Westminster Under School is a co-educational London preparatory school for boys and girls aged 4-13. Characterised by its location on one of the capital’s largest and most significant green spaces, which serves as the pupils’ playground and sports fields, the School also benefits from access to all that London has to offer.
Pupils embody a profound love and joy of learning, which is reflected in their success in competitions and the impressive array of schools that they go on to attend. Their curiosity is nurtured through the School’s commitment to a liberal education. Alongside the rich academic curriculum is our Values-Based Education, which seeks to instil a sense of respect, compassion and thoughtfulness in all that pupils do during their time at the Under School, and beyond.
A Westminster Under School Education
Westminster Under School pupils are academic and creative, with a love of knowledge. Teaching and learning is characterised by thought-provoking and stimulating lessons, with participation and debate led by enthusiastic teachers, who encourage pupils to look beyond the curriculum and discover things for themselves. The distinctive style of teaching and learning prepares pupils well for the challenges of senior school.
Positions of responsibility and pupil initiatives
Year 8 pupils serve as Prefects, led by a Head Pupil, and play an important role in guiding younger pupils through their example. This system fosters a strong sense of responsibility and leadership within the school community. Prefects are appointed each term and help to promote a culture of service by leading initiatives such as the Under School’s Enterprise Programme, which encourages charitable action and supports sustainability-focused projects aimed at making a positive difference in the wider world.
Our inclusive and diverse community
A Westminster Under School education is an accessible one. Our community is friendly and diverse, welcoming day pupils from across the capital. Boys and girls join the School at 4+, 7+ and 11+; many pupils are successful in securing bursaries and music scholarships at 11+. The culture of the Under School celebrates those things that unite the School community through shared interests, but also values individuality – pupils’ talents, achievements, languages, and cultural backgrounds. Pupils leave the Under School as responsible, respectful and bright young people who want to make a positive impact on society and the world around them.
Safeguarding and wellbeing
Pupils’ safety, both in and beyond the school environment, is of the utmost importance and is overseen by a team of five trained safeguarding staff. Each pupil’s emotional and mental wellbeing is supported by a dedicated form tutor, complemented by a wider pastoral network that includes Housemasters, Heads of Year, and the School Counsellor. The School’s joined‑up approach ensures that every child is known, supported, and cared for throughout their time at Westminster.
Co-curricular opportunities and enrichment
Co-curricular activities, known as Extras at the Under School, punctuate the day-to-day. Almost all pupils attend lessons for at least one musical instrument, while many are involved in choirs and ensembles. Some pupils choose to be involved in the School’s extensive drama programme, acting or taking on roles behind the scenes. Chess club is one of numerous popular after-school clubs with a reputation for success. Twice a week pupils have an entire morning or afternoon dedicated to sport, and expeditions in and around London, and often overseas, are frequently organised. Pupils also attend book groups and society talks, sometimes given by their older peers from Westminster School.
Our history
The Under School’s senior counterpart, Westminster School, is one of the UK’s leading academic institutions and has a rich history dating back almost half a millennium. In 1943, Westminster expanded its educational scope by forming the Under School, an independent preparatory school for young boys. As of September 2026, the Under School will have expanded, becoming co-educational and welcoming boys and girls to the new Pre-Prep and girls to the existing entry points at 7+ and 11+.
