Best Grammar Schools in Surrey in 2026

If you're looking for grammar schools in Surrey for your child, you've probably already noticed that the answer is a little more complicated than you'd expect. Unlike Kent or Buckinghamshire, where grammar schools are dotted across the county, Surrey itself doesn't have traditional grammar schools administered by Surrey County Council.

But here's the good news: the schools that most families mean when they talk about grammar schools in Surrey are some of the most outstanding selective state schools in the entire country. They sit in the London Boroughs of Kingston-upon-Thames and Sutton, right on Surrey's doorstep, and they're absolutely accessible to families across the Surrey region.

This guide tells you everything you need to know, which schools are included, what makes each one special, how the 11+ admissions process works, and how to help your child prepare to secure a place at one of these brilliant schools.

Are there grammar schools in Surrey?

Technically, Surrey County Council does not run any grammar schools. The county's state secondary schools are comprehensive. However, the grammar schools in the neighbouring London Boroughs of Kingston-upon-Thames and Sutton are widely referred to as the Surrey grammar schools, and for good reason. Many Surrey families live within easy reach of these schools, and children from across the Surrey region sit their entrance tests every year.

As one of the most competitive grammar school regions in England, these schools can attract as many as ten applicants per available place. Getting in is a real achievement, but with the right preparation, it's very much within reach.

There is also one grammar school that borders Surrey directly: Nonsuch High School for Girls, which sits right on the Surrey-London boundary in Sutton. For many families in Epsom, Cheam, and the surrounding areas, Nonsuch feels like a truly local grammar school option.

The complete list of grammar schools in Surrey (and Nearby)

Here is the full list of grammar schools that Surrey families typically apply to, split by borough:

Kingston-upon-Thames Grammar Schools

1. Tiffin School (Boys) 

2. The Tiffin Girls' School

Sutton Grammar Schools

1. Wilson's School (Boys) 

2. Sutton Grammar School (Boys) 

3. Wallington County Grammar School (Boys) 

4. Wallington High School for Girls 

5. Nonsuch High School for Girls

All seven of these schools select purely on academic ability. They are state-funded, which means, unlike independent schools, there are no fees to pay. A grammar school place is one of the most valuable things in education, and it costs nothing beyond the preparation your child puts in.

The top grammar schools in Surrey

Let's look at each school in detail, so you know exactly what you're aiming for.

1. Tiffin School - The top boys' grammar school in Surrey

Location: Queen Elizabeth Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, KT2 6RL

Tiffin School is consistently ranked among the very best state schools in the UK, and for many families in Surrey it represents the ultimate goal. Founded in 1880, it educates around 1,400 pupils and has a sixth form that welcomes both boys and girls.

What makes Tiffin unique: Its combination of outstanding academic results, rich extracurricular life, and the sheer breadth of opportunity it offers boys is almost unmatched in the state sector.

2. The Tiffin Girls' School - Outstanding grammar school for girls

Location: Richmond Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, KT2 5PL

The Tiffin Girls' School sits just a short distance from Tiffin School and is equally sought-after. With around 1,250 pupils, it is one of the highest-performing girls' grammar schools in the country.

What makes Tiffin Girls unique: The school genuinely develops the whole person, not just the academic. The breadth of clubs and activities is remarkable for a state school.

3. Wilson's School - One of the oldest grammar schools in England

Location: Mollison Drive, Wallington, Sutton, SM6 9JW 

Wilson's School was founded in 1615, making it one of the oldest grammar schools in England. Despite its centuries of history, it is very much a forward-looking, modern institution with outstanding academic outcomes and a vibrant community.

The school has strong traditions in sport, music, drama, and debating, and its alumni include figures across law, medicine, science, and public life.

What makes Wilson's unique: Its extraordinary history, combined with genuinely excellent modern results. It's a school with real character and a strong sense of identity.

4. Sutton Grammar School - A highly selective boys' school

Location: Manor Lane, Sutton, SM1 4AS 

Sutton Grammar School has been educating boys to the highest standard since 1899. It is known for its strong pastoral care, excellent academic results, and warm, supportive community. The school offers a broad curriculum alongside a wide range of extracurricular activities.

What makes Sutton Grammar unique: Its combination of high academic standards and a genuinely caring, community-focused atmosphere. The school is particularly well-regarded for developing confident, well-rounded young men.

5. Wallington County Grammar School - Strong results and a broad curriculum

Location: Croydon Road, Wallington, Sutton, SM6 7PH

Wallington County Grammar is another highly regarded boys' grammar school in the Sutton borough. The school has particularly strong traditions in sport and music.

