- Founded in 1509 by the Catholic priest John Colet, St Paul’s is a highly academic boys’ school in southwest London. In 2025, it sent 38 boys to Oxford and Cambridge universities and 33 boys to universities in North America. St Paul’s is primarily a day school but approximately 30 boarding places are available for those who wish to board full time or on a flexible basis.
- The school provides nearly 100 societies, clubs and activities for pupils. During the 100-minute lunch break, most pupils take part in three lunchtime co-curricular activities, including one of 20 sports, every week. In recent years, pupils have established new societies that include artificial intelligence, pottery, “prestige” (magic) and cookery.
- Staff eat lunch in the dining hall with the pupils tucking into traditional favourites such as fish and chips, as well as Korean stir-fries and Moroccan tagines. St Paul’s was the first independent school to sign the Time to Change pledge and partakes in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index.
- Funds are available for free and subsidised places at all entry points. Pupils hoping to benefit from a bursary must gain a place at the school on academic merit. Honorary academic and music scholarships are also on offer.
- In 2025 the school founded the St Paul’s School Research Centre for the Education of Boys, to “develop and share best practice in boys’ education across sector”.
- Notable old boys – known as Old Paulines – include former chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne, the television presenter Dan Snow and Second World War commander Field Marshal Viscount Montgomery of Alamein.
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