The Best Grammar Schools in Sutton

Dec 08, 2022

A high-quality education can set someone up for life; a good job, nice house, and happy life. This is often one of the biggest reasons why parents stress over where to send their children to school; which school can offer them the most well-rounded education? There are five grammar schools in Sutton, but which one should you choose for your child?

Simply put, grammar schools are state secondary schools, focusing mainly on academic achievement. To obtain a place in a grammar school, children sit an entrance examination when they reach the age of 11. This exam is known as the “11-plus” and consists of various aspects; verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English.

As for what can make a grammar school reputable, the grades obtained by students and the rating provided by Ofsted are credible factors. There are four grades available to schools from Ofsted, and they are:

1 - Outstanding

2 - Good

3 - Requires Improvement

4 - Inadequate

Ofsted inspectors visit schools around the country, including the town of Sutton, to review each one on the quality of education, behaviour and attributes, personal development of students, and leadership and management.

Other than the school’s rating, the grades awarded to past students of that school is also important to consider when choosing a grammar school in Sutton. GCSEs and A Levels are the primary focuses here, with A Levels being deemed the most important. Why? Well, A Level exams rewards students with UCAS points, which are essential if the student wants to study an undergraduate degree.

In Sutton state-funded schools and colleges, the average A Level result is a B, which is higher than the average grade of all schools and colleges in England – C.

In this article, five grammar schools in Sutton have been ranked by previous A Level grades:

1. Wilson’s School

Wilson's School

Address: Mollison Drive, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 9JM

Ofsted Rating: 1-Outstanding ⁽¹⁾

Number of students sitting A Levels: 139

Average A Level Grade: A- ⁽²⁾ % of 132 students achieving AAB or higher, including at least two facilitating subjects: 67.4%

Wilson’s School ⁽³⁾ is a selective school for boys, which works to safeguard the welfare of its students.

On the school’s website, the Ofsted report is quoted, saying this Sutton grammar school delivers “an exceptional education”. This is echoed in the aims and ethos of the school, which includes providing an environment that builds students’ confidence as well as giving opportunities for accomplishments outside the classroom.

The focus on achievement can be found in a unique “Futures”, which helps students prepare for examinations and working life. Wilson’s School pupils can also study business and economics, government and politics, and RE and philosophy.

2. Sutton Grammar School

Sutton Grammar School

Address: Manor Lane, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 4AS

Ofsted Rating: 2-Good ⁽⁴⁾

Number of students sitting A Levels: 143

Average A Level Grade: B+ ⁽⁵⁾ % of 141 students achieving AAB or higher, including at least two facilitating subjects: 49.6%

Founded in 1899, Sutton Grammar School ⁽⁶⁾ promotes successful academic learning and achievement. Although the school mainly teaches boys, girls are welcome during Sixth Form admissions.

The school boasts its ability to support each student individually, stating the school “is small enough for us to be able to care about every pupil” while being big enough to support senior years through examinations.

Students at Sutton Grammar Schools can benefit from a range of extracurricular activities, such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and STEM. This is known as Curriculum Enrichment within the school.

3. Nonsuch High School for Girls

Nonsuch High School for Girls

Address: Ewell Road, Cheam, Surrey, SM3 8AB

Ofsted Rating: 2-Good⁽⁷⁾

Number of students sitting A Levels: 176

Average A Level Grade: B+ ⁽⁸⁾ % of 173 students achieving AAB or higher, including at least two facilitating subjects: 40.5%

As a school for girls in the Sutton area, Nonsuch High School for Girls ⁽⁹⁾ works with the aim of empowering young women to ensure they become independent and succeed during and after academia. The school also focuses on creating strong sense of community, which is said to be a vital part of students’ success.

Enrichment, both social and cultural, is provided through the curriculum and extracurricular activities available in the school. Students are encouraged to join a number of clubs to boost the community-focus; some available extracurriculars include Improvisation Club, Junior Orchestra, and Ukulele Club.

4. Wallington County Grammar School

Wallington County Grammar School

Address: Croydon Road, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 7PH

Ofsted Rating: 1-Outstanding ⁽¹⁰⁾

Number of students sitting A Levels: 174

Average A Level Grade: B+ ⁽¹¹⁾ % of 173 students achieving AAB or higher, including at least two facilitating subjects: 38.7%

Similar to Sutton Grammar School, ⁽¹²⁾ is a selective school for boys, which admits girls into its Sixth Form. The school has four main values, which are commitment, compassion, courage, and creativity.

Like extracurricular activities, Wallington County provides co-curriculum opportunities to students, which enables them to achieve a well-rounded education. Co-curriculum gives students the chance to pursue what interests them, such as school orchestra, various societies, and charity events.

5. Wallington High School for Girls

Wallington High School for Girls

Address: Woodcote Road, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 0PH

Ofsted Rating: 2-Good ⁽¹³⁾

Number of students sitting A Levels: 200

Average A Level Grade: B ⁽¹⁴⁾ % of 199 students achieving AAB or higher, including at least two facilitating subjects: 33.2%

Wallington High School for Girls ⁽¹⁵⁾ first opened in 1888 to girls between the ages of 11 and 18. The school teaches charitable and leadership values to students through the use of the House system and School Council.

As part of a partnership with Wilson’s School, students at Wallington High School for Girls can join the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) as part of their enrichment curriculum. This allows students to develop their skills as well as working towards Army Proficiency certificates. Previous students have even been flag-bearers at the Invictus Games.

In Sutton, there are five grammar schools; now you know how each one ranks by A Level result, you will be better informed to choose the ideal school to educate your child.