The Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) is a shared first-stage exam used by the borough's six selective state schools.
Sutton's six selective state schools run a single-day shared test called the Selective Eligibility Test, or SET. Children sit SET in September of Year 6; those who reach the qualifying score then move to each preferred school's own follow-up stage (where applicable).
Sutton 11+ is consistently among the most competitive in London — schools like Wilson's, Nonsuch, and Wallington High routinely fill places with children scoring well above the qualifying threshold.
The Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) consortium — A single SET sitting acts as the qualifying stage for all six SET consortium schools in Sutton. Children who pass SET then sit any further individual school tests required.
SET uses GL Assessment papers covering Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, and English. The format is multiple-choice, timed, and standardised by age.
Several Sutton schools (notably Wilson's and Sutton Grammar) run a second-stage admissions test after SET, focused more closely on the school's own selection criteria. Check each school for current second-stage arrangements.
Cover all four subjects evenly. Sutton 11+ rewards children who are strong across the board — English papers in particular can trip up children who've focused only on reasoning.
Strong reading comprehension is essential — both for the English paper and for VR. Daily age-appropriate reading is one of the most effective preparation habits.
For most Sutton schools, yes — SET is the qualifying stage. But Wilson's, Sutton Grammar, and a few others run a second-stage paper, so children targeting those schools need preparation for both stages.
There's a published minimum standardised score for SET qualification, typically in the 220s (sum across papers). Above qualifying, places are offered by rank order plus each school's oversubscription criteria.
Yes — many of the Sutton schools admit substantial numbers from surrounding boroughs. Catchment isn't a hard requirement for SET registration itself.
Registration usually opens in May–June of Year 5 and closes early in Year 6. Late entries aren't accepted; check the Sutton SET consortium site early in Year 5.
Free taster papers in Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths. Worked answers on every question. No payment needed to start.