Nonsuch High School for Girls 11+ Test & Preparation Guide
Nonsuch High School for Girls uses a two-stage entrance testing process. Stage 1 is the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test, usually called the SET. Stage 2 is the Nonsuch and Wallington Second Stage Entrance Examination, usually called the NWSSEE.
This guide keeps wider school-entry policy aside and focuses on the test itself: what is tested, how Stage 1 and Stage 2 differ, what skills pupils need, and how to prepare using Scholars Tutorial online practice and printed paper sets.
Nonsuch 11+ Test Overview
Nonsuch testing has two academic stages:
| Stage | Subjects | Format | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1: Sutton SET | English and Maths | Two multiple-choice papers. Candidates record answers on a separate answer sheet. | English comprehension, vocabulary, SPAG, Maths fluency, word problems, multiple-choice accuracy and answer-sheet technique. |
| Stage 2: NWSSEE | English and Maths | Two papers. They are not multiple choice. The English paper is not a comprehension paper. | English writing, task focus, grammar, punctuation, spelling, Maths reasoning, word problems and final-answer accuracy. |
Stage 1: Sutton Selective Eligibility Test
The Sutton SET is made up of two papers:
- English — multiple choice
- Maths — multiple choice
Each paper takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes, with a rest and toilet break between the two papers.
The SET is broadly based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. It does not include Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Candidates record their answers on a separate answer sheet by filling in lozenge-shaped answer options. Some English questions may require a combination of answers.
Preparation Priority for Stage 1
Stage 1 preparation should prioritise fast, accurate English and Maths multiple-choice work, with regular practice using separate answer sheets.
Stage 1 English Preparation
SET English preparation should focus on reading accuracy, vocabulary, language understanding and careful multiple-choice selection.
Your child should practise:
- reading fiction and non-fiction passages
- retrieving information accurately
- inference
- vocabulary in context
- synonyms and antonyms
- word meaning
- spelling accuracy
- grammar and punctuation
- sentence structure
- proofreading
- selecting the best answer from close options
- questions requiring more than one answer where instructed
- working quickly without careless guessing
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ English
- 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Foundation English, if basics need strengthening
- 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced SPAG
Stage 1 Maths Preparation
SET Maths preparation should focus on speed, accuracy and problem solving under timed multiple-choice conditions.
Your child should practise:
- times tables and mental arithmetic
- written addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
- fractions
- decimals
- percentages
- ratio and proportion
- money and time problems
- measurement and unit conversion
- area and perimeter
- geometry and angles
- shape and spatial interpretation within Maths questions
- data interpretation
- graphs and tables
- number patterns
- multi-step word problems
- using answer options intelligently
- checking calculations quickly
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Foundation Maths, if basics need strengthening
- 11+ Advanced Maths, for stronger pupils
Stage 1 Answer-Sheet Technique
The SET uses a separate answer sheet. Candidates fill in lozenge-shaped options for A, B, C, D or E, or a combination of answers where instructed.
There is no negative marking in the SET papers. However, answer accuracy still matters. If a question instructs candidates to select two options, marks are awarded only if both correct answers are selected.
Pupils should practise how to:
- match question numbers to answer-sheet numbers
- fill in lozenges clearly
- rub out changed answers thoroughly
- avoid accidental marks
- follow instructions where more than one answer is required
- avoid selecting too many options
- use the question paper for working because separate rough paper is not provided
- move on from difficult questions when needed
- return to skipped questions if time allows
- balance speed with accuracy
Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets support Multiple Choice Format practice, helping pupils build confidence with answer selection and answer-sheet discipline.
Stage 2: Nonsuch and Wallington Second Stage Entrance Examination
Girls who meet or exceed the SET pass mark are invited to sit the NWSSEE, the joint second-stage test used by Nonsuch High School for Girls and Wallington High School for Girls.
The NWSSEE consists of:
- English
- Mathematics
Each paper lasts between 40 and 50 minutes. The papers are not multiple choice. The tests do not include Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Official NWSSEE guidance is especially clear about English: there is no comprehension paper for English in the NWSSEE. Candidates must write about the subject shown on the question paper, and prepared memorised answers that do not address the task are not rewarded.
