St Paul’s School Admissions Process
What is the admissions process for 7+ and 8+ entry?
Parents looking to enroll their sons at St. Paul's Juniors can start the journey when their child enters Year One, with registrations beginning in October.
The school admits fifty-four boys at the 7+ entry point. This is a crucial stage where the school identifies and welcomes boys from various state and independent schools in and around London.
Newcomers to St. Paul's Juniors begin their journey in the Lower First Year.
What is the assessment process for 7+ and 8+ entry?
The first step is the Examination Day. The day includes assessments in English, Mathematics, and Reasoning. English is assessed through a Dictation exercise, while Mathematics and Reasoning tests measure aptitude and problem-solving skills. The Reasoning component is tailored to the candidate's age, and it's worth noting that past papers are not disclosed.
St. Paul's Juniors offers suggested reading lists and guidance for Mathematics and English, tailored for both the 7+ and 8+ entry points.
Candidates who excel in the written tests are invited to the next phase—a half-day group assessment. In groups of around 10, candidates participate in Mathematics and English lessons, providing a platform to demonstrate their academic capabilities. In addition, a group problem-solving task evaluates their collaborative skills and critical thinking abilities.
Simultaneously, parents have the invaluable opportunity to meet with the Head of St. Paul’s Juniors.
Group assessments are held within two weeks following the initial tests, ensuring that results are promptly delivered.
What is the admissions process for 11+ entry?
Boys who complete their primary education at either state primary or independent schools, which conclude at the end of Year 6, are eligible to apply for admission at St. Paul's Juniors at the 11+ entry point. Approximately 36 boys are admitted at this stage.
Upon successful admission, these students embark on a two-year journey at St. Paul's Juniors, setting the stage for their transition to St. Paul's School in Year 9.
Families of boys applying for assessment in Year 6 face an important choice. They must decide between two paths: 11+ entry to St. Paul’s Juniors in Year 7 or 13+ entry to St. Paul’s School in Year 9.
It's essential to note that registering for both entry points simultaneously is not an option. Therefore, careful consideration is crucial to make the right choice for your child's educational journey. If your child attends a school that takes them through to the end of Year 8, the strong recommendation is to apply for 13+ entry to St. Paul's School. This path aligns with the school's educational approach and ensures a seamless transition.
What is the assessment process for 11+ entry?
For Year 6 candidates seeking admission at the 11+ level, the ISEB online pre-test is a crucial requirement. Please refrain from registering before this date. In the meantime, consider signing up for the ISEB mailing list via their website to receive essential details about the registration process. It's important to note that there is no charge associated with registering with ISEB. Boys have the flexibility to sit the ISEB pre-test at St. Paul’s School or at their current school if it is an ISEB-registered invigilation center. The choice of location should align with your child's convenience and accessibility.
For those who successfully clear the ISEB pre-test, the next step involves written examinations in English and Mathematics. These examinations take place at St. Paul's in January.
If you are considering a bursary award, the application process begins when your son is invited back for the written examinations in January.
Candidates who excel in the written exams receive an invitation for in-person interviews, which commence shortly after the examination date. During these interviews, your son will have the opportunity to meet senior staff members, including the Head. These interviews provide a ‘holistic’ view of your child's potential and suitability for school.
Overseas candidates are seen in the same week as the examination, ensuring that the admission process accommodates international applicants.
St. Paul's Juniors is committed to preparing candidates for success. Although past papers are not provided, the school offers a syllabus for the 11+ examination to guide applicants in their preparation.
What is the admissions process for 13+ entry?
Every year, SPS welcomes approximately 198 boys to St. Paul's School in Year 9. Almost half of these students have previously attended St. Paul's Juniors, while the other half come from a wide range of schools.
For boys joining from other schools, the registration and selection process begins in Year 5. Families have two paths to consider:
11+ Entry: You can apply for 11+ entry to the preparatory school, St. Paul’s Juniors, in Year 7. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of our close-knit prep school community.
13+ Entry: Alternatively, you can choose to follow the 13+ admissions process. This allows you to join a prep school near you for Years 7 and 8. This flexible approach ensures that you can align your child's education with your family's specific needs.
Families of boys applying for assessment in Year 6 face a pivotal decision. You must choose between two entry points: 11+ entry (Year 7) to St Paul’s Juniors or 13+ entry (Year 9) to St Paul’s School. Registering for both options simultaneously is not allowed.
It's important to understand that candidates who are unsuccessful in the 13+ application process will not be considered for 11+ entry.
What is the assessment process for 13+ entry?
The journey begins with all registered candidates taking the ISEB online pre-test in October or November of Year 6. Families should make sure not to register with ISEB before this date. While you await registration, it's a good idea to sign up for the ISEB mailing list through their website. This ensures you receive critical details on the registration process. There's no charge associated with registering with ISEB.
