King’s college junior or St Paul’s Junior

[Natpil]

Hello everyone! My son got offers from KCS and St Paul’s at 7+.
It is so difficult do decide! We are flexible to move, so distance to school in not relevant. Any ideas , information will be much appreciated!!!

Both great schools. My sense is that St Paul's probably has the better 'brand' for what is worth but it is pretty marginal. What is your son like?

Both excellent without a doubt. But if I was in your position I would take St Pauls as to have a st Pauls education is second to none. My dad went there and always says how it has helped him through life and is a passport to many opportunities still in his 60s!

Thanks for your opinions! My son is bright, likes challenges and also quite competitive. I’m slightly worried that in St Pauls it is very competitive, I have heard that the boys are under pressure and competition every day.. any comments?

I don't have anything to add I'm afraid. I would be surprised if there was a massively different approach to achievement at one vs the other - certainly I haven't got that impression from parents I know - but I don't have direct experience.

KCS is unlikely to be chilled and laid back....

Yes, I’m sure ! Just feels like KCS is less of a “hothouse”...

I know older boys at both schools. I would say, as a generalisation, that more boys at KCS tend to live locally or around SW London which is good for meeting up out of school whereas ST Paul's has more boys coming in from the far reaches of N London and tend to have a wider catchment. I think the parents at KCS are slightly more down to earth ( all relative)!
Gut feel is quite important. Looked at both for an older DS- much preferred KCS.
Both great though so good choice to have.

If you are flexible re moving choose the area you prefer

Hi Natpil, am in the same position as you are and would be really interesting to see what you eventually decide. We liked KCS as well and have that feeling of being more pastoral and less of a hothouse. But all relative I guess.

Hi Funkyfam , congrats for 2 offers! it is so difficult to decide... I really like KCS, but my son enjoyed activity morning much more in St Paul‘s.. what did your DS said?

I would go for St Paul's because of its reputation. The school is not pressured or competitive, it's a place for very able boys to learn and work together. The competitive aspect is before you get in ! Once they are in, it's all very relaxed and nurturing.