Nonsuch selects girls through a competitive 11+ in English and mathematics, followed by a selection stage for those who qualify. Because places are allocated in rank order, the qualifying score changes each year with the applicant pool. Prepare with timed papers in both subjects, and read the school's own admissions policy for the entry year rather than relying on figures quoted online.

Roughly one family in six missed their first-choice secondary school for September 2026: 83.6% were offered it. — DfE, School applications and offers, 2026

Nonsuch Grammar School, located in Cheam, Surrey, England, is a prestigious institution known for its rigorous academic standards and its dedication to preparing students for higher education and successful careers. This blog post explores the school's admission process, particularly for the competitive 11+ exam, providing insights into what makes Nonsuch Grammar School a top choice for education.

What Is Nonsuch Grammar School?

Nonsuch Grammar School stands as a beacon of academic excellence, known for its selective admission process and its focus on fostering a comprehensive educational environment.

Why does academic excellence matter?

Nonsuch Grammar School has a long-standing reputation for fostering academic achievement with a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for university and beyond.

What is admission competitiveness?

Due to its prestigious status, gaining admission to Nonsuch Grammar School is highly competitive, especially at the 11+ level, making early preparation essential for prospective students.

What Is the 11+ Exam?

The 11+ exam is crucial as it evaluates potential students on various academic criteria.

What is the exam structure?

The exam is divided into two segments:

- A multiple-choice test covering verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics.

- A writing test aimed at assessing clarity of expression and coherence in thought.

What is exam content?

The content of the 11+ exam is designed to test a student’s:

- Critical thinking skills.

- Problem-solving abilities.

- Overall academic potential.

What is the admission process?

The admission process at Nonsuch Grammar School is thorough, involving several key stages that assess not only academic prowess but also personal qualities.

What is selection day?

After the entrance exam, successful candidates participate in a selection day which includes:

- Group tasks to evaluate teamwork and social skills.

- Interviews and additional tests to gauge resilience and suitability for the school’s environment.

What is the interview with the headteacher?

The final step of the admission process is an interview with the school's headteacher, focusing on:

- The student's motivation and character.

- The student’s aspirations and fit with the school’s culture.

- An opportunity for students to express their enthusiasm and ask questions about the school.

What should you do next?

Gaining admission to Nonsuch Grammar School is a competitive but rewarding process. The school’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic development ensures that students are well-prepared for their future endeavors. Parents and students aiming for admission should focus on thorough preparation and understanding the school’s values and expectations.

By following this structured approach to the 11+ exam and the subsequent admission stages, prospective students can enhance their chances of joining this esteemed institution and embarking on a path to academic and personal success.

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?

University application rules, deadlines and Clearing dates are set by UCAS and change each cycle. Always confirm against UCAS directly and the course page itself: