The year begins, and a new selection process for the St. Paul’s Foundation Scholarship Programme is approaching. As candidates prepare for this new opportunity, they can find more detailed information in this article about how each eliminatory stage of the journey unfolds over the 18 months of selection.
Stage 1 – Application and submission of documents
The first stage takes place between February and March and begins with completing the application form, available on the Foundation’s website during the application period. The form requests various pieces of information that must be completed very carefully, such as family income, the candidate’s current school, and contact details for the candidate and their family members.
In the same form, candidates must upload essential documents for the process. The first is a video of up to 90 seconds, in English, in which the candidate introduces themselves and explains why they wish to apply for the scholarship – instructions on how to record the video can be found here. Candidates must also submit their school reports for the 2024 and 2025 academic years, with full grades (academic transcripts will not be accepted), and write a handwritten essay in English of up to 200 words, choosing one of the topics listed on the website. If the video or the essay is not submitted in English, the candidate will be automatically disqualified.
Based on this information and material, the Foundation carries out an initial assessment to decide which candidates progress to the next stage.
Stage 2 – Competency tests
The second stage takes place in April, when candidates attend St. Paul’s School for a full day of assessments. The CAT4 and NGRT tests do not require prior knowledge and assess cognitive skills, as well as English, mathematics, and logical reasoning. In addition to helping to better understand each participant’s academic profile, this stage also provides an opportunity to experience the school environment, as all activities take place on campus.
Stage 3 – Individual interviews
Individual interviews generally take place between May and June and are conducted in English by members of the school staff, such as coordinators and academic leaders. At this stage, aspects such as communication skills, maturity, motivation, personal interests, and alignment with the programme’s values are assessed. This is an important opportunity to get to know the candidate beyond grades and tests, while also allowing the candidate to learn more about how the school operates.
Stage 4 – Preparation course
Candidates who progress take part in a preparatory course that may last up to one year. The first term runs from August to December and focuses on English immersion, with lessons at St. Paul’s School and at Cultura Inglesa, the Foundation’s partner, to monitor the student’s language development. In the second semester, from February to May, classes expand to include other subjects, such as science and mathematics, taught in English three times a week at St. Paul’s School.
This period serves not only as an assessment but also as preparation for the academic and interpersonal challenges students may face along the way, both inside and outside St. Paul’s. Not all candidates progress to the final stage, but the experience is enriching for everyone, as it allows participants to explore new environments, experience a different educational model, and reflect on whether this reality aligns with their future plans.
Stage 5 – Final selection
The final selection takes place in June and is conducted jointly by St. Paul’s Foundation and St. Paul’s School, taking into account the number of available places in each year group and the candidate’s overall performance throughout all stages, as well as their motivation and development. Successful candidates receive official confirmation and begin the school integration process, marking the start of a new phase in their journey. Classes for new students begin in August.
More than a selection process, this is a journey of learning and growth. Each stage has been designed to promote transformative opportunities for candidates and their families, to gain a deeper understanding of each candidate’s potential, and to support participating students in preparing for future challenges in life.