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St. Paul's School - Sao Paulo

Brazil, São Paulo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, Portuguese
Fees R$104,592
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 1088
Type Co-educational
Opened 1926
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP)
Taught languages Portuguese, English
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Visual and Creative Arts, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

St. Paul's School, São Paulo is a British international day school in the Jardins district serving pupils aged 3 to 18. The curriculum blends the English National Curriculum with Cambridge IGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, while incorporating the Brazilian Core Curriculum. It provides a British bilingual and bicultural education across Escola Infantil, Ensino Fundamental and Ensino Médio, with qualified local teachers registered with MEC. The school follows a Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form structure and offers enrichment in arts, culture and sport, plus field trips to broaden learning beyond the classroom and to foster identity within a diverse society. Founded in 1926 by the British community, the school is governed by FABEC as a not-for-profit foundation; the UK Consul General sits on the Board. Modern facilities in Jardins include a new sports centre, a Sixth Form centre, a learning resources centre and refurbished Pre-Prep. A 1:2 iPad programme, BYOD and digital spaces support research, and 100% of leavers enroll in three to four-year courses worldwide.

R. Juquiá, 166 - Jardim Paulistano, São Paulo - SP, 01440-020, Brazil

The Essentials

St. Paul's School - Sao Paulo has 1,088 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English, Portuguese.

Location
Rua Juquia 166, J.Paulistano, Sao Paulo, SP 01440-903

Stages
Early Years (Pre-Prep); Junior School (Pre-Prep & Prep); Senior School; Sixth Form

Type
British international school

Pupil Nationality Mix
Multicultural community with over 25 nationalities across year groups.

Country affiliation
British
Diving Deeper

House System
The school has a house system as part of its enrichment programme, offering ample opportunities to develop skills in creative arts, music and sports both inside and outside the classroom.

Governance and Ownership
St Pauls School is a not-for-profit foundation. Governance is the responsibility of a Board of Governors whose members are appointed by representatives (or Trustees) of the British community. Governors and trustees are UK nationals; the UK Consul General sits on the Board and The British Ambassador to Brazil is the honorary President. The Governors appoint the Headmaster who is responsible for the day-to-day running of St. Pauls School and works with the School Executive.
Fees

Annual tuition at St. Paul's School - Sao Paulo ranges from BRL 104,592 for 2026/27.

Application / Registration Fee

- St. Paul's School reports a one‑off registration/placement fee in public reports. A widely cited figure for this fee is R$ 33,768 (one‑off).

Tuition fees by year group (reported figures and annual equivalents)

- Published public reports do not provide a full official 2026/27 fee schedule on the school's publicly accessible materials. The most recent widely reported fee figures available in the public domain are from press coverage (reported for 2023) and differ between sources; both sets of figures are given below so you have the reported monthly amounts and simple annual equivalents (monthly × 12) for parent budgeting purposes.

- Reported (Forbes Brasil, reported as monthly amounts):
- Early Years / Educação Infantil: R$ 8,716 per month — annual equivalent R$ 104,592.
- Ensino Fundamental (Primary/Lower Secondary): R$ 8,716 per month — annual equivalent R$ 104,592.
- Ensino Médio (Senior School / High School): R$ 11,012 per month — annual equivalent R$ 132,144.

- Alternative reported figures (other national press reporting the same dataset):
- Reported matrícula (registration) R$ 12,182 and mensalidade (monthly tuition) ~R$ 12,104 (reported as a monthly figure for Ensino Médio in some press summaries). Annual equivalent of R$ 12,104 per month would be R$ 145,248.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The school's public Terms of Service and parent communications describe that detailed billing, payment schedules and payment information are handled through the school's parent communications channels and portals rather than published as a public fee schedule. The exact billing model (number of instalments per year, whether the school issues an annual invoice/‘anuidade' or monthly invoices, early‑payment discounts, or sibling discount rules in force for 2026/27) is not published in an accessible public fee schedule.

Boarding fees

- No current boarding programme or boarding fees are listed in the school's public profile. St. Paul's School is described in its school profile as a day school delivering Pre‑Prep through Sixth Form (K–12) on its Jardins campus; therefore boarding fees are not applicable.

Other costs and compulsory extras

- Publicly reported summaries of St. Paul's fees record the registration/placement fee and monthly tuition only; a published, itemised list of additional compulsory charges (uniform, books/materials, technology fees, school lunch, transport, extra‑curricular programme fees or school trips) for 2026/27 or 2025/26 was not available in the school's publicly accessible documents. Where other schools include separate material/technology charges in reporting, those appear as separate line items; St. Paul's public reporting in the sources consulted did not provide the same line‑by‑line breakdown for uniforms or materials.

