St. Paul's Girls' School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Independent day school for girls
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Location: Brook Green, Hammersmith, London W6 7BS
• Headmistress: Mrs. Sarah Fletcher
• Student Capacity: Approximately 806 students
• Annual Fees: £29,946 - £32,196 per year
• Founded: 1904
• Academic Results: 80.5% of GCSE entries achieved grade 9 in 2023

About St. Paul's Girls' School

St. Paul's Girls' School has earned its reputation as one of London's most academically rigorous independent schools through over a century of educational excellence. Located in the leafy borough of Hammersmith, this day school for girls aged 11-18 combines exceptional academic standards with a rich programme of co-curricular activities that develops well-rounded, confident young women.

The school's ethos centres on fostering intellectual curiosity and independent thinking within a supportive community. Students benefit from small class sizes, with an average of 16 pupils per class, ensuring personalised attention from highly qualified teaching staff. The curriculum emphasises critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing students not just for examinations but for lifelong learning and leadership.

St. Paul's Girls' School is particularly renowned for its strength in the humanities and arts, whilst maintaining exceptional standards across all subjects. The school's state-of-the-art facilities include specialist laboratories, art studios, music practice rooms, and a well-equipped library that serves as the heart of academic life.

The school's commitment to developing global citizens is evident through its extensive international exchange programmes and partnerships with schools worldwide. Students regularly participate in Model United Nations conferences, international competitions, and cultural exchanges that broaden their perspectives and prepare them for university and beyond.

The 11+ Assessment Process at St. Paul's Girls' School

The entrance examination for St. Paul's Girls' School is designed to identify academically able students who will thrive in the school's challenging environment. The assessment process typically takes place in January for September entry and consists of several components:

Written Examinations

• English Paper: Tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, and creative writing skills through prose and poetry analysis
• Mathematics Paper: Covers numerical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 level
• Reasoning Assessment: Evaluates logical thinking, pattern recognition, and analytical skills

Interview Process

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an individual interview with senior members of staff. This conversation explores the candidate's interests, motivation for joining the school, and ability to engage in academic discussion. The interview is designed to be encouraging rather than intimidating, allowing students to demonstrate their personality and potential.

Assessment Criteria

The school seeks students who demonstrate academic potential, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to contribute positively to the school community. Successful candidates typically show strong performance across all assessment components rather than exceptional ability in just one area.

How to Apply to St. Paul's Girls' School

Application Timeline

• Registration Opens: September (for following year's entry)
• Registration Deadline: November
• Entrance Examinations: January
• Interviews: February
• Offers Issued: March
• Acceptance Deadline: April

Application Requirements

Parents must complete the online registration form available on the school's website, providing:

• Student's academic records from current school
• Recent school report
• Completed application form with personal statement
• Registration fee payment
• Any additional information about special educational needs or circumstances

Financial Support

St. Paul's Girls' School offers various scholarships and means-tested bursaries to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent access to excellent education. Academic scholarships are available based on examination performance, whilst specialist awards recognise exceptional talent in music, art, or drama. Bursary applications are assessed separately and can provide up to 100% fee remission for families demonstrating financial need.

Preparing for the St. Paul's Girls' School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the St. Paul's Girls' School 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families in London and further afield work with us online, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.