At Westminster, the house system sits at the centre of school life. It brings together boys and girls across year groups into smaller, close-knit communities where each individual is known, supported and encouraged to take an active role.
Every pupil belongs to one of 11 houses — whether boarding or day — and it is here that much of their day-to-day experience is shaped. Houses provide a structure that balances independence with support: housemasters, tutors matrons work together to guide pupils academically and pastorally, ensuring their progress and wellbeing are carefully understood.
Houses are not just places of care, but of activity. They are lively communities where pupils organise events, take on responsibility, and build friendships across ages. Senior pupils play an important role, offering leadership and peer support, while younger pupils quickly find a sense of belonging. Houses also celebrate international festivals that reflect the cultural heritage of the school community, including Chinese New Year with traditional food and decorations, and Guy Fawkes Night with sausages and sparklers.
For boarders, the house is home; for day pupils, it is an anchor point within a busy school day. Together, they create a culture that is inclusive, sociable and grounded in mutual respect. The result is a system that combines structure with individuality: a framework in which pupils are supported to flourish, develop confidence and contribute meaningfully to the life of the School.
Boarding at Westminster
Westminster School offers weekly boarding for boys and girls at the 13+ and 16+ entry points, with international boarders joining in the sixth form. Westminster Under School is a day school only and does not offer boarding.
Westminster’s boarding houses are not simply accommodation — they are a defining part of the School’s experience. In the very heart of London, Big Ben is a daily alarm clock, and some of the world’s best museums, galleries, theatres, restaurants, shops and parks are just a short walk away.
Boarding has characterised life at Westminster since the School’s foundation. Between a quarter and a third of pupils board during term time, and international boarders can join in the Sixth Form. For pupils looking for an independent and coeducational boarding school, Westminster offers an unparalleled experience to live in the UK’s political epicentre and to fully embrace educational and cultural immersion.
All six boarding houses are situated in and around Little Dean’s Yard, with some rooms overlooking Parliament and the Abbey, and one house boasting a roof terrace with breathtaking views over SW1.
Boarding at Westminster has many benefits. Boarders can take full advantage of the School’s extensive after-school programme of concerts, plays, sport and lectures, without the need to commute home. They have access to the library and sports centre at the weekend, and can take part in supervised activities, such as table tennis, pizza-making and Karaoke.
Without the need to factor in travel to and from School, boarding can offer up more time to fit in studying and extra-curricular hobbies, or indeed some much needed downtime. Boarding also allows pupils to socialise with friends, as well as getting to know others from outside their classes and year groups.
Head of International Pupils
The School appoints a Head of International Pupils, who is also a member of teaching staff. Their main responsibilities are to oversee provision for international pupils in the School and, under the guidance of the Under Master, to assist the School’s pastoral team. They also have particular regard for the involvement of international pupils in the School’s social and academic life, and they organise and manage weekend boarding events and other events designed to promote integration.
Westminster is not a suitable boarding school for pupils below the age of 16 whose parents live overseas. While the School is unable to accept international boarders at 13+, overseas applicants can apply to board at 16+.
Studying and Fitness
To manage homework, research and revision, all boarders have a structured prep session every evening, with the support of housemasters and tutors. The School’s library is staffed until 9.00pm in term time to facilitate study. Pupils can also access the library’s online resources from anywhere in School, and most of these are also available from home. Pupils can also visit the Manoukian Music Centre for individual and group practice at this time.
The School’s Sports Centre is a ten-minute walk from the main site, and is open every weekday after lessons, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm for use of the gym. On Mondays, boarders can also access the gym, sports hall, dance studio and rowing suite from 8.00pm to 9.30pm, for workouts as well as some supervised activities.
Boarding FAQs
What activities are available to boarders?
The School hosts many house-specific and whole-community events for boarders, and pupils can themselves suggest ideas for things to do on an evening and at weekends. Regular events include the boarders’ brunch and film nights. At the end of each term, housemasters and tutors run boarders’ outings, to restaurants or the cinema, or groups might try go-karting or ice-skating, as a way of celebrating the term together before pupils depart for the Exeat.
Can I try boarding?
Boys and girls who are offered a place at 13+ entry can attend a boarder taster evening while in Year 7, where they are given tours of the houses by current boarders and can spend a night at the School. Offer holders will be contacted by the Admissions Team with details of upcoming taster evenings, and places are filled on a first come first served basis.
Pupils applying to Westminster at 13+ can book onto one of the regular house tours and at 16+ can choose to visit a boarding house as part of their tour of the School during Sixth Form Open Day.
Can I board at weekends or during the holidays?
Boarding is weekly and term-time only, with Saturday morning school. All boarders in Years 9 to 11 go home at the weekend; at 16+ a small proportion of boarders stay at School, but the site is typically very quiet on Saturday evenings and Sundays.
House Profiles
House AllocationHouses are allocated by the School. While we will always aim to respect any preferences, we cannot guarantee that a pupil will be assigned their preferred house. All our houses offer the same high standard of pastoral care, and when allocating day boys and girls, we aim to ensure each house has a balanced mix of talents and backgrounds.
