About St Paul's Girls' School
St Paul's Girls' School (SPGS) is a leading independent day school for girls aged 11–18 in Brook Green, Hammersmith, west London, founded in 1904. One of the most academic girls' schools in the country (it has no uniform and a famously broad curriculum), it educates around 750 pupils. As an independent school it charges fees — £12,414 a term (about £37,242 a year) for 2025/26, including VAT (covering lunch).
Entry to Year 7 is highly competitive (around 110 places) and runs in three stages. Stage 1 is the online ISEB Common Pre-Test (which SPGS adopts from 2027 entry, replacing its previous Cambridge Select Insight test); shortlisted candidates sit Stage 2 — the school's own written papers in English, Mathematics and General Comprehension — followed by a Stage 3 interview in January.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for St Paul's Girls' School
SPGS runs its own three-stage admissions. Register online directly with the school by early November of Year 6 (a £265 registration fee applies; bursary-only applicants are exempt). Stage 1 is the online ISEB Common Pre-Test — covering Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning — which SPGS adopts from 2027 entry (replacing its previous Cambridge Select Insight test). Shortlisted candidates sit Stage 2 at SPGS in early December: the school's own written papers in English, Mathematics and General Comprehension. Those who perform well attend a Stage 3 interview in January, with offers in February and an acceptance deadline in early March.
Academic Performance at St Paul’s Girls’ School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
St Paul’s Girls’ School is one of the most academically successful schools in the country, named The Sunday Times Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence in 2025 and regularly topping the national league tables.
- GCSE: an exceptionally high proportion of grades at 9–7 (around 99% in 2025).
- A-Level: outstanding results, with the large majority of entries graded A*–A.
- Progression: a leading feeder to Oxbridge and to top US, European and Russell Group universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for St Paul's Girls' School
As an independent school, SPGS has no catchment area; girls travel in from across London. Places are awarded on the three-stage assessment and interview.
SPGS has an extensive and generous bursary scheme for eligible families (bursary-only applicants are exempt from the registration fee); check the school's bursary pages for details and how to apply.
Subjects Tested at St Paul's Girls' School
SPGS's 11+ has three stages. Stage 1 is the online ISEB Common Pre-Test (an age-standardised, adaptive test covering Mathematics, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning), which SPGS uses from 2027 entry. Stage 2 is the school's own written papers in English, Mathematics and General Comprehension (each demanding, with creative writing and multi-step problem-solving). Stage 3 is an interview. The process rewards genuine ability and clear thinking over rehearsed answers.
Independent 11+ Practice Papers for St. Paul's Girls' School (SPGS)
St. Paul's Girls' School (SPGS) uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the St. Paul's Girls' School (SPGS) 11+ Exam
SPGS’s three-stage 11+ rewards genuine ability and clear thinking: confident reasoning for the online ISEB pre-test, then strong written English, comprehension and multi-step maths for Stage 2. The steps below help.
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1904 by the Worshipful Company of Mercers, St Paul’s Girls’ School has a famously liberal ethos — no uniform and few rules — alongside warm, central pastoral care. It has a distinguished musical tradition (Gustav Holst was Director of Music for nearly three decades) and a Christian foundation that welcomes students of all faiths and none.
Beyond the classroom there is rich provision in music, drama, art and sport, alongside the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the school’s own enrichment programme, debating, and charity and service. For the full list of activities, see the school’s own website.
St Paul's Girls' School — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to SPGS at 11+?
Register online directly with the school by early November of Year 6 (a £265 registration fee applies; bursary-only applicants are exempt). Stage 1 is the online ISEB Common Pre-Test, with written papers and an interview to follow.
What is the SPGS entrance process?
Three stages: Stage 1 is the online ISEB Common Pre-Test; Stage 2 is the school's own written English, Maths and General Comprehension papers; Stage 3 is an interview in January.
Has the SPGS entrance test changed?
Yes — from 2027 entry SPGS uses the ISEB Common Pre-Test for Stage 1, replacing its previous Cambridge Select Insight (CSI) test, to assess each candidate fairly and consistently.
Is SPGS selective, and does it charge fees?
Yes — it is one of the most selective girls' day schools in the country, so it charges fees (£12,414 a term, about £37,242 a year, for 2025/26, including VAT and lunch).
How many places are there at 11+?
Around 110 in Year 7; competition is very strong, with successful candidates typically scoring in the top few per cent nationally.
When do the stages take place?
Apply by early November of Year 6; the ISEB pre-test is in late November, the written papers in early December, and interviews in January, with offers in February.
Does SPGS have a catchment area?
No. As an independent school it admits girls from any area; Brook Green is very well connected.
Are bursaries available?
Yes — SPGS has an extensive and generous means-tested bursary scheme, and bursary-only applicants are exempt from the registration fee.
How can my daughter prepare?
Build confident Year 6 English and maths, practise the online reasoning format for Stage 1, and develop strong comprehension, creative writing and multi-step problem-solving for Stage 2. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.