Sutton Grammar School

Sutton Grammar School

Sutton Grammar School 11 Plus Guide

If you’re thinking about applying to Sutton Grammar School for your child, this 2026 admissions guide explains everything you need to know. It outlines key information about the school, how to apply, and practical ways to help your child prepare for the 11 Plus entrance exam.

At a Glance

Assessment: Individual

Fees Type: Free

Boarding: Day school

Admissions: Boys Only

Places per year: 135

Competition: Very High

Ofsted Rating: Good

Introduction to

Sutton Grammar School

Sutton Grammar School is a selective state school for boys, situated in the London Borough of Sutton. Renowned for its exceptional academic performance and high-quality teaching, the school also places strong emphasis on developing confidence, character and independence.

The school offers a well-rounded education, blending academic excellence with a rich variety of extracurricular activities, including music, sport, computing and languages. While the lower years are for boys, the sixth form welcomes both boys and girls.

Sutton Grammar uses the shared Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) for Year 7 admissions. Entry is extremely competitive, with applicants from across London and surrounding areas vying for limited places.

Sutton Grammar School Key Information

Below, we list key information regarding Sutton Grammar School, including direct contact details, parking information and relevant statistics for prospective students. 

School Address

Full Address:

Sutton Grammar School, Manor Lane
Sutton
Surrey
SM1 4AS

Contact Information

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Admissions and Administration Officer Mrs Sabah Mian
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Telephone (Main Office) 020 8642 3821

Parking in the school

There is limited parking on the school premise, given on a first come first served basis. Adjacent roads can be used for parking, but the school asks that parents be mindful not to obstruct drives or roads near the school.

Additional parking off site

  • Kingsway Road, Sutton, London SM3 8SL (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
  • Cheam Library, 12 Park Road, Sutton, London SM3 8QH (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)

Sutton Grammar School Ofsted Report

Good

Based on the inspection date:

22 and 23 June 2022

View Report
The quality of education Good
Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding
Personal development Good
Leadership and management Good
Sixth-form provision Good

Quick Summary

Overall rating: Sutton Grammar School continues to be a Good school, recognised for its strong academic standards, exceptional behaviour, and inclusive culture.

Academic strength: The curriculum is ambitious and well sequenced, helping pupils develop deep understanding across all subjects and achieve highly in exams.

Teaching and curriculum: Teachers have excellent subject knowledge and use effective questioning, though assessment and feedback are being refined for greater consistency.

Behaviour and culture: Pupils’ behaviour is outstanding, showing maturity, respect, and enthusiasm for learning in a calm and supportive environment.

Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders maintain high expectations, prioritise staff wellbeing, and ensure safeguarding is effective, creating a safe and positive school community.

Sutton Grammar School Entrance Test Format

Admission to Year 7 involves a two-stage testing process that forms part of the coordinated system used by Sutton grammar schools.

The Selective Eligibility Test (SET)

Stage One: Selective Eligibility Test (SET)
This is a shared exam with other grammar schools in Sutton and includes two multiple-choice papers. Applicants must meet the pass mark in both papers to qualify for Stage Two. SET scores are not used in final rankings but determine who progresses.

Paper 1: Maths

Key Stage 2 problem-solving, lasting between 40-50 minutes.

Paper 2: English

Multiple choice paper expected to last 40 – 50 minutes, testing reading comprehension and vocabulary.

The Selective Eligibility Test (SET) - Assessment Criteria

English Maths Verbal Reasoning Non-Verbal Reasoning Addittional

Second Stage Entrance Examination

Those who pass the SET are invited to sit two written papers:

Paper 1: English

Extended writing task expected to last 1 hour

Paper 2: Maths

Standard KS2 level Maths paper expected to last 45 minutes

Second Stage Entrance Examination Format:

English Maths Verbal Reasoning Non-Verbal Reasoning Addittional

Pass Mark

The pass criteria for the Sutton Grammar School entrance process vary each year, as scores are standardised to account for differences in test difficulty and applicant performance.

