About

The School is the only ancient London school to occupy its original site, immediately next to Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Its origins can be traced to a charity school established by the Benedictine monks of the Abbey of St. Peter in Westminster, and it is more than likely that this spiritual and educational tradition goes back as far as 960 AD.

After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1540, King Henry VIII personally ensured the School’s survival by statute. His daughter, Queen Elizabeth I, confirmed the royal patronage in 1560 whereby the Abbey and School formed the one collegiate foundation and is celebrated as the School’s Foundress.

Today, Westminster is one of the leading academic schools in the country. Our pupils achieve exceptional public examination results and entrance to the top universities worldwide. It is a busy, passionate and purposeful place where independent and deep thinking is enjoyed and encouraged, and holistic excellence is nurtured and valued.

Fundamentally, we want our pupils to engage in a process of loyal dissent with what the School stands for. While we encourage them to embrace the principles of a liberal education, respect genuine scholarship and appreciate a deep and rigorous learning process, they are equally encouraged to challenge, question and explore the content of that learning, to push boundaries and overturn expectations – with rigour and respect. Most importantly, we want to encourage our pupils to use their skills and intelligence to benefit society and to help others.

For centuries, Westminster School has been the educational home of some of the world’s most influential thinkers, writers, poets, politicians, artists, actors, musicians, economists, linguists, scientists, philosophers and social entrepreneurs. We look forward to many more years of striving to equip young people to make a positive impact on society and history.