Wilson's School 11+

How to get into Wilson's School

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

Admission Requirements

Wilson's School is a selective boys' school with an admission number for Year 7 of 186 places annually ^[1]. Boys in Year 6 of primary school in September 2025 (with a date of birth from 1 September 2014 to 31 August 2015*) and deemed to be of selective ability as determined by their performance in the entrance tests will be eligible for a place at the school ^[1].

The school uses the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) as the first stage of the admissions process. Boys of selective ability and whose formal Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) names the school will be allocated a place before other applicants are considered ^[1].

Families must submit their applications through their local authority using the Common Application Form (CAF). The closing date for submission of the CAF is 31 October 2025 (see key dates) ^[1].

Application Process

Families must complete several key steps to apply to Wilson's School. To register a boy to take the SET parents/carers must complete the online Registration Form (which is also the Supplementary Form) which can be accessed via the Wilson's School website (or the website of any of the participating schools) by Friday 1 August 2025 (see key dates) ^[1].

No late registrations will be accepted under any circumstances ^[1]. Families must also name Wilson's School on their CAF to be considered for a place, even if their child passes all entrance examinations.

For children with special educational needs requiring access arrangements, there is an earlier deadline. This must be done no later than Friday 13 June 2025 to ensure that your child can be considered for Access Arrangements (see key dates) ^[1].

• Complete the online Registration Form by 1st August 2025 (see key dates)
• Submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through the local authority by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
• Include Wilson's School as a preference on the CAF in true order of preference
• Submit special educational needs access arrangements by 13th June 2025 (see key dates) if required
• For specific contact details, families should visit the school information section

Examination Structure and Dates

Wilson's School operates a two-stage examination system. The date of the SET will be Tuesday 16 September 2025 (see key dates) ^[1]. This first stage is the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) shared with other Sutton grammar schools.

The Sutton Selective Eligibility Test consists of two multiple-choice papers. Each paper takes about 40–50 minutes to complete ^[1]. The papers cover English and Mathematics based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum.

Children who pass the SET will be invited to the second stage examination. All candidates who are eligible will be invited to sit the second stage Entrance Examination for Wilson's School which will be held on Saturday 4 October 2025 (see key dates) ^[1].

The second stage Entrance Examination for Wilson's School will comprise an English and a Mathematics paper. Candidates must pass both the English and the Mathematics papers and must also have met the overall pass mark to be eligible to be considered for a place ^[1].

• Stage 1: Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) on Tuesday 16th September 2025 (see key dates)
• Stage 2: Wilson's School Second Stage Examination on Saturday 4th October 2025 (see key dates)
• Aptitude Tests: Music and Sport aptitude tests on Saturday 11th October 2025 (see key dates) for eligible candidates
• Results: Second stage results sent by email in October 2025 (see key dates)

Admission Priorities

Wilson's School is consistently oversubscribed, so the school applies specific oversubscription criteria. Where the number of eligible candidates for admission exceeds the number of places available, places are offered to boys in the order set out below ^[1].

The school allocates places in the following priority order: Boys of selective ability and who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming Wilson's School are offered places first. Places are then offered in this order: 'Looked after' and 'previously looked after' children by rank order of score · 14 places are available for boys who receive Free School Meals, allocated by rank order of score ^[1].

The school also offers specialist places. 9 places for boys who have demonstrated aptitude in sport (by achieving a score in the Sporting Aptitude Test above the benchmark threshold) by rank order of performance in the sporting aptitude test; 9 places for boys who have demonstrated aptitude in music (by achieving a score in the Music Aptitude Test above the benchmark threshold) by rank order of performance in the music aptitude test ^[1].

• Boys with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) naming Wilson's School
• Looked after or previously looked after children by rank order of test scores
• 14 places for boys eligible for Free School Meals by rank order
• 9 places for boys demonstrating sporting aptitude in football
• 9 places for boys demonstrating musical aptitude
• Remaining places allocated by rank order of entrance test scores

Preparation Guidance

Families should begin preparation well in advance of the examination dates. The Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) is based on the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum for Years 5 and 6. Both examination stages require thorough preparation in English and Mathematics.

