Bishop Wordsworth’s School is a selective boys' grammar school, with responsibility for setting its own testing and admission requirements. Entry into Years 7-11 during the Academic Year is possible only when spaces are available and contingent upon achieving a qualifying standard in the late entry assessment. Full information regarding the process can be read below in the information leaflet.

All admissions queries should be directed to admissions@bishopwordsworths.org.uk

Late Entry Examinations

The late entry examinations procedure is designed to determine, by examination, whether boys who are already of secondary school age have the academic requirements for admission to a grammar school. Parents should note that achieving the qualifying standard for entry to the school is not a guarantee of an offer of a place. 

Late entry examinations are only held when a place is available but may be held at any point in the academic year, but only following the submission of full documentation to the relevant bodies (see below)

The late entry examinations differ by year group by always examine pupils on their English and Maths ability. Details of the examinations will be provided after application.

Application Process

Applicants must complete two forms:

1. Bishop Wordsworth’s School Application. Applications must be made using the online application form which should be submitted directly via the school website. A hard copy can be provided by contacting admissions@bishopwordsworths.org.uk. This application provides evidence for the application of the school’s oversubscription criteria. When the application has been received, an acknowledgement email will confirm receipt.
2. Local Authority Application. Irrespective of where the applicant is resident, they must obtain the Wiltshire Council Secondary Application Form (SAF) from County Hall at Trowbridge or apply online.

Waiting List

All applicants who have achieved the qualifying standard for the entrance exam will be ranked according to the oversubscription criteria in Annex D of the Admissions Policy. An applicant who has achieved the qualifying standard and applied for a place at the school, but who, under the oversubscription criteria, falls outside the planned admission number for the relevant year group will be put on the waiting list. Boys will be placed on the waiting list in their relevant position irrespective of the time of application. Therefore, a boy’s position on the waiting list will fall if subsequent additions to the waiting list take higher priority. Should no place be offered within the academic year, applicants are required to apply to sit a paper for entry into the following academic year. This does not affect the right of appeal. Parents will be contacted regarding any change in the boy’s position on the waiting list.

Boys who pass the late entry examination may be placed on the waiting list if the year group is already full.
The waiting list is valid until 30 April.

After 30 April, boys on the waiting list must sit the late entry examination for the next academic year.
Late entry examination applications for September 2026 open on Monday 13 April. Exams will be held at the school on Wednesday 6 May.

Places Available

Year 11 Admissions are only considered for exceptional circumstances due to the disruption to established learning.