1 The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2EQ
10 reasons to choose Salisbury Cathedral School
Top line
Salisbury Cathedral School has a Schoolsmith Score® of 89. It is one of the best independent prep schools in and around Salisbury and one of the 5 best primary schools for 1.5 miles.
School fundamentals
Salisbury Cathedral School is an independent prep day and boarding school for boys and girls (50%/40%) between the ages of 3 and 13 years. It is also a Choir School. Boarding from Year 3 for the 10% of pupils who board. 40% are full boarders and 60% are weekly or flexi boarders. It is a Church of England school, open to all faiths and none. The school has a non-selective admissions policy. It is a standalone prep school, not tied to any one senior school. Salisbury Cathedral School fees range from £3,690 (Rec) to £6,835 per term (2024/25). Full boarding fees range from £8,930 to £10,075 per term. Fees exclude VAT and lunches.
Average class size
Salisbury Cathedral School has one class per year to Year 3, two from Year 4, and an average class size of 14 pupils.
Leavers' destinations
Destinations for Salisbury Cathedral School leavers are one of 20 independent or grammar schools, typically local ones such as Bryanston, Canford, Dauntsey’s, Godolphin, and Sherborne School. 70% of pupils win awards and scholarships.
The Salisbury Cathedral School curriculum
School curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and the ISEB Common Entrance curriculum with some additions and variations. It also includes PSHE, French, Latin. From traditional discrete subject teaching, the curriculum is evolving with more cross-curricular linking to help develop problem solving and collaboration skills. Evidence is in the thematic topic-led humanities programme in pre-prep, STEM projects, and more ‘fieldwork, presentations, collaboration and research’ to supplement the ISEB Common Entrance curriculum. Each pupil may participate in over 10 different extra-curricular academic activities or hobby clubs.
More on the curriculum
There are regular educational trips for all year groups, visiting speakers, Forest School for pre-prep and residential trips from Year 5. Eco Schools Green Flag accreditation.
Specialist teaching
Specialist teachers for music, languages, computing, and sport throughout, for art from Year 3, and for most subjects from Year 5.
Sport at Salisbury Cathedral School
School offers over 15 different sports through the year, through both the curriculum and extra-curriculum. Competitive teams in major sports from Year 3. In recent years the school has enjoyed national success in athletics.
The Arts at Salisbury Cathedral School
School educates the choristers of Salisbury Cathedral. Art and music are taught as discrete curricular subjects to all pupils. All pupils learn an instrument in class and 80% take extra-curricular instrument lessons from Year 3. 4 choirs (excluding the two Cathedral choirs), orchestra and 10 instrument ensembles. Drama is part of the English, creative, and extra-curricular curricula. Each pupil may participate in up to 10 different extra-curricular creative and performing arts clubs.
Wraparound care
Wraparound care from 7.30am to 7.00pm. Minibus service. Occasional boarding facility.
Find another school near Salisbury Cathedral School
Chafyn Grove School (1.3 miles); Leehurst Swan Prep School (1.4 miles); Forres Sandle Manor Prep School (11.5 miles).
St Osmund’s Catholic Primary School, Salisbury (0 miles); Bemerton St John Church of England Primary School (1.8 miles); Downton Church of England Primary School (5.8 miles).
Godolphin (0.9 miles); Leehurst Swan (1.4 miles); Embley (14 miles); Moyles Court School (15.2 miles).
Bishop Wordsworth’s Grammar School (0.2 miles); South Wilts Grammar School for Girls (1.2 miles); The Burgate School and Sixth Form (9.7 miles).