St Paul's/Westminster

[interest]

We've been asked by family living in Singapore if St Paul's is any easier to get into than Westminster? Our DS at St P, but don't know too much about W these days. Aren't they about the same?

Recently been to open days of both and extensive chat with admissions tutor at each. I think you are broadly right - about the same - at least compared to many other London schools. I guess there will be people whose boys may have recently applied to both that will have more direct experience.

For what it's worth they struck me as very different schools, albeit with similar academic attainment. For some reason I found Westminster to be more wrapped up in ceremony and tradition, perhaps quirky(?) and St Pauls to be more down to earth and sporty.

What's your opinion of StP? (sorry for hijacking)

I would have said about the same.

However very different schools. DS from the first visit, loved Westminster and, despite having been offered a place, was really not interested in StPs, preferring City as a second choice. Other boys see things differently and indeed can prefer Alleyns or Latymer over either. Equally a lot of s/West London boys will choose Kings Wimbledon over St Pauls.

I am assuming this is for 13+. Sixth form may be a different matter. Westminster takes girls and has more boarding so has a lot of interest from overseas students.

It's for 13+
Andrew D: Teaching at St Paul's is superb, plus high level of pastoral care. Tutors in vertical system (about 10 in group, 2 from each year) really get to know the boys, visit their homes etc. Unsurprisingly, there's a powerful academic focus, but atmosphere very lively. It's also very efficiently run. No school on Saturdays, unlike Westminster. Amazing grounds, but ugly buildings as you'll have already noted. Get the feeling that Westminster is more quirky and rarefied.

@interest
Thanks for the feedback on StP. By the time my son gets there (or rather "if" he gets there) most of the major building upgrades would have been finished. I loved the feel of the place and think my boy would love it, if he's up to the challenge.