St Paul's School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

St Paul's School is a leading selective independent school for boys in Barnes, London. Established in 1509, it provides an exceptional education to 1,400+ pupils aged 7 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and Sixth Form.

Ranked among the best independent schools in the UK, St Paul's School delivers stellar results. The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) rates the school's educational quality as "Excellent." Parents can view the latest ISI inspection report here.

St Paul's School cultivates exceptional intellectual curiosity through its historic, student-led Halley Society and a specialist Engineering Department focusing on Motorsport and Rocketry. Students also benefit from professional-grade performance facilities in Wathen Hall, ensuring a holistic education that balances academic rigour with elite co-curricular opportunity.

In this guide, I leverage my 6+ year education consultancy background to simplify St Paul's School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions for every parent.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent School
• Boarding Type: Boarding and Day (Note: Boarding is only available from Year 9 onwards)
• Gender Type: Boys
• Religion: Church of England
• Age Range: 7 to 18
• Number of Pupils (Total): 1530+
• St Paul's School GCSE Results (2025): 90.4% achieved Grade 9-8
• St Paul's School A-Level Results (2025): 93% achieved A*-A

Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 36
• Exam Board: ISEB Common Pre-Test & Internal
• Number of Stages: 3
• School Catchment Area: No
• Sibling Policy: No
• Pass Mark: Aim for 90%

Preparing for the St Paul's School open day and coordinating the testing schedule requires meticulous planning. I have compiled the definitive calendar of St Paul's School 11 plus exam dates to guide your family through the 11+ Exam date milestones, including the specific windows for the ISEB Common Pre-Test and written assessments.

These dates are arranged chronologically to help you plan the academic year.

St Pauls School manages its own 11 plus exam process for Year 7 entry in September 2026. As stated on the St Paul's School Admissions Page, families must complete the application online. This institution is among the most sought-after Independent schools in Richmond upon Thames.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

• Submit the 11 plus exam registration form via the school website between late September and early November of Year 6.
• Pay the registration fee online and upload a copy of your son's birth certificate.
• Register your son for the ISEB common pre test, which serves as the Stage One Test.
• Successful candidates are invited to sit the written Stage Two Test in English and Mathematics.

What exam board does St Paul's School follow? 

ISEB (Stage One) and Internally Set Papers (Stage Two).

How long is the 11+ Exam for St Paul's School? 

Stage Two consists of a 60-minute Mathematics paper and an 85-minute English assessment.

In this section, we explore what is in the 11 Plus exam at St Paul's School.

The admissions process for Year 7 entry in September 2026 is rigorous and seeks to identify boys with distinct academic potential. Students entering in 2026 will begin their assessment journey in the autumn of 2025.

As stated in the St Paul's School Admissions Policy, the school operates a two-stage selection process. Candidates must pass the online pre-test to qualify for the written examinations held at the school.

Stage One Test

All registered candidates are required to sit the ISEB common pre test between October and November 2025. This ISEB testis usually taken at the candidate’s current school or a recognised testing centre.

The test is a computer-based, adaptive assessment, meaning the questions adjust in difficulty based on the student's previous answers.

The results from this stage are reviewed alongside the Headteacher’s report from the boy’s current school. 

The ISEB assessment covers four specific areas:

• English: Tests reading comprehension and grammar skills through multiple-choice questions.
  
• Mathematics: Assesses mathematical fluency and understanding of the National Curriculum content.
  
• Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates the ability to solve problems using words and logic.
  
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Tests the ability to analyse visual information and solve problems using shapes.
  

It is important to note that candidates must complete this test by the deadline to be considered. The school uses this data to select boys who demonstrate the necessary aptitude for the next stage.

Stage Two Test

Boys who perform well in the first stage are invited to sit the written St Paul's School 11 Plus Test. These examinations take place at St Paul’s School in early January 2026.

This stage focuses heavily on written expression and advanced problem-solving capabilities.

11+ English

The 11+ English assessment involves two papers aimed at testing the ability to think and express ideas in ambitious, accurate language. The total duration is 85 minutes.

Comprehension and Analysis (50 minutes):

• Unseen Passage: Students answer questions based on a prose, drama, or poetry text.
  
• Analysis: 11+ exam questions require boys to analyse word associations and patterns of sound.
  
• Inference: Questions test understanding of implied meanings and the writer's technique.
  

Composition (35 minutes):

• Creative Writing: Candidates write from experience or imagination (e.g., a story, diary, or letter).
  
• Marking Criteria: Examiners look for interesting ideas, ambitious vocabulary, and accurate punctuation.

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11+ Mathematics

The 11+ Mathematics paper is 60 minutes long and is divided into three distinct sections. Calculators are not permitted.

• Section A (Multiple Choice): Contains 15 questions testing understanding of the number system and place value.
  
• Section B (Calculations): Focuses on core 'pen and paper' techniques and wordier calculation questions.
  
• Section C (Problem Solving): Features challenging, longer worded problems requiring logical application in unfamiliar situations.

The 11+ Interview

Candidates who perform well in the written papers are invited to an interview later in January 2026. This session lasts approximately 20 to 25 minutes and is conducted by a senior member of staff.

The interview is designed to explore the boy's academic interests, hobbies, and independent thinking. Parents should check out 11+ interview questions to prepare for this conversational round.

St Pauls School does not publish an official pass mark. However, if the child is able to achieve 95%+ score in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers, they will be able to ace the St Paul's School 11 plus exam.

