Prep School Parents' Handbook 2026-27

St Paul’s Prep School

Parents’ Handbook 2026/27

Welcome

Welcome to St Paul’s Prep School and congratulations to all of the pupils, who have worked incredibly hard to get here.

This booklet provides an overview of what to expect on the first day of term, along with lots of other useful information, including pastoral care, a curriculum overview, the code of conduct and term dates.

All pupils joining at 7+ will arrive into the Lower First Year, those entering at 8+ will join the Upper First and 11+ pupils join the Lower Third.

If you have any queries regarding any of the information within this booklet please contact the School Secretary, on 020 8746 5461 (prepsecretary@stpaulsschool org uk)

First point of contact

While your child is at the Prep School, the first point of contact for the majority of your queries will be the Form Tutor. They will be able to help answer your questions and if they don’t know the answer, they will point you in the right direction or get back to you as soon as possible

Core Values

Whilst pupils are at St Paul’s Prep School, they are expected to adhere to the School Code of Conduct, and particular emphasis is placed upon the School’s five character traits, which are displayed in classrooms and other communal areas. Character traits lie at the heart of all we do in school. They are:

• Kindness

• Integrity

• Respect

• Humility

• Resilience

Aims of the school

At St Paul’s Prep School, we aim:

• To create a friendly, caring environment in which pupils can feel happy and confident and where staff and pupils enjoy working with each other.

• To encourage pupils to be kind, thoughtful and supportive of each other, to acknowledge the strengths and opinions of other people and to appreciate the value of cooperation and teamwork.

To develop the talents and interests that each child possesses, to present him with new challenges and opportunities, to encourage him to do his best at all times and to celebrate his achievements.

To foster a sense of community, working in partnership with parents, in which the values of kindness and mutual respect, integrity, curiosity, scholarship, humility and perseverance are encouraged.

To provide a rounded education in which academic, physical, creative, social, moral and spiritual elements are intrinsic and important parts

To devise and keep under review an academic curriculum that is broad, balanced, relevant and challenging

To provide expert, high-quality teaching and interesting, varied lessons in which pupils are encouraged to think creatively and critically

To promote the sense that St Paul’s Prep School is part of a wider local and global community and encourage an awareness and understanding of the needs and circumstances of other people.

Senior Leadership Team

Mr Nick Arnold

Head Deputy Head Academic Assistant Head High Master

PrepHeadPA@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Senior Deputy Head, Deputy Head Pastoral

NA@stpaulsschool org uk

Mr Daniel Kugananthan

Assistant Head: Head of Third Years

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL)

DSK@stpaulsschool org uk

Jon Boustead

Assistant Head: Head of Second Years (From January 2027)

DZD@stpaulsschool.org.uk

MY@stpaulsschool.org.uk

HMPA@stpaulsschool org uk

Mr Rory McNish

Assistant Head: Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Chair of Governors

clerk@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Head’s PA and Office Manager

PrepHeadPA@stpaulsschool org uk

School Secretary

PrepSecretary@stpaulsschool org uk

School Receptionists

Day-to-day administration and contact information

Postal Address:

St Paul’s Prep School,Lonsdale Road, London SW13 9JT

Telephone:

020 8748 3461

General Enquiries: PrepSecretary@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Website: www.stpaulsschool.org.uk

The School Office is open from 8am to 5pm during term time and at certain times during the holidays.

If parents need to contact the school urgently outside office hours, they should ring the Porter at St Paul’s School (Tel: 020 8748 9162)

For non-urgent matters, parents may leave a message on the answerphone which operates when the office is closed.

For all financial matters, please contact the school’s Finance Director at St Paul’s School.

This document is also available on the Parent Portal for all parents to access

Timetable

The school day

The school building is open for pupils from 8.00am. Pupils arriving before this time must wait in The Barn. The Barn is supervised from 7.45am. From 8.00am pupils may enter the building to drop off their bags. They should then play outside if their Form Tutor is not in the form room.

Pupils assemble in their form rooms at 8.20am each morning, and at 1 20pm each afternoon for registration

After 8.25am, pupils are late for school and must report to the School Office immediately upon arrival.

The daily timetable

Registration 8.25am

Assembly 8.35am

Period 1 9.00am – 9.35am

Period 2 9 40am – 10 15am

Break 10 15am – 10 35am

Period 3 10.40am – 11.15am

Period 4 11.20am – 11.55am

Lunch 11.55am – 1.15pm

Registration 1.20pm

Period 5 1.25pm – 2.00pm

Period 6 2.00pm – 2.35pm

Break 2 35pm – 2 40pm

Period 7 2 40pm – 3 15pm

Period 8 3.15pm – 3.50pm

Form time 3.50pm – 4.00pm

Dismissal 4.00pm

School finishes at 4 00pm before each Remedy (half-term holiday)

Each term ends at noon, before lunch.

Term dates 2026/27

2026 Autumn Term

Friday 4 September – Thursday 17 December Remedy dates:

Monday 19 October – Friday 30 October; Monday 7 December

2027 Spring Term

Thursday 7 January – Wednesday 24 March Remedy dates: Monday 15 February – Friday 19 February

2027 Summer Term

Tuesday 20 April – Wednesday 7 July Remedy dates: Monday 3 May; Monday 31 May – Friday 4 June

Useful Information

Absence from school

If a pupil is absent from school, parents should email (PrepReceptionist@stpaulsschool.ork.uk) or telephone (020 8748 3461) the School Receptionist before 8.20am giving the reason for absence. This is most important as otherwise we are not certain of your child’s location. No pupil is allowed to be absent from school, except through illness or for a medical appointment, unless permission has been obtained from the Head beforehand Such permission can only be granted for a real emergency or a very important occasion.

