Here are 10 facts you should know when preparing for the Sutton grammar network.
It's the curriculum, but not as you've learnt it
All of the content in the exams links back to the national curriculum, but with one important footnote: The content permitted is up until the end of year 6.
That means that some, potentially even much of the content that will be tested in September, will need to have been learnt outside of school, in order to tackle it successfully. This wasn't always the case, and those who attended the schools in the 60s, 70s and 80s will speak of a time when the entrance exam was far less challenging. This is perfectly true. Populations have risen, grammar schools were reduced and the competition has become fiercer every year.
2. It's all multiple choice (to begin with)
Stage 1 (or the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test, to give it it's full title) is entirely multiple choice. There are no standard / free form answers at all.
Remember, this is a computer-marked test, only the answer sheet gets marked! Every year some poor soul circles the answers on the question sheet, rather than marking the answer sheet as instructed. Don't let that be someone in your household!
3. Expect lots of comprehension
The English part of the SET changed in 2021/22. The result is a test that leans heavily on comprehension and does it in a very particular way. If you're not up to speed on this, we have an article dedicated to it which you can find here.
4. Not a keyboard in sight, it's all paper
That's right. No iPads, no screens and no keyboards. Make sure you have practised timed, exam condition tests with pen and paper. Nothing beats a home mock that mimics the real conditions.
5. You could be asked to sit the test in any school
Don't be alarmed if you're focusing on one particular school but are asked to sit the exam in another. This is perfectly normal and does not impact your ability to get into your preferred school.
6. Things you should take on the day
We're going to cheat and give you this answer straight from the schools themselves:
What should my child bring with them to the Selective Eligibility Test?
Your child will need:
1. A printout of the invitation email which will be sent to you the week before the test. This contains your child’s venue details and candidate number.
2. Two pencils (HB or B), a soft rubber, a pencil sharpener and a ruler in a clear plastic pencil case or bag.
3. A fleece or jumper.
4. If desired, water in a clear plastic sports cap bottle (no fizzy drinks) and a snack for break time (no nuts due to the number of children who suffer from nut allergies).
5. A reading book to help pass waiting time. It should be a book that your child is reading for pleasure.
6. Tissues.
Your child must not bring:
1. A mobile telephone or any other electronic device.
2. A calculator or calculator watch.
3. A smartwatch or watch that beeps.
4. Any piece of stationery which displays times tables or other such information.
5. A dictionary.
6. Any food containing nuts.
Please do not send your child to the exam with a large backpack/bag as space in the exam areas is limited. We would recommend using a tote or carrier bag.
Only analogue watches are permitted in the exam room. Candidates will be asked to remove their watch and place it on the desk in front of them.
Please do not show us your child’s candidate number on your smartphone. You must have a printout with his/her candidate number when you arrive for the test.
Can my child bring their medication (e.g. EpiPen, inhaler) with them to the Selective Eligibility Test? Your child may bring their usual medication with them to the test venue. It is important to provide details of their medical requirements on the online registration form so that we can make sure that the members of staff supervising their test venue are aware.
7. You won't get much paper for rough working
In fact by some measurements you won't get any paper for rough working. No blank or working paper is provided and none is permitted. You can use the blank spaces / backs of the exam paper itself, but that's about it.
8. The second stage comes around FAST
Many families quite rightly focus huge amounts of time and effort on the SET. However, it is important to remember that the second stage is usually just 10 or 11 days after the first. By the time you have your results for the SET, the second and final exam will be a matter of days away, so make sure you are familiar with the second stage format and content ahead of time.