Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) timeline
Are you confused about the timings and dates of the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET)? Not sure what you should be doing?
Use our timeline tool below to help you navigate your way to SET success. NB - we ask for your child's date of birth only to refine what events are shown. This is not stored anywhere. If you would rather, just press the second option on the form and you can view all events for the SET.
Please note that this form assumes your child is the standard age for the year, i.e. they aren't in a different school than they normally would be for their age.
What to do and when
Showing all timeline events for all ages. Use the form above to edit what is shown here.
| School year | What to do |
|---|---|
| Nursery/ pre-school (1 to 2) | You may be entitled to some free childcare at this stage. Use the website to find out more: https://www.gov.uk/find-free-early-education Do make sure you’re reading to your child every day. Try hands on games like jigsaws for early pattern recognition. If at nursery, you may be given some age-appropriate goals based on the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework–2 Other resources: Use books and jigsaw puzzles to help your child https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/b/best-books-for-2-year-olds/ |
| Nursery/ pre-school (2 to 3) | All parents of three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours a week of free childcare. Many are entitled to 30 hours a week from 3. Use this website to find out more: https://www.gov.uk/find-free-early-education Keep reading every day to your child. Start counting up to ten and playing very simple number games. If your child is at nursery they will give you age-appropriate goals based on the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework–2 Suggested resources: Books and simple board games. https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/article-your-pre-school-child |
| Nursery/ pre-school (3 to 4) | All parents of three and four year olds are entitled to 15 hours a week of free childcare, and most are entitled to 30 hours a week of free childcare. Use this website to find out more: https://www.gov.uk/find-free-early-education Apply for primary school in Sutton using this website: https://www.sutton.gov.uk/w/applying-to-start-primary-school You can start an application from the 1st of September when your child is in the school year before (i.e. around the 1st of September one year before they start), and applications close the January after this. Results are then published in April. You may find this booklet useful: https://www.sutton.gov.uk/documents/d/guest/starting-school-guidance-booklet-2025v1 If your child is at nursery or pre-school they will give you age-appropriate goals based on the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage). Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-foundation-stage-framework–2 Your child may be able to start reading independently. Remember every child is different and meets their personalised goals at different times. You should continue to read every day to your child regardless. This list of books may help: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/g/great-books-guide-for-children-2023-4-5/ |
| Reception (4 to 5) | There is nothing for you to do at this stage beyond supporting your child in school. Your child’s school will provide you with regular reports. Keep in touch with the class teacher to find out how they are progressing in all subjects. Your child should now be reading independently, but remember every child is different and works at a different pace towards their individualised goals. |
| Year 1 (5 to 6) | No further applications at this stage. Your child’s school should provide you with regular reports. Keep in touch with the class teacher to find out how they are progressing in:
Owl 7+ Papers will give you a good idea of your child’s ability in English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning. |
| Year 2 (6 to 7) | No further applications at this stage, unless you are considering a move to another school at Year 3 (from infant to junior school). Start loosely secondary schools in Sutton, both grammar and non-grammar. Although these schools do not have catchment areas, do think about which one is closest to your house and convenient travel-wise. What are the transport options like? Where would you like your child to go? Have a look at the school’s Ofsted report: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ Owl Tutors 8+ Papers will give you a good idea of your child’s ability in English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning. |
| Year 3 (7 to 8) | Keep researching secondary schools. Which one is closest to your house? Where would you like your child to go? Have a look at the school’s Ofsted report: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/ CGP and Bond do 11+ books which are appropriate for this age. (Look for age 8-9) A specialist primary tutor can help support with the KS2 curriculum during Year 3. |
| Year 4 (8 to 9) | Consider starting specialist Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) tuition. You could start with one hour every two weeks. Keep researching secondary schools. Which one is closest to your house? Where would you like your child to go? Remember, you aren’t limited to Sutton – Kingston is nearby and has two excellent grammar schools. CGP and Bond do 11+ books which are appropriate for this age (look for age 9-10). |
| Year 5 (9 to 10) | You must register for the SET online with any of the schools which use the test by early August in the summer between Year 5 and Year 6. You can register with any of the six schools using the test. You only need to register with one school to be entered for the test. Information here: https://www.sutton.gov.uk/w/selection-tests-aptitude-assessments-and-supplementary-forms Consider increasing tuition to once a week, if using. Ask your child’s tutor to focus on specifics subjects now – and start looking at exam technique towards the end of the year. Attend Open Days at each school you want to attend – these are designed for Year 5 pupils and their families. Consider a mock test in the Summer Term of Year 5 – these are highly useful. Remember – keep reading every day! CGP and Bond books can support tutoring. You can also use a web-based application such as Atom Learning. |
| Year 6 (10 to 11) | The eligibility test will be in mid September of Year 6. You can see further information here: https://www.sutton.gov.uk/w/selection-tests-aptitude-assessments-and-supplementary-forms Final push! You should be focusing on exam technique, what to expect and timings. Ensure your child knows what to expect on the day by running through timings with their tutor. Keep reading every day. Take your tutor’s advice and good luck! |
