St Paul's vs City

[iloveapplesandcakes]

Hi, DS ended up in a lucky position of having to choose between City and St Paul's and I'd really appreciate any feedback from current parents.

DS is super bright but rather disorganised, non-sporty at all and not an alpha type, very much into STEM.

Commuting wise we're between these schools so no difference here. Difference in fees is very significant for us, however, we'd be prepared to make this sacrifice to give him the very best education possible.

I'm particularly interested in any feedback re new Head of SPS and any changes there
TIA

What age and for Sept 2023 start?

No idea about City, but the deadline for giving SPS a firm acceptance for 2023 entry was early last summer. Are you planning to forfeit the deposit if you opt for CIty instead?

I don't have a child at either school, but DS went through the entrance process for SPS and we really liked the new head. She spoke at length at an offer-holders' day and was very impressive.

@WilsonGick would you mind me asking why you rejected SPS? I assume you did given no DS there?

@iloveapplesandcakes , yes, we did turn down SPS. DS had another offer elsewhere and he decided in the end that the other school was his first choice. It was a difficult decision because there was a lot we liked about SPS.

Shameless bump

Why don't you let your son choose or ask your prep school for help? Personally I would take the City option for more acceptable fees. He is going to get the same GCSE's and A levels and go to the same university either way. The gap between these schools is tiny esp if you aren't taking into account football v rugby etc.

CLS will suit a non sporty boy as there is a choice of sporting activities for the weekly games session which does not include travelling to Grove Park, however being a disorganised can be an issue for any highly selective school especially when joining at 13+; the pace is fast and it is expected that boys will be able to keep up with the work and homework independently.

Sounds like he'd fit in very well at City, based on a relative who went there until recently. I had some reservations about his time there based on the lack of close friendships he made - since heading to a different school he's had several really good friends but I felt as if there wasn't such a community atmosphere at City.

DS is happy with both and doesn't have any preference so I can't outsource this decision to him😁

@PermanentTemporary that's very interesting comment, thank you. Do you mean he left City to join another school? any chance you could share the reason? maybe PM?

One of the key differences I noticed between both schools (might be very wrong perception) is that SPS boys seemed to be much more confident and felt "in control" if it makes sense at all. I wonder though if it's down to SPS selection process rather than added value as such...

On another hand I'm under impression that there is a lot of bias against SPS when speaking of Oxbridge (not that I'm planning any unis for DS at this stage)

Hi,

A bump to this thread as we are in a similar situation for my son to join in 2025, year 9. What did you finally choose @iloveapplesandcakes ? And what are your thoughts so far?

Thanks

Also bumping as we are in a similar position

This really shouldn’t even be a question.
St Paul’s and Westminster are and will always be the top 2 boys schools. You can get top grades and go to Oxbridge from any school if you are bright, however these 2 are the most sought after, have by far the highest reputation and prestige.
City, Highgate, UCS etc are all wonderful schools….but the top 2 are the top 2.

Of course it a valid question. 'Top 2' is very subjective...
They might be top choice for a certain type of boy/family but certainly not for many many others.

absolutely it may not be the top choice for certain families….but all things being equal, they are the top 2…they are the highest regarded, the most prestigious and most sought after….all things being equal.

But highly regarded by who?
Certainly friends of mine that recruit for banks, top law firms etc don't think that a boy from St Paul's/ Westminster etc is any better than anyone else just because they've been to those schools.
Not being goady- I know boys at / or have been to both schools who are perfectly nice yet no different from most of the other teenage boys I know and have been no more successful/ less successful.

There are certain institutions that will be regarded as prestigious, highly regarded….just facts of life….Oxford and Cambridge being universities, even though certain courses may be better regarded at other universities, Oxbridge will always have the prestige.
similarly St Paul’s and Westminster will have the same aura.

St Pauls

I always thought it is Eton / Harrow will have the same aura. For prestigious "Everyone east of the A1 went to Eton, and anyone west of the A1 went to Harrow" according to Spectator 😅

Academics are far better at St Paul’s and Westminster.
but I agree certainly Eton does have the same prestige.
you simply can’t put City, Highgate, UCS etc….in the same bracket as SPS and Westminster.