Best 3 Secondary schools in Wiltshire – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of secondary schools: Malmesbury School (Secondary) in Malmesbury; Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School (Secondary) in Salisbury; St John's Marlborough (Secondary) in Marlborough — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Malmesbury School, Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School and St John's Marlborough. They are secondary phase and academy converter type located around Malmesbury, Wiltshire, Salisbury, Wiltshire and Marlborough, Wiltshire. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 1 (Malmesbury School), published May 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Malmesbury School (May 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,450, combined total ≈ 4,350, typical FSM 10–15%, range 0–5%–10–15%; spread across trusts such as The Athelstan Trust and Excalibur Academies Trust.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Malmesbury School SN16 0DF	Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School SP1 2ED	St John's Marlborough SN8 4AX
Phase / Type	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter	Secondary • Academy converter
Location	Malmesbury Wiltshire SN16 0DF	Salisbury Wiltshire SP1 2ED	Marlborough Wiltshire SN8 4AX
Latest Ofsted	1 2 May 2024	1 23 Jan 2023	1 29 Oct 2014
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 1,450 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 1,700 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	0–5% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	10–15% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1384	1200	1620
Capacity utilisation	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Over capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Boys	Mixed
Admissions policy	Non-selective	Selective	Non-selective
Trust / Local authority	The Athelstan Trust	Wiltshire (865)	Excalibur Academies Trust
Website	www.malmesbury.wilts.sch.uk	www.bishopwordsworths.org.uk	www.stjohns.excalibur.org.uk
Telephone	01666829700	01722333851	01672516156
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Malmesbury School

SN16 0DF

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Malmesbury
Wiltshire
SN16 0DF
Ofsted: 1 2 May 2024
Pupils: ≈ 1,450 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: The Athelstan Trust
Website: www.malmesbury.wilts.sch.uk
Telephone: 01666829700

Bishop Wordsworth's Church of England Grammar School

SP1 2ED

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP1 2ED
Ofsted: 1 23 Jan 2023
Pupils: ≈ 1,200 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 0–5% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Wiltshire (865)
Website: www.bishopwordsworths.org.uk
Telephone: 01722333851

St John's Marlborough

SN8 4AX

Phase / Type: Secondary • Academy converter
Location: Marlborough
Wiltshire
SN8 4AX
Ofsted: 1 29 Oct 2014
Pupils: ≈ 1,700 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 10–15% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Excalibur Academies Trust
Website: www.stjohns.excalibur.org.uk
Telephone: 01672516156

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.

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