Sutton Grammar School 11+

How to get into Sutton Grammar School

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

Admission Requirements

Children born between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2025 (see key dates). Sutton Grammar School is a selective state school for 135 boys per year ^[1].

The school operates on a selective admission system requiring families to complete a two-stage testing process. Boys must be successful in the two stage test process and must place Sutton Grammar School on the Common Application Form (CAF) ^[1].

Eligibility criteria include passing both the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) and the second stage entrance examination. Meeting the required standard at entrance tests does not guarantee the offer of a place at the school due to high competition ^[1].

• Complete registration for the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) between 1st May 2025 and 1st August 2025 (see key dates)
• Successfully pass the first stage SET examination on 16th September 2025 (see key dates)
• Qualify for and pass the second stage entrance examination on 4th October 2025 (see key dates)
• Submit the Common Application Form by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
• Contact details available in the school information section

Catchment Area and Priority Criteria

Sutton Grammar School operates with specific geographical priorities for admissions. The catchment area covers the postcode areas SM1-7, KT4, KT17, CR0 4 and CR4 ^[1].

When the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated according to strict criteria. Places are offered first to boys with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) who meet the required standard, followed by 'looked after' and 'previously looked after' children, sons of staff employed for minimum two years, up to 10 places for Free School Meals recipients in catchment area, 75 places for catchment area residents, and remaining places by rank order of score ^[1].

The school adjusts marks for a child's age and income deprivation score to ensure fairness in the admissions process ^[1]. Living outside the catchment area does not disqualify families but reduces priority for places.

Application Process

The application process requires families to complete several stages within specific deadlines. Parents need to register their child for the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) and fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) provided by Sutton Council, with the CAF including schools listed in order of preference ^[1].

Registration for the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) opens on 1st May 2025 and closes on 1st August 2025 (see key dates). Families only need to complete one registration form regardless of how many participating schools they're interested in, and late applications are not allowed under any circumstances ^[1].

• Register online for the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) between 1st May 2025 and 1st August 2025 (see key dates)
• Submit requests for special arrangements by 13th June 2025 if required (see key dates)
• Attend the SET examination on 16th September 2025 (see key dates)
• If successful, attend the second stage examination on 4th October 2025 (see key dates)
• Complete and submit the Common Application Form by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
• Receive school allocation results on 2nd March 2026 (see key dates)
• For guidance contact the school information section

Examination Structure and Content

The Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) consists of two stages of assessment. The first stage consists of two multiple-choice papers - one testing English and the other testing maths, with no verbal or non-verbal reasoning ^[1].

Each first stage paper takes approximately 40-50 minutes to complete with a break between papers. The content is broadly based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum ^[1].

The second stage examination is shared between Sutton Grammar School, Wilson's School and Wallington County Grammar School. The second stage tests English and Maths but neither is multiple-choice, with Maths consisting of standard format questions and English requiring a written response to a prompt ^[1].

• Stage 1 English Paper: Multiple-choice format testing spelling and reading comprehension skills
• Stage 1 Maths Paper: Multiple-choice covering number, operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement, geometry and statistics
• Stage 2 English: Written format requiring response to creative writing prompt
• Stage 2 Maths: Standard format questions requiring full written solutions
• Both stages combined determine final ranking for school places
• Age and deprivation adjustments applied to ensure fairness
• No minimum pass mark - entry determined by performance relative to other candidates

Preparation Guidance

Families should begin preparation well in advance of the examination dates. Child psychologists recommend regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11 using a consistent approach throughout the preparation period ^[1].

The school content is based on Key Stage 2 curriculum requirements but requires thorough preparation due to competitive nature. Pupils who are able to score 75%+ consistently in practice tests should be on track to pass the Stage 1 exam, though there are no guarantees ^[1].

Free preparation resources are available through practice papers and additional support can be found through qualified tutoring. The school encourages families to attend open events in September to understand the admissions process and school environment.

• Start preparation 12-18 months before examination dates
• Focus on Key Stage 2 curriculum areas in both English and Mathematics
• Practice multiple-choice techniques for first stage examination
• Develop written response skills for second stage examinations
• Use little and often approach with regular short study sessions
• Familiarise children with examination timing and conditions
• Attend school open events to understand expectations and environment

Important Dates and Deadlines

The admissions timeline requires careful attention to specific deadlines throughout the process. Registration opens on 1st May 2025 and families must complete all requirements by the final deadline of 31st October 2025 (see key dates) ^[1].

The Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) takes place on 16th September 2025 with results available in the following week. The shared second stage exam takes place on 4th October 2025 and families receive results in mid-October ^[1].

• 1st May 2025: Registration opens for Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) (see key dates)
• 13th June 2025: Deadline for special arrangements applications (see key dates)
• 1st August 2025: Registration closes for SET examination (see key dates)
• 16th September 2025: First stage SET examination day (see key dates)
• 4th October 2025: Second stage entrance examination (see key dates)
• 31st October 2025: Common Application Form submission deadline (see key dates)
• 2nd March 2026: School allocation results announced (see key dates)

Practical Advice for Families

Families should prepare children for examination conditions while maintaining realistic expectations about outcomes. Passing the entrance exam doesn't guarantee placement as many grammar schools are oversubscribed with qualified children ^[1].

On examination days, children should arrive early and bring required identification and equipment. The school provides all necessary materials for the examinations including answer sheets and question papers. Parents should ensure children are well-rested and have eaten appropriately before examination sessions.

Consider backup school options within the Sutton area including other grammar schools and high-performing comprehensive schools. Research multiple schools to ensure families have suitable alternatives if unsuccessful. For specific guidance and support, contact details are available in the school information section.

• Prepare children for competitive examination environment without creating excessive pressure
• Visit the school during open events to familiarise children with the environment
• Practice examination timing and conditions at home
• Research and apply to multiple schools as backup options
• Understand that high performance does not guarantee placement due to competition
• Maintain supportive approach regardless of examination outcomes
• Contact school information section for specific queries

^[1]Sutton Grammar School official website

Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) Information

In order to get into Sutton Grammar School, 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 challenging assessment designed to evaluate the academic abilities of students seeking admission to Sutton Grammar School. This rigorous examination consists of two distinct papers, each focusing on essential subjects: English and Maths.

The English paper is divided into four sections, assessing the candidate's proficiency in Key Stage 2 spelling and reading comprehension skills. This portion of the exam aims to gauge the student's ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written texts effectively.

The Maths paper, on the other hand, covers a wide range of Key Stage 2 maths topics, including number and place value, the four fundamental operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, measurement, geometry, and statistics. The second stage of the exam further tests the candidate's English and Maths skills through a one-hour extended writing task and a standard 45-minute maths paper, respectively.

Other Schools using Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET)

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

• Nonsuch High School for Girls
• 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 Sutton Grammar School 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 Sutton Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Sutton Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Sutton Grammar School) 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 Sutton Grammar School as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Sutton Grammar School

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 Sutton Grammar School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Sutton Grammar School 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 Sutton Grammar School

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Sutton Grammar School. Please note that this may include 11+ past papers, past familiarisation booklets, past practice materials published by third parties and past 11+ exam guides written by the school. These materials are provided 'as-is' and may no longer reflect the subjects, format, structure or exam board that Sutton Grammar School currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that Sutton Grammar School chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.

As well as these past 11+ papers, you may find our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers helpful for your child's preparation.

11+ Practice Papers for Sutton Grammar School

Unfortunately, there are no targeted 11+ practice papers for Sutton Grammar School 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 Sutton Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Sutton Grammar School is a boys 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 1,031 pupils attend Sutton Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Ben Cloves.

Sutton Grammar School Location

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

Ofsted Information

Sutton Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 22/06/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 21/09/2022, 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

Sutton Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 22 June 2022 and received an overall rating of Good. The school demonstrated a Good quality of education, Outstanding behaviour and attitudes, Good personal development, Good leadership and management, and Good sixth form provision.

The inspection highlighted the school's strengths in various areas, particularly in the Outstanding behaviour and attitudes of its students. The school's leadership and management were also recognized as Good, contributing to the overall positive learning environment.

Sutton Grammar School's sixth form provision was rated as Good, indicating that the school effectively prepares its students for higher education and future careers. The Good quality of education and personal development further emphasize the school's commitment to providing a well-rounded educational experience for its students.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Sutton Grammar School 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)