Few decisions matter more to a Year 5 family than the 11+. In Wallington you are surrounded by some of the most sought-after selective schools in the country — which makes preparation rewarding, but also genuinely competitive. Our 11+ programme is built to take the guesswork out of it: a clear plan, expert teaching, and honest, regular feedback so you always know where your child stands.
Wallington Academy has prepared local children for grammar and independent school entry since 1999. We teach in small groups (and one-to-one) at our centre in Wallington, as well as online, and every 11+ student sits regular mock papers under timed conditions so the real exam feels familiar.
The Sutton 11+: how it works
The Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) is shared by six participating schools: Greenshaw High School, Nonsuch High School for Girls, Wallington High School for Girls, Wallington County Grammar School, Sutton Grammar School and Wilson’s School. Greenshaw is partially selective. Each school has its own admissions criteria.
Stage 1 — the SET
Two multiple-choice papers, one in Maths and one in English, each around 40–50 minutes and based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum. Importantly, the Sutton SET does not test verbal or non-verbal reasoning.
Stage 2 — the school papers
What happens after the SET depends on the school and entry year. Applicants who reach the required standard for schools with a second-stage examination are invited to further English and Maths tests. Check each school’s admissions arrangements for its test format and selection criteria. Passing a test does not guarantee a place.
Wilson’s also offers sport and music aptitude routes with separate requirements. These are distinct from the main academic entrance tests; consult the school’s current admissions guidance if you intend to apply through an aptitude route.
Register for the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test while your child is in Year 5, ahead of the test in September of Year 6. Registration dates and access-arrangement deadlines are published for each entry year. Check the participating schools’ official admissions pages before applying.
- Year 4–5Build the core Maths and English foundations the exam is based on.
- Year 5 — check registration datesRegister for the SET and request any access arrangements by the published deadlines.
- Sep, Yr 6Stage 1 SET — the shared Maths and English papers.
- Sep–Oct, Yr 6Stage 2 written papers at the chosen schools.
Exam dates and formats are set by the schools and can change year to year — always confirm the current cycle on the official Sutton grammar schools’ admissions pages.
Schools we prepare students for
Families come to us aiming at a wide range of selective and independent schools across Sutton, Croydon, Kingston and the Surrey borders. We tailor every child’s plan to the specific schools they’re targeting — including the entrance papers, interviews and aptitude tests each one sets.
Sutton SET participating schools
- Wallington County Grammar School — boys
- Wallington High School for Girls
- Wilson’s School — boys
- Sutton Grammar School — boys
- Nonsuch High School for Girls
- Greenshaw High School — partially selective
Neighbouring grammar schools (Kingston)
- Tiffin School, Kingston — boys
- The Tiffin Girls’ School, Kingston
Independent schools in the area
- Sutton High School (GDST)
- Whitgift School, Croydon
- Trinity School, Croydon
- Royal Russell School, Croydon
- Croydon High School (GDST)
- Caterham School
- Reigate Grammar School
- City of London Freemen’s School, Ashtead
Targeting a school that isn’t listed here? Just ask — we prepare children for grammar and independent school entry right across south-west London and Surrey.
What our 11+ programme covers
Our preparation is built around what the exams actually demand — not endless worksheets. Students work through:
- Maths — full Key Stage 2 coverage, multiple-choice technique for Stage 1, and longer written problems for Stage 2.
- English & comprehension — vocabulary, comprehension under time pressure, and extended creative and persuasive writing for the second-stage paper.
- Verbal & non-verbal reasoning — for families also targeting independent schools or grammar schools in neighbouring boroughs, where reasoning is commonly tested.
- Exam technique & timing — weekly mock papers under timed conditions, with strategies for pacing, multiple-choice answer sheets and managing nerves.
Why Wallington families choose us
- Local since 1999. Nearly three decades preparing children for the schools right on your doorstep.
- Small groups. Maximum six students per group — smaller for some 11+ sets — so no child is lost in the crowd.
- Weekly timed mocks. Regular practice papers that mirror the real exam, with marks tracked over time.
- Honest, detailed feedback. A parent portal showing attendance, mock scores and topic-by-topic mastery, plus written notes from tutors — so you see real, measurable progress.
- In person or online. Sessions at our Wallington centre or live online, whichever suits your family.
Common questions
When should my child start 11+ preparation?
Most families begin in Year 4 or early Year 5, giving around 12–18 months to build the underlying Maths and English skills before moving into exam technique and timed practice. We assess each child first and recommend a realistic starting point — late starters are welcome too, with a more intensive plan.
Which schools does the Sutton SET cover?
The Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) is shared by six participating schools: Greenshaw High School, Nonsuch High School for Girls, Wallington High School for Girls, Wallington County Grammar School, Sutton Grammar School and Wilson’s School. Greenshaw is partially selective. Each school has its own admissions criteria.
Does the Sutton SET test verbal and non-verbal reasoning?
No. The Stage 1 SET is two multiple-choice papers in Maths and English based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum, with no reasoning. Reasoning is common in many independent school exams, however, so our programme covers it for families targeting those schools.
What happens after the SET?
What happens after the SET depends on the school and entry year. Applicants who reach the required standard for schools with a second-stage examination are invited to further English and Maths tests. Check each school’s admissions arrangements for its test format and selection criteria. Passing a test does not guarantee a place.
How big are your 11+ groups?
Maximum six students per group, and smaller for some 11+ sets where focused attention matters most. We also offer one-to-one preparation, in person or online.
Give your child the best start
Book a free assessment. We’ll show you exactly where your child stands and recommend the right 11+ plan for them.
Book a free assessment