Wallington County Grammar School Private Tutors

Wallington County Grammar 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.

Wallington County Grammar School does not have a strict catchment area, so families do not have to live nearby to apply.

However, the school does give some priority to boys living in certain local postcode areas. These include SM1, SM2, SM3, SM4, SM5, SM6, SM7, KT4 8, CR0 4 and CR4 4.

Children outside these areas can still apply and may still be offered a place if they perform highly enough in the entrance tests.

If there are limited places available and two boys have the same score, the school may use distance from the school as a tie-break. This usually means priority is given to the child who lives closer to the school.

After the entrance tests, Wallington County Grammar School will confirm whether your child has reached the required standard.

However, passing the tests does not guarantee a place. If more boys qualify than there are spaces available, the school uses its admissions criteria to decide how places are offered.

Places are usually offered in this order:

1. Children with an EHCP naming the school
   These children are considered first if they meet the school’s admissions requirements.
2. Looked-after or previously looked-after children
   These children are given priority if they meet the required standard.
3. Children of eligible permanent members of staff
   This applies in specific circumstances set out in the school’s admissions policy.
4. Highest-scoring students
   Places are then offered in rank order based on performance in the entrance tests.
5. Pupil Premium places
   Up to 25 places may be available for boys eligible for Pupil Premium who meet the required standard.
6. Local postcode places
   Up to 15 places may be available for boys living in selected postcode areas, including SM1–SM7, KT4 8, CR0 4 and CR4 4.

If places remain after these categories, they are offered by test score. If two boys have the same score and only one place is available, distance from the school may be used as a tie-break.

Families must also remember to list Wallington County Grammar School on their Common Application Form for their child to be considered.

Admissions arrangements can change, so parents should always check the school’s latest admissions policy before applying.

If your child is not successful in the Wallington County Grammar School 11+, they will not be offered a Year 7 place at the school for that admissions year.

However, this does not mean they are not capable. The 11+ is highly competitive, and many able children do not secure a place.

If your child reaches the required standard but does not receive an offer, they may be added to the waiting list. A place may become available later, but this depends on whether another student gives up their place.

It may also be possible to apply for a place in a later year. Wallington County Grammar School has waiting lists for Years 7 to 11, but spaces are usually very limited. If a place becomes available, your child may need to sit an assessment before being considered.

Parents should still include a range of suitable schools on the Common Application Form, including schools where their child will feel happy, supported, and able to succeed.

At Sparkling Minds, we remind families that the 11+ is only one pathway. Your child’s confidence, wellbeing, and love of learning are just as important as the final result.

Yes, Sparkling Minds Tuition provides personalised 11+ tutoring to help students prepare for Wallington County 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.