Private Tuition for 11+ Selective Eligibility Test (SET)
Personalised Tuition Plans to Help 11+ Students Pass their Selective Eligibility Test.
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What is the SET?
The Selective Eligibility Test (SET) is a first round 11+ entrance exam used by a group of highly sought-after grammar schools in the Sutton area. The SET is designed to assess a child’s potential in Maths and English, testing their problem-solving skills, comprehension abilities, and overall academic aptitude.
When Should You Start Preparing for the SET?
The SET usually takes place in early September of Year 6, with registrations opening in the summer of Year 5. Early preparation is key. Starting as early as Year 4 ensures your child has time to build the skills and confidence needed to excel.
Cracking the SET: What to Expect in Each Section
SET Maths: Problem-Solving Power
The SET Maths paper challenges students to think critically and solve complex problems. All questions are multiple-choice. Key areas include:
- Arithmetic Mastery: Fractions, decimals, percentages, and mental maths.
- Geometry Skills: Understanding shapes, angles, and measurements.
- Data Handling: Interpreting charts and graphs.
Tip: Success in Maths isn’t just about knowing formulas – it’s about applying them under pressure. Regular practice with real exam-style questions is crucial.
SET English: Reading Between the Lines
The English paper tests more than just reading skills. Your child will need to demonstrate:
- Comprehension Skills: Analysing and interpreting both fiction and non-fiction texts, comparing texts, interpreting themes, making inferences, and understanding word meanings in context.
- Grammar and Punctuation: Spotting errors and using correct sentence structures.
- Vocabulary Knowledge: Understanding word meanings in context, understanding of concepts such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, metaphors, personification, and similar language features.
Tip: Reading widely and practising with timed comprehension exercises will build the skills needed to tackle this paper confidently.
Typically, the SET will require your child to look at two texts. Each passage will have a set of questions, and then several questions comparing both texts.
Which Schools Use the SET?
Each school, except Greenshaw High School, requires students to pass an additional stage after the SET. For Greenshaw, passing the SET is enough to secure a selective place.
The SET remains a crucial first step in gaining entry to all of these prestigious schools.
How to Prepare: Your Roadmap to SET Success
Getting ready for the SET requires a thoughtful approach:
- Start Early: Begin preparing in Year 4 or 5 to avoid last-minute stress.
- Targeted Practice: Focus on weak areas and track progress regularly.
- Timed Mocks: Practice under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy.
- Expert Support: Consider professional tuition to sharpen skills and boost confidence.
At Sparkling Minds Tuition, we offer personalised tuition, SET-specific workshops, and expertly crafted practice papers that mirror the real exam.
What If My Child is Successful in the SET?
If your child passes the SET, congratulations! This is a significant achievement and opens the door to the next stage of the admissions process for many of the schools.
Here’s what happens next:
Nonsuch High and Wallington High (NWSSEE)
- English (40 – 50 minutes): This paper will be an extended writing task.
- Maths (40-50 minutes): This will be a standard maths paper.
The tests will not include verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, or an English comprehension paper. The tests are not multiple-choice.
Wallington County Grammar, Wilson’s and Sutton Grammar
- Maths (45 minutes): This will be a standard maths paper.
- English (1 hour): This paper will be an extended writing task.
The tests will not include verbal or non-verbal reasoning, and are not multiple-choice.
Unlock Success with Our SET Practice Papers
Give your child the edge with our SET practice papers, designed to replicate the exact format and difficulty of the real exam. These papers will:
- Build Confidence: Familiarity with question types reduces anxiety on test day.
- Improve Timing: Timed practice ensures your child can complete the exam efficiently.
- Target Weaknesses: Detailed solutions help identify and improve problem areas.
👉 Explore our SET practice papers now and take the first step towards exam success!
Free Resources to Get You Started
We believe every child deserves access to quality materials. Download our free SET practice papers to kick-start your child’s preparation journey.
How to Prepare for the SET Second Stage Exam:
If your child needs to sit a second-stage exam, focused preparation is key. This includes:
- Challenging Problem-Solving: Advanced Maths practice that goes beyond the basics.
- Creative Writing: Developing engaging stories and writing pieces, focusing on structure, vocabulary, and imagination.
- Time Management: Practising under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy.
👉 Explore our SET Second Stage Exam Practice Papers
At Sparkling Minds Tuition, we offer tailored support to help students excel in these second-stage tests. Our expert tutors and targeted resources can give your child the competitive edge they need to succeed.
Need help with next-stage preparation? Contact us today to explore how we can support your child’s journey to success!