Wallington's Secondary Transfer Test is a standardised assessment covering English, maths and verbal reasoning. Knowing the section breakdown matters because preparation time is usually spread wrongly - reasoning gains the most from format familiarity and receives the least practice. Work through timed sections rather than topic worksheets, and confirm the format on the school's own page.

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

Wallington Grammar School, located in Wallington, London, is a prestigious selective school known for its competitive admissions process. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Secondary Transfer Test (STT), which is crucial for admission into the school.

What Is the STT Exam?

What is the STT Exam?

The STT exam is a standardized assessment designed to evaluate a student's academic capabilities in several key areas. It serves as a tool to identify students who are likely to thrive under the academic demands of Wallington Grammar School.

What is the format of the STT exam?

The STT exam comprises four main sections: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Each section is timed, challenging students to manage their time effectively while showcasing their skills.

What is the detailed breakdown of the STT exam sections?

What is the English section?

- Reading Comprehension: Students analyze texts and answer related questions.

- Writing: Evaluation of writing skills through structured prompts.

- Vocabulary: Multiple-choice and short-answer questions to test vocabulary knowledge.

What is the maths section?

- Arithmetic: Basic and advanced calculations.

- Problem-Solving: Real-world scenarios requiring mathematical solutions.

- Reasoning: Logical questions that involve mathematical concepts.

What is the verbal reasoning section?

- Word Relationships: Identification of how words are related to each other.

- Analogies and Codes: Solving analogies and deciphering codes.

- Language Manipulation: Exercises that test the ability to manipulate and understand language.

What is the non-verbal reasoning section?

- Shapes and Patterns: Questions about geometric shapes and patterns.

- Spatial Reasoning: Tasks that require visualizing and manipulating objects in space.

How Do You Prepare for the STT Exam?

Success in the STT exam requires thorough preparation. Students are advised to:

- Practice past papers: Familiarize with the format and types of questions.

- Attend Revision Courses: These can provide structured learning and tips.

- Engage with a Qualified Tutor: Personalized guidance to strengthen weak areas.

What should you do next?

Wallington Grammar School's STT exam is a comprehensive test designed to assess various academic skills. By understanding the exam's structure and preparing adequately, prospective students can enhance their chances of success and make well-informed decisions about their educational pathways.

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: