At The Happy Scholar, we take immense pride in our exceptional track record for guiding students to succeed in gaining admission to St Paul’s Girls’ School (SPGS). We have a selection of higher-level tutors who only support students for the top tier schools. We know that SPGS is looking for intellectually curious students who will thrive in an academically charged environment. A St Paul’s Girls’ School tutor will understand the entrance criteria and the academic expectations.

St Paul’s Girls’ School (SPGS), located in a leafy residential street in Hammersmith, West London is a distinguished day school for academically ambitious girls aged 7 to 18, preparing them for entry to elite universities, including Oxbridge. Established in 1904, SPGS was founded with the vision of empowering women to achieve their potential, a commitment that continues.

The school consistently ranks among the highest in the UK for GCSE and A-Level performance. Nearly half of its students receive offers from Oxbridge each year. Despite its focus on academic excellence, SPGS strives to create a balanced atmosphere that promotes a degree of liberalism and well-rounded personal growth, ensuring that students are not only intellectually strong but also socially aware and engaged.

2024 was a stellar results year with 80% of GCSE students awarded a 9 grade and 94% an 8 or 9. At A Level 53% of students attained an A* grade and 87% A*/ A grade.

If you are considering St Paul’s Girls’ School for your child, this guide will provide you with the essential details about the 11 Plus admissions process and advice on how to prepare effectively.

St Paul’s Girls’ School 11 Plus Entry: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

Standard entry points are at 4+, 7+, 9+, 11+, and 16+.

Admissions Overview

• Junior School (4+, 7+, 9+): Entry is available at these points, with assessments conducted as part of the admissions process.
• Senior School (11+, 16+): Entry is primarily based on academic ability and engagement in co-curricular activities, with entrance exams and interviews playing a significant role.
• Rare Vacancies: Sometimes, openings in other year groups arise and are usually announced with short notice.
  Note: Current Junior School pupils must sit the 11 Plus exam for entry to the Senior School, but automatic progression opportunities are provided.

St Paul’s Girls’ School Open Days

Attending an Open Day is essential for gaining insight into the school’s ethos, state-of-the-art facilities, and academic and extracurricular offerings. St Paul’s Girls’ School holds annual Open Days, with Junior School events taking place in the autumn and Senior School events held in the spring and summer. Due to high interest, booking in advance is crucial. For tailored experiences, small group tours can be arranged for specific entry points.

11 Plus Entry at St Paul’s Girls’ School

St Paul’s Girls’ School’s 11 Plus entrance exam is one of the most competitive in the country, with only a limited number of places available each year. The school’s rigorous selection process is designed to identify well-rounded students who demonstrate strong academic ability  Preparing for St Paul’s Girls 11 Plus Entrance Exams

St Paul’s Girls’ School has introduced important changes to its 11 Plus entrance exams, requiring families to adapt their preparation strategies. Understanding these changes and adopting an updated approach to exam preparation will give your child an edge.

What’s in the St Paul’s 11 Plus Exam?

CEM Computer Test

For stage 1 of the process candidates will be asked to complete an on-screen time-limited cognitive ability test to identify potential. This will identify students for the next round of paper exams.

English

The English paper at St Paul’s Girls’ School involves reading a literary passage and responding to up to ten questions. These questions test a range of skills: from extracting key information and commenting on word and phrase meanings to showing how language creates effects. While technical accuracy like spelling and punctuation is important, the main focus is on demonstrating a genuine interest in and thoughtful engagement with the text. Some questions will also include imaginative writing tasks inspired by the passage, as there is no separate section for creative writing. While showcasing a wide vocabulary is encouraged, it’s not necessary to use rare or overly complex words.

Mathematics

The mathematics paper is designed to assess potential and is divided into two sections, lasting 35 and 40 minutes each. The first part features straightforward arithmetic questions that ensure basic math skills are solid, followed by more complex problem-solving questions. The second section comprises multi-part questions that require applying new ideas and concepts. Questions are drawn from the National Curriculum up to Key Stage 2, emphasizing both technique and the ability to understand and explore mathematical concepts. Candidates should always show their working steps, as answers without supporting work receive no credit. The paper is structured to be engaging and, hopefully, enjoyable for the students.

Comprehension

The comprehension paper tests a broad range of skills, including deduction, inference, information extraction, organization, and logical evaluation. It may involve working with visual, numerical, or written materials and drawing relevant conclusions from them. No specific prior knowledge is needed, although some skills from KS2 scientific inquiry may be helpful. This section aims to gauge students’ potential to respond perceptively to different types of content, and many candidates find this part particularly enjoyable.

Interview

The interview typically lasts 30 minutes and is conducted by a member of the senior staff. Candidates will discuss stimulus material in an informal, friendly manner, allowing the school to assess creativity, engagement, and independent thinking. They will be looking for candidates who not only excel academically but also demonstrate curiosity. Admissions will take into account both exam performance and the interview discussion.

How Best to Prepare for St Paul’s 11 Plus

Focus on Reasoning Skills
Reasoning is now a cornerstone of the exam. Parents should use targeted reasoning practice books and online resources to help their child master verbal, non-verbal, and spatial reasoning. Identifying specific strengths and areas for improvement allows practice to be personalized and more effective. Timed practice can also help build confidence and ensure students are comfortable with the exam format.

Practice Past Papers
Using past papers or practice exams is an excellent way to get familiar with the question format and build test-taking stamina. Simulating exam conditions can reduce anxiety and improve performance, helping children feel more prepared on exam day.

Prioritising Time Management
Given the shorter exam format, teaching effective time management is essential. Encourage your child to practice timed reasoning and Maths exercises to develop speed and precision. Instruct them on strategies for handling challenging questions, such as marking them to come back to later, ensuring they complete the entire paper.

Building Strong Writing Skills for the English Paper
The English exam’s creative writing task requires students to continue a literary passage with the same tone and style. Focus on developing varied sentence structures, refining grammar, and enhancing vocabulary through the use of literary devices like metaphors, similes, and alliteration. Practice writing tasks that mimic the exam format to build fluency and confidence.

Mastering the English Paper’s Comprehension Task
The English paper requires students to understand and replicate the character, setting, and tone of a passage. Encourage your child to read classic literature, paying close attention to language, imagery, and narrative voice. This practice will prepare them to interpret and build upon a given passage effectively.

Supporting Maths Preparation
The 30-minute Maths paper demands both speed and accuracy. Review core topics, practice mental arithmetic, and use timed quizzes to help your child become more confident in their mathematical abilities. Developing quick, logical thinking will enable them to perform well under the time constraints of the exam.

Balancing Study Across All Sections
Ensure that study time is distributed evenly among reasoning, Maths, and English, with extra focus on areas where your child feels less confident. Regular reading of quality literature can enhance comprehension and critical thinking, laying the groundwork for success across all exam sections.

Hire a Specialist St Paul’s Tutor
If additional support is needed, consider hiring a tutor who specializes in St Paul’s exam preparation. An experienced tutor who understands the nuances of the exam can make a significant difference.

For more information about St Paul’s Girls’ School, visit – www.stpaulsschool.org.uk.

For detailed advice about the St Paul’s 11 Plus entrance exam and preparation tips, contact us or get in touch. Enquire about a St Paul’s tutor.