Break times

All pupils spend break times outside under supervision, except in the case of inclement weather. The only exceptions are those who are participating in music lessons or organised activities under staff supervision. Arrangements cannot be made for indoor supervision of individual pupils during recreation periods.

Drop-off and collection from school

Upon entering the Lonsdale Road entrance, our security team will be directing all cars into the small visitor car park before the vehicle barriers, where there is a drop-off zone to stop and let your son/child out of the car.

At the end of the school day, pupils in the First Years are dsmissed from their classrooms by their Form Tutor They can be picked up by the adult who is taking them home or they make their way to their school bus.

Whenever possible,

Authorisation for absence from school will not be granted for family holidays that fall within our published term dates. visits tothedoctor or dentistshould bearranged in the holidays, or out of school hours.

Off games

A pupil who is not fit for games should email a parental note to both their child’s Form Tutor and the School Office at the start of the day. Pupils unfit for games will be supervised by a member of staff and should remain in school until the normal end of the school day.

If parents feel their child is likely to be hungry at mid-morning break, they may provide him with a healthy snack, such as fruit or a sandwich Please do not provide sweets, biscuits or crisps. In addition, pupils should not bring sugary drinks to school: only fruit juice, a named reusable water bottle or (plastic) bottles of water.

Snacks containing nuts or sesame seeds must not be brought on site.

Birthday treats are the one exception to the healthy snack policy. Pupils celebrating their birthday are allowed to bring a treat for each pupil in their form only. For pupils in the Lower Second Year and above, these should be given out at the end of the school day under the supervision of the pupil’s Form Tutor. For pupils in the First Years, the Form Tutor will arrange an appropriate time for the distribution of birthday treats

Pupils can be picked up from the Hammersmith Bridge Gate, which is looked after by our security team.

In extremely wet weather, pupils may be told to wait in one of the classrooms after school until their parents come to collect them. In these circumstances, parents should come to the School Office to ascertain the location of pupils

It is expected that pupils will be collected on time. We appreciate that there may be rare occasions when a late collection may be unavoidable; however, this should not be a regular event. If, for whatever reason, a pupil cannot be collected from school at 4 00pm, the pupil will be asked to wait outside the St Paul’s Prep School Office by the teacher on outside duty who will also inform the office staff that a pupil is waiting there. If the pupil has not been collected by 4.20pm, the nominated secretary in the office will attempt to reach the parents of the pupil to establish a collection time. If contact is made with the parents, and they are unable to collect before 5.00pm, the pupil will be sent or escorted by the secretary (depending on the age of the pupil) to St Paul’s at 5 00pm where he will wait with the Porter in St Paul’s Reception for his parents to arrive. The St Paul’s Duty Porter will be given the contact details of the parent collecting the child by the secretary.

If contact has not been made with the parents by 5 00pm, the secretary will hand the matter over to a member of the School Leadership Team who will continue to attempt to reach the child’s parents.

from after-school clubs

Pupils in the First Years must be collected in person from the club by the adult who is taking them home.

Pupils in the Second Years should be collected in person from the club by the adult who is taking them home, unless their parents have notified the teacher running the club that they may be dismissed when the club is over

Pupils in the Third Years will be dismissed by the teacher running the club once it has ended. However, if a pupil is unable to find the adult who he was expecting to take him home, he should return to the club to find the member of staff in charge

If a parent has not arrived to collect their child, or a pupil has experienced difficulty locating the person that he was expecting to travel home with, then:

• the adult in charge of the activity will attempt to contact the parent of the pupil concerned;

• if the parents can be contacted and they can confirm that they are on their way, the member of staff will remain with the child until the parent arrives (if this is likely to be for less than 15 minutes);

• if the parents cannot be contacted, or the parents are likely to be delayed for more than 15 minutes, the pupil will be escorted to St Paul’s Reception. The Porter will continue to try to reach the parents so that they know that their child is waiting for them at St Paul’s Reception

Pastoral Care

The Form Tutor system

Each pupil has a Form Tutor, who is responsible for his pastoral care and academic progress. The Form Tutor is the primary contact for any concerns.

Pastoral care is overseen by the Heads of Year as follows:

Head of First Years and Deputy DSL:

Mrs Danielle Dawson

Assemblies

The whole school meets twice per week on Monday and Wednesday in the Ichthys Hall for morning assembly. On Tuesdays, First, Second and Third Years have an assembly in the Hall

All years have form time on Thursdays. All years have a hymn practice on rotation on Friday mornings If they do not have hymn practice on a Friday morning, they have a form time

Anti-bullying

policy

Mr Jon Boustead

Head of Third Years and Deputy DSL: Head of Second Years:

Mr Daniel Kugananthan

Senior Deputy Head and Deputy Head Pastoral:

Mr Nick Arnold (oversees the pastoral care system)

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Mr Rory McNish

Our school policy on bullying is unequivocal: bullying is always unacceptable. We recognise that it may take many forms, and what one child perceives as teasing may be to another actual bullying. We aim to foster an environment where our pupils may flourish as individuals without fear of others, and issues relating to bullying are addressed in PSHE lessons, Form Tutor time and through our assembly programme Parents who are concerned that their child may be being bullied should first approach their son’s Form Tutor. The Form Tutor and Head of Year will investigate thoroughly and sensitively, and keep you informed throughout.

Pupils may report concerns using the Pupil Welfare boxes or using an app, ‘Tootoot’

Pupil Welfare boxes and Tootoot

Pupil Welfare boxes are positioned in First Year classrooms into which any pupil may post a written concern that he would like addressed by his Form Tutor, Head of Year or the Pastoral Deputy Head.

