Wilson’s School Private Tutors

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

In Sutton, the 11+ entrance test is called the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test, often shortened to the SET. This test is used by the Sutton grammar schools as part of their Year 7 admissions process.

If you are applying to more than one Sutton grammar school, your child only needs to sit the SET once. Their result can then be used by the relevant schools as part of their selection process.

Parents must register their child for the test in advance. Registration is usually completed online, and the link is made available on the Sutton grammar school websites during the official registration period.

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

Boys: Wallington County Grammar School, Wilson’s School and Sutton Grammar School

Maths (45 minutes)

This is a standard written Maths paper. Students will still be tested on the same topics as Stage 1 but are required to show their working out.

English (1 hour)

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

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.

Wilson’s School does not have a set catchment area, so families do not need to live in a particular postcode to apply.

That said, it is still important to think carefully about the journey to school. A long commute can make the school day more tiring and may affect how much time your child has for homework, clubs, rest, and other activities.

Distance is not usually used when offering places. However, if two boys have the same entrance test score and there is only one place available, priority may be given to boys living in the London Borough of Sutton before those living outside the borough.

So, while Wilson’s School does not have a traditional catchment area, families should still consider whether the journey would be realistic and manageable day to day.

After the SET, boys who meet the required standard are invited to sit Wilson’s second-stage entrance exam, which includes English and Maths.

Passing the tests does not automatically guarantee a place, as Wilson’s is highly competitive and usually oversubscribed.

Places are usually offered in this order:

1. EHCP students naming Wilson’s School
2. Looked-after or previously looked-after children
3. Eligible Free School Meals students
4. Sports aptitude places
5. Music aptitude places
6. Remaining places by overall entrance test score

If two boys have the same score and only one place is available, priority may be given to boys living in the London Borough of Sutton, followed by distance from the school.

Families must also list Wilson’s School on the Common Application Form for their child to be considered.

If your child is not successful in the Wilson’s School 11+, they will not be offered a Year 7 place for that admissions year.

If your child meets the required standard but does not get a place, they may be placed on the waiting list. This means they could still be offered a place if one becomes available.

Children may also be able to apply again in a later school year through the in-year admissions process. However, places are very limited and only become available if another student leaves. Your child may need to sit an assessment before being considered.

So, while there may be another opportunity in the future, it is not guaranteed. It is always important to include a range of schools where your child will feel happy, supported, and able to succeed.

Yes, Sparkling Minds Tuition provides personalised 11+ tutoring to help students prepare for Wilson’s 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.