St Pauls Cathedral School, London

[VL12344]

Hello,

I am interested iin looking at St Pauls Cathedral School for my DS for entry at 4+. I have been twice and liked it, they have a good emphasis on the arts/creative and sports, and the children seemed to be very happy. However I do wonder how academic the school is, and if they do push their pupils in an academic sense.

Where do children go typically after leaving? Also, is there a lot of outside tutoring that occurs?

If there are any parents whose children go to SPC, then any tips and thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Have children at this school and to quickly summarise as I see it:

Excellent for music and pastoral care with a relaxed, but traditional house-based prep system. Good links with London day schools and the main country boarding schools. Children progress to the usual schools based on their academic ability (the CAT test results in the headmasters reference as well as their performance in the entrance tests seem to be equally important). Lots of academic and music scholarships in particular, with the headmaster helpful in directing parents to appropriate schools.

Tutoring is really only used by under-confident parents, and especially with first children. Absolutely no need for tutoring as there is not major competition at senior school level with most children getting multiple offers. Perhaps if you have Westminster or SPGS in mind, some extra help could be useful, but even these schools select on potential rather than accomplishment. Very few children change to the state system at 11.

Sport and outdoor space is limited but effort is made and lots of competitive matches are organised for the boys and girls.

The wider community from the cathedral, presence of clergy parents and of course the choristers adds to the schools culture and values.

Hope that helps