Sutton Grammar School 11+ Test & Preparation Guide

Sutton Grammar School uses a two-stage entrance testing process. Stage 1 is the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test, usually called the SET. Stage 2 is a shared second-stage test for boys, consisting of English and Mathematics.

This guide keeps wider school-entry policy aside and focuses on the test itself: what is tested, how Stage 1 and Stage 2 differ, what skills pupils need, and how to prepare using Scholars Tutorial online practice and printed paper sets.

Sutton Grammar School and the Sutton SET group can update test guidance by entry year. Parents should always check the latest official test information before finalising preparation. The preparation guidance below is based on the current published structure: English and Maths only, with no Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning in the SET or Sutton Grammar second stage.

Sutton Grammar School 11+ Test Overview

Sutton Grammar School testing has two academic stages:

Stage	Subjects	Format	Preparation Focus
Stage 1: Sutton SET	English and Maths	Two multiple-choice papers. Candidates record answers on a separate answer sheet.	English comprehension, vocabulary, SPAG, Maths fluency, word problems, multiple-choice accuracy and answer-sheet technique.
Stage 2: Sutton Grammar shared second-stage test	English and Maths	Two papers. The papers are not multiple choice and are broadly based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum.	Written English, reading accuracy, grammar, punctuation, Maths reasoning, word problems, clear working and written-answer accuracy.

Accuracy note: The Sutton SET is English and Maths only. Sutton Grammar School’s second-stage test is also English and Maths only. Current official guidance states that the second-stage test does not include Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning and is not multiple choice.

Stage 1: Sutton Selective Eligibility Test

The Sutton SET is made up of two papers:

English — multiple choice
Maths — multiple choice

Each paper takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes, with a rest and toilet break between the two papers.

The SET is broadly based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. It does not include Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Candidates record their answers on a separate answer sheet by filling in lozenge-shaped answer options. Some English questions may require a combination of answers.

Preparation Priority for Stage 1

Stage 1 preparation should prioritise fast, accurate English and Maths multiple-choice work, with regular practice using separate answer sheets.

Stage 1 English Preparation

SET English preparation should focus on reading accuracy, vocabulary, language understanding and careful multiple-choice selection.

Your child should practise:

reading fiction and non-fiction passages
retrieving information accurately
inference
vocabulary in context
synonyms and antonyms
word meaning
spelling accuracy
grammar and punctuation
sentence structure
proofreading
selecting the best answer from close options
questions requiring more than one answer where instructed
working quickly without careless guessing

Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:

11+ English
11+ SPAG
11+ Foundation English, if basics need strengthening
11+ Advanced English
11+ Advanced VOCAB
11+ Advanced SPAG

Stage 1 Maths Preparation

SET Maths preparation should focus on speed, accuracy and problem solving under timed multiple-choice conditions.

Your child should practise:

times tables and mental arithmetic
written addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
fractions
decimals
percentages
ratio and proportion
money and time problems
measurement and unit conversion
area and perimeter
geometry and angles
shape and spatial interpretation within Maths questions
data interpretation
graphs and tables
number patterns
multi-step word problems
using answer options intelligently
checking calculations quickly

Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:

11+ Maths
11+ Maths : Word Problems
11+ Foundation Maths, if basics need strengthening
11+ Advanced Maths, for stronger pupils

Stage 1 Answer-Sheet Technique

The SET uses a separate answer sheet. Candidates fill in lozenge-shaped options for A, B, C, D or E, or a combination of answers where instructed.

There is no negative marking in the SET papers. However, answer accuracy still matters. If a question instructs candidates to select two options, marks are awarded only if both correct answers are selected.

Pupils should practise how to:

match question numbers to answer-sheet numbers
fill in lozenges clearly
rub out changed answers thoroughly
avoid accidental marks
follow instructions where more than one answer is required
avoid selecting too many options
use the question paper for working because separate rough paper is not provided
move on from difficult questions when needed
return to skipped questions if time allows
balance speed with accuracy

Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets support Multiple Choice Format practice, helping pupils build confidence with answer selection and answer-sheet discipline.

Stage 2: Sutton Grammar Second-Stage Test

Boys who meet the required SET standard for Sutton Grammar School are invited to sit the shared second-stage test used by Sutton Grammar School, Wallington County Grammar School and Wilson’s School.

For Sutton Grammar School, the second-stage test consists of:

English
Mathematics

The test is not multiple choice and does not include Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning.

The content of the English and Mathematics tests is broadly based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. The shared second-stage examination does not have official sample papers.

Preparation Priority for Stage 2

Stage 2 preparation should shift from multiple-choice selection to written English, clear Maths working, problem solving and accurate written answers.

Stage 2 English Preparation

Sutton Grammar’s second-stage English paper is not multiple choice. Pupils should prepare for written English and comprehension-style work rather than only answer selection.

Your child should practise:

reading fiction and non-fiction texts carefully
retrieving details from a passage
inference and deduction
explaining word choice and effect
vocabulary in context
grammar and punctuation
spelling accuracy
clear sentence construction
paragraphing
planning written responses quickly
writing accurately under time pressure
checking and improving written work

Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:

11+ English
11+ SPAG
11+ Foundation English, if basics need strengthening
11+ Advanced English
11+ Advanced VOCAB
11+ Advanced SPAG
Creative Writing, for written English confidence

Stage 2 Maths Preparation

Sutton Grammar’s second-stage Maths paper is not multiple choice. Pupils should be able to solve problems clearly, set out working logically and record final answers accurately.

