Entry at 16
Life in the Senior School is exciting, offering intellectual freedom and engaging discussion as well as a rich and rewarding co-curricular programme. A warm, relaxed and inclusive environment enables you to forge firm friendships and embrace intellectual risk, developing a personal and academic confidence that will take you far beyond school. As you look towards the future, personalised higher education and careers support will help you achieve your aspirations, whatever they may be.
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Entrance examination guidance
We know that the examination entry procedure can feel daunting, but we aim to make it as clear and straight-forward as possible. The information published here is intended to outline the assessment criteria.
We are looking for candidates to demonstrate their academic potential and respond intuitively in their nominated A level subject choices to ensure they have the best platform for success.
Stage 1 – Baseline testing
All candidates will be asked to complete an on-screen adaptive baseline assessment to identify potential. Practice materials are not provided and no prior preparation is required. The assessment is around an hour long.
Stage 2 – Written assessments in four chosen A level subjects
Candidates will sit an entrance examination in each of the four subjects (mathematics/further mathematics is considered one subject) for which they wish to be considered. Each examination paper will last 45 minutes. Students may be asked to sit an additional entrance paper in a fifth nominated subject on interview day (advanced notice will be given). Access arrangements, such as rest breaks, extra time, modified papers or access to a computer are available for students with SEND.
Stage 3 – Interviews in four chosen A level subjects with a general interview
Some candidates may be asked to sit an additional paper in their fifth nominated subject on their interview day. Advance notice will be given.
If your child requires access arrangements for the entrance examinations due to a special educational need or disability, please indicate this on the application form. We will contact you to learn a little more about your child’s needs and discuss the current arrangements they have in school. We will talk through options for arrangements we can put in place at each stage of the admissions process.
Art and Design
There is no examination for art. Candidates are instead requested to bring along working sketchbooks and a portfolio of work which will be viewed by the Director of Art and Design.
Biology
This examination is based on GCSE level knowledge. We understand that candidates will not have necessarily studied all topics as they are only part way through Y11. The examination tests the ability of candidates to analyse and evaluate practical work (in a biological context).
Chemistry
This examination is based on GCSE level knowledge, and we understand that candidates will not have necessarily studied all topics as they are only part way through Year 11 and therefore there will be some choice of questions within the paper. We will be testing the ability to use and analyse chemical data, explain chemical processes, and handle quantitative chemistry.
Computer Science
A paper-based examination gives candidates the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills over five questions. Two theory and three programming questions cover topics found at GCSE level. Only one theory question is required; candidates can choose which best reflects the theory they have covered up to that point.
Drama and Theatre
This examination is based on GCSE level knowledge and is split into two parts. Section one will assess your skills in analysing performance, technical elements and stage conventions. Section two asks you to consider the theatre director’s role and analyses your ability to interpret text for performance. Candidates will not be asked to perform.
Economics
The entrance examination for economics will not require any specialist knowledge, though a general awareness of current economic affairs may be helpful in terms of argument construction. We will be testing verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills via a short multiple-choice test, as well as the ability to write logically and clearly, to explain ideas and arguments fully, and to be able to interpret data.
English Literature
This examination is based on GCSE level skills. We will be testing the ability to analyse poetry or a piece of prose, to develop ideas and arguments with maturity and clarity and to demonstrate a capacity engage with language sensitively and in detail. Candidates will be expected to have read beyond their set texts.
Geography
This examination is based on GCSE level knowledge. We understand that candidates will not have necessarily studied all topics as they are only part way through Year 11 and therefore there will be a choice of questions within the paper. We will be testing the ability of candidates to apply their geographical knowledge and skills with confidence to different resources. In addition, we are looking for clear and logical explanations of geographical processes with case study material incorporated to support arguments.
Greek (Classical)
The entrance paper will follow a similar format to the OCR GCSE paper, consisting of unseen translation and comprehension of one or two passages of Greek, alongside a choice between grammar questions on one of the passages and some English into Greek sentences. We understand that candidates may well not have studied all GCSE topics by this stage of the academic year and will assess papers on that basis. We will expect a working knowledge of the more common words in the vocabulary list published for the OCR Unit J292/01 language paper; less common words will be glossed.
History of Art
The entrance examination for History of Art will not require any specialist knowledge. We will be testing the ability to write logically and clearly, to explain ideas and arguments fully, and to carefully record visual analysis.
History
There is no set syllabus for this examination and no specific knowledge is required. The paper will consist of one question based on a source extract, which will test skills of comprehension, inference, and analysis.
Latin
The entrance paper will test GCSE-level knowledge of language and will follow a similar format to the OCR GCSE paper, consisting of unseen translation and comprehension of one or two passages of Latin, alongside a choice between grammar questions on one of the passages and some English into Latin sentences. We understand that candidates will not necessarily have studied all GCSE topics by this stage of the academic year. We will, however, expect a working knowledge of the vocabulary required for the OCR Unit J282/01 language paper.
Mathematics
Mathematics and Further Mathematics
This examination is based on GCSE level knowledge and we understand that candidates will not have necessarily studied all topics as they are only part way through Year 11. A formulae sheet is provided and calculators may be used in this examination. However, you should bear in mind that a significant amount of credit is given for your workings. You will be expected to demonstrate excellent skills in algebraic manipulation and to apply sound logical deductions in constructing equations and solving problems.
