Westminster welcomes pupils from all across the world and our diverse pupil body reflects this. Candidates based overseas can join the School in the sixth form as boarders. For international students looking for a UK boarding school, our central London location offers exceptional accessibility, while providing boarders with unrivalled access to the capital’s rich arts and cultural scene.
Boarding at the School is a popular choice for those pupils joining us in the Sixth Form. It builds independence and self-reliance, equipping pupils with the skills and confidence needed for life beyond school, whether at university or in the workplace. In fact, it is not uncommon for day pupils moving up to Year 12 to choose to board in the Sixth Form. Many find that boarding enables them to take full advantage of school life during this busy and important stage of their education.
For 16+ overseas applicants, the application process is very similar to that for UK-based pupils. Parents of pupils applying from overseas should read this section carefully before beginning a 16+ application via our 16+ Entry page. For 16+ admission to the School in 2027, the date of birth of candidates applying must be between 1 September 2010 and 31 August 2011. In some cases, the School may request proof of age if required. Please note that any dates listed below refer to our next round of recruitment for September 2027, but the application process follows a similar pattern every year, so please check back at the end of February 2027 for details for 2028 entry and so on.
We are unable to offer international boarding places from Years 9 to 11 at Westminster School. International pupils under the age of 16 must have parents resident in the UK in order to apply for a 13+ entry place at the School.
What are the School’s English Language Requirements?
Candidates need to be fluent in both written and spoken English. Lessons at Westminster move quickly, and pupils without strong English skills are likely to find it difficult to keep pace. Dictionaries are not permitted in entrance examinations, so we encourage parents to make a considered assessment of their child’s English level before applying.
All applicants who have English as an additional language will need to submit a UKiset (UK Independent Schools’ Entry Test) or a IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System) profile as part of their application. Tests should be arranged directly via www.ukiset.com or www.ielts.org. For 2027 entry, the test must be completed before the application deadline: Wednesday 30 September 2026.
Do I need to have (I)GCSE Qualifications as an international candidate?
There is no (I)GCSE requirement for overseas candidates who attend schools that do not prepare pupils for (I)GCSE examinations. Candidates will be considered for a place based on their performance in the School’s entrance exams and a transcript of results from their current school. Please refer to the Department Profiles pages to find out more about entrance examinations for different subjects.
Entrance examinations
- Overseas candidates who are unable to sit the entrance examinations at Westminster School may arrange invigilation at their local British Council. Parents will need to make arrangements directly and cover any associated costs. Westminster will confirm the security and suitability of the supervision arrangements in advance.
- The examinations should be taken on the designated Examination Day, which for 2027 entry is Saturday 7 November 2026. If this is not possible, families may request permission from the School to take the exams on 6 or 8 November 2026. The examinations cannot be taken outside these dates.
- Candidates offering Music as one of their four subjects must sit their entrance examinations at Westminster School on Saturday 7 November 2026; these cannot be taken overseas.
- If a candidate is invited for interview, they will need to attend in person at Westminster School on the designated Interview Day, Saturday 28 November 2026. We appreciate that booking last-minute travel can be challenging, but interviews must take place on site. The School is not able to offer alternative dates or remote options.
Guardians
All pupils at Westminster School whose parents live abroad are required to have a guardian. Families applying from overseas will, therefore, need to provide the name and address of their proposed guardian, along with an explanation of the relationship. The School reviews all guardianship arrangements to ensure they meet the School’s standards of care, and applications can only be processed once satisfactory details have been provided. Please see the Guardianship and Emergency Contact Policy on our Policies and Reports Page for further information.
What is the role of the guardian?
- A guardian acts in loco parentis during term time, taking on the responsibilities a parent would normally fulfil.
- They should be available to speak with members of staff whenever needed, should any issues or concerns arise.
- If a pupil becomes unwell or is suspended, the guardian will need to take them into their care at home.
- Westminster School closes over half-term holidays and for two Exeat weekends each term. During these periods, pupils cannot remain at School and must stay with their guardian.
Visas
Westminster School is authorised by the Home Office to issue candidates who have been offered places at 16+ entry with Certificates of Acceptance to Study (CAS). Please consult the gov.uk website to find out how you can apply for a Child Student on the points-based system and other related information.
Westminster needs a UKiset or an IELTS Academic report for candidates that require Child Student visa sponsorship from the School when they enrol. Please see the Right to Study Policy on our Policies and Reports page for more information.
The School can only offer CAS sponsorship for Child Student visas at 16+ entry. Due to our boarding policy, which states that Westminster School is not a suitable boarding environment for pupils under 16 years of age (Years 9, 10 and 11) whose parents live outside the United Kingdom, we are unable to provide Child Student visa sponsorship for applicants entering at 13+.
Boarding
Overseas candidates who are selected to attend the School will be offered a boarding place.
Boarding at the School is a rewarding and immersive experience. Owing to Westminster’s location at the heart of London, our community of international boarders can take full advantage of their weekends to enjoy the city. Boarders have access to extensive facilities in the evenings and at the weekend, including the sports centre and the library, and can take part in supervised activities, such as table tennis, pizza-making and karaoke.