Pupils can also use an online platform, Tootoot, to report concerns. These can be submitted anonymously and pupils are able to submit evidence including screenshots if this is helpful

If the concern can be easily resolved, the Form Tutor will deal with the issue and then inform the Head of Year. For more complex cases, a senior member of staff will be involved from the start. If there is any reason to believe that the concern relates to a Child Protection issue, the concern will be passed directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Child protection and safeguarding children’s welfare

Safeguarding children’s welfare is of paramount importance and St Paul’s Prep School takes its responsibilities very seriously All staff receive regular safeguarding training in order to support children within, and beyond, the school. If a child is experiencing difficulties at school or at home, parents are urged to inform the school as soon as possible. The pastoral team will treat any information sensitively and offer non-judgmental care and support for both pupils and parents.

Mr Rory McNish is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and Ms Clare Sharp is the Safeguarding and Welfare Coordinator. Mrs Danielle Dawson (Head of First Years), and Mr Daniel Kugananthan (Head of Third Years), are the Deputy DSLs. In the event that information comes to light within school that a child has suffered or is suffering significant harm, the DSL is obliged to pass that information on to the Single Point of Access team (SPA) for the relevant Local Authority for that child While it would usually be appropriate to speak with parents first, there are certain occasions when immediate contact with the SPA team is the School’s legal responsibility

(for example, if the child is in immediate danger). The school will usually seek advice from the SPA team before contacting parents.

The full Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available for parents to read on the school’s website The Government document which underlies the Safeguarding policy, is also available. Keeping Children Safe in Education,

House Points, Head of Year Awards and Head’s Awards

House Points are awarded for good work and good behaviour and the number of House Points awarded to a pupil goes towards his House total.

Awards are available from each respective Head of Year for good conduct or impressive work. When a pupil has produced a particularly outstanding piece of work or has behaved in an exemplary manner he may receive a Head’s Award Pupils who receive a Head’s Award are also mentioned in weekly email bulletin. The Grapevine, the

A calm and purposeful environment is essential for pupils to get the best out of the wide range of educational experiences on offer. The school encourages pupils to develop self-control, to be aware of how their behaviour choices affect other people and to consider the Prep School Traits in all they do

The full Behaviour, Rewards and Sanctions Policy is available to parents on the school’s website. The Code of Conduct for pupils can be found at the end of this handbook and is printed in the Homework Diary.

There are four Houses in the school: green light blue red orange

Pupils are allocated a House before they start at St Paul’s Prep School. There are regular House meetings and House competitions throughout the year, which cater for a wide variety of interests.

A buddy family exists within each House where groups of pupils from different year groups are linked together to take part in activities.

The House Point totals, which are tracked on the ePraise system, are announced regularly in assembly. At the end of each term, the House with the highest House Point total is awarded the House Cup.

There are many opportunities for pupils to take on positions of responsibility during their time in the Prep School. Many pupils will be asked to act as a buddy to younger children, or to a new pupil joining his form that term. Pupils are chosen to act as Team Captains for the many different sporting fixtures that take place each term.

A pupil from each form is elected to be a representative on the School Council. Pupils in their final two years can also be appointed as House Captains or Vice-Captains.

Pupils can also apply to be a playground buddy and support children at break times with friendship issues and with setting up games

In Lower Third, a number of boys are chosen to be a Peer Mentor. They support boys in younger year groups and offer advice.

A number of pupils in their final year are chosen to be School Captains: there are between 20 and 30, including a Head Boy and two Deputy Head Boys. They assist with the general organisation and smooth running of the school under the direction of the Head of Third Years

The School Council meets fortnightly to discuss matters of interest to pupils, as well as to canvass pupils’ views on new initiatives. The School Council is made up of one representative per form, elected democratically by the members of each class at the start of the academic year Part of the role of the School Council is to help decide which charities are chosen for fundraising events, as well as to plan and carry out the fundraising itself.

Communication between home and school

Communication between home and school

A full list of email addresses for Form Tutors can be found on the Parent Portal.

Should parents need to get an urgent message to their child during the school day, they should telephone the School Office.

At the end of each term, the calendar for the following term is made available on the Parent Portal.

The Grapevine is our weekly newsletter and helps to keep parents fully informed of all events and activities at school email to parents every Friday. The Grapevine is sent out by

The school uses the Parent Portal and School Post to communicate urgent information to parents. All parents are requested to ensure that mobile phone numbers and email addresses are kept up to date for this purpose

Details can be updated within the ‘My Details’ section on the Parent Portal. In the event of the school needing to contact parents urgently, a text message may be sent to the mobile phone number(s) that you have provided. A copy of this message will also be emailed to you

The school offers information and support on specific educational and parenting matters. Several talks are held throughout the year, given by staff and guest speakers. The pastoral team is also able to advise on matters of individual interest or concern, for example recommending books and courses for parents

Parent Portal

All parents can access the school’s Parent Portal at my.stpaulsschool.org.uk. The Parent Portal keeps parents up to date on their child’s progress along with the latest news from the school. It has a record of the email communications sent from the school. Features include:

• School calendar

• Pupil timetables

• Grades and reports

• Letters from the school

• Sports fixtures and team sheets

• The Grapevine weekly newsletter

• General reference documents

• Contact details for Form Tutors and the School Leadership Team

• Parent Directory

• Term Dates

• Policies

Some features in the Parent Portal may not be available to you until your son starts at school in September.

A daily email is sent from the school at 4 30pm Urgent emails may be sent separately.

The school health team is made up of three nurses who are based at St Paul’s and serve both the prep and senior schools. A doctor attends the school once a week on an advisory basis. The nurses are on duty from 8.00am until 4 15pm If parents need to contact the school nurses, they can do so by calling 020 8746 5470 or by sending an email to schoolnurses@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Please ensure that all immunisations are up to date If a pupil develops or comes into contact with an infectious illness, the school should be informed at once.

original named container from the pharmacy with the child’s name, the dosage and the expiry date on it.

