St Paul’s School is proud to announce the launch of two new initiatives: the formation of a group of leading, not-for-profit schools committed to delivering the best in education – the St Paul’s School Group – and the launch of their own Research Centre for the Education of Boys.
This coalition will have at its heart a firm commitment to the pupils and staff being brought together, underpinned by sound pedagogical methods and cutting-edge research into best practice. This work will benefit boys and girls within the group as well as education practice more widely.
The union between St Paul’s School and a select group of leading London prep schools – of which Durston House and Shrewsbury House School Trust are founding members – demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving not-for-profit, pupil-centred, academically rigorous, independent education. Through a growing bursary programme, they will continue to work to make this available for all who would benefit.
As leaders in educating boys, working collaboratively with both girls’ and co-ed partner schools in the maintained and independent sector, the St Paul’s School Group seeks to improve pupils’ personal and academic outcomes in a manner which responds to the needs of modern society. Whilst each school will retain its unique identity, leadership and culture, together the aim is to:
- Offer thought leadership in best practices for educating boys, serving as a resource for all educators
- Secure a future in which parents may continue to access a truly independent and highly academic school education
- Improve pedagogy through shared expertise and best practices
- Develop strategic leadership and governance
- Expand partnerships with educators from around the world, knowing that through this work it will expand the understanding of issues facing boys.
The commitment to founding the St Paul’s School Research Centre for the Education of Boys ensures that this group is both forward-thinking and evidence based. This is not only to ensure we are doing what works best within our schools but also so we can contribute to the wider national and international conversation around the education of boys.
Sally-Anne Huang, High Master, St Paul’s School: “This is an immensely important next step for our 500-year-old school. As the UK’s most academic boys’ school we have much to contribute to improving education for all young men and a drive to do so. Our Research Centre will support us in delivering this at a time when the challenges to boys, both at school and beyond, are marked. We want to go about this important work in a purposeful and analytical way and feel that the team of professionals at St Paul’s are well placed to do so.
The formation of the St Paul’s School Group is also built on a strong sense of collaboration. We have enjoyed longstanding relationships with both Durston House and Shrewsbury House. Each school is individual and brings its own approach to education, providing an outstanding offer in its own right and benefitting from strong leadership. We are delighted to announce them as founding members of the St Paul’s School Group. Each school will continue to prepare their pupils for a wide range of senior schools, and we fully support those individual choices. In turn, we will continue to welcome pupils from our diverse range of feeder schools across London and together work with supporters to grow our bursary funds to ensure that finances are not a barrier to entry.”
Oliver Snowball, Head of St Paul’s Juniors: “We are confident that this venture is full of exciting possibilities that will ensure the very best educational opportunities for pupils, staff and the wider community for generations to come.”
Giles Entwisle, Head of Durston House School: “We are absolutely delighted to be joining this newly formed family of schools. Becoming part of such a prestigious and forward-thinking group presents exciting opportunities for our pupils, staff, and the wider community. Working alongside schools that share our commitment to academic excellence, personal growth, and innovation will allow us to learn from one another, strengthen what we already do well, and create even greater opportunities for every child in our care. We look forward to contributing to this inspiring partnership and to the bright future it promises.”
Joanna Hubbard, Executive Head of Shrewsbury House School Trust: “Joining this group allows us to be even stronger for the future. This merger is about more than growth; it’s about further enhancing the quality of education we offer by drawing on the best practices of other excellent schools. Crucially, we are partnering with a group that has a deep cultural alignment with our own, which means we can enhance our capabilities without compromising the unique values and spirit of Shrewsbury House School Trust. We are excited to contribute our expertise and benefit from the collective strength of this new community.”
Both initiatives are bold but considered steps, taken from a position of strength, to ensure that together we may continue to contribute to the academic and holistic development of young people.
Categories: School News St Paul's School
