Our ethos, vision and values are statements of Westminster’s identity, ambition and behaviours. Grounded in our liberal tradition, yet forward-looking in purpose, they describe the culture of learning we foster, the future we intend to shape, and the values that guide how we live and work. Together, they define a Westminster education.
ETHOS – Our Character
- Our ethos is rooted in the liberal tradition set out in the 1560 Elizabethan Charter: that young people should be “liberally instructed in good books” and encouraged to develop enquiring, independent and generous minds.
- Across both Westminster School and Westminster Under School, we foster a highly academic, intellectually curious and open‑minded community. Teaching and learning are grounded in dialogue: pupils are encouraged to question, probe ideas, and pursue depth of understanding beyond any examination syllabus.
- We seek to cultivate a culture in which scholarship, creativity, compassion and individuality are equally cherished. Pupils are supported in their moral, emotional, physical and spiritual development, so that they grow into thoughtful, resilient and kind young people who use their abilities in the service of others.
- Our Schools are purposeful, diverse and inclusive places where pupils feel known, valued and inspired. In the spirit of our Founder, we prepare young people to lead good and useful lives, equipped with the intellectual confidence, integrity and empathy to contribute positively to the world.
VALUES – Our Principles
Our Values-Based Education is underpinned by 20 values that guide the actions and relationships within our community:
- Kindness
Treating others with care and thoughtfulness, and choosing to make people feel valued and included. - Resilience
Keeping going when things are difficult, learning from mistakes, and trying again with determination. - Inclusivity
Making sure everyone feels welcomed, respected and able to take part, whatever their differences. - Service
Giving time and effort to help others and make the community a better place. - Courage
Facing challenges with bravery, standing up for what is right, and trying new things even when they feel daunting. - Creativity
Using imagination to explore new ideas, solve problems and express ourselves in original ways. - Commitment
Sticking to goals and responsibilities, working hard, and seeing things through to the end. - Humility
Being modest about achievement, appreciating others’ strengths, and being open to learning and improvement. - Altruism
Putting others’ needs before our own and helping simply because we want to make lives better. - Happiness
Finding joy in everyday moments and sharing positivity with the people around us. - Grace
Responding to situations with calmness, kindness and dignity, even when things are difficult. - Loyalty
Standing by and supporting the people and communities we care about, and reliable to others. - Collaboration
Working well with others by listening, sharing ideas and cooperating to achieve a common goal. - Integrity
Being honest and doing what is right, even when no one is watching. - Innovation
Thinking of new and better ways to do things and being willing to try fresh ideas. - Humour
Finding moments of laughter and helping others to smile and enjoy the day. - Optimism
Choosing to look for the positives, believing things can improve, and encouraging ourselves and others. - Curiosity
Wanting to learn more about the world by exploring, investigating and asking thoughtful questions. - Respect
Treating people, belongings and the environment with care, courtesy and consideration. - Ambition
Setting goals, aiming high and working hard to achieve our best.
These values shape our aims: ensuring pupils are happy and well cared for; ambitious and independent in their learning; enriched through a genuinely holistic education; and respectful, responsible members of a diverse community, ready to make a positive difference in the world.
VISION – Our Ambition
Our vision is to widen access, enrich experience and deepen impact, ensuring that a Westminster education transforms the lives of pupils and contributes meaningfully to society.
We pursue this vision through three long-term ambitions:
- Transforming lives
We are committed to widening access, ensuring that financial circumstances do not limit opportunity. Through philanthropic support and bursary provision, we aim to open our schools to pupils from the widest range of backgrounds. - Transforming experience
We continually develop the quality of our educational and pastoral provision. Through curriculum evolution, investment in facilities, digital innovation and a sustained commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, we ensure that every pupil thrives academically, personally and socially. - Transforming impact
We believe deeply in the value of a liberal education and the responsibility to share it. Through partnerships, outreach and global engagement we seek to contribute to positive outcomes for young people locally, nationally and internationally.
Our overarching aim is to nurture well-rounded, reflective and principled scholars who care about the life of the mind and the lives of others, and who will be good ancestors for future generations.
