St Paul’s School London
Founded in 1509 by John Colet, Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, St Paul’s School stands as one of Britain’s most academically distinguished independent schools. Situated on a 43-acre campus beside the River Thames in Barnes, the school is celebrated for intellectual excellence, integrity, and achievement.
Consistently ranked among the UK’s top schools for academic performance, St Paul’s has produced generations of leaders in science, business, law, and public service.
Why St Paul’s School
St Paul’s seamlessly unites centuries of tradition with innovation and global citizenship. The school’s philosophy champions intellectual independence, creative thinking, and moral purpose.
Pupils benefit from renowned teachers, small classes, and access to London’s cultural and academic institutions. The ethos fosters curiosity, debate, and lifelong learning, developing tomorrow’s leaders and thinkers.
Is St Paul’s Right for Your Son?
- Boys-only education: For ages 13 to 18, with a primary focus on day schooling.
- Boarding and day options: Mainly a day school; around 40 boarders with full, weekly, or flexi-boarding available from Year 9.
- Results: 97% of GCSE entries achieve grades 9–7; 90% of A Levels at A*/A, based on the latest available data.
- Culture: Balances academic excellence with pastoral care, sport, and the arts.
- For families valuing intellectual excellence, global opportunity, and London access, St Paul’s is a world leader.
St Paul’s Admissions Process
When to Start Preparing The most successful candidates begin their preparation in Year 4 or Year 5, building strong skills in English, Mathematics, and Reasoning. This ensures readiness for the ISEB Pre-Test and St Paul’s challenging assessments and interviews. Admissions Timeline for Year 9 (13+) Entry| Stage | Detail | Deadline / Timing |
| Registration | Online registration opens January Year 5, closes mid-September Year 6 (£200 fee) | Year 5 – Year 6 |
| ISEB Pre-Test | Computerised test: English, Maths, Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | October – November Year 6 |
| School Reference | Head Teacher’s report on academic ability and character | Autumn Year 6 |
| Written Assessments | Maths (60 min) & English essay (45 min), both sat at St Paul’s | Early January Year 6 |
| Interviews | Two academic interviews (25 min each) with senior staff | January – February Year 6 |
| Offers | Main List, Reserve List, or No Offer | Within 3 weeks of interview |
Acceptance Rate and Fees
Entry to St Paul’s is extremely competitive: nearly 1,000 applicants compete for under 200 places, so the acceptance rate is below 20%.
For 2025/26, fees are £33,975 per year (day) and £39,966 per year (boarding), both inclusive of VAT. Additional costs for enrichment, activities, and extracurriculars apply.
Scholarships and means-tested bursaries are available for those with strong merit or financial need.
How Elite British Admissions Can Help
Elite British Admissions guides families through every step of the St Paul’s School application, maximising their child’s chances of success:
- Specialist tutoring aligned with St Paul’s rigorous standards
- ISEB Pre-Test coaching using adaptive mock exams and feedback
- Mathematics and English preparation, including discursive writing practice
- Intensive interview training focused on curiosity and verbal agility
- 24/7 parental support by WhatsApp, phone, or email, ideal for international families
- Proven results: In 2024, three out of four students secured offers from their preferred school.
Book a free consultation to develop a robust plan for your son’s St Paul’s application today.
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