How to Get Into Wallington County Grammar School: 11+ Preparation Guide
- Caroline Curtis
- Apr 27
- 5 min read
If your child is in Year 5 or Year 6 and you're starting to think about secondary school options, Wallington County Grammar School, often known as WCGS, may already be on your radar.
WCGS is one of the best-known selective grammar schools in the Sutton area and attracts applications from families across South London and Surrey, including Tooting, Balham, Streatham, Norbury, Wandsworth, Wimbledon, Mitcham, Carshalton and Sutton.
For families considering WCGS, understanding the admissions process early is essential. Entry is competitive, the testing process has two stages, and preparation needs to cover both strong English and Maths skills as well as exam technique.
This guide explains how Wallington County Grammar School admissions work, what the entrance tests involve, the key dates for 2027 entry, and how Brilliant Beans Tutoring can help your child prepare with confidence.
About Wallington County Grammar School
Wallington County Grammar School is a selective grammar school in the London Borough of Sutton.
For Year 7 entry, WCGS is a selective school for boys. The school also admits students into its Sixth Form, where places are available to both male and female students.
The school is part of the Greenshaw Learning Trust and is known for its academic standards, selective admissions process and strong reputation across South London and Surrey.
Families considering WCGS are usually looking for a highly academic secondary school environment where children are stretched, challenged and supported.
Because places are limited and demand is high, the admissions process is competitive. Children need to perform well across both stages of the entrance testing process to be eligible for consideration.
Key WCGS admissions dates for 2027 entry
For children applying for Year 7 entry in September 2027, the key dates are:
Stage | Date |
SET registration opens | Friday 1 May 2026 |
Deadline for access arrangement applications | Friday 12 June 2026 |
SET registration closes | Friday 31 July 2026 |
Selective Eligibility Test | Tuesday 15 September 2026 |
WCGS Second Stage Test | Saturday 3 October 2026 |
Common Application Form deadline | Saturday 31 October 2026 |
Parents must register their child for the Selective Eligibility Test by the published deadline. Children who meet the required standard in the SET for WCGS are then invited to sit the WCGS Second Stage Test.
How admissions work at Wallington County Grammar School
Admissions to Wallington County Grammar School involve two testing stages.
The first stage is the Selective Eligibility Test, usually called the SET. This is the shared first-stage test used by the Sutton selective schools.
The second stage is the WCGS Second Stage Test, which is sat only by children who meet the qualifying standard in the SET for WCGS.
To be eligible for consideration for a place, children need to reach the combined qualifying standard from both the SET and the WCGS Second Stage Test. The final standardised score is made up of two fifths from the SET score and three fifths from the Second Stage Test score.
Parents must also name Wallington County Grammar School on the Common Application Form, usually known as the CAF, which is submitted through their local authority by the national secondary school application deadline.
What does the WCGS entrance process test?
The entrance process focuses on English and Maths.
The SET includes multiple-choice papers in both subjects. Children need strong comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, arithmetic and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work accurately under timed conditions.
The Second Stage Test also covers English and Maths, but in greater depth. This means children need to be confident not only with core Key Stage 2 knowledge, but also with applying that knowledge to more challenging questions.
Strong preparation should therefore focus on:
English comprehension and vocabulary
Grammar and accuracy
Maths fluency
Multi-step problem-solving
Timed practice
Exam technique
Confidence under pressure
When should children start preparing for WCGS?
Most families begin focused 11+ preparation in Year 5.
Starting in Year 5 gives children enough time to build strong foundations, close any gaps and become familiar with the style and timing of selective school entrance papers.
The aim should not be to overload children. The best preparation is steady, structured and confidence-building.
Common challenges in WCGS 11+ preparation
Many children are capable in class but find selective entrance exams challenging because of the speed, pressure and unfamiliar question formats.
Common difficulties include:
Running out of time
Rushing and making avoidable mistakes
Struggling with longer comprehension texts
Finding vocabulary questions difficult
Finding multi-step Maths problems challenging
Losing confidence under exam conditions
This is where regular practice, feedback and exam technique can make a real difference.
How Brilliant Beans Tutoring helps with WCGS preparation
At Brilliant Beans Tutoring, we support children preparing for Wallington County Grammar School and other Sutton grammar schools through structured Saturday 11+ sessions in Tooting.
Our sessions focus on the English and Maths skills needed for the Sutton SET and second-stage entrance papers. Children work on subject knowledge, timed practice, exam technique and confidence in a supportive small-group environment.
We help children understand how to approach questions carefully, manage their time and learn from mistakes, so they become more confident and independent as the exam approaches.
11+ tutoring for families in Tooting, Balham and Streatham
Brilliant Beans Tutoring is based in Tooting and supports families across South West London, including:
Our Saturday sessions are especially well placed for families preparing for Sutton grammar schools, including Wallington County Grammar School, Wilson’s School, Sutton Grammar School, Nonsuch High School for Girls and Wallington High School for Girls.
WCGS 11+ preparation checklist
Before applying, parents should make sure they have:
Task | Completed? |
Checked the latest WCGS admissions information | |
Registered for the SET before the deadline | |
Applied for access arrangements, if needed | |
Built a regular English and Maths routine | |
Introduced timed practice | |
Practised both multiple-choice and longer-form questions | |
Submitted the Common Application Form by the deadline |
FAQs about Wallington County Grammar School admissions
Is Wallington County Grammar School boys-only?
For Year 7 entry, Wallington County Grammar School is a selective school for boys. The school also admits students into its Sixth Form.
What exam does my child need to sit for WCGS?
Children sit the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test first. If they meet the required standard for WCGS, they are invited to the WCGS Second Stage Test.
What subjects are tested?
The entrance process tests English and Maths.
When should my child start preparing?
Many families begin structured preparation in Year 5. This gives children time to build skills, confidence and exam technique before the SET in September of Year 6.
Does passing the test guarantee a place?
No. Passing the entrance tests makes a child eligible for consideration, but places are allocated according to the school’s published admissions criteria.
Book a free 11+ assessment with Brilliant Beans Tutoring
Preparing for Wallington County Grammar School can feel daunting, but the right support can help your child build confidence and make steady progress.
Brilliant Beans Tutoring runs Saturday 11+ sessions from our Tooting centre at:
2–4 London Road, Tooting, SW17 9HW
We welcome families from Tooting, Balham, Streatham, Wandsworth and across South West London.
To find out how we can support your child’s 11+ preparation, book a free assessment with Brilliant Beans Tutoring today.
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