The first stage consists of multiple-choice papers, while the second stage uses standard format questions. The second stage exam also tests English and maths, but these papers are not multiple-choice. The English test is a one-hour extended writing task and the maths test is a standard 45-minute maths paper ^[1].

Families seeking additional preparation support can access practice papers and resources. For personalised preparation support, families may consider professional tutoring services.

• Start preparation at least 12 months before the examination dates
• Focus on Key Stage 2 curriculum in English and Mathematics
• Practice both multiple-choice and standard format questions
• Develop extended writing skills for the second stage English examination
• Consider music or sport aptitude tests if relevant to the child's abilities
• Access preparation resources through practice materials
• Seek professional guidance through tutoring services if needed

Practical Advice for Families

Families should attend one of Wilson's School's open events to learn more about the school and admissions process. These events provide opportunities to tour the school facilities and speak with staff members about the school's educational approach.

On examination days, candidates should arrive well-prepared with the required materials. Two pencils (HB or B), a pen for use in the English test if your child wishes to use one, a soft rubber and a pencil sharpener in a clear plastic pencil case or bag. A fleece or jumper. If desired, water in a clear plastic sports cap bottle (no fizzy drinks) and a snack for break time (no nuts due to the number of children who suffer from nut allergies) ^[1].

Families should have realistic expectations about the competitive nature of the admissions process. Remember – passing the entrance exam doesn't guarantee that your child will be allocated a place at your preferred school. Many grammar schools are often oversubscribed with qualified children ^[1].

Families should consider backup options among other excellent schools in the Sutton area, including comprehensive schools that also participate in the coordinated admissions scheme. For specific guidance about backup schools and application strategy, contact details are available in the school information section.

• Attend school open events to understand the school environment
• Prepare examination day materials in advance
• Ensure children get adequate rest before examination dates
• Consider backup school options within the Sutton area
• Apply to multiple schools through the CAF system
• Contact the school through the school information section for specific queries
• Understand that exam success does not guarantee a place due to oversubscription

^[1]Wilson's School official website

Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) Information

In order to get into Wilson's 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 selective schools in Sutton. The exam comprises two distinct papers, each focusing on essential subjects: English and Maths.

The English paper assesses students' proficiency in spelling and reading comprehension, with a total of four sections. The Maths paper covers a wide range of topics typically taught in Key Stage 2, including arithmetic, fractions, geometry, and data interpretation.

In the second stage of the exam, students face a more advanced English test in the form of an extended writing task, along with a standard Maths paper. These assessments aim to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the candidates' skills and potential, ensuring that the most deserving students are selected for admission to the prestigious schools in Sutton.

Other Schools using Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET)

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

• Nonsuch High School for Girls
• Sutton Grammar School
• Wallington County Grammar School
• Wallington High School for Girls

Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Wilson's 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 Wilson's School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Wilson's School 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Wilson's 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 Wilson's School as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Wilson's 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 Wilson's School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Wilson's 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 Wilson's School

Unfortunately, Wilson's School 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 Wilson's School

Unfortunately, there are no targeted 11+ practice papers for Wilson's 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 Wilson's School together with their admissions contact details.

Wilson's 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 1,298 pupils attend Wilson's School and it's led by the Head, Mr T R Lissimore.

Wilson's School Location

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

Ofsted Information

Wilson's School was last inspected by Ofsted on 28/09/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 07/12/2022, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Ofsted Report Summary

Wilson's School was inspected by Ofsted on 28 September 2022 and received an Outstanding rating in all areas. The school demonstrated exceptional quality of education, with students consistently achieving high standards across the curriculum. The behaviour and attitudes of pupils were also deemed outstanding, creating a positive learning environment throughout the school.

The school's personal development provision was highly effective in supporting students' well-being and preparing them for future success. Leadership and management at Wilson's School were found to be outstanding, with a clear vision and effective strategies in place to drive continuous improvement.

The sixth form provision at Wilson's School was also rated as Outstanding, providing students with an excellent foundation for their future academic and professional pursuits. Overall, Wilson's School has demonstrated exceptional performance across all areas, setting a high standard for educational excellence.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Wilson's 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)