South Wilts Grammar School
| South Wilts Grammar School for Girls | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Address | |
 | |
Stratford Road , , SP1 3JJ | |
| Information | |
| Type | Academy |
| Motto | Onwards |
| Established | 1927 |
| Specialist | Mathematics and Computing College |
| Department for Education URN | 126507 Tables |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Chair | Mrs Diane Atkins |
| Headteacher | Mrs. Michele Chilcott |
| Gender | Girls |
| Age | 11 to 18 |
| Enrollment | c. 975 |
| Website | http://www.swgs.wilts.sch.uk/index.asp |
South Wilts Grammar School for Girls, or just South Wilts Grammar School or SWGS, is a secondary school in Salisbury, south Wiltshire, England. It is an Academy with specialist Mathematics and Computing College status.
History
Opened in 1927 the school was originally combined with Bishop Wordsworth's School, with which it still has close links. The two schools' sixth formers still share some lessons, travelling between the two schools, which are a 20 minute walk apart. Since its opening, the school has continued to develop, with a new building and school hall being opened in the 1960s and 1970s, and three new buildings being opened in the 21st century. The newest buildings added to the school complex are a single storey maths block opened early 2004, a sixth form block to accommodate the sixth form and a music block. As well as new buildings the school has recently undergone refurbishment with the old wooden science labs being replaced and the majority of classrooms being equipped. In 2009, a single storey 'Learning Resource Centre' or 'LRC' was added with an extensive library, containing a vast number of computers and a handful of classrooms.
It gained specialist status in mathematics and computing in September 2003. It recently achieved 'Healthy School' status and abolished unhealthy food and snacks. It also made it mandatory for all girls to wear kilts as part of the students school uniform. In 2010, South Wilts gained the International School Award, and a part of the South West Academic Trust in 2008.[1]. South Wilts became an academy in January 2011.
For many years South Wilts has topped the government's league tables, with excellent public examinations results. It is the top achieving school in Salisbury, including close-by independent schools.[2][3] This is seen as illustrating the high standard of teaching at the school, building on the girls' own above-average aptitude, for which they are selected by entrance examinations. To enter the school, girls must pass the 11+ exam taken in Year 6, the 12+ taken in Year 7, the 13+ in Year 8, or the 14+ in Year 9. South Wilts does not allow students to apply in Years 10 or 11.
Notable former pupils
- Anna Brecon, Actress Emmerdale
- Carolyn Browne, Ambassador to Azerbaijan since 2007
- Sally Clark, British lawyer [4][5]
- Norvela Forster - MEP from 1979-84 for Birmingham South
- Josie Keck, UK's Strongest Woman
- Hattie Ladbury, Actress (Casualty, Midsomer Murders)
- Penny Tranter, BBC forecaster
Extra-curricular activities
The school participates in many activities, especially sport: Hockey, Netball and Basketball, as well as Cross Country and Orienteering. Cross Country and Orienteering have helped decorate the walls with girls competing in national events. Girls may also take part in Swimming, Tennis, Athletics, Football, Tag Rugby, Trampolining, Dance, Badminton, Volleyball, Lacrosse and Gymnastics. There is also an annual ski trip to Sunday River, USA.
Music is another main area of extra-curricular activities, with the school having a Training Band, Wind Band, Orchestra, Guitar group, Junior Choir, Chamber Choir, Senior Choir and A Cappella.
In Year 12, students have the chance to be a member of the school's Young Enterprise team which regularly win prizes.