St Paul's School is widely recognized as the gold standard for boys' education in London. The academic pace is fast, and the environment is intellectually stimulating. You can learn more about their ethos at St Paul's School.

However, securing a place at St Paul's Juniors (formerly Colet Court) is exceptionally competitive. With ten applicants for every place, even brilliant candidates face a high risk of rejection.

I have coached students for over 18 years in the North London and Surrey catchment areas. I often see families fixate solely on St Pauls School, leaving them vulnerable on results day. I always advise parents to build a balanced portfolio.

A strategy of applying to three Grammar schools and two Private schools ensures success. This approach guarantees your son lands in an elite environment, regardless of the final offer.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

When families apply to St Paul's, they typically look at high-performing state Grammars and other elite private schools. Here is how the top alternatives compare:

Why these schools are the top alternatives to St Paul's School

• Westminster Under School: This is the closest academic peer to St Paul's in the private sector. It offers a similarly intense intellectual environment and shares the prestige of being a "Great Public School".
• Queen Elizabeth’s School (QE Boys): This is the premier state alternative for parents prioritizing raw academic results. QE Boys consistently tops national league tables, often outperforming many fee-paying schools in A-Level results.
• Tiffin School: Located in Kingston, Tiffin offers a grammar school education with a slightly more holistic focus than QE Boys. It utilizes a two-stage exam process that rewards boys who are strong in creative writing.
• King’s College School (KCS) Wimbledon: KCS is an excellent choice for families wanting high academic standards with a strong pastoral focus. It is geographically convenient for many families applying to St Paul's in Barnes.
• Latymer Upper School: For parents willing to consider a co-educational environment, Latymer Upper is a fantastic modern alternative. It sits just across the river and emphasizes a grounded, forward-thinking ethos.

What are the topics for the 11+ Exam Stage One Test of St Paul's School?

St Paul's School utilizes a two-stage process for the 11+ entrance exam. Stage One consists of the online ISEB Common Pre-Test, covering Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

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Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths Topics (Stage One)

The Stage One Maths test assesses a student's grasp of the Key Stage 2 curriculum through online multiple-choice questions. Our analysis of 11+ Maths topics indicates a strong focus on Number theory and Geometry.

To excel, students should use the 11+ Maths ISEB Practice Papers Pack 1. These resources mirror the adaptive nature of the ISEB exam.

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Analysis of 11+ Exam English Topics (Stage One)

The English section of the ISEB Pre-Test evaluates reading comprehension and grammar skills. Accuracy in Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar (SPAG) is vital for success in these 11+ English past papers.

We recommend practicing with the 11+ English Independent Practice Papers Pack 1. This pack helps students master the specific question types found in the pre-test.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics

The Verbal Reasoning 11 plus section tests logical thinking and vocabulary, while Non-Verbal Reasoning assesses spatial awareness. Combined, these sections carry significant weight in the overall assessment.

Prepare effectively with our 11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers and 11+ NVR Practice Papers. These packs cover all essential question types.

Best 11+ Practice Papers for St Paul's School - Stage One

For specific Stage One preparation, we recommend the following resources.

What are the 11+ Exam topics covered in Stage Two Test?

Successful candidates are invited to sit written examinations in English and Mathematics. These papers are set by the school and are significantly more challenging than standard 11+ practice papers.

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Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths Topics (Stage Two)

The Stage Two Maths paper requires full written solutions and focuses on problem-solving. Students must demonstrate clear logical steps in their working for these 11+ maths papers.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English Topics (Stage Two)

The English paper tests deep analytical skills and creative expression. High-quality writing is essential to scoring well in these 11+ English past papers.

Best 11+ Practice Papers for St Paul's School - Stage Two

To handle the rigour of St Paul's written exams, we strongly advise using the following 11+ past papers resources.

St Pauls School is exceptionally competitive, making rigorous preparation essential for success. Sitting 11 plus mock tests helps students familiarise themselves with the unique format. A targeted St Paul's School 11 plus mock exam is vital to identify weak areas and refine speed under strict conditions.

The school uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test for its selection process. We recommend the following resources to mirror this specific challenge:

You can also access our Free 11 plus mock test to evaluate your child's current level. Booking an 11 plus mock test in Richmond upon Thames ensures students are ready for the assessment.

For the 2024/25 academic year, St Paul's Juniors fees are £9,551 per term. This figure covers tuition, lunches, and personal accident insurance for Year 7 pupils.

Parents seeking private school scholarships bursaries will find generous provisions here. St Paul's School bursaries offer means-tested support, potentially funding 100% of tuition plus enrichment costs. St Paul's School Scholarships are also awarded for academic or musical excellence, primarily serving as an honorary distinction.

Check our guide on the most expensive Private Schools UK to compare these costs with other elite institutions.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Thursday 4^th September 2025 to Friday 17^th October 2025
• Autumn Half Term 2: Monday 3^rd November 2025 to Friday 12^th December 2025
• Spring Half Term 1: Wednesday 7^th January 2026 to Friday 13^th February 2026
• Spring Half Term 2: Monday 23^rd February 2026 to Friday 27^th March 2026
• Summer Half Term 1: Tuesday 21^st April 2026 to Friday 22^nd May 2026
• Summer Half Term 2: Monday 1^st June 2026 to Friday 3^rd July 2026

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and St Paul's School Official Website.