Which 11+ test is used in Dorset and Wiltshire?

It depends on the school. The tests in Dorset and Wiltshire are: the Dorset grammar schools entrance test, run by Dorset Consortium of Grammar Schools; the Bishop Wordsworth's School entrance test, run by Bishop Wordsworth's School; the South Wilts Grammar School 11+, run by South Wilts Grammar School. Check which test each school on your list uses.

Which grammar schools are in Dorset and Wiltshire?

We list 5 grammar schools in Dorset and Wiltshire: Bishop Wordsworth's School, Bournemouth School, Bournemouth School for Girls, Poole Grammar School and South Wilts Grammar School.

When do Dorset and Wiltshire grammar school applications close?

For September 2027 entry, apply through your local council by 31 October 2026, the deadline for secondary school applications in England, listing the grammar schools you want. Registering for the 11+ test is a separate step with its own deadline.

When are grammar school places offered in Dorset and Wiltshire?

Councils in England send offers on National Offer Day, which for September 2027 entry is 1 March 2027.

South West

The 11+ in Dorset and Wiltshire

The Dorset Consortium of Grammar Schools runs one joint test for Bournemouth School, Bournemouth School for Girls, Parkstone Grammar and Poole Grammar. In Salisbury, Bishop Wordsworth's School and South Wilts Grammar School each run their own test.

Tests: 3
Grammar schools: 5
Entry: Sept 2027

Which test?

Dorset grammar schools entrance test
Run by:
Dorset Consortium of Grammar Schools
Area:
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Used by:
3 schools we list
Test guide bournemouth-school.org(opens in a new tab)
Bishop Wordsworth's School entrance test
Run by:
Bishop Wordsworth's School
Area:
Salisbury, Wiltshire
Used by:
1 school we list
Test guide bishopwordsworths.org.uk(opens in a new tab)
South Wilts Grammar School 11+
Run by:
South Wilts Grammar School
Area:
Salisbury, Wiltshire
Used by:
1 school we list
Test guide swgs.wilts.sch.uk(opens in a new tab)

Key dates for September 2027 entry

Key dates

Dates for September 2027 entry

National dates for England

31 October 2026
Secondary school application deadlineNext
Apply through your local council, listing the grammar schools you want.
1 March 2027
National Offer Day
Councils tell families which secondary school place they have been offered.

Registration and test dates for these tests haven't been confirmed on our site yet. Check the official pages:

Dorset grammar schools entrance test · not confirmed yet · official page(opens in a new tab)
Bishop Wordsworth's School entrance test · not confirmed yet · official page(opens in a new tab)
South Wilts Grammar School 11+ · not confirmed yet · official page(opens in a new tab)

See the typical 11+ timeline

Grammar schools in Dorset and Wiltshire

5 grammar schools use the tests above. Open a school for its own page.

Guides for Dorset and Wiltshire parents

Practise for the Dorset and Wiltshire 11+

Common questions about the 11+ in Dorset and Wiltshire

Which 11+ test is used in Dorset and Wiltshire?: It depends on the school. The tests in Dorset and Wiltshire are: the Dorset grammar schools entrance test, run by Dorset Consortium of Grammar Schools; the Bishop Wordsworth's School entrance test, run by Bishop Wordsworth's School; the South Wilts Grammar School 11+, run by South Wilts Grammar School. Check which test each school on your list uses.
Which grammar schools are in Dorset and Wiltshire?: We list 5 grammar schools in Dorset and Wiltshire: Bishop Wordsworth's School, Bournemouth School, Bournemouth School for Girls, Poole Grammar School and South Wilts Grammar School.
When do Dorset and Wiltshire grammar school applications close?: For September 2027 entry, apply through your local council by 31 October 2026, the deadline for secondary school applications in England, listing the grammar schools you want. Registering for the 11+ test is a separate step with its own deadline.
When are grammar school places offered in Dorset and Wiltshire?: Councils in England send offers on National Offer Day, which for September 2027 entry is 1 March 2027.