If a pupil is on antibiotics, it is a good idea to provide enough to last the week, rather than him having to bring and collect new medication each day.

available to collect an ill child from school within an hour of being called by the nurses.

The school nurses keep a stock of nonprescription medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, anti-histamine and throat lozenges If a pupil requires any medication in school this should be brought to the nurses with a completed consent form. Any medication brought to school must be accompanied by the form which can be found on the Parent Portal under “Useful Information > Medical Information”. This form should be completed each time, even for a short course of medication such as antibiotics. Prescribed medication for pupils should be given to the nurses in the

The school’s policy is that children do not self-medicate whilst in school other than to use an asthma inhaler. The nurses are able to dispense pain relief or over-the-counter medicines when needed. Parents must please let the nurses know if they have given their son medicine before school. The nurses will let parents know if their child has had any treatment or medication at school. For serious injuries or illness, the nurses will contact you by telephone Please ensure that your emergency contact details are up to date, and that you have included one contact who is not a parent or guardian.

In the event that your child feels ill during the school day, they should first go to the School Office who will contact the nurses If the nurses feel it is necessary for them to be collected from school, they will telephone you. They should not use their own mobile to phone home without first seeing the nurse. Parents must please be

The nurses will contact parents when a child has been sent to the Medical Centre with a head injury. If the injury is not sufficiently serious to need immediate attention at a hospital and your child is able to stay at school, we will reassess their condition during the day and act accordingly; for example, they may not be able to play games on that day. Should the pupil need to go home, parents will be called to collect them. An ambulance will only be called in an emergency or a life-threatening situation. Following any incident, parents will also receive appropriate advice about head injuries.

Illness or injury outside of school hours

A child should not be sent to school if he has had a high temperature in the last 24 hours, or diarrhoea or vomiting in the last 48 hours. If your child injures himself or is ill outside of school hours, please ensure that you take them to the GP or hospital as appropriate, before sending them back to school. A nurse will be available to continue any treatment/medication advised.

Counselling service

There is a full time School Counsellor, who is available to see pupils and their parents. If parents feel that their child would benefit from talking with the School Counsellor, they should first contact their child’s Head of Year or the Pastoral Deputy Head to arrange an appointment. If the school feels that an appointment with the School Counsellor would be beneficial for a pupil, their Head of Year or Deputy Head Pastoral will contact their parents A ‘drop in’ service is also available for all boys. Permissions for use of this service will be sought from parents at the start of the year. Boys can attend these sessions without booking an appointment.

Food and allergies/intolerances

If your child requires a special diet, please contact the Catering Manager (cateringmanager@stpaulsschool.org.uk) who is always willing to talk with parents about any particular dietary requirements that their child might have, including for packed lunches when pupils are on a school trip. There is a form for this purpose that you will have been asked to fill in via the Parent Portal before your child joins the school

Parents of children with significant allergies or medical conditions should:

Notify the school nurse of these, before the start of term Provide the nurse with:

• An agreed treatment plan;

• Auto injector (such as EpiPen) if required;

• All items must be clearly labelled with the pupil’s name;

• Keep a note of the expiry date of auto injectors and replace them when necessary;

Educate your child in self-management of his allergy, including:

• Which foods are safe and unsafe;

• The symptoms of allergic reaction;

• How and when to tell adults about a reaction;

• How to read food labels or to ask an adult to read the label

Provide emergency contact information and inform the school of any changes.

The Curriculum

Organisation of classes

Year Age National Curriculum Year

Lower First 7+ Year 3

Upper First 8+ Year 4

Lower Second 9+ Year 5

Upper Second 10+ Year 6

Lower Third 11+ Year 7

Upper Third 12+ Year 8

Approximately 76 pupils are admitted each year to the Lower First Year and approximately 18 pupils to the Upper First Year, making four classes in the Lower First Year and four in the Upper First Year, Lower Second Year and Upper Second Year. Approximately 36 pupils are admitted each year to the Lower Third Year. In the Lower and Upper Third Year, there are six classes in each year group.

At the end of the Lower First Year, Upper First Year and Upper Second Year, the form groups are mixed up so that pupils make new friends within the year group and to achieve a good balance of talents and interests.

There is no setting in the Lower First or Upper First Years. Pupils in the Lower Second Year are put into Maths sets at the start of the school year. New pupils entering the Lower Third Year are taught together in French. In the Upper Third Year there is setting in French and Maths. All other examined subjects are taught in form groups throughout the school.

Pupils in the Second and Third Years move from one Maths set to another according to their performance in class and in formal tests; the decision to move a pupil into a different set will be made by the subject teacher and Head of Department concerned and will always be carried out in the best interests of the individual child.

Outline of each curriculum area

A detailed curriculum overview of work being studied in each subject and year group can be accessed from the Parent Portal under “Useful Information > Curriculum Overview’’.

Assessment and reporting

There are three methods of communicating a pupil’s progress to his parents: a regular issuing of grade statements via the Parent Portal, full written reports and parents’ evenings. The three

systems run throughout the academic year so that parents are regularly informed of their child’s progress.

Grade statements are awarded for effort and attainment over a period of time, based on a combination of class and homework, test results and teacher assessment

Formal meetings with parents are arranged during the year for you to discuss your child’s progress with the staff who teach them. The meeting in the Autumn Term is with your child’s Form Tutor. Parents of pupils in the First Years have another meeting with their child’s Form Tutor, and for older pupils, all the staff who teach your child an academic subject are available for consultation at the parents’ evening

More information on grades and the way they are awarded can be found on the Parent Portal under “Useful Information > Assessment Information”.

