The school’s policy on the use of images of pupils
Site security
Complaints Policy
School policy documents and information
Code of Conduct for pupils
Our anti-bullying policy
How to deal with bullying or other problems
Conduct inside the school buildings
Registration
What to do if you feel unwell
Behaviour
Welcome
Welcome to St Paul’s Juniors 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 Lucy Turner, the School Secretary, on 020 8748 3461 (SPJSchoolSec@stpaulsschool.org.uk).
First point of contact
While your child is at SPJ, 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 Juniors, 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 Juniors, 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 Juniors is part of a wider local and global community and encourage an awareness and understanding of the needs and circumstances of other people.
Mr Oliver Snowball Head SPJHeadPA@stpaulsschool.org.uk
Mr Nick Arnold
Senior Deputy Head, Deputy Head Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
NA@stpaulsschool.org.uk
Mrs Tanya Zalar Deputy Head Academic TLZ@stpaulsschool.org.uk
Mr Matt Young Assistant Head
MY@stpaulsschool.org.uk
Mrs Danielle Dawson Head of First Years Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL)
DZD@stpaulsschool.org.uk
Mrs Emily Evans Head of Second Years
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL)
EBE@stpaulsschool.org.uk
Mr Daniel Kugananthan Head of Third Years
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Deputy DSL)
DSK@stpaulsschool.org.uk
Mr Richard Cassell Chair of Governors clerk@stpaulsschool.org.uk
Mrs Sally-Anne Huang
High Master
HMPA@stpaulsschool.org.uk
Mrs Sue Lorenzo Head’s PA and Office Manager
SPJHeadPA@stpaulsschool.org.uk
Mrs Lucy Turner School Secretary
SPJSchoolSEC@stpaulsschool.org.uk
Day-to-day administration and contact information
Postal Address: St Paul’s Juniors, Lonsdale Road, London SW13 9JT
Telephone: 020 8748 3461
General Enquiries: spjschoolsec@stpaulsschool.org.uk
Website: www.stpaulsschool.org.uk
The School Office is open from 8.00am to 5.00pm 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.
School Receptionists
SPJReceptionist@stpaulsschool.org.uk
Timetable
The school day
The school building is open for pupils from 8.00am. Pupils arriving before this time must wait in The Marquee. The Marquee 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 2024-25
2024 Autumn Term
Friday 30 August - Friday 13 December
Remedy dates:
Monday 21 October - Friday 1 November
Monday 2 December
2025 Spring Term
Thursday 9 January - Friday 28 March
Remedy dates:
Monday 17 February - Friday 21 February
2025 Summer Term
Wednesday 23 April - Friday 4 July
Remedy dates:
Monday 5 May
Monday 26 May - Friday 30 May
Useful Information
Absence from school
If a pupil is absent from school, parents should email or telephone 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.
Authorisation for absence from school will not be granted for family holidays that fall within our published term dates. Whenever possible, visits to the doctor or dentist should be arranged in the holidays, or out of school hours.
Off games
A pupil who is not fit for games should hand a parental note to their Form Tutor at the start of the day. Alternatively, please send an email to the School Office. 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.
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.
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.
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 child out of the car.
We will be encouraging the boys to make their own way from the car park to the Ichthys building using a designated route, guided by our SPJ staff and the security team.
At the end of the school day, pupils in the First Years are escorted to the marquee outside the Ichthys building by their Form Tutor. They can be picked up here by the adult who is taking them home or they are dismissed by their tutor to their school bus.
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 Juniors 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.
Collection 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.
Bus services
A number of bus services are in operation, some organised by the school and others run privately by parents. Further information can be found on our website.
For the privately-run services it is the responsibility of parents to check that the coach company is fully licensed and insured, that the vehicles have proper seat belts fitted and that there is a mobile phone on board for emergency use. Parents should also satisfy themselves that sufficient safety measures are in place and that the driver is able to maintain good order and discipline throughout the journey. Any complaints or concerns about safety, behaviour or any other matter should be directed in the first instance to the coach company and/or the parent organising the service.
