Guide to 11+ Exams for Wimbledon Park Parents

Are you considering a grammar school near Wimbledon for your child? I’ve gathered the latest details about the 11+ exams for schools nearby. Learn about:

✅ Grammar schools in our area

✅ What the local 11+ exams cover

✅ Tips on helping your child prepare for the exam

What is the 11+?

The 11+ is an academic entry exam for grammar schools in England, taken by children in the autumn term of Year 6. Schools use the results to select students for Year 7.

There isn't a standard 11+ exam, as its content and format vary by school or consortium (a group of schools using the same exam). However, most grammar schools test some or all of the following subjects:

• English (usually reading comprehension and sometimes creative writing)

• Maths

• Verbal reasoning

• Non-verbal reasoning

The test is designed to be challenging. Grammar schools are selective, seeking students who perform at the top of their year group, and even these students can find the exam tough!

Which Grammar Schools are local to Wimbledon Park?

Grammar Schools in Kingston upon Thames

In Kingston upon Thames, there are two grammar schools, each with a two-stage testing process. This involves GL Assessment papers and exams prepared by the schools themselves.

Registration for these exams begins in June of Year 5 and closes in early September of Year 6. The first stage of testing occurs in early October, followed by the second stage in November.

Tiffin Boys & Tiffin Girls

• Stage 1 includes GL Assessment English and maths tests.

• Stage 2 involves English and maths tests created by the schools.

Grammar Schools in Sutton

The London Borough of Sutton boasts the highest number of grammar schools among all London boroughs. It is home to five fully-selective grammar schools and one partially-selective school, Greenshaw High School.

All six schools administer the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) as their 11+ exam, assessing English and maths. Additionally, the five grammar schools conduct a second-stage exam.

Registration for the Sutton SET opens in early May of Year 5 and closes in August. The exam itself is scheduled for mid-September of Year 6. Second-stage exams take place from late September to October.

• Nonsuch High School (girls)

• Sutton Grammar School (boys)

• Wallington County Grammar School (boys)

• Wallington High School (girls)

• Wilson’s School (boys)

Only students who pass the Sutton SET are eligible to take the second-stage entrance exam.

Nonsuch High School and Wallington High School (the girls' schools) conduct a combined second-stage test called the NWSSEE (Nonsuch and Wallington Second Stage Entrance Examination). Sutton Grammar School, Wilson's School, and Wallington County Grammar School (the boys' schools) also have a shared second-stage test.

The Sutton second-stage entrance exam includes two papers that are not multiple-choice:

• English: 1 hour, involving an extended writing task

• Maths: 45 minutes, comprising a standard maths paper

The content of these papers is generally aligned with the Key Stage 2 curriculum.

How can I help prepare my child for entry to a grammar school nearby?

Preparing your child for entry into a grammar school in London can be challenging due to high competition for limited spots at some of the country's top schools. Here are some tips on how you can support your child as they prepare for the 11-plus in our local area.

Consistent learning

It's crucial to establish a strong foundation of knowledge well in advance of the 11-plus exam. Adopting a "little and often" approach to learning is effective—short, regular study sessions of 20–30 minutes are recommended by child psychologists for children aged 10–11.

Private tuition

Hiring a private tutor can greatly benefit your child's preparation for grammar school entry in London. Tutors provide personalised attention, tailored learning plans, and valuable guidance on exam strategies. They help strengthen skills, boost confidence, and familiarise your child with the 11+ format and questions. Tutors adapt teaching methods to match your child's learning style, making study sessions engaging and effective, ultimately enhancing their readiness for grammar school admissions.

Read widely

Preparing for the 11-plus exams involves honing your child’s ability to analyse and interpret written material. Regular reading is an excellent method to cultivate these skills.

Encourage your child to explore books across various genres and by diverse authors. Diversifying their reading material helps them grasp different writing styles, tones, and purposes. Consistent daily reading sessions not only expand their vocabulary but also sharpen their analytical thinking and nurture their imagination.

Develop exam technique

Once your child feels confident with Year 5 topics, they can apply their knowledge effectively.

Practice tests are invaluable for developing problem-solving skills and boosting confidence in exam conditions. They also reinforce learning and identify areas needing further study.

Your child should complete mock exams and practice papers. I recommend using a mixture of virtual and physical resources as they each have unique benefits. Online tests offer automatic marking and progress tracking, while printable papers simulate the actual exam environment, ensuring your child is well-prepared for the real thing.

Acknowledge achievements

Establishing regular, realistic goals and celebrating every step of your child’s progress, regardless of its size, is essential for maintaining their motivation.

Encourage a growth mindset by celebrating effort as much as success. When your child encounters mistakes or finds difficulty with a topic, emphasize that improvement comes with practice. Consistent praise fosters resilience, preparing your child to tackle new and challenging subjects with confidence.