As a Year 10 student at Wilson’s School, I’ve always known that Sutton’s grammar schools are famous for their high standards and competitive entrance process.
Getting into a grammar school here usually means taking the 11+ exam, and many students spend years preparing for that single test day.
But while the schools’ strong reputations are a big advantage, they also create an intense academic environment that impacts both students and families positively in Sutton.
The pressure to succeed doesn’t end after the 11+.
In fact, being at a top school like Wilson’s means that high standards are always expected.
We’re constantly motivated to aim for top grades, and there’s this underlying feeling that we need to keep up.
Most of my friends are incredibly driven, and I think we all feel the competition, not just with other schools but even among ourselves.
While this pushes us to achieve our best, it can also be stressful.
For families, the grammar school system brings other pressures.
My mum remembers how much studying I had to do to prepare for the 11+, saying, “It was a lot of work but the journey helped him advance academically”
Many parents invest in tutoring, which can be costly, and some worry about how their children will cope with the competition.
Still, I feel lucky to be at a school like Wilson’s, where I have access to great resources and teachers.
It’s intense, but the atmosphere also pushes us to become more resilient and focused.
