Westminster Under School’s reputation for academic excellence is a source of immense pride within its community. This tradition of excellence is reflected in the impressive achievements of our pupils, as they progress to senior schools, including Westminster School, often with academic, music, and sporting scholarships and exhibitions.
These achievements are not the only measure of academic excellence; they stem from the day-to-day culture of the School at all levels – both in the Lower School (Reception to Year 4), as well as the Upper School (Years 5 to 8). The School promotes a genuine love of and enthusiasm for learning in pupils by offering a curriculum that is broad, stimulating, and enriching. Lessons are discursive, engaging, and thought-provoking. In the spirit of Westminster School’s guiding principle of ‘loyal dissent’, pupils routinely ask and research answers to interesting questions of their own, representing the independence of thought and intellectual curiosity that shapes the Under School community, further supported by an extensive extra-curricular programme.
Under School learning is not characterised by teaching to the test, but is instead focused on a breadth of education that is both well-rounded and contemporary, equipping pupils with the knowledge, skills, and abilities for success. Skills such as communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability go hand-in-hand with the depth of content across all subjects in the academic curriculum.
Just as Westminster’s long history of thoughtful, high-quality scholarship helps to shape the inquisitive minds of pupils, our pupils are empowered and educated to shape their ever-changing world, whether through academic work, friendships and family life, or involvement in the wider community.
