Nonsuch High School for Girls 11+

How to get into Nonsuch High School for Girls

Nonsuch High School for Girls is a selective secondary school in Sutton, London. To get into Nonsuch High School for Girls children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Nonsuch High School for Girls with all the important information you need to know.

School Overview

Nonsuch High School for Girls is a highly selective girls' grammar school located at Ewell Road, Cheam, Sutton, Surrey, SM3 8AB ^[1]. Founded in 1938, the school is situated on a 22-acre site on the edge of Nonsuch Park and specialises in science and languages. The school became a member of the Girls' Learning Trust in 2015 and was ranked 33rd out of all grammar schools in the UK in 2023.

The school offers 210 places annually for Year 7 entry ^[1], serving girls aged 11 to 18 years. In 2024, the school received around 990 applications for 209 places offered, indicating approximately 5 applications per place.

Admission Requirements

Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2026 (see key dates). Nonsuch High School for Girls is a selective school, meaning children must take the 11+ exam to be eligible for a place.

The school operates within a catchment area defined by a circle with a radius of 5.25km from the school site, covering Banstead, Carshalton, Cheam, Epsom, Ewell and West Ewell, Morden, Sutton and Worcester Park ^[1].

• Children must live within the 5.25km radius catchment area for most places
• All candidates must pass both stages of the entrance examination
• Families must be willing to support the academic environment and school values
• Special consideration given to children in care and pupil premium eligible families

Application Process

Registration for the 2026 Sutton Selective Eligibility Test opens on Thursday 1st May 2025 (see key dates). Registration closes on Friday 1st August 2025 (see key dates) ^[1].

Families must complete two separate application processes. First, they register for the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) through any participating school's website. Second, they submit a Common Application Form through their local authority by 31st October 2025 (see key dates).

• Complete the online SET registration form between May and August 2025
• Submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through local authority by October deadline
• Include Nonsuch as a preferred school choice on the CAF only after passing both exam stages
• Submit special access arrangements requests by 13th June 2025 if required
• Contact the school information section for specific queries about admissions

Examination System

Nonsuch uses a two-stage examination process. Stage 1 is the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) on Tuesday 16th September 2025 (see key dates). Stage 2 is the joint NWSSEE exam with Wallington High School for Girls on Saturday 27th September 2025 (see key dates).

The Sutton SET consists of two multiple-choice papers, each taking 40-50 minutes to complete. The English paper tests Key Stage 2 spelling and reading comprehension across four sections. The Maths paper covers number and place value, four operations, fractions, decimals and percentages, measurement, geometry and statistics.

• Stage 1 (SET): Multiple-choice English and Maths papers lasting 40-50 minutes each
• Stage 2 (NWSSEE): Written answer format English and Maths papers
• English Stage 2 is a writing task responding to a prompt
• Maths Stage 2 consists of standard format questions requiring written answers
• Children must pass both parts of the NWSSEE to be eligible for a place

Scoring and Admissions Criteria

The marks in the NWSSEE are added to half of the total mark achieved in the Sutton SET, with each part carrying equal weight. This creates each child's total entrance test score, and every child's score is added to a ranked list.

If the number of eligible children exceeds the 210 places available, places are prioritised in the following order. First priority goes to looked after and previously looked after children who achieve the entrance test pass mark or up to 20% lower than the standardised pass marks.

• Priority 1: Looked after and previously looked after children meeting test requirements
• Priority 2: Top 85 highest scoring children regardless of address
• Priority 3: Up to 125 places for children within the catchment area by highest score
• Priority 4: Any remaining places offered by highest score regardless of location
• Special consideration for families eligible for pupil premium with reduced pass mark requirements

Important Dates and Timeline

The application process opens on Thursday 1st May 2025 (see key dates) when families can register for the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET). Registration must be completed by Friday 1st August 2025 (see key dates).

The Sutton SET takes place on Tuesday 16th September 2025 (see key dates). Families receive notification of Stage 1 results the following week. Children who qualify sit the NWSSEE on Saturday 27th September 2025 (see key dates).

• 1st May 2025: SET registration opens (see key dates)
• 13th June 2025: Deadline for special access arrangements requests (see key dates)
• July 2025: School open events (see key dates)
• 1st August 2025: SET registration closes (see key dates)
• 16th September 2025:Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) exam day
• 27th September 2025: NWSSEE Stage 2 exam (see key dates)
• 31st October 2025: CAF application deadline (see key dates)

Preparation Guidance

Building a good knowledge base before the exam is important, using a 'little and often' approach as brains encode new information more effectively with smaller chunks. Child psychologists recommend regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11.

