About Wilson's School
Wilson's School is a selective state grammar school for boys aged 11–18 in Wallington, in the London Borough of Sutton. Founded in 1615 by the merchant Edward Wilson, it is one of the oldest state schools in England and today operates as a state-funded academy that charges no fees. Entry to Year 7 is by the school's own two-stage selection — the multiple-choice Selective Eligibility Test (SET) followed by Wilson's own written Second Stage Entrance Examination — rather than a shared consortium test.
Academically, Wilson's is consistently among the highest-performing state schools in the country, with a strong STEM focus, excellent GCSE and A-Level results and most leavers progressing to leading universities. Its motto, Non sibi sed omnibus (‘Not for oneself, but for all’), reflects an ethos of service alongside academic achievement. The school is heavily oversubscribed, so meeting the entrance standard does not by itself guarantee a place.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Wilson's School
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 boy sits it once). Boys who reach Wilson's pass mark are invited to its Second Stage Entrance Examination — written English (creative or comprehension) and Maths problem-solving — shared with Sutton Grammar School and Wallington County Grammar School. Places are then offered by rank of the combined score, after children with an EHCP naming the school and looked-after children. Wilson's also sets aside up to 14 places for boys eligible for Free School Meals and up to 9 places on a Sporting Aptitude Test. Where scores tie, priority goes to boys living in the London Borough of Sutton, then by distance. Always confirm the current arrangements in the school's admissions policy.
Catchment Area for Wilson's School
Unlike some grammar schools, Wilson's School does not have a catchment area. Places are offered on a borough-wide, fully selective basis — by rank of a boy's combined SET and Second Stage score — so where you live does not give priority, except as a tie-break.
Because there is no catchment, boys from across and beyond the borough can apply, but in practice families should consider the daily journey before naming the school. If two boys have the same score for the last available place, the one living in the London Borough of Sutton (and then closest to the school) is given priority.
Subjects Tested at Wilson's School
Both stages assess only English and Mathematics, based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum — there are no verbal or non-verbal reasoning papers. Stage 1 (the SET) is multiple-choice; the Stage 2 examination is written, with an English creative or comprehension task and mathematical problem-solving.
Independent 11+ Practice Papers for Wilson's School
Wilson's School uses the Independent 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — 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 Wilson's School 11+ Exam
Wilson's entrance tests reward accuracy and pace. For Stage 1 (the SET), practise multiple-choice English and Maths under timed conditions; for Stage 2, practise written English (a creative or comprehension task) and mathematical problem-solving, as the second-stage papers are not multiple-choice. The steps below work for both stages.
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.
Wilson's School — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Wilson's School for Year 7?
Register your son online for the Selective Eligibility Test (SET) from May 2026, sit the SET (Stage 1) and, if he reaches the required standard, the Second Stage written exam (Stage 2). You must then name Wilson's School on your Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF) by 31 October 2026.
What entrance test does Wilson's School 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 Wilson's own written English and Maths examination, shared with Sutton Grammar School and Wallington County Grammar School.
Is Wilson's School selective, and is it free?
Yes. Wilson's School is a selective state grammar school for boys and, as a state-funded academy, charges no fees.
When does Wilson's School's entrance test take place in 2026?
For September 2027 entry, the SET is on Tuesday 15 September 2026 and the Second Stage Entrance Examination on Saturday 3 October 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 Wilson's School in 2027?
National Offers Day is 1 March 2027, when Local Authorities tell families which secondary school place their child has been allocated.
Does Wilson's School have a catchment area?
No. Wilson's does not operate a catchment area — places are offered by rank of a boy's combined SET and Second Stage score. Residence in the London Borough of Sutton and then distance are used only as tie-breaks.
How many Year 7 places does Wilson's School offer?
186 places, which include up to 14 places for boys eligible for Free School Meals and up to 9 places awarded on a Sporting Aptitude Test.
How can my child prepare for the Wilson's School entrance exam?
Practise multiple-choice English and Maths for the SET and timed written English and Maths for the Second Stage exam. ExamTutor offers practice papers with full video explanations to build accuracy and exam technique.