St Paul’s Girls’ School

London, Great Britain

Type of institution:

Boarding school
School

Age range:11+

Type of training:

Private schools for girls
Full-time

Language of instruction:

english

Year of foundation:1904

About the St Paul’s Girls’ School

Founded in 1904 by the Worshipful Company of Mercers, St Paul’s Girls’ School is a top-tier independent day school for academically gifted girls aged 11 to 18, located in Brook Green, Hammersmith, West London. SPGS consistently ranks as the best private girls’ school in the UK. In 2025 it was awarded “Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence” and leads the national league tables for GCSE and A-level performance. Academic achievement is outstanding: in 2024 approximately 94.7% of GCSE results were grades 9–8, and around 88.9% of A-level grades were A* or A. A notable proportion of students progress to Oxford, Cambridge, and top G5 universities. SPGS alumnae include Victoria Coren‑Mitchell, Rachel Weisz, Rosalind Franklin, and prominent political and scientific figures. The educational philosophy combines rigorous academics with broad creativity and independent thought. There is no uniform, few rules, and a liberal, warm pastoral ethos supported by a large wellbeing team and small tutor groups. SPGS encourages curiosity, resilience, and personal growth.

Admission conditions in St Paul’s Girls’ School

Main entry is at age 11 (Year 7) and age 16 (Sixth Form). Admissions are highly competitive and designed to identify thoughtful, articulate, and motivated candidates. Required Exams: 11+ applicants: Cognitive ability test in Year 6 (autumn), followed by January exams in maths, English, and problem-solving. Interview for shortlisted candidates. 16+ applicants: Written tests in intended A‑level subjects (45 min each), plus a general interview. Minimum Age: Entry at 11: typically Year 6 students turning 11 before September Entry at 16: Year 11 students Application Process: Register and pay non-refundable fee (~£265) by early November of Year 6 Sit cognitive pre-test in autumn; exams in January Referencing school reports; interview in mid-late January Final decisions in mid-February; acceptance and deposit required by early March Educational Qualifications: Strong academic performance in primary school Intellectual curiosity and reasoning skills Required Documents: Primary school reports Registration information Exam/interview performance (no external standardised tests like IELTS) Requirements for International Students: Girls must have strong competence in English; specific intake windows are shared with all applicants. Visa, boarding not provided; students must live within commuting distance. Financial Conditions: Tuition fees per term range ~£9,930–£10,722 (continuing students vs Year 12 entrants) Bursaries are means-tested and available for entry at Year 7 and Year 12, covering up to the full fee depending on household income and circumstances Testing or Interview: Mandatory for all applicants: standardized exams (internal) and face-to-face interview stimulated by a poem, image or puzzle. For Sixth Form, subject-specific tests and general interview. Additional Qualifications or Experience: Engagement in creative pursuits, competitions, music, sports or research may support application. Notification of Results: At 11+: Final offers emailed mid-February At 16+: Offers follow exams and interviews, similar timeline

Minimum rating for admission to St Paul’s Girls’ School

No fixed scores; successful applicants typically demonstrate top-tier cognitive skills, strong reasoning, creativity, and motivation. Only a small percentage of applicants are admitted each year.

Prospects after completing studies in St Paul’s Girls’ School

Graduates almost universally attend top UK universities: ~25% offer rate to Oxford, ~12% to Cambridge in recent years; others attend G5 institutions and leading global universities. Alumnae go on to prominent careers in science, politics, the arts, and academia.