PUPILS from deprived backgrounds could have a better chance at getting into one of Salisbury’s grammar schools if new proposals go ahead.

South Wilts Grammar School for girls has launched a consultation that could see 20 new places each year set aside for children in receipt of pupil premium, with a lower 11+ score needed to gain entry.

Head teacher Michele Chilcott said: “We are very much aware that some students have access to coaching and others don’t. It’s something we’re very passionate about.”

The school has already taken steps to make places more accessible to pupils from a background of deprivation, including by holding a free mock test the week before the 11+ to reduce nerves, and primary outreach programmes in maths, computing and science.

Currently seven children in receipt of pupil premium attend years seven to 11, but this number is set to double in September.

“There’s been a lot of things we’ve been doing, but we haven’t been able to increase the number [of pupil premium children] sitting the 11+, so that’s what we’re now trying to do,” Mrs Chilcott said.

Under the proposals, which were sent out to parents as part of a consultation on Friday, the school would increase its admissions from 160 to 180 per year from September 2020.

Applicants in receipt of pupil premium will need a pass mark of 68 per cent, three per cent lower than the 71 per cent needed for students not in receipt of pupil premium.

Mrs Chilcott said early responses from parents have been positive.

“For us it’s very exciting,” she added. “Those who maybe come from a low income background might not have had the same opportunities. We want to give them a starting point.

“It’s not a big shift, but hopefully it will show people we want them to come to the school.”

The changes are dependent on the school receiving government funding under the Selective Schools Expansion Fund, which will allow the creation of a new two-storey building with three additional classrooms.