Sutton High School

[Ldk001]

Hello all,
I am thinking about sending my daughter to Sutton High School as really like the feel, but can anyone who’s been through the entrance exam tell me a little more? It just says that they’re computer based tests. So, is that multiple choice questions? Is there any writing part to the exam? I literally can’t find any info about this. Even the exam board or that type of thing!
Lastly, I was wondering how difficult it is to get an academic scholarship?
Thank you for any insight!

Hello - I have a DD at Sutton High. From memory the exam was largely computer based but there was a written part to the English exam. The computer based part gave progressively more difficult questions as you went along (presumably as you get them right it gives more challenging material). BUT!!!!! This was before covid so it may have changed.

If they follow the same format as before, the exam day is pretty much a day at the school. They do the exam, have the "interview" (which is honestly more a friendly chat), have a tour of the school and a cupcake etc. It's a very friendly process, my DD really enjoyed it. She had a long chat with the girls who did her tour and came home telling me all about the clubs she wanted to join, the house she wanted to be in etc.

The registrar is very approachable so I'd suggest you just speak directly to her for up to date info on the exam.

Not sure how hard it is to get a scholarship, but it's perhaps worth remembering the value of those can be fairly small. So if that is difference between affording the fees or not, again perhaps best to discuss with the registrar.

Hope that helps

@SHparent, thank you so much for your reply!
I hope your daughter has settled in well and loving her senior school. X

We are applying too. I have found out it’s a new exam that started last year and it’s all online and run by the same company as CATs so similar questions i expect and they have a lesson at the school - I asked the registrar who was very helpful good luck

Thank you so much, @1forward2back! That's great to know. I'll get in touch with the registrar...good luck to you too. x

Just jumping in to add that contacting registrar is very good advice and will help ensure you can help your daughter prepare. It's a brilliant school! My eldest went and I am preparing my middle daughter now. We are preparing for the 'interview' at the moment. Attending a free parent webinar tomorrow evening to see if they have any new tips! I'll link it here for you: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OOOEWdKWS-i3vo80kEs-OA

@Rzwilson, you’re an absolute star! Thank you for linking the webinar, will definitely join! And so happy to hear that your eldest clearly thrived there - very good luck to your middle daughter too. x

I take it you aren't at a prep school as they would be busy helping you prepare for the exam. Your dd will need to try some of the online tests so they are familiar with how it works and timings. From memory I think there are BOFA ones you can try?

Scholarships are very small as above, there is at least one big 50% per year but very hard fought over and won by a child who is normally choosing between SHS and a super selective grammar.

Thank you @ChristopherTracy! We just signed up to Atom Learning yesterday, which she loves so far. :)

@SHparent @Rzwilson would you both recommend the school? We really liked the feel at the open day last month - very friendly girls - are your daughters happy?

@1forward2back oops I missed your message - so sorry! Definitely would recommend - I think the open day experience can tell you so much about a school. Trust your instinct mama!