Sutton is home to several highly-regarded grammar schools, all of which use the 11+ examination as a key part of their admissions process. These schools include Wilson's School (boys), Wallington County Grammar School (boys), and Wallington High School for Girls.
Gaining a place at one of these selective schools is competitive. Effective and structured preparation is essential to help candidates perform to their best on exam day. This guide offers insights into the Sutton 11+ process and advice for preparation.
The Sutton 11+ exams are designed to assess a broad range of academic and reasoning skills. Both papers are multiple-choice, which means candidates mark their answers on a separate answer sheet. Familiarity with this format is crucial for speed and accuracy.
Paper 1 typically covers English and Verbal Reasoning. English sections often include comprehension passages, vocabulary, and grammar. Verbal Reasoning assesses a child's ability to understand and reason with words, often involving patterns and logical deductions. Paper 2 focuses on Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Mathematics questions cover the Key Stage 2 curriculum, potentially including topics beyond what is taught by the end of Year 5. Non-Verbal Reasoning tests understanding of shapes, patterns, and spatial awareness.
A structured approach to preparation can significantly benefit candidates. Consider starting preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 to allow ample time. Regular, shorter study sessions are often more effective than infrequent, long ones. Focus on building a strong foundation in English and Mathematics, as these underpin much of the exam content.
Key preparation strategies include:
On exam day, ensure the candidate is well-rested and has had a good breakfast. Arrive at the test centre with plenty of time to spare to minimise stress. Remind them to read all instructions carefully and to manage their time effectively during the exam. If they encounter a difficult question, it's often best to move on and return to it if time allows, rather than getting stuck.
After the exams, results are typically released in October. If a child qualifies for a grammar school place, parents will then apply through the local authority's secondary school admissions process, listing their preferred schools in order. Offers are usually made on National Offer Day in March of the following year. It's important to remember that not all children who pass the 11+ will be offered a grammar school place, as places are limited and allocated based on ranking and parental preference.
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Start free →The main grammar schools in Sutton that use the 11+ for admissions are Wilson's School (boys), Wallington County Grammar School (boys), and Wallington High School for Girls. Sutton Grammar School also uses its own test, though it is part of the broader Sutton testing system.
Yes, children can sit the 11+ tests for multiple Sutton grammar schools. When you submit your secondary school application to the local authority, you can list your preferred schools in order.
Standardisation is a statistical process used to adjust raw 11+ scores to take into account differences in children's ages. This ensures that a child born later in the academic year is not at a disadvantage compared to an older child sitting the same test, as older children have had more time for development and schooling.
Specific past papers for the Sutton 11+ are not typically released by the exam board. However, familiarisation papers that give an indication of the test style and format are usually made available on the schools' or consortium websites. General 11+ practice papers from various publishers can also be useful for preparation.