Nonsuch's admission runs on a two-stage test in English and mathematics, with a selection day for candidates who qualify. Because it is competitive and rank-ordered, the qualifying score changes each year with the applicant pool. Prepare with timed practice in both subjects, and confirm the current stages and dates on the school's own admissions page rather than from forums.

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 renowned for its rigorous academic standards and competitive admission process. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the STT (Set Test Two) exam, a critical component of the school's admission criteria.

What Is Nonsuch Grammar School?

Nonsuch Grammar School is celebrated for its commitment to fostering academic excellence in a supportive environment. The school's reputation is built on a foundation of high educational standards and successful alumni.

Why does academic excellence matter?

The school prides itself on its robust curriculum and the outstanding performance of its students in various academic disciplines. This has established Nonsuch as a top choice for those seeking quality education for girls in Surrey.

What is the competitive admission?

Admission to Nonsuch Grammar School is highly competitive, with numerous applicants vying for a limited number of spots each year. The STT exam is a pivotal part of the selection process, designed to evaluate potential students' abilities in core academic areas.

What is detailed examination of the STT exam?

The STT exam is a multiple-choice test that assesses candidates on English and mathematics. It is generally taken during the autumn term of Year 6 in primary school.

What is the English section?

The English portion of the STT exam is structured into three parts:

- Comprehension: Tests the ability to understand and interpret text.

- Vocabulary: Assesses knowledge of synonyms, antonyms, and context clues.

- Grammar: Evaluates understanding of grammar rules, punctuation, and sentence structure.

What is the mathematics section?

The mathematics portion also consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and is divided into:

- Problem-solving: Challenges students with questions on arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

- Reasoning: Tests logical and analytical thinking capabilities.

Why does selection day and its importance matter?

Successful candidates of the STT exam are invited to a selection day, which is crucial for further assessment. This day includes various activities aimed at evaluating the students' social skills, teamwork, and resilience.

What are key aspects of selection day?

- Social Skills Assessment: Observes how well students interact with peers.

- Teamwork Evaluation: Looks at the ability to work collaboratively.

- Resilience Testing: Assesses how students cope with challenges.

What should you do next?

The STT exam is an essential element of the admissions process at Nonsuch Grammar School, designed to identify students who are not only academically proficient but also well-rounded. Excelling in this exam paves the way to a selection day, where potential students have the opportunity to demonstrate additional qualities that make them suitable for the competitive environment of Nonsuch Grammar School.

What else is worth reading?

What are the honest limits of any grade or percentage figure?

Grade boundaries are set for each exam series, for each board and tier, after marking is complete. Every percentage and boundary described here is a historical example, not a promise: a 2025 boundary tells you about 2025. For the series you are actually sitting, check JCQ and your own board.

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: