Selective Eligibility Test Sutton 11 Plus
Key Info
11 Plus Exam Format
Find Schools
How to Apply
What is the Sutton 11 Plus?
The Sutton 11 Plus, or Selective Eligibility Test (SET), is an entrance exam used by the Sutton Grammar Schools Consortium to assess a child’s academic ability. It forms a key part of the admissions process for grammar schools in the borough. The SET includes two multiple-choice papers: one in English and one in maths. Each paper lasts approximately 45 minutes and there is a short break between them.
Every pupil applying to one of the grammar schools in Sutton, including those applying for the grammar stream at Greenshaw High School, will sit the same SET exam. This system allows children to apply to multiple grammar schools with a single test, as the results are shared within the consortium.
The SET for 2025 will take place on Tuesday 16 September, with sessions running in the morning and afternoon. Registration is required in advance and closes at midnight on Friday 1 August 2025. Children will be assigned a test centre at one of the participating schools. You do not need to register separately for each school, and the location where your child takes the test does not affect your application.
Key Details for the Sutton 11 Plus
Applies To:
5 grammar schools and 1 bilateral school
Test Format:
English and maths (multiple-choice format), sat in-person only at a Sutton school test centre. Set by the Sutton Grammar Schools Consortium
Places Available:
951 selective places
Applicants each year:
Around 6,000 children
Selective Eligibility Test Sutton Exam Format
Stage 1: Maths and English Papers (SET)
Maths Paper: The maths paper is created by the schools in the consortium and lasts between 40 and 50 minutes. All questions are multiple choice and answers are recorded on a separate sheet.
English Paper: The English paper follows the same structure as the maths paper. It also lasts 40 to 50 minutes and includes multiple-choice questions. Children record their answers on a separate answer sheet.
If your child is applying to Greenshaw High School, they will only need to sit the Stage 1 SET. Greenshaw uses the SET results to determine which pupils are eligible for one of its 60 selective places.
Stage 2: Maths and English Papers (School Set)
The five fully selective grammar schools have a second stage of testing. Children who pass the SET will be invited to sit two additional papers, one in English (1 hour in length, which tests extended writing ability) and one in maths (45 minutes long). These papers are not multiple choice.
-
Boys’ schools (Sutton Grammar, Wilson’s, Wallington County Grammar): Shared Stage 2 test on Saturday 4 October 2025. The same papers are used, but eligibility criteria may vary.
-
Girls’ schools (Nonsuch and Wallington High): Shared Stage 2 test on Saturday 27 September 2025. Both the test and eligibility threshold are the same for both schools.
SET Assessment Papers
Selective Eligibility Test Sutton Pass Mark
SET scores are standardised to account for differences in age, ensuring a fair comparison between pupils. There is no fixed pass mark for each paper. The overall score determines whether your child has passed. This means that a stronger score in one paper can compensate for a weaker score in the other.
If your child does not pass the SET, you will be informed of their scores. For children who progress to Stage 2, total scores from both rounds are combined. Age standardisation is also applied at this stage before calculating the final result. There is no fixed pass mark for Stage 2 papers.
Which Schools Use the Selective Eligibility Test Sutton?
The Selective Eligibility Test Sutton is used by the 5 grammar schools and the 1 bilateral school listed below.
Sutton Grammar Schools Consortium
Grammar Schools
Bilateral Schools
Admissions Criteria for the Selective Eligibility Test Sutton
To sit the SET, children must be present at their assigned test centre. There is no provision for overseas testing. The Sutton 11 Plus is intended for children who are:
-
Applying for a Year 7 place in September 2026
-
In Year 5 at the time of registration
-
Among the top 25% of their cohort academically
-
Born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015
Only children who pass the SET can be invited to take Stage 2 exams.
Each school within the consortium has its own admissions policy. These may consider distance from the school, pupil premium eligibility, or total exam score. It is best to check each school’s specific requirements directly.
Key Dates for 2026 Entry
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens Registration Opens | Thursday 1st May 2025 |
| Access Arrangement Deadline Access Arrangement Deadline | Friday 13th June 2025 |
| Registration Closes Registration Closes | Friday 1st August 2025 |
| Stage 1 Selective Eligibility Test Stage 1 Selective Eligibility Test | Tuesday 16th September |
| Stage 2 Testing - Girls Stage 2 Testing - Girls | Saturday 27th September 2025 |
| Stage 2 Testing - Boys Stage 2 Testing - Boys | Saturday 4th October 2025 |
| Common Application Form Deadline Common Application Form Deadline | Friday 31st October 2025 |
| National Allocation Day National Allocation Day | Monday 2nd March 2026 |
How to Apply for the Selective Eligibility Test Sutton
You only need to register once for the SET, regardless of how many schools you are applying to. Registration opens on Thursday 1 May 2025 and closes at midnight on Friday 1 August 2025. If your child requires access arrangements due to special educational needs, the deadline to submit documentation is Friday 13 June 2025.
About a week before the test, you will receive an email with details of your child’s allocated test centre. You cannot choose the test centre. The school where your child takes the SET has no impact on your application.
On the day of the test, your child must bring a printout of the invitation email that includes their candidate number. Mobile versions will not be accepted.
Preparing for the Sutton 11 Plus
Here are some suggestions to help your child prepare:
-
Start early: Begin preparation in Year 4 or at the start of Year 5 to avoid last-minute pressure.
-
Use practice papers: Work through 11 Plus-style papers under timed conditions to build familiarity and confidence.
-
Focus on weaker areas: Track your child’s performance and spend more time on the topics they find most difficult.
-
Encourage regular reading: Reading supports vocabulary growth, comprehension and reasoning, which are essential for the English paper.
-
Try online tools: Digital platforms can help tailor study plans and offer feedback to keep your child engaged.
A consistent and supportive routine can help your child approach the exam with confidence and readiness.
Sutton Grammar Schools Consortium FAQs
What is the Sutton 11 Plus exam?
The Sutton 11 Plus is an entrance exam called the Selective Eligibility Test (SET), used to assess children applying for grammar schools in Sutton. It includes English and maths multiple-choice papers.
Do all Sutton grammar schools use the same exam?
Yes. All five grammar schools and the one bilateral school in Sutton use the same SET. The results are shared, so your child only needs to sit the test once.
What happens after the SET?
Children applying to fully selective schools who pass the SET are invited to sit Stage 2 exams. These include one English and one maths paper, both written rather than multiple choice.
How are the exams scored?
SET results are standardised to account for age. There is no specific pass mark for each paper, and children are assessed on their overall score. Stage 2 results are also standardised and combined with SET scores.
When and how do I register my child?
You can register online from 1 May 2025. The deadline is midnight on 1 August 2025. You will receive an email a week before the test confirming the exam centre.
How should my child prepare for the Sutton 11 Plus?
Start early, use practice papers, focus on weaker areas, encourage daily reading and consider using online tools for structured revision. A calm and steady approach works best.