Wilson’s School is one of several state-funded selective secondary schools that consistently rival the most academically minded independent schools in the UK. Located in the London Borough of Sutton, it forms part of a wider network of high-performing state schools in the capital, a region that far outperforms others in Britain for educational attainment.
Founded in 1615 by Edward Wilson in Camberwell, the school today is known for its engaging and good-humoured teachers and its culture of supporting all boys to achieve their best. These values are encapsulated in the school motto: Non Sibi Sed Omnibus—“Not For Oneself, But For All.” The Headmaster, Nathan Cole, a historian who has been part of the Wilson’s community for nearly 20 years, places a strong emphasis on tradition and shared purpose.
Wilson’s offers an extensive range of extracurricular activities and invests heavily in this aspect of school life. The Drama Department stages both Senior and Junior productions each year, and the school fields thriving Chess and Debating teams. The Combined Cadet Force, established in 1910, now includes Army and RAF sections and operates in partnership with Wallington High School for Girls. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme is well supported by enthusiastic staff members who help students develop skills, challenge themselves and experience adventure. Over 20 Wilson’s students recently achieved the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
The school also has a strong sporting reputation, with students competing at national, county and local levels. Football and cricket are major pursuits, but the school also offers rugby, basketball, athletics, table tennis, cross-country and more. Music is another strength, with dedicated staff leading weekly sessions in jazz, folk and chamber music, along with numerous orchestras and choirs.
Entry Points
Wilson’s is a highly competitive selective school that admits around 175 boys into Year 7. Boys who demonstrate selective ability through performance in the entrance tests are eligible for a place.
Applications for in-year entry outside the normal Year 7 process can be made at any time through the London Borough of Sutton’s coordinated scheme, though in-year vacancies are rare outside Years 7 and 12.
Like other selective grammar schools in London, Wilson’s does not formally impose a catchment area. However, for practical reasons, boys should live within reasonable travelling distance—typically no more than one hour.
Admission Requirements for 11+ Entry
Boys applying for Year 7 entry must first pass the Selective Eligibility Test (SET), run jointly with other local selective schools and usually held in mid-September. Six participating schools coordinate the test, and applicants receive details about the date, time and venue about a week beforehand.
Passing the SET only determines eligibility for the school’s second-stage entrance exam. This takes place in early October of Year 6 and consists of English and Mathematics papers. Applicants must meet the pass mark in both subjects. Final rankings are based on a combination of the SET results and the second-stage papers, with age adjustments applied. Successful candidates are notified by email in October.
Wilson’s Sports Aptitude Test
After the SET, all boys who meet the required standard are invited to take the Sports Aptitude Test. This demanding assessment provides an alternative pathway to entry, with the nine highest-scoring candidates awarded Sports Aptitude places on the Football Programme.
Wilson’s Music Programme
A further nine places are available through the Music Programme. Boys who pass the SET may be offered a place if they demonstrate strong musical potential and the capacity to develop on an instrument or voice.
What Sort of Questions Should I Expect in Wilson’s School Admissions Tests?
The Selective Eligibility Test consists of multiple-choice English and Maths papers. Unlike many other selective schools, Wilson’s does not test Verbal or Non-Verbal Reasoning. The exam content is based broadly on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. Sample questions for English and Maths are available on their website. Although the school does not publish past papers, a sample answer sheet can be viewed here.
16+ (Sixth Form) Admission Requirements
The school does not publish figures for external sixth-form admissions, but the process is known to be competitive.
Prospective applicants register their interest during the year before intended entry, but the main process begins on the day GCSE results are released. External candidates must bring a paper copy of their GCSE results to the school that morning and should be prepared for an informal interview with a senior member of staff. If places are available, offers are made at the school’s discretion. Wherever possible, Wilson’s accommodates students’ preferred A-level subject choices.
Preparation Tips for the Wilson’s School Entrance Test
11+ exams seem to be increasingly competitive and students should possess an unrivalled grasp of all relevant topics from within the Key Stage 2 specifications, in addition to familiarity with aspects of verbal and non-verbal reasoning not taught in schools. Equally important is experience of working under exam conditions and handling timed papers confidently.
Keystone have a range of specialist grammar school entrance tutors who can guide students through the whole admissions process for Wilson's School. For more details please call the Keystone office to chat with one of our client managers.