Salisbury Cathedral School
School summary
Tracing its origins to 1091, Salisbury Cathedral School is among the oldest in the country and retains a strong choral tradition tied to the cathedral. It is a small, mixed prep school of around 215 pupils, taking children from age 3 to 13 with both day and boarding places. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school 'good' overall and 'excellent' for pupils' personal development, though it should be noted that the most recent inspection found compliance standards were not met. Its scale lends a close, family feel, and a notable proportion of pupils receive some form of additional learning support.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
Free month · No payment needed
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- good
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 15 May 2025
Teaching & academics
Inspectors judged the quality of education to be good, with pupils' personal development singled out as excellent. With roughly a quarter of children receiving SEN support, the school appears geared towards knowing pupils individually rather than processing large year groups. Parents weighing it up should be aware the latest inspection recorded that regulatory compliance standards were not met.
Head · Sally Moulton
Beyond the classroom
The cathedral connection sits at the heart of school life, and choristers form a distinctive part of the community, reflected in dedicated chorister discounts and an organ scholarship. Boarding provision extends the day for families seeking it, including those in military service.
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1091
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 26.51%
- EHC plans
- 0.47%
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £12,360 - £23,490
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £25,689 - £29,466
Some means-tested bursaries available
Schools nearby
Godolphin School
South West
The Spires
Salisbury, South West
Godolphin Prep School
Salisbury, South West
Chafyn Grove School
Salisbury, South West
Brunel College
South West
Leehurst Swan School
South West
Watch Passmate decide how to teach.
Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A historic, small choir school for families drawn to its cathedral heritage and individual attention - though prospective parents should read the latest compliance findings closely.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
Free month · No payment needed
Salisbury Cathedral School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.