Sutton (SET) Practice Papers
If your child is preparing for the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET), Sutton (SET) practice papers are the most direct way to get used to the format and the pace. This page explains what the papers cover and how to use them in a calm, steady way.
What are Sutton (SET) practice papers?
The SET has two stages, and the papers are different at each one:
- SET Stage 1 (the Selective Eligibility Test itself): two multiple-choice papers, one in Maths and one in English. Each takes between 40 and 50 minutes, answers go on a separate answer sheet, and there is no negative marking. There is no verbal or non-verbal reasoning.
- SET Stage 2: an English paper and a Maths paper, which are not multiple choice. The boys' shared exam lasts about 45 minutes to 1 hour per paper, and the girls' joint exam 40 to 50 minutes per paper. SET Stage 2 is taken by children who pass SET Stage 1 and are applying to Sutton Grammar School, Wallington County Grammar School, Wilson's School, Nonsuch High School for Girls or Wallington High School for Girls. Greenshaw High School has no SET Stage 2.
The schools do not provide full specimen papers, but several publish examples of the question types for SET Stage 1. Sutton Grammar School and Wilson's School link English and Maths sample questions from their SET FAQs pages, and Greenshaw High School has published a guide to the types of question in the English paper. They are worth a look first.
Sutton (SET) schools
Six schools take part. Each school's guide has its entry details and the papers we offer for it:
- Greenshaw High School
- Nonsuch High School for Girls
- Sutton Grammar School
- Wallington County Grammar School
- Wallington High School for Girls
- Wilson's School
How to use Sutton (SET) practice papers well
- Start with the SET Stage 1 format. Build speed and accuracy on multiple-choice Maths and English questions.
- Add timing gradually. Begin untimed, then aim for 40 to 50 minutes per paper.
- Go through every answer. The aim is to understand why an answer is right, not just to count marks.
- Group the mistakes. If the same topic keeps appearing, return to that topic before the next paper.
- Move to SET Stage 2 papers once the SET Stage 1 papers feel comfortable, because written answers need a different approach.
Because pass marks are set by each school after marking, there is no target score to chase. Steady, accurate work across both subjects is the best preparation.
The Sutton (SET) papers we offer
For each stage, we have Sutton (SET) English and Mathematics practice papers, with answers:
- Sutton (SET) Stage 1: English and Mathematics practice papers, available individually and in bundles.
- Sutton (SET) Stage 2: English and Mathematics practice papers, available individually and in bundles.
Browse them in our practice papers section. For the full picture of how the process works, from registration to offers, see the Sutton (SET) 11 plus guide.
Official Sutton (SET) information
For the latest dates, registration and school admissions policies, see:
- London Borough of Sutton: secondary school tests and assessments
- Sutton Grammar School: SET FAQs
- Wilson's School: admissions process
Sutton (SET) practice papers FAQs
Which subjects do I need to prepare? Maths and English only. Neither SET Stage 1 nor SET Stage 2 includes reasoning.
When should my child start? Many families begin gently in Year 4 with topic practice and move to full papers in Year 5, ahead of the test in September of Year 6.
Do I need both SET Stage 1 and SET Stage 2 papers? SET Stage 1 is the first hurdle for everyone. SET Stage 2 papers help children who go on to the second stage for one of the five schools that use it.
Will practice papers guarantee a pass? No paper can promise that. They help your child get used to the format and build confidence.