A two-stage process for the Sutton grammar schools. Stage 1 is multiple-choice English and maths; only candidates who pass sit the harder, written Stage 2 (maths and English).
At a glance
Subjects
Maths and English
Usually held
September
Set by
GL Assessment
Schools
5
The papers
Stage
Paper
Questions
Time
Stage 1
English
30
30 minutes
Stage 1
Maths
45
45 minutes
Stage 2
English (written)
12
50 minutes
Stage 2
Maths (written)
25
60 minutes
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
How to prepare for the SET Sutton
The Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) covers maths and English. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
A cube number is a number times itself three times: 2 × 2 × 2 = 8; 4 × 4 × 4 = 64; 5 × 5 × 5 = 125.
So the set is 8, 64, 125.
Why the other options are wrong
B (24, 64, 125): 24 is 3 × 8, not a cube.
C (8, 64, 121): One of these is a square number, not a cube number.
D (9, 64, 125): One of these is a square number, not a cube number.
E (8, 65, 125): 65 is not a cube number.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which word is spelt incorrectly?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, greatful
How to work it out
“greatful” should be spelt “grateful”.
Grateful has nothing to do with great.
Think of gratitude.
Questions parents ask
What subjects are in the SET Sutton?
The SET Sutton tests maths and English.
When is the SET Sutton?
The main test usually takes place in September. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.
How should my child prepare for the SET Sutton?
Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the SET Sutton format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.
Find out where your child stands today
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.