers for South Wilts Grammar School by Owl Tutors

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into South Wilts Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentWriting
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for South Wilts Grammar School by CGP

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into South Wilts Grammar School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If South Wilts Grammar School ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for South Wilts Grammar School by 11+ For You

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for South Wilts Grammar School by Independent Junction

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for South Wilts Grammar School by IPS

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

11+ Practice Papers for South Wilts Grammar School by Schofield & Sims

These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

School Information

Below you will find further information about South Wilts Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

South Wilts Grammar School is a girls-only grammar school.
South Wilts Grammar School is a girls-only grammar school.
Address
South Wilts Grammar School,
Stratford Road,
Salisbury,
Wiltshire
SP1 3JJ
School Website
Telephone01722323326
Email Addressadmissions@swgs.wilts.sch.uk
GenderGirls only
Total Year 7 Places160
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1142 (1047 Girls / 95 Boys)
Headteacher Mrs Michele Chilcott

South Wilts Grammar School is a girls only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 1,142 pupils attend South Wilts Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mrs Michele Chilcott.

South Wilts Grammar School Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

South Wilts Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 22/10/2019 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 17/11/2019, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

South Wilts Grammar School obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2019.
South Wilts Grammar School obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2019.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
22/10/2019117/11/2019GoodFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

South Wilts Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 22 October 2019 and received an overall rating of Good. The school demonstrated a Good quality of education, Good personal development, and Good leadership and management. The sixth form provision was also rated as Good.

The inspection highlighted that the behaviour and attitudes of students at South Wilts Grammar School were Outstanding. This indicates that the school has fostered a positive learning environment where students are engaged, respectful, and motivated to succeed.

The Good ratings across multiple areas suggest that South Wilts Grammar School is providing a well-rounded education to its students, with a focus on both academic achievement and personal growth. The school's leadership team has effectively implemented strategies to ensure high-quality teaching, support student development, and maintain a positive school culture.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at South Wilts Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • Biology (156 pupils)
  • English Language (156 pupils)
  • Mathematics (156 pupils)
  • Chemistry (154 pupils)
  • Physics (154 pupils)
  • English Literature (153 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (149 pupils)
  • Geography (97 pupils)
  • History (66 pupils)
  • French (63 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (39 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (36 pupils)
  • German (32 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (31 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (30 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (29 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (25 pupils)
  • Music (12 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Biology (68 pupils)
  • Mathematics (68 pupils)
  • Psychology (54 pupils)
  • Chemistry (45 pupils)
  • Physics (41 pupils)
  • History (30 pupils)
  • Geography (26 pupils)
  • English Literature (24 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Product Design) (19 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (16 pupils)
  • English Language (16 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (16 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (15 pupils)
  • Economics (14 pupils)
  • French (14 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (13 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (12 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (11 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (9 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (8 pupils)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies (8 pupils)
  • Geology (7 pupils)
  • Music (6 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for South Wilts Grammar School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
U123456789
Art & Design (Fine Art)31---1-351066
Biology156----61830413328
Chemistry1541--2141933362623
Computer Studies/Computing29--1-2410462
Design & Technology39-----2811126
English Language156---111238384422
English Literature153---131631383826
D&T Food Technology36------121320
French631---278141714
Geography97----3613262524
German32----1249412
History66--11-57112912
Mathematics156----21126335430
Music12-----32151
Physics1542--281427373232
Religious Studies149---26835313928
Drama & Theatre Studies25-----15397
Physical Education/Sports Studies30------29712

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design (Fine Art)15--12723
Biology68-1091419124
Business Studies:Single16-1537--
Chemistry45-58810103
Classical Civilisation12--13521
Computer Studies / Computing8-132-1-
Design and Technology (Product Design)19---4663
Drama and Theatre Studies8---143-
Economics14--12371
English Language16--1212-1
English Literature24-137553
French14--1-832
Geography26--36854
Government and Politics16--2545-
History30-1231293
Mathematics68-4614121714
Mathematics (Further)13--12424
Music6----42-
Physical Education / Sports Studies9--33111
Physics41-32111285
Psychology54--61621101
Religious Studies11---182-
Geology7---223-

FAQ

Is South Wilts Grammar School hard to get into?

Yes, South Wilts Grammar School is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.

Is South Wilts Grammar School a private school?

No, South Wilts Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is South Wilts Grammar School free?

Yes, South Wilts Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to South Wilts Grammar School won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into South Wilts Grammar School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact South Wilts Grammar School for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.

Is South Wilts Grammar School a girls-only school?

Yes, South Wilts Grammar School is a girls-only school.

Success!

We have sent %%email%% a confirmation email.

Check your Emails

You will receive the email within 2 minutes.
Open it and click on the confirmation link to enable access.

Not received the email?

Check your Spam/Junk folder
...it could have fallen in there by accident!