90% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET)
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).
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
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.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
Which list is in order from smallest to largest?
710 0.65 68%
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 0.65, 68%, 710
How to work it out
Change them all to the same form, such as decimals: 710 = 0.7, 0.65 = 0.65, 68% = 0.68.
Smallest to largest: 0.65, 68%, 710.
Why the other options are wrong
A (710, 0.65, 68%): Compare them as decimals (710 = 0.7, 0.65 = 0.65, 68% = 0.68): this list is not smallest to largest.
B (710, 68%, 0.65): Compare them as decimals (710 = 0.7, 0.65 = 0.65, 68% = 0.68): this list is not smallest to largest.
C (68%, 710, 0.65): Compare them as decimals (710 = 0.7, 0.65 = 0.65, 68% = 0.68): this list is not smallest to largest.
E (0.65, 710, 68%): Compare them as decimals (710 = 0.7, 0.65 = 0.65, 68% = 0.68): this list is not smallest to largest.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which part has a spelling mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, the libary,” whispered
How to work it out
“libary” should be spelt “library”.
Say both r sounds: li-brar-y.
Why the other options are wrong
A (“Please be quiet in): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
C (Mrs Okafor): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
D (to the noisy group.): Every word in this part is spelt correctly.
E (No mistake): There is a mistake: “libary” should be spelt “library”. Say both r sounds: li-brar-y.
What entrance test does Nonsuch High School for Girls use?
Nonsuch High School for Girls uses the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET), which tests maths and English. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for Nonsuch High School for Girls?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 90% consistently in practice for a super-selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for Nonsuch High School for Girls?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
Preparing for Nonsuch High School for Girls?
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.