International Applicants

Students from abroad are a welcome addition to the school’s cultural richness and diversity.

London’s international community is reflected in the range of Pauline nationalities. Students from abroad are a welcome further addition to the school’s cultural richness and diversity.

There is no separate application process for overseas applicants. Candidates must comply with the same deadlines and admission requirements as UK candidates.

The education at St Paul’s is academic and moves at a brisk pace. It demands competency and fluency in both written and spoken English. Pupils need to be comfortable in this environment so that they can participate fully in all areas of school life.

Boarding

We consider overseas candidates applying for day places at all entry points. Full boarding is often a popular choice for overseas students entering at 16+.

Our boarding house is predominately home to senior boys who join as full boarders at 16+ for their A Level studies, often from overseas. A small number of places may be available for Year 9 pupils. Boarding is not available for pupils below Year 9.

13+

For 13+ admissions, boys currently at school overseas may sit the ISEB online pre-test at their school if it is willing to administer the test. If the school is unable to administer it, then the test should be taken at the local British Council Office.

If, following the review of the pre-test result and school report, the candidate is selected to sit the written assessments, these can be taken at a British Council Office, or similar approved invigilation centre. Having reviewed the examination results we will advise if the candidate will be called for interview. If so, this must take place in London at St Paul’s School. We will endeavour to interview overseas applicants between January and March so that, should they be offered a place on the Main List, parents can secure a place at a UK prep school for the two years before joining us. This ensures that all boys joining in year 9 have reached the necessary standard across the same curriculum.

16+

Overseas applicants for 16+ for whom English is not their first language will be required to provide an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic Profile as part of their application. We would expect candidates to achieve a minimum standard of IELTS level 7.5. Depending on university choices, applicants may need to re-sit the IELTS as the test expires after 2 years. To arrange a test, you must first register online at www.ielts.org. For 2024 entry, the test must be taken before the application closing deadline, Friday 22 September 2023. The test may be taken at an IELTS test centre or online.

The November written examinations can be taken at local British Council offices or here at St Paul’s. Boys who perform well in the examinations and are supported by their Head Teacher’s report will be called for interview. The interview will take place at St Paul’s School in London on a specified date.

Visa

St Paul’s School is currently a UK Visas and Immigration Child student sponsor and can offer sponsorship for pupils joining Year 9 and above into the Senior School.

From September 2024 we will not provide sponsorship for new pupils joining St Paul’s Juniors.

Parents must advise us, when making a 13+ or 16+ application, if their son requires sponsorship from the school to obtain a Visa in order to study here. St Paul’s School will make an administration charge of £500 for UKVI visa applications. The charge for this will be made on acceptance of a place. All applicants will be required to follow all aspects of the UKVI application process, please see the website www.gov.uk/study-uk-child-student-visa for full details of eligibility and requirements for a successful visa application.