ST PAUL’S COLLEGE
Within the University of Sydney
CONFIDENTIAL
CHARACTER REFERENCE
You have been named by the applicant as a referee in his / her application for a place at St Paul’s
College. Your reference is an essential part of the student’s application and will be treated in the
STRICTEST CONFIDENCE.
St Paul’s is an Anglican residential college within the University of Sydney. Founded in 1856 it is the
oldest college of its kind in Australia. As well as full board, we offer a broad tutorial programme, academic
mentoring, pastoral care, leadership opportunities, plus a full range of sporting, cultural and social
opportunities. Active and willing participation in the College’s communal life is expected.
We are extremely grateful for your assistance. (If you would prefer to speak to us in person about this
candidate, please contact the Registrar on 9550 7451.)
Thank you!
Name of applicant:
Name of academic referee:
Referee’s position:
Referee’s email:
1. In what capacity do you know the applicant?
2. How long have you know the applicant?
ACADEMIC
3. Please rank the candidate’s current academic standing within his/her Year group
Top 5% Top 10% Top 20% Top 30%
Around the Middle Next 25% Bottom 25%
4. What ATAR/IB score (or range of scores) do you expect for him/her?
Predicted Score -
or
Range – Lower Limit Range – Upper Limit
5. In your professional experience, how does the candidate rate in the following areas in
comparison with others in his/her Year group? (Please place a tick in the appropriate box.)
Outstanding Better than As good as Below
most most average
Genuine interest in Academic
work
Standard of academic work
Work ethic
Organisation / time management
Intellectual curiosity beyond HSC
Extra-curricular participation
Moral compass / courage of
convictions
Honesty / trustworthiness
Judgement / common sense
Initiative / original thought
Social / interpersonal skills
Empathy / consideration for
others
Ability to deal with stress
Leadership qualities
How he/she handles
disappointment
Personal presentation (dress etc.)
6. What would you say are the candidate’s strongest personal qualities?
7. What comments can you make regarding the candidate’s level of maturity,
conduct/discipline record, social interactions or personal development in the school context?
8. Being able to balance study and other demands on one’s time is critical to thriving in a
residential university college. How do you think the applicant will cope with time management
in a less structured environment?
9. To your knowledge, has the candidate been known to engage in antisocial or other
unacceptable conduct outside of school (e.g. sexual misconduct, drug use, excessive
consumption of alcohol etc.)?
10. Does the candidate have any mental health or emotional issues (such as anxiety) you
believe we should be aware of?
11. Are there any other issues concerning this candidate, including family background, you feel
we should be aware of, or any further comments you would like to make about the applicant?
Signature of referee
Date
When completed, please email to the College Registrar, Tracey Donkin, at registrar@[Link]