Refunds and cancellations

- The school's public Terms of Service and policies indicate that detailed rules about registrations, payments and related administrative processes are managed through the school's parent channels and formal policies available to registered families. A public, itemised refund or cancellation policy for fee payments (effective for 2026/27) was not published in the publicly accessible documents reviewed. Refund and withdrawal terms are handled in the school's formal documentation for parents.

Fee payment options

- The public Terms of Service explains that information about payments is provided to parents via the school's parent communications app and admissions office; specific payment methods (for example, bank transfer, boleto, credit card authorisation, direct debit) are not published as a public list. Parents are normally required to use the school's payment channels described in admissions/parent communications.

Summary note on the figures above

- The figures presented above are taken from the most recent widely circulated public reporting available in the sources consulted; public reports show differing figures in different outlets. The school's public materials (school profile and Terms of Service) describe admissions, communications and where parents receive invoicing information but do not publish a detailed 2026/27 fee schedule on the publicly accessible site. For accurate, binding billing information for a particular application year and for exact instalment schedules, documented refunds, compulsory extras (uniforms, transport, meals), and accepted payment methods, the school issues the formal fee schedule and terms to applicants/registered families through its admissions and parent communication channels.
Academics

St. Paul's School - Sao Paulo teaches British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The curriculum is aligned with the English National Curriculum, incorporating the UK National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, while also meeting the Brazilian Core Curriculum. It provides a British bilingual and bicultural education across Escola Infantil, Ensino Fundamental and Ensino Médio, with qualified local teachers registered with MEC. Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form structure the programme. The school offers enrichment opportunities in arts, culture and sport, as well as field trips to broaden learning beyond the classroom. The curriculum also emphasizes developing pupils sense of identity, including spiritual, moral, social and cultural aspects of a diverse society.

Exam Results
IB Diploma Programme: 2023-2024 cohort achieved a 100% pass rate with 75 diploma recipients; average points score was 35.4, higher than the global average of 30.32, with about 22% of grades at 7 and 18 pupils scoring 40 or more. Cambridge IGCSEs: for the year, over half the grades were A*-A, with 9 students achieving all A* and A grades and 75% of grades in the A*-B range. Recent news items include the Class of 2025 IB results announced in August 2025.

Higher Education Progression
St. Paul graduates enroll in three- to four-year degree programs at colleges and universities worldwide. In the United Kingdom, destinations include Cambridge, Durham, LSE, UCL, Kings College London and Warwick. In the United States and Canada, destinations include Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Penn, Columbia and NYU. In Continental Europe and elsewhere, destinations include IE University (Spain), University of Amsterdam and University of Toronto; in Brazil, Insper, Fundação Getúlio Vargas and Mackenzie.

Gifted and Talented
The enrichment program offers a wide range of clubs and societies, trips and activities in sport, music and the arts. Notable programs for high-achieving pupils include Model United Nations and the Duke of Edinburghs International Award.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Healthy emotional development is at the heart of the school. The strong Pastoral Care and PSHE programme is guided by the We Care Programme, a whole-school pupil-focused wellbeing and mental health prevention framework designed to develop social-emotional skills and build respectful relationships. Each school section has a Head of Pastoral to support pupils in behavioural and emotional issues, and a full-time Psychologist works as the School Counsellor, offering individual sessions. The Senior School uses a tutorial system with tutors who oversee pastoral, academic and social development and can arrange one-to-one meetings. The aims of the pastoral framework include belonging, self-esteem and emotional wellbeing, the development of integrity and citizenship, and preparation for leadership and responsible decision-making.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
St. Paul's delivers a British bilingual and bicultural education, with English as the language of instruction in the majority of lessons. In Pre-Prep, home languages are celebrated while most of the day is taught in English, and there is specialist provision for Portuguese and other disciplines. The school uses English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and National Curriculum (NC) in the early years to ensure key knowledge and skills are developed. Pre-Prep includes dedicated Portuguese specialist teaching in addition to core English-language learning. The curriculum is aligned with the English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, while incorporating Brazilian core requirements.