However, please do not leave voicing a concern to a member of staff until these formal meetings are held: it is far better to contact your child’s Form Tutor and make an appointment to discuss the concern so that any problems can be dealt with at the earliest possible opportunity. Please

contact your child’s Form Tutor in the first instance, rather than a subject teacher.

Homework is set on a regular basis in all year groups. It is used to consolidate and extend understanding and where possible, it contributes to the development of independent learning skills. Homework demands increase gradually as pupils get older. The homework timetable for second years and above can be found on the Prep Hub and Parent Portal Time allocations are shown in the table below:

From the Lower Second Year upwards, homework will involve both online and offline tasks. Pupils should spend no more than the allocated time on each task, especially when the task requires use of a Surface Pro. Teachers will remind pupils of this. Parents may find it useful to set a timer for homework set online, to encourage effective use of time Should tasks involve research or an extended project, guidance on organisation, structure and resources will be provided. On occasion, a pupil may be required to catch up on work missed due to illness or a music lesson. This will be in addition to existing homework, however the time frame for completion will take account of this so that it does not lead to overload.

Each pupil has a homework diary in which to note daily homework requirements. A new homework diary is issued to every pupil at the beginning of every term. This is done to:

• help pupils to develop a methodical approach to their homework;

• enable pupils to have a written record of homework set;

• provide parents with a means of monitoring their son’s homework.

Lower First

Upper First

Lower Second

Upper Second

Lower Third

Upper Third

Reading + small task 20 mins

Reading + small task 20-25 mins

1-2 subjects 20-25 mins

2 subjects 20-30 mins

2-3 subjects 30-35 mins

2-3 subjects 30-35 mins

Parents are asked to keep a check on their child’s homework, but not to help with it unless really necessary. Any help given should be in the form of guidance rather than doing the work for the child, and should follow the methods used at school. When parental help is given, we ask that a note is made to that effect on the work We would appreciate it if parents could alert the relevant teacher via email, should a pupil regularly struggle to complete homework tasks within the given time allocation or without significant assistance.

If, for any reason, a pupil in the Second or Third Year has nothing recorded on a particular day, a check of Google Classroom is recommended. Parents are asked to sign their son’s homework diary at least once a week and ideally, for younger children, to initial it every evening, once the homework has been completed

We recognise that from time to time, delays in journey times may impact the time available for homework, particularly for pupils who use school buses and shared transport. It would be helpful if the school could be alerted so that allowances can be made

Pupils are expected to produce work neatly and to take pride in their work. The appropriate tools (a pen, pencil, ruler, green biro, eraser and glue stick) should be brought to each lesson Ink pens must be blue or black. Biros should only ever be used for rough work. Tippex or similar products should not be used: any errors should be crossed out with a single line. Erasable pens may be used where they leave no mark once writing is erased.

Exercise books must not be doodled or scribbled on; the cover should show the name of the pupil, his class, subject and the teacher’s name. Each new piece of work should be dated in the top right-hand corner and there should be an underlined title. Drawings should be done in pencil. A ruler should be used for all labelling. Pages must not be torn out of exercise books.

Pupils are encouraged to proof-read their work regularly. This should consist of:

• reading through their work, preferably aloud, to check the use of punctuation and grammar, to make sure that words have not been left out and to ensure that the writing makes sense;

• underlining, in pencil, any words that are thought to be spelt incorrectly and then checking these with a dictionary or asking an adult

Pupils are encouraged to use the Library for reference purposes and to take reading books home These books should be brought back within a fortnight unless an extension is granted We rely on parents to keep an eye on books borrowed and to ensure they are returned on time and in good condition. Pupils will be charged through their bookroom account for damaged or lost books at the end of each term.

The Library is open for borrowing books between 8.30am – 4.30pm. The Librarians are available throughout the day to answer any queries by pupils, or parents, on books or the library facilities.

All pupils in the Prep School have login access to either iPads in First and Second Years, or a Surface Pro in Third Years These are used from time to time in lessons The teachers will let the boys know when to bring the IPad or Surface Pro along for work. We will make sure that they know how to use the devices safely and responsibly.

The Library has an up to date computerised cataloguing system and all books are bar coded with the appropriate ISBN number. The Library catalogue can be accessed by boys and parents via the Parent Portal. All forms have a timetabled Library period as part of their English programme of study.

We place a strong emphasis on co-curricular activities as an integral part of a boy’s development and school experience. Whether it’s sport, music, coding, drama, debating, or outdoor education, our rich and varied Clubs and Activities programme aims to provide something for everyone. The majority of clubs take place at lunch time, and pupils are encouraged to take part in at least one activity each term

Our commitment to co-curricular provision was recognised in our most recent ISI inspection, where it received a ‘special mention’ which refers to an aspect of school provision that is deemed significantly strong and noteworthy This reflects both the breadth of opportunities available and the quality of pupil engagement across all age groups.

At the start of each term, a full list of clubs and activities is published on the Parent Portal and the Prep Hub. For some clubs and activities, an additional charge applies.

There are many concerts and special services throughout the year to which parents are warmly invited.

Each term, the Music Department hosts several concerts, from informal concerts through to end of term concerts in the Ichthys Hall.

A number of school services take place during the year, including the Carol Service in a local church. Any parent who wishes their child to be excused from special religious services should write to the Head.

Day trips and residential visits

The school places great emphasis on school trips and runs a number of day trips that support the curriculum In addition, several residential trips are organised for older pupils A number of sports-related and cultural trips take place during the school holidays.