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
Head of Second Years and Deputy DSL: Mrs Emily Evans
Head of Third Years and Deputy DSL: Mr Daniel Kugananthan
Senior Deputy Head, Deputy Head Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Mr Nick Arnold (oversees the pastoral care system)
Assemblies
The whole school meets twice per week on Monday and Wednesday in the Wathen Hall for morning assembly. On Tuesdays, First and Second Years have an assembly in the John Colet
Hall, while Third Years have an assembly in the Dorfman Theatre. 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
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 Juniors 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 Nick Arnold, the Senior Deputy Head and Deputy Head Pastoral, is the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and Ms Nicola Taylor is the Safeguarding and Welfare Coordinator. Mrs Danielle Dawson (Head of First Years), Mrs Emily Evans (Head of Second Years), Mr Daniel Kugananthan (Head of Third Years), and Mr Rory McNish 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, Keeping Children Safe in Education, is also available.
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. Certificates are awarded at certain House Point ‘milestones’.
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 The Grapevine, the weekly email bulletin.
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 SPJ 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.
The House system
There are four Houses in the school:
House Name Colour
Oak green
Ash light blue
Thorn red
Beech orange
Pupils are allocated a House before they start at St Paul’s Juniors. The School Shop has these details so that parents are able to purchase PE kit in the correct colours. 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.
Positions of responsibility for pupils
There are many opportunities for pupils to take on positions of responsibility during their time at St Paul’s Juniors. 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
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. The Grapevine is sent out by email to parents every Friday.
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.
Emails
A daily email is sent from the school at 4.30pm. Urgent emails may be sent separately.
Health
The school health team is made up of three nurses who are based at St Paul’s and serve both the junior 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 5422 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.
Medicines in school
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
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.
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
available to collect an ill child from school within an hour of being called by the nurses.
Head injuries
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.
Pupils’ responsibilities
Each pupil with a food allergy or intolerance should be proactive in the care and management of their food intake and reactions. In particular, they should:
• Not exchange food with others;
• Eat only food that is labelled with ingredients and read the label before eating;
• Be aware of other people eating around them and always wash their hands before eating, in case of contamination;
• Know where their medication is kept;
• Tell their friends of their allergies, so that they are aware should an emergency arise;
• Wear a Medic Alert talisman at all times, if they own one;
• Notify an adult immediately if they eat something they believe may contain the food to which they are allergic;
• Notify an adult immediately if they believe they are having a reaction, even if the cause is unknown.
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 54 pupils are admitted each year to the Lower First Year and approximately 18 pupils to the Upper First Year, making three 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 move from one 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
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 SPJ Hub and Parent Portal. Time allocations are shown in the table below:
Year Homework focus Time each evening per task
Lower First Reading + small task 20 mins
Upper First Reading + small task 20-25 mins
Lower Second 1-2 subjects 20-25 mins
Upper Second 2 subjects 20-30 mins
Lower Third 2-3 subjects 30-35 mins
Upper Third 2-3 subjects 30-35 mins
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 an iPad. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Presentation of written work
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.
Proof-reading
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.
iPads
iPads are used by all pupils at St Paul’s Juniors. When used selectively and well, they enhance motivation and creativity, promote independent and collaborative learning, and improve the flow of work between school and home. The guidelines and rules followed with regard to the use of iPads can be found on the school’s website and Parent Portal under “Useful Information > iPads in Education”.
The Library
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.
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 attach great importance to extra-curricular activities to facilitate learning beyond the classroom. The majority of clubs take place at
Extra-curricular clubs and activities
lunch time. Pupils are encouraged to take part in at least one extra-curricular activity each term.
At the start of each term a full list of clubs and activities is published on the Parent Portal and the SPJ Hub. For some clubs and activities an additional charge applies.
Concerts and school services
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 Wathen 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.
Charity partnerships
At St Paul’s Juniors, pupils are actively encouraged to engage in charity initiatives, both through voluntary service and fundraising opportunities. Our charity partnership for 2024-26 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.
Uniform and personal possessions
We expect all pupils to take pride in their appearance and to wear full school uniform when on site.
School uniform
The school uniform supplier (AlleyCatz) stocks all items on the approved uniform list for St Paul’s School and St Paul’s Juniors, together with all required items of sportswear, a selection of sports equipment and a wide range of stationery.
The supplier can be contacted by email: info@alleycatz.co.uk or by calling 01932 223075. Location: AlleyCatz Ltd, Claremont House, 34 Molesey Road, Hersham, KT12 4RQ
The School Uniform Supplier is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm by appointment. However, if there are no appointments available at your required time/date, please visit at your convenience, as they have extra staff to accommodate walk-in customers. You should bring your son with you for the fitting.
