Nonsuch Grammar School Private Tutors

Sutton Grammar requires candidates to take the Selective Eligibility Test (SET) as part of the admissions process. This test evaluates English and Mathematics skills.

Parents must register their child through the Sutton Grammar School website. Further information can be found here:
Sutton Grammar School Admissions Information

Registration usually opens on 1 May in the year your child will sit the test and closes on 31 July. Students who successfully pass the first stage are then invited to sit the Second Stage examinations in late September or early October.

There are two stages to the Selective Eligibility Test (SET). Students will only progress to Stage 2 if they pass Stage 1.

Stage 1
• A multiple-choice Maths test
• A multiple-choice English test

Stage 2
• A standard written Maths test
• A creative writing task for the English assessment

There are two stages to the Selective Eligibility Test (SET). Students will only progress to Stage 2 if they successfully pass Stage 1.

Stage 1

Maths

The Maths paper consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. Students will be tested on:
• Number
• Measurement
• Geometry
• Algebra
• Ratio and proportion
• Statistics
• Probability

English

The English paper is a multiple-choice comprehension paper.

The paper begins with approximately 5 spelling questions, followed by a comprehension passage of around two pages. The comprehension may be an extract from a novel or a poem. Students will then answer approximately 20 questions based on the text.

Students will then read a second comprehension, which is usually slightly shorter, and answer around 10 questions on this passage.

Finally, students will answer 4–6 comparison questions based on both comprehensions.

Both Stage 1 tests are 45 minutes long.

Stage 2

Girls: Nonsuch High School for Girls and Wallington High School for Girls (NWSSEE)

English (40–50 minutes)

This paper is an extended writing task. Students will be given a prompt and asked to write a:
• Story
• Diary entry
• News report
• Speech

Maths (40–50 minutes)

This is a standard written Maths paper. Students are tested on the same mathematical topics as Stage 1 but must show their working out clearly.

The tests do not include:
• Verbal reasoning
• Non-verbal reasoning
• An English comprehension paper

The papers are not multiple-choice.

The best 11+ preparation starts with strong topic knowledge.

Practice papers are an important part of 11+ preparation. They help children become familiar with the exam format, question styles, and timed conditions. However, practice papers are most effective when a child already understands the key Maths and English topics that may come up.

Reading is also a huge part of 11+ success. The more children read, the more they develop their vocabulary, comprehension skills, inference, spelling, grammar, and confidence with unfamiliar texts. Regular reading can make a big difference, especially when children are faced with challenging passages in the exam.

Without strong topic knowledge and regular reading, children can quickly find papers overwhelming. They may struggle to break down questions, choose the right method, understand vocabulary, or work out where they are going wrong.

That is why Sparkling Minds Resources focuses on teaching 11+ topics clearly and step by step before students move on to exam-style practice. Our online 11+ course includes:

Detailed teaching videos
Topic posters
Multiple worksheets per topic
SEN-friendly explanations and resources
Practice papers to apply what they have learned

For children who need extra support, our bespoke 11+ tutoring can also help target gaps, build confidence, improve exam technique, and teach effective strategies.

This way, students are not just completing papers for the sake of it. They are building the knowledge, reading skills, and confidence needed to approach the 11+ properly.

Yes, Nonsuch High School for Girls uses a catchment area as part of its admissions process. The catchment area is approximately 5.25km from the school. Many places are prioritised for girls who live within this distance and achieve the required standard in the entrance tests.

However, some places may still be offered to high-scoring applicants who live outside the catchment area, so living further away does not automatically prevent a child from being considered.

After the SET and Second Stage exams, girls are ranked using their entrance test results. Places are then offered according to Nonsuch High School’s admissions criteria.

The school first gives priority to girls with an EHCP naming the school, followed by looked-after or previously looked-after children who meet the required standard. After this, up to 85 places are offered to the highest-scoring girls, regardless of where they live.

There are also up to 35 places for girls eligible for Pupil Premium or Service Premium. A further group of places is linked to the school’s 5.25km catchment area, where girls living within this distance are ranked by score.

This means that both exam performance and location can affect how places are offered.

If your child is not offered a place at Nonsuch High School for Girls, they can still remain on the waiting list after National Offer Day. Places sometimes become available if families decline their offers or move schools.

Parents also have the right to appeal the admission decision if they believe there are strong reasons why the school would be suitable for their child.

It is also important to remember that many children go on to thrive at other excellent secondary schools. Not gaining a place at Nonsuch does not limit a child’s future success or opportunities.

Yes, Sparkling Minds Tuition provides personalised 11+ tutoring to help students prepare for Nonsuch Grammar School’s entrance process. Our tutors support students with the key Maths and English skills needed for the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test, as well as exam technique, timing, confidence, and problem-solving strategies.

We also offer Sparkling Minds Resources, our online 11+ course, which teaches key 11+ topics step by step through videos, posters, worksheets, SEN-friendly resources, and practice materials. This helps students build strong subject knowledge before moving on to timed exam-style practice.