KCS Wimbledon VS St Paul's

[AAC18]

Hi,
I am looking for first hand feedback from parents who have children at KCS Wimbledon or St Paul's boys school. We have shortlisted the two schools amongst all the offers my son had received however would like to know the differences between the two schools on the following aspects.
1> Strong Maths department or STEM subjects in general.
2> Nurturing environment with good pastoral care
3> Support system in general for the boys from teachers/school etc
4> How swiftly the school handles any incidents such as bullying

We are aware they are both highly academic schools and boys would do well in either of them. But we are more after knowing the differences in the vibe or culture of the school.

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Also interested but only for KCS

I work occasionally at one of the schools, and know quite a few boys/ families at both so no direct experience as a parent but as a generalisation would say..

Pretty much no difference on the STEM/ maths side although possibly boys ( and girls in sixth form) doing more Arts/ humanities at Kings. Most boys at St P seem to do Maths A level. Not many (relatively speaking) do English A level for example. This may be a positive or negative depending on your view!

I suspect Kings has marginally less uber competitive parents due to its location. Most boys will come from South of the River and possibly live more locally to the school. Plenty of wealth but avoids more of the Belgravia/ Mayfair cohort...

Can't really answer on the bullying/ pastoral side but all friends seem happy at both schools with it. Friends at St P said tutoring is rife among a certain set all through. Will happen at Kings as well though I'm sure.

If you can't decide I'd go on gut feel and ease of location! You can't really go wrong with either.

The only way to really compare maths between the 2 is something like the UKMT solo/team competitions or Bebras showings for the last few years.

St Paul's seems to be slightly ahead at those meets.

Appreciate we are not quite the right demographic! but DD went to KCS for 6th form specifically as she was impressed by the Maths & Physics tutors. Turned down Westminster, and Kings College Maths 6th form. Went onto Cambridge to read Maths, and not the only one in her year to do so.

On A levels, look to how many are doing FM rather than Maths if your DC is serious about Maths. As well as extra curriculars.

Pastoral support was great also. I thought KCS provided a very well rounded education - and though the broad curriculum choices available were wasted on my maths / STEM focused child, she benefitted from a community who embraced that.

Oh another thing we liked - the tutor groups are across years - so though she was in 6th form she was in a tutor group with boys from other years. Really cannot fault the tutor support and pastoral support through serious family illness.

thanks so much for the feedback. really useful to know.

@whereisthesunplease thanks so much for sharing your view. Its useful to know.

good to know there was great pastoral support.
In my experience while visiting the school we found KCS to be more warm compared to St Paul's.

SPS has vertical tutor groups too which has always been a great strength.