Families should focus preparation on the Key Stage 2 curriculum for both English and Maths. The schools create their own exams rather than using external boards, with the SET Maths similar to GL Assessment style but more challenging, while the English exam is completely unique.

• Start preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 with regular short sessions
• Focus on Key Stage 2 curriculum content in English and Maths
• Practice with official sample papers available from school websites
• Consider professional tutoring support for targeted preparation
• Familiarise children with multiple-choice answer sheets and timing constraints
• Practice extended writing tasks for Stage 2 preparation
• Ensure children understand standard format maths questions requiring written answers

Practical Advice

The school holds open events in July, with booking information published on their website in May (see key dates) ^[1]. These events are strongly encouraged for prospective students and their families.

Passing the entrance exam does not guarantee a place allocation, as many grammar schools are oversubscribed with qualified children. Families should prepare backup school options within their local authority area.

Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) Information

In order to get into Nonsuch High School for Girls, children need to pass the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET). This 11+ test is written by Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) for use by the school's admissions process.

Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) Subjects & Structure

The Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

• English
• Maths

The Sutton Selective Eligibility Test is a crucial assessment for students seeking admission to Nonsuch High School for Girls. This exam consists of two papers, each focusing on evaluating the candidate's proficiency in English and Maths. The English paper is divided into four sections, assessing the student's grasp of Key Stage 2 spelling and reading comprehension skills. On the other hand, the Maths paper covers various Key Stage 2 topics, including number and place value, the four basic arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement, geometry, and statistics.

In addition to the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test, students must also take the second stage exam (NWSSEE). This exam further assesses the candidate's abilities in English and Maths, but in a different format. The English test is an extended writing task lasting one hour, while the Maths test is a standard 45-minute paper. These exams provide a comprehensive evaluation of the student's academic capabilities and potential.

Preparing for the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test and the NWSSEE requires a thorough understanding of the Key Stage 2 curriculum and a dedication to refining one's skills in English and Maths. Students who excel in these exams demonstrate a strong foundation in these subjects and are well-equipped to thrive in the academically rigorous environment at Nonsuch High School for Girls.

Other Schools using Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET)

As well as Nonsuch High School for Girls, several other schools also use Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET). These are:

• Sutton Grammar School
• Wallington County Grammar School
• Wallington High School for Girls
• Wilson's School

Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Nonsuch High School for Girls is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.

Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.

Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.

It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!

Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).

Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Nonsuch High School for Girls, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Nonsuch High School for Girls 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Nonsuch High School for Girls) as well as other relevant dates.

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Nonsuch High School for Girls as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Nonsuch High School for Girls

As the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.

Why use a private 11+ tutor?

Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.

11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.

11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.

Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!

Private 11+ Tutors for the Nonsuch High School for Girls 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Nonsuch High School for Girls 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.

11+ Past Papers for Nonsuch High School for Girls

Unfortunately, Nonsuch High School for Girls has not made any of their 11+ past papers publicly available. However, you can use However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.

11+ Practice Papers for Nonsuch High School for Girls

Unfortunately, there are no targeted 11+ practice papers for Nonsuch High School for Girls available. However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.

School Information

Below you will find further information about Nonsuch High School for Girls together with their admissions contact details.

Nonsuch High School for Girls is a girls only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 1,521 pupils attend Nonsuch High School for Girls and it's led by the Head Teacher, Ms Amy Cavilla.

Nonsuch High School for Girls Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

Nonsuch High School for Girls was last inspected by Ofsted on 25/05/2021 and the inspection lasted 15 days. Ofsted published their report on 14/09/2021, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Ofsted Report Summary

Nonsuch High School for Girls was inspected by Ofsted on 14/09/2021 and received an overall outcome of Good. The school was rated Good in all areas, including Quality of education, Behaviour and attitudes, Personal development, Leadership and management, and Sixth form provision.

The inspection, which took place on 25 May 2021, found that the school provides a high-quality education for its students. The school's leadership and management were praised for their effectiveness in ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for the future.

The school's sixth form provision was also rated as Good, indicating that the school provides a strong foundation for students to continue their education beyond secondary school. Overall, Nonsuch High School for Girls has demonstrated its commitment to providing an excellent education for its students, as evidenced by the positive Ofsted inspection results.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Nonsuch High School for Girls for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Nonsuch High School for Girls per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)