6. Wallington High School for Girls - Academic excellence in a supportive environment

Location: Woodcote Road, Wallington, Sutton, SM6 0PH

Wallington High School for Girls is a consistently high-performing selective school for girls in the Sutton borough. It has a reputation for nurturing academic talent while also providing excellent pastoral support and a wide range of activities.

7. Nonsuch High School for Girls - On the Surrey border

Location: Ewell Road, Cheam, Sutton, SM3 8AB

Nonsuch High School for Girls sits right on the Surrey-London border, on the edge of Nonsuch Park, and is particularly popular with families from Epsom, Cheam, and surrounding Surrey areas. 

What makes Nonsuch unique: Its location makes it genuinely feel like a Surrey school, and its specialism in science and languages sets it apart from other selective schools in the region.

How does the 11+ admissions process work for Surrey grammar schools?

This is one of the most important things to understand, and it's different depending on which borough the school is in.

Kingston Grammar Schools (Tiffin School and Tiffin Girls')

Both Tiffin schools run their admissions independently through the 11 Plus Test Kingston. The process is two-stage, with Stage 1 in early October and Stage 2 in November. Registration typically opens in June of Year 5 and closes in early September. The exams cover English and Maths only, there is no verbal or non-verbal reasoning.

Sutton Grammar Schools (Wilson's, Sutton Grammar, Wallington County, Wallington Girls, Nonsuch)

All five of these schools share a common first-stage test called the Selective Eligibility Test (SET). Here's how it works:

Stage 1: The SET - The SET is sat in mid-September (at the very start of Year 6). It consists of two multiple-choice papers, one in English and one in Maths, each approximately 45 minutes long. All children taking the SET sit it at the same time, at an allocated test centre based on their gender. Results are released quickly, usually within a week.

Stage 2: School-Specific Tests - Children who pass the SET are invited to sit a second-stage exam in early October. Boys who pass the SET sit a shared second-stage test used by Sutton Grammar, Wallington County, and Wilson's School. Girls who pass sit a joint test used by Nonsuch and Wallington High School for Girls. Second-stage papers are longer (around one hour each) and include extended written work in English and Maths.

Registration is crucial: Registration for the SET opens on 1 May each year and closes in early August. There are no exceptions for late registrations. You only need to register once; the same registration covers all Sutton schools.

One registration, up to five schools: One SET registration allows your child to be considered for any of the Sutton grammar schools. You then list your preferred schools on your Common Application Form (CAF) submitted to your local council by 31 October.

Tips for preparing for the Surrey grammar schools 

Most children who get into these grammar schools have been preparing for at least a year, sometimes longer. Here's what makes the biggest difference:

Start early and build strong foundations

The best preparation starts in Year 4 or early Year 5, not with practice papers, but with building solid knowledge and skills in English and Maths. Children who understand why something works, not just how to answer a particular question type, are far better equipped for these exams.

Focus on English and Maths - No verbal reasoning required

Unlike many 11+ exams around the country, the Surrey grammar school tests (both Kingston and Sutton) focus exclusively on English and Maths. There is no verbal reasoning or non-verbal reasoning. This means your child can focus their preparation on subject knowledge, comprehension, and mathematical reasoning, which is actually great news.

Practise under timed conditions

Both the SET and the Tiffin tests are timed, and speed matters. Once your child has a solid grasp of the content, introduce timed practice to build the pace and stamina needed on exam day. Our 11 plus mock exams are designed to mirror the format and difficulty of the actual Surrey grammar school tests, giving your child a realistic experience before the real thing.

Work with an expert tutor

The Surrey grammar school tests have specific formats and question styles. Working with an 11 plus tutor who knows these exams inside out can make a significant difference, both to your child's performance and their confidence. Our tutors understand exactly what Wilson's, Tiffin, Nonsuch, and the other Sutton schools are looking for.

Consider an intensive course

If your child is approaching Year 6 and preparation time is limited, our 11 plus intensive courses are an excellent option. These structured programmes cover the key English and Maths content efficiently and build the exam technique your child needs, even if time is short.

Final Thoughts

The grammar schools in the Surrey region are some of the best free schools in the country. Getting a place is competitive, but with the right preparation and the right support, it is absolutely within reach for your child. At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, we've helped hundreds of families across Surrey navigate the 11+ journey with confidence. Your child's grammar school place starts here.