College Life
A Place to Learn, Belong and Grow
Life at St Paul’s is about more than lessons and exams, it’s about being part of a community that knows you, encourages you, and helps you flourish.
When you join our Sixth Form, you become part of a place that cares deeply about who you are, not just what you achieve.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
| Year 12 | Year 13 | |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 - 9:00 | Tutor Time & Assembly | |
| Period 1 9:00 - 9:50 |
Lesson 1 | |
| Period 2 9:50 - 10:40 |
Lesson 2 | |
| Period 3 10:40 - 11:50 |
Break 1 10:40 - 11:00 |
Lesson 3 10:40 - 11:30 |
| Lesson 3 11:00 - 11:50 |
Break 1 11:30 - 11:50 |
|
| Period 4 11:50 - 12:40 |
Lesson 4 | |
| Period 5 12:40 - 14:10 |
Break 2 12:40 - 13:20 |
Lesson 5 12:40 - 13:30 |
| Lesson 5 13:20 - 14:10 |
Break 2 13:30 - 14:10 |
|
| Period 6 14:10 - 15:00 |
Lesson 6 | |
| The College day ends at 15:00 | ||
Daily Life & Routine
Your week balances independence and structure, with a mix of directed learning, self-study, community time, and freedom.
- Directed Study periods where you consolidate lessons with support from staff.
- Independent learning time built into your timetable; a chance to explore, research, and deepen your understanding.
- Tutorial & mentoring: regular one-to-ones with your tutor to reflect, set goals, and get tailored support.
- Breaks and lunch time: spaces to relax, chat, and recharge with friends.
Most mornings begin with form time from 8:30 to 9am, while designated days are for assembly in the Bailey Hall or Sports Hall. We follow a two-week timetable (Week A and Week B), shared via EduLink One for both students and parents.
Breaks and lunchtimes are staggered between Year 12 and Year 13 so that everyone has more space, shorter queues, and a calmer atmosphere to enjoy their time with friends.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
Support, Guidance & Personal Growth
What students value most at St Paul’s is the support that surrounds them; academic, personal, and future-focused. From day one, you’ll step into a network of care:
- Tutors & mentors who know your goals and challenges, and guide you in regular one-to-ones.
- Academic support through workshops, drop-ins, peer study groups, and teacher office hours.
- Pastoral & wellbeing care including counselling, listening spaces, and wellbeing workshops.
- Personal development with coaching in resilience, time management, and leadership.
- Careers & progression guidance for university, apprenticeships, employment, or competitive pathways (including Oxbridge, medicine, and law).
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
Faith, Reflection and Service
As a Catholic Sixth Form, faith is part of the atmosphere that shapes who we are. You’ll experience this through assemblies, tutor time, and Soul Days. These are moments to pause, reflect, and serve; whether that’s exploring big questions, building community, or using your talents to help others.
Students who wish to go further can explore religious themes through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), a respected AS qualification taken in addition to A levels. It’s highly valued by universities because it demonstrates independent research and study skills, and can make applications stand out.
Faith at St Paul’s is about belonging, reflection, and purpose, creating a community where every student is known, valued, and encouraged to discover their unique path.
A Community Where You Belong
Whether you’ve been with us since Year 7 or you’re joining from another school, you’ll quickly discover that St Paul’s feels like a second home. We offer a place where friendships grow, individuality is celebrated, and successes are shared.
Small class sizes mean your teachers know you well, guiding you through challenges and celebrating achievements. Between lessons, you’ll find independence in our bright study areas, energy in the common spaces, and a rhythm that balances freedom with support.
We treat you as a young adult: trusted with responsibility, yet always surrounded by encouragement and support.
Beyond the Classroom
Life at St Paul’s is about much more than simply academic study. You’ll find countless opportunities to develop your interests and talents:
- Leadership: mentoring younger students, representing your peers, or leading societies.
- Enrichment & activities: sports, arts, debating, volunteering, and more.
- Trips & experiences: from local projects to national and international visits.
- Service & giving back: inspired by our ethos, we champion compassion and community involvement.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
Make sure to take the help given to you by teachers rather than try and do it all by yourself, as the help they gave me was the reason I went from an D in mocks to an A in my final exams in the subject I struggled with the most.
Moments That Define You
The experiences you’ll carry with you from St Paul’s are as much about life as they are about learning:
- Soul Days & retreats: chances to reflect, grow, and connect.
- St Paul’s Day & community celebrations: whole-college moments of fun and togetherness.
- Academic challenge: competitions, guest lectures, trips, and research opportunities.
- Showcases: performances, exhibitions, and presentations to share your work.
- Applications to top universities: with specialist preparation for the most competitive courses.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
Preparing You for the Future
We know Sixth Form is the launchpad for what comes next.
At St Paul’s, you’ll build the skills, confidence, and independence to flourish in higher education, apprenticeships, or employment.
With expert advice and tailored opportunities, you’ll leave with not just excellent results, but the self-belief and character to take on the world.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
Come and Experience It
The best way to understand St Paul’s is to feel it for yourself. Visit us at Open Evening, join a guided tour, or sit in on a class. Come and experience the warmth of our community, and see if this is your place to grow.