Ages 
Bishops occupies some interesting territory between the independent and state sectors, and is a member of HMC. ‘We’re so grateful to escape the burden of school fees!’ admitted one parent. ‘Even if I had had the money for an independent school, I would still have sent my son to Bishops,’ stated another – sums it up, really.
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Overview & data
- Notes
- Co-ed sixth form
- Pupil numbers
- 1,193 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 397 ·
- Religion
- C of E
- Local authority
- Wiltshire Council
Headteacher
Interim head
Mike Thorne
Since September 2025, Mr Mike Thorne MEd, previously acting deputy head. Mr Thorne joined the school 11 years ago to teach physics and geology before becoming director of science and assistant head. He is currently studying for a PhD in educational
Entrance
Often oversubscribed at year 7. The 11+ exam comprises GL assessment tests in maths, English, verbal and non-verbal abilities taken in the September of year 6: register in year 5. Boys on pupil premium have a reduced entry requirements. New
- Admissions policy
- Academically selective state school
- Open days
- Virtual webinars tours – details available via the school website
Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)
Exit
A third leave after GCSEs, often for the mixed attractions of sixth form college. The school’s higher education and careers counselling is superb, according to sixth formers clutching superlative university offers and appreciative of the head of
% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)
What is this?
The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.
Latest results
In 2025, 65 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 48 per cent A*/A at A level (80 per cent A*-B).
GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)
What is this?
This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Part of a group of the top performing boys’ grammars in the country, Bishop’s academic performance sees it midway in that group. A particularly strong showing of top grades in chemistry, RE, physics and biology at GCSE. At A level, the greatest
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
There is a specialist SENDCo and several teaching assistants giving a wide range of support to boys and girls across the full age range.
Arts & extracurricular
We were on the lookout for how the less than sporty might fare. ‘There’s always table tennis,’ offers the head of sport, perhaps the wrong person to ask. The school points out the rich extracurricular means ‘stereotypes crumble when rugby players are
Sport
Plenty of kit washing will be the norm and if the architects of the new maths block with its open-air ground floor corridors understand their clients, they are a hardy lot too. Sport is compulsory in years 7 to 11 and ‘strongly encouraged’ in the
Ethos & heritage
‘Salisbury is like a big village and this school is woven into the local tapestry,’ says school. No other state academy in England enjoys the privilege of residing inside a cathedral close. Having said that, the chapel and headmaster’s quarters
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
‘Exceptional’ and ‘exemplary’ are the words we heard most often from parents with regards to pastoral care. ‘They want the boys to excel without falling apart,’ a parent told us. There is currently a school nurse and counselling is available for the
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Students in Years 7 to 11 may not switch on mobile phones on the School site, except that laptops and tablets may be used under direct staff supervision. Mobile phones are to be kept out of sight while on the School site. Sixth Form students may use mobile phones during break times and free periods.
Pupils & parents
The school isn’t a picture of cultural or ethnic diversity – a small number may use a second language at home – reflective of this part of the country, though school says the community is more eclectic than the local population of the town. Parents
Money matters
As is increasingly common for grammar schools, parents are asked to make termly voluntary contributions to the school, gift aided where possible, without which the school simply could not function as it does. The school also supplements its income
The last word
Bishops occupies some interesting territory between the independent and state sectors, and is a member of HMC. ‘We’re so grateful to escape the burden of school fees!’ admitted one parent. ‘Even if I had had the money for an independent school, I
Inspection reports
Ofsted reports
Full inspection: Outstanding
You can read full reports on the Ofsted website
| Personal development | Outstanding |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form provision | Outstanding |