The school recommends that the ISEB online pre-tests be completed at the candidate's current school. However, if the school is unable to administer the tests, boys can take them at St Paul’s, providing flexibility for candidates.
As part of this stage, the school requests a report from the candidate's Head Teacher. These reports, along with the pre-test results, are reviewed before deciding which boys proceed to the next stage of the selection process. Parents and schools are informed of the decision in mid-December.
Candidates who are selected for Stage two will be invited to sit written assessments at St. Paul’s School in early January. These assessments include a 60-minute Mathematics paper and a 45-minute English paper. The English paper challenges candidates to write a discursive piece in response to one of three topics.
Candidates who perform well in the written assessments are invited to an interview, which takes place between January and June of Year 6. During this interview, they will meet with two senior members of the teaching staff. Each interview lasts 25 minutes, and it provides an opportunity to discuss their academic studies and aspirations. Simultaneously, parents also have a 25-minute meeting with a senior member of staff.
For boys attending schools that conclude in Year 6 or are situated overseas, the school makes every effort to schedule interviews between January and March.
Within three weeks of the interview, the school will communicate one of three outcomes:
1.
A Place on the Main List: This offer should be accepted by the end of Year 7. For boys attending schools following the St. Paul’s prescribed curriculum in Years 7 and 8, their place is conditional upon continued good conduct and academic progress at their existing school, including an unreserved reference of support from their Head Teacher in Year 8. Offers made to boys who do not attend these schools may have additional conditions, such as achieving a minimum of 70% in prescribed subjects at Common Entrance, ensuring they are equipped for our curriculum at 13+.
2.
A Place on the Reserve List: Once the deadline for Main List offers has passed, the Reserve List is reviewed in early Year 8. This process involves St. Paul’s requesting an up-to-date report from the Head Teacher, and boys may sit written papers in English and Mathematics. Based on these assessments, some boys may receive unconditional places, and a few may be placed on a small waiting list.
3.
The school are unable to offer a place at the school.
What is the admissions process for 16+ entry?
Every year, the school accepts approximately 20 pupils into St. Paul's School's Year 12.
The application process opens in June when applicants are in Year 10.
The selection process takes place in the Autumn Term when students are in Year 11. This phase is designed to identify motivated and academically curious individuals who are ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that St. Paul's School provides.
What is the assessment process for 16+ entry?
The journey begins with the application deadline. It's crucial to ensure that applications (and IELTS results for international applicants) are submitted by this deadline. Late applications are not considered. Once an application is received, the school contacts the applicant's school to request a detailed academic reference. This reference plays a vital role in assessing the applicant's academic potential and achievements.
All 16+ applicants are invited to sit entrance examinations in their chosen subjects. These examinations occur at St. Paul’s School at the beginning of November. International candidates may also take the exams at their local British Council, provided prior agreement is obtained (applicants are responsible for initial contact and any associated costs).
The examinations are based on the current GCSE syllabuses, recognizing that most applicants will be partway through their Year 11 GCSE courses or studying alternative syllabuses. The papers are designed to evaluate analytical skills and problem-solving ability, rather than factual recall.
Candidates may be required to complete a problem-solving paper and/or a critical thinking skills paper. All candidates must write about their interests, academic aspirations, and motivations for joining St. Paul’s School.
For Mathematics, there is a single paper. Candidates who have selected single subject Mathematics and those who have also chosen Further Mathematics with Mathematics sit the same paper. It assesses their understanding and problem-solving skills in algebra, geometry, numerical, and graphical work.
Notably, there are no written examinations for Art or Extended Projects. Candidates opting for Computing, Politics, or Economics may not have studied these subjects before. A deep understanding is not necessary; candidates will be asked to analyze and critically appraise provided material. Past papers are not available.
16+ Interviews
Candidates who excel in all their chosen subjects during the examinations are invited back for interviews.
Selected candidates are interviewed by the Heads of Department or senior teaching staff in each of their chosen subjects. These interviews occur at St. Paul’s School on a designated Saturday toward the end of November. The date and location of the interview are non-negotiable.
Candidates with a desire to board will be interviewed by the House Master and receive a tour of the boarding house. Those interested in Art must bring a portfolio of their recent work for inspection. Engineering applicants are asked to bring any design work they have completed, while Music enthusiasts have the opportunity to perform a short piece on their primary instrument.
16+ Offers and Places
Finally, places are offered to candidates who have demonstrated scholarship, high academic standards, and the potential to make a significant contribution to school life through all stages of the admissions process. Successful candidates are notified by December 1st.
Offers are conditional on GCSE (or IGCSE) grades. Candidates for the school are expected to achieve at least eight passes, including English and Mathematics, with at least six of these being grade 8 or 9, and no more than one grade 6. The rest should be a minimum of grade 7.
For overseas candidates whose schools do not offer GCSEs, equivalent results in their public examinations are required.