At St Paul’s Prep, pupils are actively encouraged to engage in charity initiatives, both through voluntary service and fundraising opportunities. Our charity partnership for 2024-28 is with Castelnau Community Centre, with whom we work collaboratively to create opportunities for pupils, staff and the wider community to support the Centre We raise money for all of our supported charities through Own Clothes Days, charity fetes, the Christmas Fayre and the annual 3x3 Challenge. We also run ‘drives’ throughout the year for various causes, such as a winter coat drive for Wrap Up London and a book drive for AllChild.

We work closely with the Parent Group and also wholeheartedly encourage smaller, independent fundraising and awareness projects which individual pupils, forms or staff organise on an ad-hoc basis.

School Uniform

A comprehensive list of items is sold by the school uniform supplier, AlleyCatz, and School sportwear supplier, Kitlocker. AlleyCatz is located in Hersham and can be visited for purchases and fittings; parents can also purchase uniform via their online shop. Sportswear is purchased online at the Kitlocker store.

School Uniform Houses

For pupils in the Prep School, the school uniform is a black blazer with integral badge, charcoal grey trousers with a plain white shirt and school tie Plain black leather shoes (please note, black trainer-type shoes, boots or suede shoes are not permitted), with dark grey or black socks are required.

Every pupil is a member of a House, which is relevant for certain items of clothing, such as House ties (from AlleyCatz) and House Tshirts (from Kitlocker).

Labelling

It is essential that all items of clothing including gameswear, socks and underwear are clearly labelled with the pupil’s name. Name tapes can be ordered at your uniform fitting appointment or via the online shop.

Making an Appointment

Use this link www.alleycatz.co.uk/booking to book a uniform fitting appointment with our uniform supplier, AlleyCatz.

If you require any information before attending the fitting, please see AlleyCatz contact details below:

Email: Customerservices@alleycatz.co.uk Telephone: 01932 223075

Payment

The school uniform supplier accepts cash and most credit and debit cards They do not accept American Express

School uniform supplier details

Email: Customerservices@alleycatz co uk Telephone: 01932 223075

Location: AlleyCatz Ltd

Claremont House 34 Molesey Road Hersham

KT12 4RQ

Uniform List

Prep School blazer*

House tie*

Charcoal (dark) grey uniform trousers or Bermuda shorts

White long-sleeved shirt and White shirts short sleeve for summer term only.

Dark grey ankle or knee length socks

Navy apron for art design & technology (L1 and U1 boys only)

Sportwear from Kitlocker

Kitlocker, one of the country's leading suppliers of teamwear and an official licensee of New Balance, supplies the School with a bespoke New Balance teamwear range for both the Senior and Prep Schools.

The compulsory and optional kit is available to purchase through the online store:

https://st-pauls-school.kitlocker.store/

Please note: the online store is run by Kitlocker, on behalf of St Paul’s School.

Compulsory Kit from Kitlocker

School tracksuit top (¼ zip)

School tracksuit bottoms

Reversible jersey

White rugby shorts

House PE T-shirt

Black PE shorts

White PE T-shirt

Generic Compulsory Kit

Trainers with non-marking soles

Studded football/rugby boots

Regulation black swimming trunks

Coloured towel

Sports bag

Rugby – gum shields are essential Football – shin guards are essential Plain black football socks

White sports socks (3 pairs)

Optional Uniform

White short-sleeved shirt which may be worn

in the summer

Black winter jacket

School scarf or black scarf and gloves

Additional Teamwear/Optional Gameswear

Rugby team kit (only once selected for a team)

Football team kit (only once selected for a team)

Cricket team kit (only once selected for a team)A helmet is essential when wicket keeping and batting.

Athletics team kit (only once selected for a team)

* Items marked with an asterisk should be purchased from AlleyCatz.

Additional Items

Hair should be tidily styled. We ask that the front of a pupil’s hair be completely out of the way of their eyes. Hair should be kept to its natural colour and not bleached or coloured.

While we make every effort to keep pupils and their possessions together, things do sometimes go astray, and we strongly advise parents to provide their child with serviceable, rather than expensive equipment and anything brought into school must be named

This applies especially to watches, fountain pens and mobile phones Valuable items should not be brought into school unless there are very good reasons to the contrary and parental permission has been given.

Pupils are not permitted to bring spray deodorants into school A roll-on or solid deodorant should be packed in their games bag

Stationery Requirements

• Pencil case

• Pencils – HB and 2B

• Eraser

• Pencil sharpener

• 30cm ruler

• Scissors

• Glue stick

• Coloured pencils

• Felt tips

• Highlighter pen

• Boys in L3 and U3 also require a box file for each subject

Mobile phones can be brought into school by pupils in the Lower Third and Upper Third years Mobile phones should be switched off and placed in a pupils own Yondr Pouch

For pupils in the First and Second years, smart phone devices are not allowed in school and we strongly discourage the use of mobile phones throughout the First and Second Years.

If parents feel their son needs a mobile phone to help with their child’s commute to school, a nonsmart ‘brick’ phone may be used and placed in a Yondr pouch.

Smart Watches and FITBITS are considered to be a device with similar technology to mobile phones. All Smart Watches should be switched off and placed in a Yondr Pouch when pupils arrive to form rooms

Photographs

While your child is with us, there will be many times when their photograph may be taken as part of their normal school activities. Photographs, digital images or videos of pupils may be taken either at the school or when they are involved in organised activities off site. Such photographs may appear in our weekly newsletter,The Grapevine, in our annual magazine, termly newspaper photographs may appear on our intranet or website or on our Instagram feed.

The Coletine, or our whole-school St Paul’s News. In addition, CCTV is located around the school but is not installed in classrooms, changing rooms or toilet areas. All surveillance within the school is overseen by the School’s Data Protection Officer, and the school is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office

Parents and family members are not allowed to take photographs or videos of school events for safeguarding reasons

At the main school termly events, a designated school photographer and a video recording will cover the event.

