St Paul's School

St Paul's School
Name	St Paul's School
Established	1509
Founder	John Colet
Type	Public school
City	London
Country	England

St Paul's School. Founded in 1509 by the Dean of St Paul's, John Colet, this historic institution is one of the original nine Clarendon schools. Located on a spacious site beside the River Thames in Barnes, London, it has educated generations of notable figures across British public life, academia, and the arts. The school operates as an independent day school and boarding school for boys aged 13–18, with a linked preparatory school, St Paul's Juniors.

History

The school was established in 1509 by the Renaissance humanist and theologian John Colet, who endowed it with income from his inherited estates. Originally situated adjacent to St Paul's Cathedral, the school was destroyed in the Great Fire of London and later rebuilt. It moved to its current rural setting in Barnes in 1884, following the Public Schools Act 1868 and the expansion of the London and South Western Railway. Key historical figures associated with its governance include John Milton, who wrote the masque *Comus* for a former headmaster, and the Worshipful Company of Mercers, which has administered the endowment since Colet's death. The school became fully co-educational at the senior level in 2022.

Campus and facilities

The school's 45-acre campus is situated on the banks of the River Thames, opposite Barn Elms playing fields. The central building, designed by Alfred Waterhouse in the Gothic Revival style, features the Great Hall and the School Chapel. Modern additions include the Science Centre, a dedicated Music School, and the Mercers' Art and Design Technology building. Sporting facilities are extensive, encompassing the Queen's Court for Eton fives, real tennis courts, a boat house for rowing on the Tideway, and numerous playing fields for rugby, cricket, and hockey.

Academic profile

The school follows a curriculum leading to GCSE and A-Level examinations, with a significant majority of pupils proceeding to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. It consistently ranks at the top of national league tables for A-Level results. The academic program is supported by specialist departments and a renowned library housing significant collections. Pupils regularly achieve success in national competitions such as the British Mathematical Olympiad and the Physics Olympiad.

Extracurricular activities

A broad range of activities is offered, with particular strengths in music, drama, and debating. The school maintains several orchestras, choirs, and bands, performing at venues including the Royal Albert Hall and St John's, Smith Square. The Combined Cadet Force includes Navy, Army, and RAF sections. Sporting success is notable in rowing, with crews competing at the Henley Royal Regatta, and in cricket, producing players for Middlesex and England. Societies span interests from Model United Nations to robotics.

Notable alumni

Known as Old Paulines, alumni have made significant contributions across diverse fields. In politics and public service, figures include the former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne, Leader of the House of Lords Lord Carrington, and Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service John Sawers. Literary alumni encompass the poet John Milton, the novelist E. M. Forster, and the journalist John Simpson. In science and medicine, notable figures are Edward Jenner, pioneer of the smallpox vaccine, and Nobel laureate Frederick Gowland Hopkins. The arts are represented by actors Timothy West and Simon Russell Beale, and composer Hubert Parry.

Governance and administration

The school is governed by the Worshipful Company of Mercers, one of the great livery companies of the City of London, which fulfills the role of trustee for Colet's original foundation. Day-to-day leadership is provided by the High Master, supported by a senior team of masters. The school is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference and operates under the regulatory framework of the Independent Schools Inspectorate. Its financial endowment, managed by the Mercers' Company, supports a substantial bursary program.

Category:Educational institutions established in the 16th century Category:Public schools in London