St. Paul’s School, the British School of São Paulo

Focus 

Equipping pupils to achieve their best

Day fees 2025/26

On application

Term dates

• Term 1: 11 August to 18 December 2025
• Term 2: 2 February to 25 June 2026

Ages

3-18

Pupil count

1,200

Spear’s Review 

St. Paul’s School, the British school of São Paulo, offers a well-rounded international education with a British bilingual and bicultural offering – the school is aligned with the UK national curriculum while incorporating elements of the Brazilian core curriculum. Many children stay from the age of 3 to 18, enjoying an atmosphere that encourages aspiration and curiosity.

Students study towards IGCSEs and the IB diploma, and the school’s range of facilities – including a huge library and state-of-the-art ICT suites – and small class sizes provide pupils with the optimal environment to grow and develop into well-rounded young adults. 

Outside of the classroom, Pauleans can enjoy a selection of sports such as basketball, futsal, rowing and swimming, among many others. There are also clubs and societies to take part in – often run by the students themselves – encouraging independence and enhancing their organisational skills. Pupils are also treated to many trips and excursions, and the school offers the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to inspire a sense of adventure.

Academics

In 2025:

• 50 per cent of IGCSE results were grades 7-9
• Average IB score was 34.7

School Profile

St. Paul’s School is the British School of São Paulo, blending the traditions of British education with the richness of Brazilian culture to create a distinctive Anglo-Brazilian environment. Founded in 1926, the school celebrates its centenary as both a milestone and a reaffirmation of its commitment to innovation and relevance.

Welcoming pupils aged 3 to 18, St. Paul’s supports each stage of the educational journey within a close-knit, internationally minded community. The school seeks to unlock the passion and potential of every student, nurturing intellectual curiosity, creativity and purpose.

Its academically rigorous curriculum combines British and Brazilian strengths, supported by excellent teaching, modern facilities and strong pastoral care. This holistic approach enables pupils to thrive academically while developing confidence, character and wellbeing. With students from more than 30 nationalities, the school fosters a global outlook and prepares young people to contribute meaningfully beyond school.

At the heart of school life are six core values – aspiration, adventure, responsibility, integrity, inclusion and kindness – guiding learning and relationships across the community.

Leadership

Titus Edge joined St. Paul’s in 2020 and led the school through its centenary, strengthening its academic profile. At the end of the current academic term, leadership will pass to Martina Oparaocha, who has led the senior school for five years, reflecting a culture of continuity.

University destinations

Graduates progress to leading universities worldwide: around 45 per cent to the United States, 18 per cent to the United Kingdom, 15 per cent to continental Europe and 20 per cent to Brazil.

Admissions

Admissions vary by year group and include interviews and age-appropriate assessments. Priority is given to international families and those relocating to São Paulo, maintaining a diverse community.

Head teacher

Titus Edge joined St Paul’s School in 2020 after serving as headmaster of Gordonstoun for four years. Martina Oparaocha, the current head of the senior school, will take over as head at the end of the school year in 2026. Oparaocha taught in the UK and the Cayman Islands before joining St. Paul’s School in 2017.

University and college destinations

Nearly half of students go on to study at North American universities, with around 20 per cent going to the United Kingdom and the remainder attending leading universities around the globe, including in Brazil. In 2025, destinations included Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania and the London School of Economics.

Admissions

According to the school, the admissions process will differ depending on the year group of the pupil. Following registration, applicants are invited to attend an open morning at the school or organise an individual visit. After this, families are invited to apply and move forward with their application. The assessment process begins with an interview and also includes rounds of assessments designed to test a student’s academic ability. As a bilingual school, proficiency in spoken and written English is required, and students may need to sit an English paper. 

Accessibility 

São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport: 1 hour 

Location

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