Modern Languages
- French
- German
- Italian
- Mandarin
- Russian
- Spanish
These papers are based on GCSE level knowledge and we understand that candidates will not have necessarily studied all topics as they are only part way through Year 11. The examination will test reading comprehension, grammar and writing skills. Dictionaries are not permitted. If called for interview, candidates should expect to have part of their interview conducted in the language.
Music
This examination is based on GCSE level knowledge although some questions will allow candidates to go beyond this. The paper consists of listening questions testing recognition of musical periods, genre, metre, texture, cadences, tonality, harmony, melody and rhythm using multiple choice, short and longer written answers. Candidates will not be asked to perform or compose.
Philosophy
Philosophy and Theology
The entrance examination for Philosophy will not require any specialist knowledge. We will be testing the ability to think logically and to write clearly, as well as the ability to explain ideas and arguments fully.
Physics
This examination is based on Level 2 (GCSE or IGCSE) knowledge and skills, although we are aware that most candidates will not yet have covered all the topics in their specification. Approximately one third of the entrance paper will involve a choice of question and candidates may choose to answer the question that tests material with which they are most familiar.
Politics
There is no set syllabus for this examination. It will consist of a passage to test comprehension and deduction, followed by an open-ended question that enables candidates to draw on any political knowledge they have.
Entry timeline 2026
The dates for our entrance process are subject to change dependent on governmental guidance at the time. We will endeavour to give parents and guardians as much notice of any changes as possible.
By Friday 26 September 2025 (12 noon)
Applications for 2026 entry will be available in June.
Parents are required to submit an online application form, together with a copy of the candidate’s passport, visa (if applicable) and a non-refundable registration fee of £265 (not applicable for those families applying for a bursary only place).
Candidates will be required to submit a personal statement and complete a supplementary subject choices assessment form.
Parents will be able to indicate on the application form if they would like to apply for a bursary on the grounds of financial need or apply for an art, drama or music scholarship.
Late applications will not be accepted.
Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 October 2025
Applicants will be initially invited to sit an online adaptive baseline assessment at St Paul’s Girls’ School (SPGS).
Successful candidates will then be invited to the written entrance examinations.
If you are applying from overseas, please contact Admissions to make arrangements.
Thursday 9 October 2025
All candidates come to SPGS to sit written entrance examinations in the subjects they have nominated in the application form (these will be the subjects they wish to study in the Senior School). We will shortlist students for interview based on these examination results. The written assessments will each be 45 minutes long.
Please note those who wish to study Mathematics and Further Mathematics will be sitting only one Mathematics paper.
Please note that unfortunately we are unable to offer alternative dates for the written examinations.
Monday 10 to Thursday 13 November 2025
Following success in the written entrance examinations, candidates are invited back to SPGS for interviews in their assessed A level subjects with an additional general interview with a senior member of staff. These cover their subject academic performance, tertiary aspirations, and their wider interests.
Candidates may be asked to sit an additional entrance paper in their fifth nominated subject along with an interview.
Early December 2025
The final decisions will be sent out to parents via email. The offer may include the fifth nominated subject (where an additional entrance paper was sat) as one of the student’s four A levels. The subject combination included in the offer will be confirmed in the summer term and may be subject to change, dependent upon timetabling. This is rare and all efforts will be made to accommodate a student’s preferred subject choices.
Mid-December 2025
Acceptances to offers of a place need to be with the school by the deadline stipulated on the offer, together with a deposit of 50% of a term’s fees, although reduced deposits apply for successful bursary candidates. An additional overseas deposit is required if one or more of the persons who are jointly and severally responsible for paying the fees is resident outside the United Kingdom.
Spring and summer terms 2026
We will send out information early in the summer term, together with invitations to various summer term events. Once students have finished their GCSEs, we will invite them to an induction day to meet our staff and some of the current year group.
Application form
For entry in September 2026
Applications for 2026 entry have now closed.
For entry in September 2027
Please register your interest via the enquiry form for September 2027 entry.
Contact us
We know that selecting a school is an important decision and the Admissions Office is always happy to answer any queries.
Head of Admissions, Ms Stephanie Cheng
Admissions Officer, Miss Phoebe Crofts
FAQs
Q: What bursaries and scholarships are available?
We offer a number of means-tested bursaries per year; the maximum value awarded is the full published fees. Detailed information is available on our bursaries page. We also offer 16+ scholarships in music, drama and art; further details on fees and scholarships are available here.
Q: Is there a limit on how far students can travel to school each day?
Students are required to live within a reasonable distance of the school and we may decline to pursue an application where, in our opinion, it may require an unrealistically demanding journey for the student. Further details are available in our Admissions Policy.
Q: Are boarding facilities available?
St Paul’s is a day school with no boarding facilities available, which means we are unfortunately unable to accommodate overseas students. It is our school policy that all students must live in London with their parents for the duration of their education. We would expect students to be covered as a dependant on a parent’s visa status as we do not sponsor Tier 4 visas for entrants.
Q: Do you offer student sponsorship?
We do not offer student sponsorship at the point of admission. Applicants are required to have their own right to reside and study in the UK. This may be in the form of a dependant on the parent’s visa.
Q: Are school buses available?
Q: Does the school accept overseas applications?
Several students join us each year from overseas and your application is most welcome.
For 16+ entry, please contact Admissions to understand the assessment logistics and to make arrangements accordingly. All written assessments and interviews must be sat on site at St Paul’s Girls’ School on the day of the written assessments stage. Unfortunately, these cannot be conducted remotely.
