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The School is situated next to Westminster Abbey in central London, near Parliament Square.

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Westminster School educates 13-16 year old boys (the Lower School) and 16-18 year old boys and girls (the Upper School). Boys in the Lower School follow a broad curriculum leading to GCSE qualifications at the end of three years. Pupils in the Upper School specialise in three or four subjects and take A level examinations after two years. Westminster specialises in teaching pupils of high academic ability.

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Westminster School is a Registered Charity. The School was originally part of Westminster Abbey, but was formally separated during the nineteenth century. Close links are retained with the Abbey with regular use of the Abbey building for assemblies and school services. The School aims to educate children according to Christian principles. Westminster School is not part of the State Education system but is regularly inspected in an inspection similar to OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education).

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Each school year, there are around 700 pupils enrolled at Westminster, of whom 100 are girls in the Upper School.

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Please refer to the latest list of fees.

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At the 13+ entry level, the School offers up to eight half-fee Boarding Scholarships based on performance in the School’s entrance examination (The Challenge) and some bursaries. At the 16+ entry level, a small number of bursaries are also available to boys and girls. All bursaries are based on academic ability and a financial assessment. See also Entry at 11+.

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New pupils are admitted only at the start of the academic year at the end of August. Boys should join the Lower School at the beginning of the academic year in which they become 14 years old. Boys and girls normally join the Upper School at the beginning of the academic year in which they become 17 years old.

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For 2007/08, of the 736 pupils attending the School there are 172 pupils boarding. There are five boarding houses for boys and a separate boarding house for girls. Many boarding pupils, however, live close to London and all are free to go home at weekends.

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For 13+ entry, prospective pupils must take either the Common Entrance [includes Maths 2 and 4, French, Latin (if possible), Science, English, History and Geography] or The Challenge (scholarship examination) in May time before the term of entry. For 16+ entry, tests in proposed A level subjects and interviews are conducted at the School.

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Overseas pupils can study at Westminster provided they have a relative or legal guardian living in the UK with whom he or she can stay some weekends.

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In order to cope with both the social and academic demands of being at Westminster, pupils should be fluent English speakers. Normally, pupils should have been educated in the medium of English for at least three years before they come to the School.

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Although the School is firmly rooted in the Christian tradition, religious belief does not form part of our selection criteria. However, candidates should be aware that Westminster has Saturday morning school.

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Boys who come to Westminster at 13 years old should intend to stay for five years to complete A levels. Boys and girls who join the School at 16 years old should intend to stay for two years to complete A levels.

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As a school that specialises in teaching pupils of high academic ability, Westminster is keen to enrol students who will feel comfortable here. If you feel that your child may be suitable, please read the Notes for parents section before you proceed to register online.

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The Prospectus is available online for download.

  Download Propsectus (pdf)

If you require a printed copy, please write to:

The Registrar,
Little Dean's Yard,
Westminster,
London SW1P 3PF,
UK.

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