About Nonsuch High School for Girls
Nonsuch High School for Girls is a selective state grammar school for girls (with a sixth form) in Cheam, in the London Borough of Sutton. Founded in 1938, it is a state-funded academy and a specialist science and languages school; it charges no fees. Entry to Year 7 is by a two-stage selection — the multiple-choice Selective Eligibility Test (SET) followed by the written Nonsuch and Wallington Second Stage Entrance Examination (NWSEE), shared with Wallington High School for Girls — rather than a shared consortium test.
Nonsuch is consistently among the highest-performing state schools in the country, set in 22 acres beside Nonsuch Park, with strong GCSE and A-Level results. Because it is heavily oversubscribed, reaching the qualifying standard does not by itself guarantee a place.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Nonsuch High School for Girls
Admission is a two-stage process. All applicants first sit the multiple-choice Selective Eligibility Test (SET), shared across Sutton's grammar schools (so a girl sits it once). Girls who reach the required standard are invited to the Nonsuch and Wallington Second Stage Entrance Examination (NWSEE) — a written Maths paper and a written English writing task (no comprehension paper, no reasoning) — shared with Wallington High School for Girls. Ranking is on total score. After children with an EHCP naming the school and looked-after children, Nonsuch offers up to 80 places to the highest-scoring girls regardless of where they live, and up to 125 places to girls living within the 5.25 km catchment, ranked by score (Pupil Premium pupils who qualify are also prioritised). Where scores tie, the girl living nearer the school is given priority. Always confirm the current arrangements in the school's admissions policy.
GL Assessment Practice Papers for Nonsuch High School for Girls
Nonsuch High School for Girls uses Sutton's Selective Eligibility Test (SET) format. Our practice papers closely mirror the actual test structure — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Nonsuch High School for Girls 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Nonsuch High School for Girls (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Nonsuch High School for Girls is one of the most academically successful grammar schools in the Sutton area, with an Outstanding Ofsted rating and a long record of excellent GCSE and A-Level results — it was ranked among the top grammar schools nationally in 2023 — alongside a particular commitment to encouraging girls into fields where women are under-represented.
- GCSE & A-Level: consistently among the strongest results nationally.
- Sixth form: a large sixth form with strong university progression.
- Specialism: specialist science and languages status, with a strong STEM focus.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school's website.
Catchment Area for Nonsuch High School for Girls
Nonsuch gives weight to its catchment area, defined as a circle of 5.25 km radius measured from the school's front door (distances are GIS-verified by the London Borough of Sutton). Up to 125 places are allocated to catchment girls who reach the qualifying standard, ranked by score.
This dual structure means very high scorers from outside the 5.25 km circle can still be admitted on the 80 open places, while catchment residence helps for the remaining places. As the school is heavily oversubscribed, qualifying does not guarantee a place even within catchment.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Nonsuch High School for Girls is a selective girls' grammar for ages 11–18 on Ewell Road in Cheam, in the London Borough of Sutton (SM3 8AB), with around 1,220 pupils. Founded in 1938 and an academy since 2011, it occupies a 22-acre site on the edge of Nonsuch Park, holds specialist science and languages status, and is part of the Girls' Learning Trust.
The school offers a broad education with an emphasis on stretching every pupil, supported by a wide extracurricular programme spanning dance, chess, creative writing, choir and residential trips. For the full list of activities and pastoral arrangements, see the school's own website.
Nonsuch High School for Girls — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Nonsuch High School for Girls for Year 7?
Register your daughter online for the Selective Eligibility Test (SET) from May 2026, sit the SET (Stage 1) and, if she reaches the required standard, the NWSEE (Stage 2). You must then name Nonsuch on your Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF) by 31 October 2026.
What entrance test does Nonsuch use?
Its own two-stage selection, not a shared consortium test. Stage 1 is the multiple-choice Selective Eligibility Test (SET) in English and Maths; Stage 2 is the written Nonsuch and Wallington Second Stage Entrance Examination (NWSEE), shared with Wallington High School for Girls.
Is Nonsuch selective, and is it free?
Yes. Nonsuch is a selective state grammar school for girls and, as a state-funded academy, charges no fees.
When does the entrance test take place in 2026?
For September 2027 entry, the SET is on Tuesday 15 September 2026 and the NWSEE on Saturday 26 September 2026.
When are the entrance test results released?
Results are emailed to parents in mid-October 2026, before the Common Application Form deadline.
When is National Offers Day for Nonsuch in 2027?
National Offers Day is 1 March 2027, when Local Authorities tell families which secondary school place their child has been allocated.
Does Nonsuch have a catchment area?
Yes. Its catchment is a 5.25 km radius from the school. Up to 125 places go to catchment girls by score, while up to 80 places are awarded to the highest scorers from any location, so strong candidates outside catchment can still gain a place.
How many Year 7 places does Nonsuch offer?
210 places.
How can my child prepare for the Nonsuch entrance exam?
Practise multiple-choice English and Maths for the SET and timed written English (a writing task) and Maths for the NWSEE. ExamTutor offers practice papers with full video explanations to build accuracy and exam technique.