Mental Wellbeing
St. Paul's recognises a responsibility to protect and nurture positive mental health by developing skills within our pupils that lead to positive relationships, good decision making and socially minded behaviours that contribute positively to the school community and beyond. The WE CARE programme is a whole-school pupil-focused wellbeing support programme intended to promote the character traits we wish to see in all Pauleans. It provides support and guidance when pupils fail at this, as well as praise and recognition when they succeed, and it does not replace the school's behaviour policies. It is a set of values and a mind-set that promotes a constructive approach to all situations.

Safeguarding
There is nothing more important than your child's safety. Our wellbeing and child protection policies and procedures follow the ‘getting it right for every child' legislation. We are constantly reflecting on what we could do better, always making sure that the wellbeing and protection of our young people is integral to what we do here.
Parent Experience

History
The school originated from the British community in São Paulo in the early 20th century. It opened in February 1926 with 88 pupils under Headmaster J.A. Dodd and moved to Rua Juquiá in 1928. The school is overseen by trustees and governors as a not-for-profit Fundação Anglo-Brasileira de Educação e Cultura (FABEC), with statutes agreed in 1961. In the 1960s and 1970s it became a wholly co-educational day school for pupils aged 4–16, and in the 1980s it registered as Escola Britânica de São Paulo and introduced the International Baccalaureate Diploma; Sixth Formers received their Segundo Grau in 1983 and the first IB Diplomas were awarded in 1987. The curriculum is British and Brazilian; the UK Consul General sits on the Board of Governors and the British Ambassador to Brazil is honorary President; the school is a member of the Headmasters' Conference (HMC), the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) and the Latin American Heads Conference (LAHC).

Community
The St. Paul's community centers on the Parent and Teacher Association (PTA), which aims to foster a strong school community, improve communication between school and parents, enrich pupils' learning experiences, and promote fundraising for charities in Brazil. The PTA's flagship event is International Day, a multicultural celebration with country stands representing cultures from around the world and extensive parent volunteer involvement. Charity and community service are integral, with pupils undertaking outreach activities across the school and through the IB Diploma's Creativity, Action and Service program. The school collaborates with organizations such as Fundação Britânica de Beneficência (FBB), Mão Amiga and Liga Solidária, and pupils participate in visits and service projects.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PTA plays an important role in the school community, with volunteers from parents, teachers and staff. The PTA fosters strong communication between school and parents, enlivens pupils' learning experiences, and promotes fundraising events to support charities and other institutions in Brazil. The PTA's flagship event is International Day, a multicultural celebration with country stands representing global cultures; sponsors and brands provide funding to ensure proceeds go to charities. Charity and community service are central, with activities that involve visiting partner organizations and supporting community projects. The PTA can be contacted at pta@stpauls.br.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
St. Paul's School is located in the Jardins district of São Paulo. The campus has undergone extensive refurbishment and extension. Notable additions include a new sports centre, a Sixth Form centre, and a new learning resources centre. The Pre-Prep School area has been fully refurbished to provide updated facilities for early years.

Sports Facilities
A new sports centre is on campus. The school offers a broad programme of sport including swimming, badminton, rowing, rugby, volleyball, basketball, football, futsal and table tennis.

Academic Facilities
The Sixth Form centre provides facilities for senior study and a dedicated learning resources centre supports research and study. Digital learning spaces include classrooms with interactive whiteboards and Apple TVs, a 1:2 iPad programme for Prep and Senior School pupils, and a BYOD environment for older students. There is a creative space for hands-on work with 3D design, robotics and carving. Pre-Prep has purpose-built rooms for Physical Education, Music, Art and Portuguese.

Extra Curricular Facilities
St. Paul's offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities designed to extend learning beyond the classroom. Sport is central to school life, with activities across swimming, badminton, rowing, rugby, volleyball, basketball, football, futsal and table tennis. The enrichment programme provides opportunities across arts and clubs and extends into school events and celebrations. London College of Music exams have been offered since 2016 as part of the school's extra-curricular opportunities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The St. Paul's curriculum is aligned with the English National Curriculum, incorporating the UK National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSEs, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. It also incorporates the Brazilian Core Curriculum. Every pupil is inspired to take advantage of enrichment opportunities beyond the academic curriculum and to understand the wider world around them. The school provides a British bilingual and bicultural education, integrating elements of Brazilian education across the Escola Infantil, Ensino Fundamental and Ensino Médio with qualified local teachers registered with MEC.

Arts & Creative
The Arts are central to the enrichment program, with visual arts, drama, and film encouraging creativity and self-discovery. Pupils are encouraged to express themselves through these artistic activities and to learn about themselves. The enrichment program includes a wide range of clubs and societies—from dance to astronomy, knitting to robotics—with Model United Nations and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award also offered.

