Have the short, sharp Spear's newsletter delivered to your inbox each week
School Name

St Paul's Juniors

Category

UK Prep Schools

Types

Prep school

Pupil type

Boys only

Boarding-Day

Day

Curriculums

UK Curriculum

Pupil age range

7-13

Location

London

St Paul's Juniors

Focus

All-round excellence

Day fees 2024/25

$33,500 (incl. VAT)

Pupils

517

Ages

7–13

Spear’s Review

Pupils at St Paul’s Juniors receive what one Spear’s judge describes as ‘the best primary education in the country’. To enter at aged 7 or, less commonly, at 11, is to take a place in a school where academic standards are extremely high but the very selective admissions process filters out anyone for whom that would be a difficulty.

In an environment where achievement is such a priority, properly organised pastoral care is a necessity. Form tutors, along with Tootoot—a discreet online reporting tool that allows students to raise personal or difficult issues with school leaders—provide support. Additionally, the formal buddy system, where older students mentor younger ones, plays a key role in helping students.

Academics

While guided by the National Curriculum, St Paul’s Juniors' teaching staff go beyond its requirements and offer a broad and deep academic experience. The qualified subject specialists actively plan enrichment opportunities such as trips, workshops, and interdisciplinary projects. Pupils consistently excel in various academic areas, with many winning medals in the Junior Mathematics Olympiad and achieving success in the Townsend Warner History and Young Geographer of the Year competitions.

Head teacher

Before his appointment as head of St Paul’s Juniors, Oliver Snowball was headmaster at Eaton House The Manor Girls’ School for five years. Prior to that he spent 10 years at Kent College, Pembury. Snowball read English at Nottingham before gaining a master’s in drama/theatre arts at Goldsmiths. 

Admissions

For 7+ entry, applicants take assessments in English, Mathematics, and reasoning skills. Selected candidates are invited for an interview, where academic potential and personal qualities are assessed.

For 8+ and 11+ entry, the process follows a similar structure, with age-appropriate assessments and interviews. Offers are made based on performance in the assessments and interview.

Accessibility

Heathrow Airport: 30 minutes

Location

Click for more information about the research process and expert insight behind the Spear’s Schools Index.

Rank: Recommended

Recommended 2025, UK Prep Schools

Share on