History
The foundations of the school came in June 1889, when the Bishop of Salisbury, John Wordsworth, announced to his friend Canon Woodall, "I should like to see Salisbury a great educational centre. I should like to found a school which shall be equal to the greatest and best of our public schools." His initial desire that working class boys were not to be admitted caused much controversy. Fees were initially set at £1.10.0d, and boarding fees were £2 per term; however, the fees were raised to £9 in 1894 to meet the unexpected costs of the school. During the first year, classes were taught in the Bishop's palace of Salisbury itself. Bishop Wordsworth personally donated £3000, which was used to purchase an area of land in the cathedral close and to build the school's first buildings. After Bishop Wordsworth's death, the school was renamed Bishop Wordsworth's School, having been previously known as "The Bishop's School".
In 1905, the school became a grammar school, its buildings consisting of the current Chapel Block and Bishopgate. Between 1905 and 1927 the School also used buildings in the Friary and also on New Street in Salisbury. Until 1928 the school admitted both boys and girls, but from 1927, with the founding of a girls' grammar school in the city called South Wilts Grammar School, the school admitted boys only.
In 1931 a hall, science laboratories and a library were built. By the 1930s, the school had achieved a reputation for pioneering educational work, and in 1936 became a public school. In 1948 the Governors accepted voluntary controlled status, which meant being funded by Wiltshire County Council as local education authority and accepting its supervision. Boarding at the school in the Bishopgate buildings ended in the 1950s, and the buildings were used for teaching thereafter. During the Second World War, pupils from the Priory School in Portsmouth moved to BWS to avoid the bombing of the city.
The school now educates boys aged 11 to 18, with some exceptions. Sixth form classes are shared with students from South Wilts Grammar School. In 2002, a major redevelopment of the school's site and buildings was commenced. Since then, a new classroom block and drama studio has been followed by an extensive sports hall and physical education facilities, and the new sixth form block was finished in July 2010. The old sports hall was converted to house the art department, and the design technology block has been expanded. The school is also investing money in the development of the languages department (including work with most of the city primary schools) and in later years hopes to improve the canteen and staff room areas.
Since 2000 there has been considerable expansion of the sixth form curriculum, with around fifteen subjects being part of an extensive collaboration with the girls' grammar school in Salisbury. In 2004 the school became a specialist Language College, and this has led to broadening of the curriculum and further opportunities for overseas trips. In 2008 the school achieved an additional specialism in science. The School converted to Academy Status on 1/3/2011, continuing its traditions of innovation and independence.
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