Cultural & Language
The school offers a British bilingual and bicultural education. St. Paul's integrates elements of Brazilian education across the Escola Infantil, Ensino Fundamental and Ensino Médio. Qualified local teachers, fully registered with the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC), are part of the teaching staff.

Social & Hobbies
Sport is an essential ingredient of the school's culture and is embraced as an opportunity for growth, shaping pupils' character. The Clubs & Societies range from dance to astronomy, knitting to robotics, mathematics Olympiads and debating, including the Model United Nations and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. Field trips and residential visits extend learning beyond the classroom.

Community & Service
The Parent and Teacher Association (PTA) coordinates volunteer work to foster a strong school community, enhance communication with parents, and support charities in Brazil. The International Day is the PTA's flagship event, a multicultural celebration with country stands representing cultures from around the world. Charity and community service are central; pupils engage with institutions such as Liga Solidária, Mão Amiga, Fundação Britânica de Beneficência, and, in Sixth Form, Creativity, Activity and Service as part of their IB Diploma.

Leadership & Professional
Pupils in the Senior School, and especially in the Sixth Form, participate in a full programme to prepare for university applications, including lectures, workshops, talks by former pupils, and Morrisby Psychometric Testing. There is practical ACT (American College Testing) and SAT preparation on Saturdays, and one timetable period dedicated to university guidance where representatives of leading universities provide advice. Two university and professional guidance fairs are held each year. 100% of leavers enroll in three- or four-year courses at colleges or universities around the world.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Healthy emotional development is at the heart of St. Paul's, supported by strong pastoral care and a PSHE – personal, social and health education – programme guided by the We Care principles. A full-time psychologist acts as School Counsellor, and each school section has a Head of Pastoral to support students' social and emotional development. Safeguarding follows the ‘getting it right for every child' approach to ensure pupil safety. The aims of the tutorial system include belonging, self-esteem, leadership, and responsible citizenship, with kindness, integrity and inclusion as core values.
Languages

Language Provision
The curriculum is aligned with the English National Curriculum, the UK National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, while incorporating the Brazilian Core Curriculum. It is a British bilingual and bicultural education integrating elements of Brazilian education at Escola Infantil, Ensino Fundamental and Ensino Médio. Local teachers are qualified and registered with the Brazilian Ministry of Education (MEC) and are part of the teaching staff.

Bilingual Teaching
The school provides a British bilingual and bicultural education.
Admissions

Admissions
PP1 entry (3 years old). Stage 1: Enquire. Read about St. Paul's values and policies. Stage 2: Visit St. Paul's — Open Mornings for Pre-Prep 1 Admissions. Open Mornings are held several times each term and include a guided school tour led by Student Admissions Ambassadors and a leadership presentation to give insight into daily life and the educational approach. Open mornings are for parents; international families can request a personalised session, subject to availability. Do not book visits more than a few months in advance. Stage 3: Application. After an Open Morning, families receive detailed instructions to begin the application. Complete the form and pay a non-refundable application fee of R$800; payment does not guarantee a place. Stage 4: Informative meeting with Admissions team. All Pre-Prep 1 applicants are invited to a meeting with the Admissions Team to learn about life in the Pre-Prep, daily routines, curriculum, and educational approach; parents may ask questions; children do not attend. Stage 5: Stay & Play session. The Stay & Play session is held on different days in February and March of the year of entry and observes children in a group classroom setting in an English-speaking environment; no preparation is needed and detailed information is provided in advance. Outcomes. After all stages, the school notifies families of the outcome. Applications are frequently oversubscribed; if a place is offered, families receive a list of enrolment documents and detailed information about fees.

Scholarships
St. Paul's Scholarship Programme includes the St. Paul's Endowment, established to expand financial assistance and advance towards a target of 10% of Senior School pupils receiving financial aid. The Endowment supports the St. Paul's Foundation Scholarship Programme, which offers fully funded places for talented Brazilian children whose families cannot cover the costs of an international education. The Bursary Fund provides partial fee assistance for British families, funded by FABEC. Eligibility requires the child and one parent to hold UK passports and the British parent to have lived in the UK for at least 10 years; assistance is means-tested, up to 40% of tuition, not time-limited but reviewed, and involves submission of school reports and financial documents. The application process includes an assessment day, submission of income documents, and a decision by a Bursary Subcommittee.

Waitlist
If there are no places available for the year group, families are asked whether they would like to be placed on our contact list for future vacancies.
School Events
The school has not added events
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