Nonsuch's application runs in stages: check eligibility, register for the 11+, sit the test, then a selection day for candidates who qualify. Registration closes in the summer before Year 6, and you must also name the school on your local authority form - passing the test does not apply for the place. The school's admissions page carries this year's exact dates.

For context: 83.6% of families in England were offered their first-preference secondary school for September 2026 entry, and 92.4% their first-preference primary. — DfE, School applications and offers, 2026

Nonsuch Grammar School, located in Cheam, Surrey, is renowned for its academic rigor and competitive environment, exclusively catering to girls. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for parents interested in applying for their daughter's 11+ entry to this prestigious institution.

What Is the Application Process?

How do you check the eligibility criteria?

Before beginning the application process, it is crucial to ensure your daughter meets the following eligibility criteria:

- Must be in Year 6 at a primary or junior school during the application period.

- Must be registered to take the 11+ exam.

How do you register for the 11+ exam?

Registration for the 11+ exam involves several key steps:

- Contact your local authority to initiate the registration process.

- Complete the necessary application forms.

- Pay the examination fee to finalize the registration.

How do you attend the 11+ exam?

The 11+ exam typically takes place in September, with results announced in October. The exam includes sections on:

- Verbal reasoning

- Non-verbal reasoning

- Mathematics

This exam assesses a variety of academic skills, including critical thinking and problem-solving.

What are await the results?

Post-exam, waiting for the results can be anxious. Results are crucial as they determine whether your daughter moves on to the next stage of the application process.

How do you attend the selection day?

If your daughter meets the required scores, she will be invited to a selection day, which includes:

- Activities to assess social skills and teamwork.

- Tasks to evaluate resilience.

This day serves as an opportunity for the school to understand more about your daughter and consider if she aligns with the school’s ethos.

What is the interview process?

Successful completion of the selection day leads to an interview with the headteacher, focusing on:

- The student's motivation and character.

- Aspirations and enthusiasm for learning.

This is also a chance for your daughter to inquire more about the school.

What does awaiting the final decision involve?

After the interview, the next and final step is to await the school’s decision. If offered a place, ensure to accept it within the stipulated timeframe to secure your daughter’s admission.

What should you do next?

Applying for your daughter’s 11+ entry to Nonsuch Grammar School involves a series of strategic steps, from checking eligibility to attending an interview. Each phase is designed to assess not only academic prowess but also personal qualities and fit with the school's culture. With thorough preparation and a supportive approach, you can enhance your daughter’s chances of gaining admission to this esteemed institution.

What else is worth reading?

What can this guide not tell you about a particular school?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and republishes them every year, so the detail here can go out of date within a cycle. Confirm against the school’s own admissions policy and gov.uk school admissions before you rely on any date.

Every school publishes its own rule, and the national position is short:

“All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places.” — gov.uk, School admissions

Where can you check this at source?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each grammar school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and publishes them in an admissions policy that changes year to year. Always confirm with the school directly, then check the national rules: