Sutton SET Stage 1 - September 2027 entry
All information contained is relevant to students applying for September 2027 admissions.
[updated 16.03.26]
The following grammar schools participate in the SETs:
Selective Eligibility Test (SET) - Stage 1 assessment
The SET will take place on Tuesday 15th September 2026.
The SET is a standardised test consisting of two papers: a multiple-choice Maths paper and a multiple-choice English paper. Each paper lasts approximately 40 to 50 minutes, with a short break in between to allow students time to rest and use the facilities.
Students who pass the SET will then be invited to sit the Second Stage Entrance Examination.
Results from the Maths and English papers are combined to produce an overall score, which is subsequently standardised. The pass mark is determined by the participating schools, meaning that each school may set its own threshold for progression.
SET Maths:
The SET Maths paper will be multiple-choice format. Each question will have five options to choose from and students will be required to select one answer per question. Students will be required to record their answers on a separate answer sheet.
SET English:
The SET English will be multiple-choice format and will include the following four sections:
- Spellings
- Comprehension Text 1
- Comprehension Text 2
- Comprehension based on a comparison of Texts 1 and 2
Each question will have five options to choose from however there will also be varied question types such as:
- Select one answer - students will be required to select 1 option only, they will only gain marks if they select the correct answer.
- Select the two most accurate answers - students will be required to select 2 options only, they will only gain marks if they select both of the correct answers.
- Select all that are correct - students will be required to select 2, 3 or 4 answers. They will never be required to select all 5 options. Students may gain marks even if they did not select all of the correct answers. Student will not gaining marks if they select all 5 options.
- Select the most accurate explanation - students will be required to select 1 option only.
Sample Answer Sheet
Answers are recorded on a separate answer sheet, where students fill in lozenge-shaped boxes to indicate their chosen responses (A, B, C, D, or E, or a combination where required). If a student wishes to change an answer, they must erase their original response as fully as possible before selecting a new one.
Second Stage Entrance Examination:
Around seven days after sitting the SET, you will receive an email confirming whether your child has been invited to take the Second Stage Entrance Examination. Students who meet the required standard in the SET will progress to this next stage.
It is important to note that each participating school sets its own admissions criteria and determines its own pass mark for the SET. As a result, a student may meet the threshold for one school but not necessarily for another.
Test Dates:
Stage 1 Assessment
Tuesday 15th September 2026 - Selective Eligibility Test (SET)
Stage 2 Assessent
Saturday 26th September 2026 - Stage 2 for Nonsuch High School for Girls, and Wallington High School for Girls
Saturday 3rd October 2026 - Stage 2 for Wilson’s School, Wallington County Grammar School, and Sutton Grammar School
