St. Paul's School London review by University of Cambridge student.
Strengths -- The school (St. Paul's School, London) genuinely has strengths in all its academic departments. Nearly all teachers have a degree in the subject they are teaching i.e. subjects like Maths are actually taught by Mathematicians. Personally I thought the English and Mathematics departments were particularly exceptional with teachers very impassioned by the subjects they were teaching. The school also offered a wide range of programmes including a wide range of languages, drama, art as well as A-level courses in Philosophy and Religious Studies. Student body -- The student body displayed both competitive and collegiate elements. During my time I never felt I couldn't ask a fellow student for academic help. I would, however, note that during exam periods there was a very competitive spirit amongst a large body of the students. Further preparation -- Another strength of the School is the way in which the teachers emphasise not only preparation for exams but also further academia. Often more than a simple text book answer was required for A-level essays. In the science department optional clubs were set up for studying topics outside of the syllabus. Class Size -- Class sizes varied but could be as small as 10, but never much over 20. Access to faculty -- Members of the faculty were always willing to help as long as you were willing to meet them half way Work Load -- The work load may be slightly more intense compared to comparable schools. A couple hours of homework were set each day, though poor self organization meant that this could build to several hours in one night. The school day is long from 9.00 to 4.15, although this does include a long lunch break. Exam factory? -- Although the school does achieve very good exams results, I would argue that it is not simply an 'exam factory'. Those students who wish to simply do well in exams can do so, but students who wish to find out more are not shunned.
The university counseling system is very thorough at the school. It is compulsory to meet.... Get the real inside story on college counseling at St. Paul's School London as experienced by former pupil and University of Cambridge student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on college counseling
They have contacts at most of the major universities and feel perfectly comfortable picking up the phone and advocating for a student to get accepted somewhere they feel is a good fit for that student. However, these counselors are certainly not magic bullets. They cannot guarantee that a student will get into an Ivy League university...
For those wishing to move on to Oxford or Cambridge, the provision is second-to-none. In the months running up to application and interview, every subject faculty offers classes (often run by former Oxbridge tutors) exploring further areas of their subject as well as offering advice on personal statements, interview technique and more...
Process -- From what I remember the process was as follows i) An application was filled.... Get in-depth insights and personal advice on admissions to St. Paul's School London by former pupil and University of Cambridge student — Login or Sign Up to access full review
Sample insights on admissions
For the interview, dress conservatively. Try to be very clean and put together. Also, I was a tour guide for two years and at the end of every tour, we were asked to evaluate the candidate so if you think the tour is not apart of the process, you are very wrong. Ask questions and be interested. Also, tip for the parents: the kids speak on the tour. Do not ask their questions for them...
Most younger siblings have an easy time in the admissions process. I can only think of one case of a younger sibling not being admitted. About half of the students who entered with me had come from public schools. The remainder came from private K-6 schools, or had transferred from other New York private schools The Elizabeth Morrow School and St. Bernard were two of the larger feeder schools...
Food -- The school has a decent food hall. I never complained! Everyday there would be a salad bar, pasta bar and jacket potatoes as well as a main course with vegetables and desert. Boarding -- A small proportion of the student body boarded (mainly international students). From what I remember he boarding houses were of a good condition and spacious. Surrounding Neighbourhood -- The school is based in Barnes, a middle class leafy suburb of London. However, many students travel in via Hammersmith. The area is largely a commercial area with a few housing estates. Whilst I never encountered any problems with pupils at.... Get the real inside story on quality of school life and extracurricular offerings at St. Paul's School London as experienced by former pupil and University of Cambridge student — Login or Sign Up to access full review