The school’s policy on the use of images of pupils

We comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the requirements of the Information Commissioner’s Office and in external publications, or online, we follow the advice given by the Department for Education which states: “If the pupil is named, avoid using the photograph If the photograph is used, avoid naming the pupil”.

Where it is deemed necessary or desirable to deviate from the above policy (for example, in a press article celebrating a particular child’s achievements), where practically possible, we will always aim to seek specific parental consent before publication.

If you have any concerns regarding how we process images of your child, please refer to the school’s Data Protection Policy and the Privacy Notice which are both available on the school’s website.

Site Security and Complaints Policy

Site Security Complaints Policy

All external doors may be opened only by wrist fob, which is distributed to all pupils when they join the school Lost wrist fobs should be reported to Form Tutors Fobs are replaced at a cost of £5 each which will be added to the end of term Book Room account.

All parents and other visitors to the school are required to enter the building via the main entrance and should sign in for a visitor’s badge. This applies to all visitors, whichever building within the school they are visiting

It is hoped that most concerns will be resolved quickly and informally.

If parents have a concern they should normally contact their child’s Form Tutor. In many cases, the matter will be resolved straightaway by this means to the parents’ satisfaction. If the Form Tutor cannot resolve the matter alone, they will consult the Head of Year.

Concerns expressed directly to the appropriate Head of Year will usually be referred to the relevant Form Tutor unless they deem it appropriate to deal with the matter personally

For further information around all stages of the complaints process please see the Complaints Policy on the School website.

School policies and information for parents

The following documents are available on our website:

• Accessibility

• Admissions

• Alcohol policy

• Anti-bullying

• Anti-fraud Policy

• Anti-harassment Policy

• Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

• Assessment, recording and reporting

• Attendance

• Behaviour, rewards and sanctions

• Bursaries

• Careers

• CCTV

• Child Protection and Safeguarding

• Complaints

• Curriculum

• Data Protection Policies and Privacy Notices

• Destinations of leavers

• Disability

• Donation and support acceptance

• Drugs

• Education of looked after children

• Educational visits

• English as an Additional Language (EAL)

• Equal Opportunities

• eSafety

• Fire safety

• First Aid

• Health and safety

• How pupils at SPJ learn about keeping safe

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE document)

• Learning support

• List of staff and their qualifications

• Missing Pupil Procedure

• Number of complaints recorded in the previous school year

• PHSE

• Relationships and sex education

• Safeguarding and child protection

• Safer recruitment

• Staff code of conduct

• Supervision of pupils (including after school clubs)

• Terms and conditions (parent contract)

• Ways in which the school listens to pupils and parents

• What to do if you’re worried a child is being abused

• Whistleblowing

Code of Conduct for pupils

The following information appears in all pupils’ homework diaries. The key points are also displayed in each classroom.

Our Code of Conduct provides important guidelines for behaviour. At St Paul’s Prep School:

• Kindness by caring for others as well as ourselves, both physically and emotionally.

• Respect by valuing all people, places and property.

• Integrity by choosing to do the right thing even when no-one is watching.

• Humility by learning from all and being free from arrogance.

• Resilience by willingly reflecting and adapting when faced with challenges.

Our Anti-Bullying Policy

Bullying is not tolerated at the Prep. We should always be kind to each other and to ourselves.

It is unacceptable for any pupil to watch bullying taking place and to do nothing about it

Don’t be a bystander, be anUPSTANDER.

If you see someone being bullied, speak up Stand up for what is right and help support your friends.

How to deal with bullying or other problems

No one should have to put up with being bullied, or feel that they have to solve a big problem on their own. Look after each other. If someone doesn’t seem themselves, ask if they want to talk. If you are worried about something, or someone has said or done unkind things, the most important thing is to ask for help.

If you feel you are being bullied or that you have been badly treated by another person,

try to tell a member of staff and / or your parents.

The following staff in particular will be able to help you:

• Your Form Tutor

• The Teachers on playground duty

• The School Nurses

• The School Counsellor

• Your Head of Year

• The Pastoral Deputy Head

• The Head

If it is urgent, however, and you are unable to find any of the staff above, you can always speak to another adult in school; the staff in the School Office will be able to help you find someone to talk to.

The School Captains can also help you find a teacher to talk to or you may wish to use Tootoot, our online reporting service, or our Pupil Welfare boxes for those in Lower First and Upper First.

If you do not feel you can do any of the above, try to tell your parents.

Always remember that we will listen carefully to what you need to tell us and we will treat everything you say very seriously.

Conduct inside the school buildings

We expect you to:

• be on time and ready for the start of every lesson;

• put up your hand before asking a question;

• keep your classroom tidy;

• walk, not run, in single file on the left in the corridors and staircases

• use the alcoves for your bags, and keep the corridors clear, books and iPads should not be stored here;

• use your lockers for books and your iPad and keep them tidy and well organised;

• open doors for adults and for each other;

• tell a teacher if you notice in the school an adult whom you do not recognise and who is not wearing a visitor’s badge;

• make sure you are familiar with the Health and Safety Rules in the school, especially in the Sports Centre, the Science Labs, the Art Room and in the Engineering Workshop;

• place any phone or smart watch in your Yondr Pouch (Third Year pupils)

What to do if you feel unwell

The School Nurse is there to help you if you feel unwell or if you have hurt yourself. You should always go to the School Office/Reception first so that one of the office team can call to check the Nurse is in the Medical Centre.

Behaviour at break and lunch times

If the Code of Conduct is followed by everyone, break and lunch times should be a fun and safe time for all our pupils. You should not play in ‘out of bounds’ areas or where cars are parked or moving about.

