Managing the Two-Stage Format
The SET 11+ is unique among UK selective entrance exams because it uses a two-stage process. Understanding how both stages work — and how to prepare for each — is essential for success.
How the SET Works
The Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) is used by five grammar schools in the London Borough of Sutton:
- Sutton Grammar School (boys)
- Wilson's School (boys)
- Wallington County Grammar School (boys)
- Nonsuch High School (girls)
- Wallington High School for Girls (girls)
Stage 1: The Screening Round
Stage 1 is designed to identify the strongest candidates. All applicants sit this round.
- English: 45-minute multiple-choice paper (comprehension, vocabulary, grammar)
- Maths: 45-minute multiple-choice paper (arithmetic, problem-solving, data handling)
- Format: All answers are selected from options — no free writing
- Purpose: To create a shortlist of candidates who progress to Stage 2
Only candidates who score above the Stage 1 threshold are invited back for Stage 2. The threshold varies each year depending on the number of applicants.
Stage 2: The Callback Round
Stage 2 is a more demanding assessment for shortlisted candidates.
- Extended Writing: 1-hour paper — one piece of sustained writing from a choice of prompts
- Maths: 45-minute written paper — show-your-working style questions
- Format: Free response — you write your own answers in full
- Purpose: To determine final offers and rank candidates
Strategy for Stage 1
Stage 1 is about speed and accuracy. Here is how to approach it:
English MCQ Tips:
- Read the passage once for overall meaning, then read the questions
- For vocabulary questions, try substituting each option into the sentence
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers first — this improves your odds
- Do not spend more than 1-2 minutes on any single question
- If unsure, make your best guess and move on — there is no penalty for wrong answers
Maths MCQ Tips:
- Work through questions in order but skip anything that takes too long
- Use estimation to eliminate clearly wrong options
- Double-check your arithmetic — careless errors cost marks
- Watch out for unit conversions (cm to m, ml to litres)
- Use any remaining time to go back to skipped questions