Your child should practise:

mental arithmetic and written calculations
fractions, decimals and percentages
ratio and proportion
algebraic thinking and unknown values at KS2 level
measurement and unit conversion
area, perimeter and volume
geometry and angles
data interpretation
graphs and tables
number patterns and sequences
multi-step word problems
checking whether answers are sensible
showing clear working where required
working without relying on answer options

Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:

11+ Maths
11+ Maths : Word Problems
11+ Foundation Maths, if basics need strengthening
11+ Advanced Maths, for stronger pupils

Should Sutton Grammar Pupils Practise VR or NVR?

For Sutton Grammar School alone, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning are not core test areas in the current official test description.

Official Sutton SET guidance states that the SET does not include VR or NVR. Sutton Grammar’s official FAQ states that the second-stage test is Maths and English, not VR or NVR, and is not multiple choice.

VR and NVR practice may still be useful if the child is also preparing for another 11+ area that tests those subjects. If Sutton Grammar School is the main target, preparation time is usually better spent on English, Maths, Maths Word Problems, SPAG, vocabulary, written English and timed paper discipline.

Scholars Tutorial Preparation Route for Sutton Grammar School

On the Scholars Tutorial platform, Sutton Grammar preparation should be split into Stage 1 SET practice and Stage 2 written English and Maths depth.

Recommended Online Route for Stage 1 SET

11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SET (Sutton)
11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
11+ Foundation → 11+ Foundation English, if basics need strengthening
11+ Foundation → 11+ Foundation Maths, if basics need strengthening
11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB, for vocabulary development

Recommended Online Route for Stage 2

11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
11+ Advanced → Creative Writing, for written English confidence
11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced English
11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced Maths
11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB
11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced SPAG

If Sutton Grammar is the main target, prioritise English, Maths, word problems, SPAG, vocabulary, SET-style timing and second-stage written-answer confidence. Add VR or NVR only if the child is also preparing for another exam area that tests those subjects.

Printed Paper Sets for Sutton Grammar Preparation

Printed paper sets are useful because they help pupils practise concentration, timing, answer selection, written responses and full-paper discipline.

Useful Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets include:

11+ Sutton Style English Practice Papers
11+ English Practice Papers
11+ Maths Practice Papers
11+ Maths : Word Problems Practice Papers
11+ SPAG Practice Papers
11+ Foundation English Practice Papers
11+ Foundation Maths Practice Papers
11+ Advanced English Practice Papers
11+ Advanced Maths Practice Papers
11+ Advanced VOCAB Practice Papers
11+ Advanced SPAG Practice Papers
Creative Writing practice, for second-stage written English confidence

For Sutton Grammar, printed practice should be divided into two strands: Sutton SET-style multiple-choice English and Maths, and second-stage written English plus non-multiple-choice Maths problem solving.

Suggested Weekly Preparation Plan

A balanced weekly Sutton Grammar preparation plan could include:

2 days per week: English comprehension, vocabulary or SPAG
2 days per week: Maths arithmetic, topic work or word problems
1 day per week: SET-style multiple-choice English or Maths practice
1 day per week: second-stage written English or non-multiple-choice Maths practice
1 day per week: timed paper practice and mistake review

Pupils closer to the test can gradually increase timed SET practice and second-stage written work. Pupils still building foundations should use shorter focused sessions and review mistakes carefully.

Common Preparation Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes:

assuming Sutton Grammar tests Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning
preparing only for SET multiple choice and ignoring the second-stage written papers
doing Maths arithmetic but not word problems
ignoring vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar
not practising separate answer-sheet technique for the SET
forgetting that some English SET questions may require more than one answer
relying on rough paper instead of using the question paper for working
memorising writing templates instead of practising flexible written responses
doing papers without reviewing mistakes
focusing only on speed instead of accuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stage 1 for Sutton Grammar School?

Stage 1 is the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test, made up of a multiple-choice English paper and a multiple-choice Maths paper.

Does the SET include Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning?

No. The official SET guidance states that the tests do not include Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning.

How long are the SET papers?

Each SET paper takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes, with a rest and toilet break between the two papers.

What is in Sutton Grammar’s second-stage test?

Sutton Grammar’s official FAQ describes the second-stage test as two papers: a Maths paper and an English paper.

Is Sutton Grammar’s second-stage test multiple choice?

No. Sutton Grammar’s official FAQ states that the second-stage tests are not multiple choice.

Are second-stage sample tests available?

The shared boys’ second-stage FAQ states that sample tests are not made available and that the English and Mathematics tests are broadly based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum.

Which Scholars Tutorial subjects are most useful?

Useful subjects include 11+ SET (Sutton), 11+ English, 11+ Maths, 11+ Maths : Word Problems, 11+ SPAG, Foundation English, Foundation Maths, Advanced English, Advanced Maths, Advanced VOCAB, Advanced SPAG and Creative Writing.

Are printed paper sets useful?

Yes. Printed paper sets help pupils practise SET-style English and Maths, word problems, SPAG, answer-sheet technique, written English, non-multiple-choice Maths, timing and full-paper discipline.

Final Preparation Advice

Sutton Grammar preparation should reflect the actual two-stage structure: Stage 1 Sutton SET multiple-choice English and Maths, followed by Stage 2 non-multiple-choice English and Maths.

Pupils should build strong reading, vocabulary, SPAG, written English, Maths fluency, word-problem and problem-solving skills, supported by regular mistake review.

The Scholars Tutorial online platform helps pupils strengthen the key test areas through organised subject categories, while printed paper sets help children practise with realistic exam discipline.

By combining online practice, printed paper sets, Sutton SET-style timing, answer-sheet accuracy, second-stage written English, non-multiple-choice Maths and careful mistake review, pupils can build the confidence and accuracy needed for Sutton Grammar School.