How to get into Wilson’s School 11+ Guide: SET Preparation for South West London Families

Wilson’s School in Wallington is one of the most sought-after selective boys’ grammar schools in South London. With 186 places in Year 7 and a competitive two-stage entrance process, families need to understand the admissions timeline early.

This guide explains how the Wilson’s School 11+ process works, what the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test and Second Stage Entrance Examination involve, and how Brilliant Beans Tutoring supports families preparing from Tooting, Balham, Streatham, Norbury and across South West London

Key Wilson’s School admissions dates for 2027 entry

For boys applying for Year 7 entry in September 2027, the key dates are:

Stage	Date
SET registration opens	Friday 1 May 2026
Access arrangements deadline	Friday 12 June 2026
SET registration closes	Friday 31 July 2026
Selective Eligibility Test	Tuesday 15 September 2026
Second Stage Entrance Examination	Saturday 3 October 2026
Wilson’s Sport and Music Aptitude Tests	Saturday 10 October 2026
Common Application Form deadline	Saturday 31 October 2026

Wilson’s confirms the SET date, access arrangements deadline, registration deadline, second-stage date for boys and aptitude test date on its Year 7 admissions page.

Understanding the two-stage admissions process

Getting into Wilson’s School involves two entrance test stages.

First, boys sit the Selective Eligibility Test, usually known as the SET. This is the shared first-stage test used by the Sutton selective schools.

Boys who meet Wilson’s required standard in the SET are then invited to sit the Wilson’s School Second Stage Entrance Examination.

Parents must also name Wilson’s School on their Common Application Form, usually called the CAF. Wilson’s states that if the school is not named on the CAF, the child cannot be considered for a place, even if he passes the entrance examinations.

Stage One: The Selective Eligibility Test

The Selective Eligibility Test is the first stage of the Wilson’s School admissions process.

For September 2027 entry, the SET will take place on Tuesday 15 September 2026.

Boys must be registered before the published deadline in order to sit the test.

The SET consists of two multiple-choice papers:

Paper	Format
English	Multiple choice
Maths	Multiple choice

The English paper focuses on Key Stage 2 comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and accuracy. The Maths paper is also broadly based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum and tests number skills, problem-solving and mathematical fluency. Wilson’s confirms that the SET includes English and Maths and that the content is broadly based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum.

Because the SET is multiple choice, boys need more than subject knowledge. They also need to work quickly, avoid careless mistakes and manage their time carefully.

Stage Two: The Wilson’s School Entrance Examination

Boys who pass the SET for Wilson’s are invited to the Second Stage Entrance Examination.

For September 2027 entry, this is scheduled for Saturday 3 October 2026.

The second stage includes:

• English

• Maths

This stage is important because it allows Wilson’s to assess boys in greater depth. Strong preparation should therefore cover both the speed and accuracy needed for the SET, and the deeper English and Maths skills needed for the second stage.

Football and music aptitude places

Wilson’s also offers a small number of priority places for boys with exceptional aptitude in football or music.

For 2027 entry, the Sport and Music Aptitude Tests are scheduled for Saturday 10 October 2026.

Wilson’s states that it offers up to 9 priority places for football aptitude and up to 9 priority places for music aptitude.

These places are only relevant for boys who meet the school’s criteria and complete the required aptitude assessment process.

How competitive is Wilson’s School?

Wilson’s School is highly competitive. There are only 186 Year 7 places, and boys apply from across South London, Sutton, Surrey and surrounding areas.

The two-stage process means boys need to be strong across both English and Maths. They also need to be comfortable working under timed conditions.

For many families, preparation begins in Year 4 or Year 5. Starting earlier gives children time to build genuine confidence, rather than relying on last-minute practice.

What should Wilson’s 11+ preparation focus on?

A strong preparation plan should cover both subject knowledge and exam technique.

Key areas include:

• Reading comprehension

• Vocabulary

• Grammar and accuracy

• Maths fluency

• Multi-step problem-solving

• Mental arithmetic

• Timed practice

• Multiple-choice technique

• Reviewing mistakes

• Confidence under pressure

The aim is not just to complete lots of papers. Boys need to understand how to approach unfamiliar questions, manage their time and learn from errors.

How Brilliant Beans Tutoring helps with Wilson’s 11+ preparation

At Brilliant Beans Tutoring, we support children preparing for Wilson’s School and other Sutton grammar schools through structured Saturday sessions in Tooting.

Our programme focuses on the English and Maths skills needed for the Sutton SET and second-stage entrance examinations. Children work on core knowledge, timed practice, exam technique and confidence in a supportive small-group setting.

We begin with an assessment to understand each child’s starting point. From there, we help identify gaps, build a clear learning plan and support steady progress over time.

Saturday 11+ tutoring in Tooting

Our Saturday programme includes focused academic tuition alongside confidence-building enrichment.

Sessions cover:

• Maths: number fluency, problem-solving and exam technique

• English: comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and written communication

• Reasoning skills: critical thinking and flexible problem-solving

• Life skills: activities such as kickboxing, drama, coding and confidence coaching

The English and Maths work supports the skills needed for Wilson’s School, the Sutton SET and other selective entrance exams.

Why small group tuition works

Small group tuition gives children focused support while allowing them to learn alongside others.

This can help boys build confidence, stay engaged and become more comfortable working in a structured environment. Groups are kept small so that children still receive individual attention, feedback and encouragement.

For selective exam preparation, this balance is important. Children need challenge, but they also need support and reassurance.

11+ tutoring for families in Tooting, Balham and Streatham

Brilliant Beans Tutoring is based in Tooting and supports families across South West London, including:

• Tooting

• Balham

• Streatham

• Wandsworth

• Earlsfield

• Wimbledon

• Mitcham

• Clapham

Our Saturday 11+ sessions are especially relevant for families preparing for Sutton grammar schools, including Wilson’s School, Wallington County Grammar School, Sutton Grammar School, Nonsuch High School for Girls and Wallington High School for Girls.

FAQs about Wilson’s School admissions

Is Wilson’s School boys-only?

Yes. Wilson’s School is a selective boys’ school.

How many Year 7 places are available at Wilson’s School?

Wilson’s has an admission number of 186 for Year 7.

What exam does my child need to sit for Wilson’s School?

Boys first sit the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test. If they meet Wilson’s required standard, they are invited to the Second Stage Entrance Examination.

When is the Wilson’s School SET for 2027 entry?

For September 2027 entry, the SET is scheduled for Tuesday 15 September 2026.

When is the Wilson’s Second Stage Entrance Examination?

For September 2027 entry, the Second Stage Entrance Examination for boys is scheduled for Saturday 3 October 2026.

Does passing the Wilson’s entrance tests guarantee a place?

No. Passing the entrance tests makes a child eligible for consideration, but parents must also name Wilson’s School on the CAF and places are allocated according to the school’s admissions criteria.

When should my child start preparing for Wilson’s School?

Many families begin structured preparation in Year 4 or Year 5. This gives children time to build English, Maths, exam technique and confidence before the SET in September of Year 6.

Book a free assessment with Brilliant Beans Tutoring

Preparing for Wilson’s School can feel challenging, 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 and welcomes families from Tooting, Balham, Streatham, Wandsworth and across South West London.

To book your child’s free assessment or find out more about our programmes, visit brilliantbeanstutoring.co.uk or call 020 4501 0894.