Preparation Priority for Stage 2
Stage 2 preparation should shift from multiple-choice selection to task-focused English writing, accurate SPAG, Maths problem solving and precise final-answer recording.
NWSSEE English Preparation
The NWSSEE English paper is not a comprehension paper. Pupils should prepare for task-focused written English rather than memorised essays.
Your child should practise:
- reading the writing task carefully
- identifying the required form or purpose
- planning quickly before writing
- writing a clear opening
- organising ideas into paragraphs
- developing ideas with detail
- using vocabulary accurately and effectively
- varying sentence structure
- punctuating accurately
- spelling common and ambitious words carefully
- staying focused on the task set
- finishing within the time limit
- proofreading for clarity and accuracy
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- Creative Writing
- 11+ English
- 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Foundation English, if basics need strengthening
- 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced SPAG
NWSSEE Maths Preparation
The NWSSEE Maths paper is not multiple choice. There are no marks for working out; only the final answer is marked. Pupils should still use working space carefully so they can solve problems accurately before recording the final answer.
Your child should practise:
- mental arithmetic and written calculations
- fractions, decimals and percentages
- ratio and proportion
- algebraic thinking and unknown values at KS2 level
- measurement and unit conversion
- area, perimeter and volume
- geometry and angles
- data interpretation
- graphs and tables
- number patterns and sequences
- multi-step word problems
- checking whether answers are sensible
- recording final answers accurately
- working without relying on answer options
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Foundation Maths, if basics need strengthening
- 11+ Advanced Maths, for stronger pupils
NWSSEE Paper Technique
Official NWSSEE guidance states that rough paper is not provided. Candidates may use additional space on the question papers for working out.
Candidates are expected to use pencil for the Maths paper, and either black or blue pen or pencil for the English paper. If using pencil for English, mistakes should be crossed through rather than rubbed out.
Pupils should practise how to:
- use question-paper space neatly for Maths working
- record only final answers clearly
- avoid relying on marks for Maths working
- read the English task exactly as set
- avoid pre-prepared writing that does not fit the task
- cross through English corrections neatly
- manage time across a 40 to 50 minute paper
- leave time to check answers and writing accuracy
How the Test Components Are Combined
Current NWSSEE guidance states that the final total score is made up from the SET score, re-standardised and divided by two, plus the standardised Maths NWSSEE score and the standardised English NWSSEE score.
For preparation, this means both stages matter:
- Stage 1 SET English and Maths are needed to reach the second-stage test and contribute to the final score.
- NWSSEE English and Maths carry strong importance and require non-multiple-choice skills.
Pupils should not prepare only for SET multiple choice. Task-focused writing and non-multiple-choice Maths should be developed steadily.
Should Nonsuch Pupils Practise VR or NVR?
For Nonsuch High School for Girls alone, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning are not core test areas in the current official test description.
Official Sutton SET guidance states that the SET does not include VR or NVR. NWSSEE guidance also states that the second-stage test does not include VR or NVR.
VR and NVR practice may still be useful if the child is also preparing for another 11+ area that tests those subjects. If Nonsuch is the main target, preparation time is usually better spent on English, Maths, Maths Word Problems, SPAG, vocabulary, task-focused writing and timed paper discipline.
Scholars Tutorial Preparation Route for Nonsuch
On the Scholars Tutorial platform, Nonsuch preparation should be split into Stage 1 SET practice and Stage 2 NWSSEE writing and Maths depth.
Recommended Online Route for Stage 1 SET
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SET (Sutton)
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Foundation → 11+ Foundation English, if basics need strengthening
- 11+ Foundation → 11+ Foundation Maths, if basics need strengthening
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB, for vocabulary development
Recommended Online Route for NWSSEE
- 11+ Advanced → Creative Writing, for task-focused written English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced SPAG
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced Maths
If Nonsuch is the main target, prioritise English, Maths, word problems, SPAG, vocabulary, SET-style timing and NWSSEE writing confidence. Add VR or NVR only if the child is also preparing for another exam area that tests those subjects.