For the Stage One Selective Eligibility Test (SET), candidates must achieve the qualifying standard in both the English and Maths papers to move on to Stage Two. The exact pass mark is not published and changes annually based on overall performance.

In Stage Two, final rankings are determined entirely by the combined results of the written English and Maths papers. Again, there is no fixed score for passing, instead, results are age-standardised, and the top-ranking applicants are offered places according to the school’s admissions criteria.

Catchment Area

Sutton Grammar School does not operate on a catchment area to prioritise students for admission to the school. Proximity of a student’s address is however used in the oversubscription criteria, listed below.

Additional Eligibility

When more applicants qualify than places available, Sutton Grammar School applies the following oversubscription rules:

  • Looked after or previously looked after children

  • Pupil Premium applicants who meet the required standard

  • Other applicants ranked by test score

  • Tie-breaker based on distance from the school

There is no fixed catchment for the initial stage. Distance only applies when candidates have the same final score.

Click here to view the full Sutton Grammar School admissions policy.

Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Sutton Grammar School

A clear, consistent preparation strategy is essential for both exam stages:

Useful Tips

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Start Early

Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.

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Use Exam Papers

Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.

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Target Weak Areas

Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.

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Encourage Daily Reading

A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.

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Make Use of Online Resources

Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.

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Best Chance of Success

Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.

COMING SOON

11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area

We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Sutton Grammar School. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.

Sutton Grammar School Key Dates and Application Information

The application process for admission to Sutton Grammar School requires prospective students and parents to meet key relevant application deadlines.

SET Registration Opens

May 2025
Date passed

SET Registration Deadline

August 2025
Date passed

Selective Eligibility Test (Stage One)

16th September 2025
Date passed

Shared second stage entrance exam

4th October
Date passed

Sutton SET results

October 2025
Date passed

Common Application Form Deadline

Thursday 31st October 2025
Date passed

Offer Day

Monday 2nd March 2026
100 days to go
How to Apply

Sutton Grammar School Application Process

To apply for a Year 7 place at Sutton Grammar School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.

1

Admissions Policy 2026

Make sure you read the Sutton Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.

View Admissions Policy
2

Entrance Test Entry Form

This must be done through the Sutton Grammar Schools registration portal. The registration period runs from May to August 2025.

Visit Council Website
3

Common Application Form (CAF)

This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Sutton Grammar School listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed – failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.

Sutton Grammar School FAQs

Applications are made through the Sutton grammar schools’ coordinated process. Parents must register their child for the Selective Eligibility Test (SET) and also list Sutton Grammar School on their local authority’s secondary school application form.

The entrance process has two stages. Stage One is the Selective Eligibility Test (SET) with multiple-choice English and Maths papers. Stage Two includes written English and Maths tests, focusing on comprehension, creative writing, and problem-solving.

Entry is highly competitive, with many applicants from Sutton and surrounding areas. Only those who perform strongly in both stages of testing are offered a place, based on ranked scores and oversubscription criteria.

There is no formal catchment area for the first stage of testing. However, distance from the school is used as a tie-breaker if two or more applicants achieve the same final score after the Stage Two exams.

Schools Nearby

39 schools found within 25 miles of Sutton


Sutton Grammar School

Sutton Grammar School, Manor Lane, Sutton
Assessment: Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
0.3 Miles Away Very-high Competition View School

Greenshaw High School

Greenshaw High School, Grennell Road, Sutton
Assessment: Sutton SET
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
1.1 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Nonsuch High School for Girls

Nonsuch High School for Girls, Cheam
Assessment: Sutton SET, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
1.3 Miles Away Very-high Competition View School

Wallington County Grammar School

Wallington County Grammar School, Croydon Road, Wallington
Assessment: Sutton SET, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
2 Miles Away Very-high Competition View School

Wallington High School for Girls

Wallington High School for Girls, Woodcote Road, Wallington
Assessment: Sutton SET, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
2.2 Miles Away High Competition View School

Wilson’s School

Wilson’s School, Mollison Drive, Wallington
Assessment: Sutton SET, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
2.8 Miles Away Very-high Competition View School