Second-hand uniform sales are held occasionally, details of which appear in The Grapevine.
All items of clothing, including all footwear, should be clearly marked with the child’s name.
Uniform list
Please refer to the Parent Portal for the current uniform list.
Hair length
Hair should be tidily styled. We ask that the front of a pupil’s hair be completely out of the way of their eyes and the back of the hair be well above the collar. Hair should be kept to its natural colour and not bleached or coloured.
Personal possessions
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.
Spray deodorants
Pupils are not permitted to bring spray deodorants into school. A roll-on or solid deodorant should be packed in their games bag.
Handheld electronic devices
At St Paul’s Juniors, we acknowledge that handheld devices are part of everyday life for our pupils and that they can serve a very useful purpose. We do, however, have a duty of care with regard to their appropriate and safe use. The following has been drawn up to clarify how and when pupils are permitted to use such devices in school and on school trips:
• iPads, smart watches, e-readers and mobile phones are the only electronic devices allowed in school;
• mobile phones are permitted in school provided that they are clearly labelled and remain switched off and stored in lockers while on the school grounds. We discourage pupils from bringing mobile phones into school unless they are making their way to and from school independently;
•a pupil can use their phone to make a call or send a text but may only do so when permission has been granted by a member of staff. The call or text must be made from the School Office or in the vicinity of the member of staff who granted permission;
•use of a mobile phone without permission will be dealt with by the Head of Year. Depending on the seriousness of the incident, appropriate restrictions will be imposed by the Head of Year upon the use of the phone by the pupil concerned;
• any phone not switched off will be confiscated and placed in the School Office for collection at the end of the school day. Any pupil caught more than once will receive a detention with their Head of Year and will be required to hand their phone into the School Office for the remainder of the term;
• mobile phones are not allowed to be taken on school trips. On residential trips school mobile numbers are given to parents to contact;
• parents should recognise that they have an important responsibility to ensure that the content of any electronic device brought in to school is appropriate to the age of their child and that there would be no reason for the school to disapprove;
• parents are advised to insure electronic devices brought into school. While the school will endeavour to assist the pupil if an item of personal property is lost or stolen, we cannot take responsibility for the loss of such items;
• and parents should inform the school of the mobile phone number.
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, The Coletine, or our whole-school termly newspaper St Paul’s News. In addition, photographs may appear on our intranet or website or on our Instagram feed.
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 & Complaints Policy
Site Security
All external doors may be opened only by key fob, which is distributed to all pupils when they join the school. Lost key fobs should be reported to Form Tutors. Key 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.
Complaints Policy
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
School policies and information for parents
The following documents are available on our website:
• Accessibility
• Admissions
• Alcohol policy
• Anti-bullying
• Anti-Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement
• Assessment, recording and reporting
• Attendance
• Behaviour, rewards and sanctions
• Complaints procedure for parents
• Curriculum
• Data protection and privacy notice for all stakeholders
• 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
• Number of complaints recorded in the previous school year
• 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 Juniors:
• 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 SPJ. 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 an UPSTANDER.
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 you ask 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.
Registration
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Juniors.
St Paul’s Community
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 are also developing the 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.
Ellie Sleeman Director of Development & Engagement
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 senior schools 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.
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 or visit the website at www.stpaulsschool.org.uk.
Parent Group
The SPJ 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.
Second Years Parents’ Information Evening
Tuesday 3 September at 6pm, Wathen Hall
Lower Third Parents’ Information Evening
Wednesday 4 September at 6pm, Wathen Hall
First Year New Parents’ Evening and Supper
Thursday 5 September at 6:30pm, Wathen Hall, Founder’s Court and Dining Hall
This is a wonderful opportunity for First Year parents to meet other parents and teachers from your child’s year. A delicious array of food will be catered by existing parents. The supper is open to all Lower and Upper First parents.
New Parent’s Welcome Coffee Morning
Friday 13 September, 8:30am to 10:30am
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.
Second Hand Uniform Sale
Wednesday 18 September, 8am, SPJ Pavilion
The highly anticipated second hand uniform sale is open to all SPJ parents to purchase gently used uniforms donated by our generous parent community.
Harvest Festival
Monday 16 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.
Christmas Fayre
Sunday 17 November, 11am to 3pm, Wathen Hall
The biggest event in the SPJ 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!