Printed Paper Sets for Nonsuch Preparation
Printed paper sets are useful because they help pupils practise concentration, timing, answer selection, written responses and full-paper discipline.
Useful Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets include:
- 11+ Sutton Style English Practice Papers
- 11+ English Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems Practice Papers
- 11+ SPAG Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation English Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced English Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced SPAG Practice Papers
- Creative Writing practice, for NWSSEE task-focused writing
For Nonsuch, printed practice should be divided into two strands: Sutton SET-style multiple-choice English and Maths, and NWSSEE task-focused writing plus non-multiple-choice Maths problem solving.
Suggested Weekly Preparation Plan
A balanced weekly Nonsuch preparation plan could include:
- 2 days per week: English comprehension, vocabulary or SPAG
- 2 days per week: Maths arithmetic, topic work or word problems
- 1 day per week: SET-style multiple-choice English or Maths practice
- 1 day per week: NWSSEE task-focused writing or non-multiple-choice Maths practice
- 1 day per week: timed paper practice and mistake review
Pupils closer to the test can gradually increase timed SET practice and NWSSEE written work. Pupils still building foundations should use shorter focused sessions and review mistakes carefully.
Common Preparation Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
- assuming Nonsuch tests Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning
- preparing only for SET multiple choice and ignoring NWSSEE writing and Maths
- preparing NWSSEE English as a comprehension paper
- memorising an English composition instead of writing to the task set
- doing Maths arithmetic but not word problems
- ignoring vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar
- not practising separate answer-sheet technique for the SET
- forgetting that some English SET questions may require more than one answer
- relying on rough paper instead of using question-paper space
- doing papers without reviewing mistakes
- focusing only on speed instead of accuracy
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stage 1 for Nonsuch High School for Girls?
Stage 1 is the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test, made up of a multiple-choice English paper and a multiple-choice Maths paper.
Does the SET include Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning?
No. The official SET guidance states that the tests do not include Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning.
How long are the SET papers?
Each SET paper takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes, with a rest and toilet break between the two papers.
What is in the NWSSEE?
The NWSSEE has two elements: an English paper and a Maths paper.
Is the NWSSEE multiple choice?
No. Official NWSSEE guidance states that the papers are not multiple choice.
Does the NWSSEE include English comprehension?
No. Official NWSSEE guidance states that there is no comprehension paper for English in the NWSSEE.
Does the NWSSEE include VR or NVR?
No. Official NWSSEE guidance states that the tests do not include Verbal Reasoning or Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Are NWSSEE specimen papers available?
Official NWSSEE guidance says specimen papers are not provided, but sample questions and notes may be made available for guidance.
Which Scholars Tutorial subjects are most useful?
Useful subjects include 11+ SET (Sutton), Creative Writing, 11+ English, 11+ Maths, 11+ Maths : Word Problems, 11+ SPAG, Foundation English, Foundation Maths, Advanced English, Advanced Maths, Advanced VOCAB and Advanced SPAG.
Are printed paper sets useful?
Yes. Printed paper sets help pupils practise SET-style English and Maths, NWSSEE task-focused writing, word problems, SPAG, answer-sheet technique, timing and full-paper discipline.
Final Preparation Advice
Nonsuch preparation should reflect the actual two-stage structure: Stage 1 Sutton SET multiple-choice English and Maths, followed by Stage 2 NWSSEE English writing and Maths.
Pupils should build strong reading, vocabulary, SPAG, task-focused writing, Maths fluency, word-problem and problem-solving skills, supported by regular mistake review.
The Scholars Tutorial online platform helps pupils strengthen the key test areas through organised subject categories, while printed paper sets help children practise with realistic exam discipline.
By combining online practice, printed paper sets, Sutton SET-style timing, answer-sheet accuracy, NWSSEE task-focused writing, non-multiple-choice Maths and careful mistake review, pupils can build the confidence and accuracy needed for Nonsuch High School for Girls.