You are allowed to bring in a snack and a drink for break time. The snack should be a healthy one, such as an item of fruit, a sandwich or a cereal bar and must follow the no nuts policy. The drink should be water or fruit juice. Sweets, chewing gum, chocolate, crisps and fizzy drinks may not be brought into school. Birthday treats may be brought in but you should bring treats for your form only, and not for boys in other forms.

The birthday treats should be given out under the supervision of your Form Tutor; for boys in the Lower Second Year and above this is at the end of the school day.

Registration is important – in the event of an emergency, we must know exactly who is in the school If you miss registration for any reason, you must go and register with the School Receptionist at Reception immediately so we know you are in school.

During morning break and at lunch times, you are expected to be outside unless you are taking part in a club (or if it is a wet break). You should not be in any classroom unsupervised.

The Dining Hall

The Dining Hall staff work very hard to provide a large selection of fresh food for you every day You should:

• be sensible and quiet while waiting in the lunch queue;

• be polite to the Dining Hall staff and remember to say “please” and “thank you”;

• show good table manners while you are eating;

• tidy up after you have finished eating and return your tray;

• not take food out of the Dining Hall;

• not waste food.

Poor behaviour in the Dining Hall and damage to cutlery and crockery are always unacceptable.

The vending machines stationed around the campus are not to be used by pupils at St Paul’s Prep School.

St Paul’s Community

Ellie Sleeman Strategic Director of Development, Engagement and Marketing

Community Engagement

The Development and Engagement Office is responsible for bringing together our community of pupils, Old Paulines (OPs), parents – past and present, staff, former staff, Governors and friends of St Paul’s School

There are many ways for you as parents to engage, including through our growing programme of events. You will receive termly bulletins inviting you to join us for talks, wine tastings, walking tours and concerts, as well as our ever-popular ‘Topical Tuesdays’ virtual event series. Details of the current term’s events can be viewed on our website: www.stpaulsschool.org.uk/events.

We also have many ways ways that our community can support the professional development of our pupils and young OPs. With an array of professional networks already set up in law, finance, engineering, entrepreneurship and not-for-profit, there are many opportunities to pass on your experience and knowledge to the younger community, and to grow your own network with other parents and OPs already established in your field.

St Paul’s Connect, our LinkedIn-style platform for parents, Old Paulines and Eighth Form pupils, enables you to communicate with our community online. It is an easy way to share advice and news, and to find others

The Development and Engagement Office also leads the school’s fundraising activity, ensuring that the school’s vision around widening access, local partnerships and key capital projects is supported through donations from alumni, parents and friends. St Paul’s School is built on a history of philanthropy from John Colet, our first benefactor, who founded his free school to educate 153 boys with a generous endowment. This is a tradition and duty that has since been upheld by thousands of Pauline families, most recently through the present day redevelopment of the school’s buildings, which was partly financed by a combination of donations and legacies from our community

The school welcomes donations, large or small and we are grateful to those current parents who choose to become members of our regular giving club, The 1509 Society, and have their name recognised in our annual philanthropy report with donations from just £1 59 per month You will hear more about this and how to sign up during induction events.

We always welcome ideas of how to develop our programme. If you’d like to pass on your thoughts, get more involved or find out more about supporting our vision by making a donation, do email us at community@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Parent Group

The Prep School Parent Group connects parents through a series of exciting social and fundraising events. Through our events, we aim to raise funds for special school projects designed to benefit the majority of pupils, the school’s bursary fund and chosen charities.

We warmly welcome you to our events over the year. Furthermore, if you would like to get more involved – in as big or small a capacity as suits – there are many opportunities to do so, ranging from organising events for your year group to joining the Parent Group’s Operating Committee. It is a thoroughly enjoyable and very rewarding way to meet other parents and grow our wonderful community here.

We have a number of exciting events planned over the course of the Autumn Term Please put these dates in your diaries and further details will follow.

This is a wonderful opportunity for First Year parents to meet other parents and teachers from your child’s year.

New Parents’Welcome Coffee Morning

Tuesday 15 September, 8:15am to 10am

Meet other new parents over coffee and learn about all the wonderful events taking place and how to get involved or attend. Venue details will follow closer to the time.

Christmas Fayre

Sunday 13 December, 11am to 3pm, Sports Hall

The biggest event in the Prep events calendar, the Christmas Fayre, has something for the whole family! For one day, our school is transformed into a winter wonderland.

To find out more, please email us on the contact below. We look forward to welcoming you at one of our events soon!

Tuesday 8 September at 6pm, Ichthys Hall

Lower Third Parents’ Information Evening Lower Second Parents’ Information Evening

Wednesday 9 September at 6pm, Ichthys Hall

First Year New Parents’ Evening and Supper

Thursday 10 September at 6:30pm, St Paul’s Prep School

Second Hand Uniform Sale

September, date to be confirmed

The highly anticipated second hand uniform sale is open to all Prep school parents to purchase gently used uniforms donated by our generous parent community.

Harvest Festival

Monday 6 September at 8:30am, Wathen Hall

A thoughtful and inspiring service hosted by the School to encourage pupils to support the Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank All parents of Lower and Upper First boys are invited to the Harvest Festival to enjoy the beautiful service and singing.

Prep School Parent Group: Email: stpaulsjuniorspg@gmail.com

Telephone: Postal Address: 020 8748 3461 St Paul’s Prep School, Lonsdale Road, London SW13 9JT

Email: prepsecretary@stpaulsschool.org.uk

Website: www stpaulsschool org uk

St Paul’s School is a charitable company, limited by guarantee, registered in England. Registered office at Lonsdale Road, London SW13 9JT

Registered Company Number 6141973. Registered Charity Number 1119619. © St Paul’s School, August 2024 Information correct at time of printing