Tiffin School

Tiffin School, Queen Elizabeth Road, Kingston-upon-Thames
Assessment: Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
5.6 Miles Away High Competition View School

Tiffin Girls’ School

Tiffin Girls’ School, Richmond Road, Kingston upon Thames
Assessment: Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
6.5 Miles Away Very-high Competition View School

Newstead Wood School

Newstead Wood School, Avebury Road, Orpington
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
11.6 Miles Away Very-high Competition View School

St Olave's and St Saviour's Grammar School

St. Olave's Grammar School, Goddington Lane, Orpington
Assessment: Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
12.9 Miles Away Very-high Competition View School

Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School

Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School, Hurst Road, Sidcup
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
14 Miles Away High Competition View School

Bexley Grammar School

Bexley Grammar School, Danson Lane, Welling
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
14.6 Miles Away Very-high Competition View School

The Henrietta Barnett School

Henrietta Barnett School, Central Square, Hampstead Garden Suburb
Assessment: GL Assessment, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
15.2 Miles Away Very-high Competition View School

Townley Grammar School

Townley Grammar School, Townley Road, Bexleyheath
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
15.6 Miles Away Very-high Competition View School

Beths Grammar School

Beths Grammar School, Hartford Road, Bexley
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
16 Miles Away Medium Competition View School

Wilmington Grammar School for Girls

Wilmington Grammar School for Girls, Wilmington
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
17.4 Miles Away View School

Wilmington Grammar School for Boys

Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, Wilmington, Dartford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
17.4 Miles Away View School

St Michael's Catholic Grammar School

St Michael's Catholic Grammar School, Nether St, North Finchley
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
17.5 Miles Away View School

Dartford School for Girls

Dartford Grammar School for Girls, Dartford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
18 Miles Away View School

Dartford Grammar School

Dartford Grammar School, Dartford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
18.1 Miles Away View School

Langley Grammar School

Langley Grammar School, Reddington Drive, Slough
Assessment:
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
18.1 Miles Away High Competition View School

The Latymer School

The Latymer School, Haselbury Road, Edmonton
Assessment: GL Assessment, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
19 Miles Away High Competition View School

St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School

St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School, 1 Langley Road, Slough
Assessment:
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
19.1 Miles Away High Competition View School

Upton Court Grammar School

Upton Court Grammar School, Lascelles Rd, Slough
Assessment:
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
19.3 Miles Away High Competition View School

Woodford County High School for Girls

Woodford County High School for Girls, High Road, Woodford Green, Redbridge
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
19.3 Miles Away View School

Ilford County High School

Ilford County High School, Fremantle Road, Ilford
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
19.7 Miles Away View School

Queen Elizabeth's School Barnet

Queen Elizabeth's School, Queen's Road, Barnet
Assessment:
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
20.4 Miles Away View School

Herschel Grammar School

Herschel Grammar School, Northampton Avenue, Slough
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
21.1 Miles Away High Competition View School

Queens' School Hertfordshire

Queens' School Hertfordshire, Aldenham Road, Bushey
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
21.9 Miles Away View School

Rickmansworth School

Rickmansworth School, Scots Hill, Rickmansworth
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
22.6 Miles Away View School

Dame Alice Owen's School

Dame Alice Owen's School, Dugdale Hill Lane, Potters Bar
Assessment: GL Assessment, Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
22.8 Miles Away View School

Burnham Grammar School

Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Ln, Slough
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
23.1 Miles Away High Competition View School

The Judd School

The Judd School, Tonbridge
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
23.1 Miles Away View School

Tonbridge Grammar School

Tonbridge Grammar School, Tonbridge
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
23.7 Miles Away View School

Weald of Kent Grammar School

Weald of Kent Grammar School, Tonbridge
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
23.9 Miles Away View School

Mayfield Grammar School

Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
24.4 Miles Away View School

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys

Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, Tunbridge Wells
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
24.5 Miles Away View School

Tunbridge Wells Girls’ Grammar School

Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School, Tunbridge Wells
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
24.6 Miles Away View School

The Skinners’ School

The Skinners' School, Royal Tunbridge Wells
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
24.8 Miles Away View School