When our pre-prep opens for the first time in September 2026, the ethos of Westminster – of being a happy and purposeful place of curiosity, creativity and learning — will be as relevant to our new four-year-olds in Reception as it is to our 18-year-olds taking their A Levels.
Reception is both an exciting and nervous time for young children and their families. Westminster Under School understands this and will ensure children make strong foundations from which to quickly gain independence, self-confidence and an enthusiasm for learning – all while being allowed to be themselves and to act their age. The School will foster intellectual curiosity and ignite the natural enthusiasm for learning among its youngest pupils.
Our Pre-Prep provides an academically ambitious early years education, with small classes and strong pastoral care. We aim to prepare children to lead happy, generous and fulfilled lives, and that ambition begins at the start of a child’s educational journey.
Small classes; excellent facilities
With small classes of 16 pupils, each child will be known as an individual. Supported by both a class teacher and a dedicated teaching assistant, children will benefit from close attention, thoughtful guidance and a warm, purposeful environment in which to grow.
The School’s renovated Adrian House will include up-to-date, modern and playful facilities entirely suitable for young children, allowing them to learn and explore as they build their learning, whether it be literacy and numeracy, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, or just play.
The pre-prep will be directly next to the Vincent Square playing fields, one of the largest private green spaces in central London, with grass pitches, hard courts and an adventure play area, giving youngsters a great amount of freedom for outdoor fun and learning.
An enjoyment of learning
Learning in the Pre-Prep will be lively and purposeful, with a rich and engaging curriculum, hands-on experiences, and a varied programme of trips and visits. Children will be encouraged to explore the world around them, develop independence and enjoy learning both in and beyond the classroom.
As an independent school, there can be a great amount of flexibility within the early years curriculum, with the prospect of specialist teaching in areas such as music, art, ICT, languages, and sport, and as with our older pupils, children will be encouraged to think for themselves.
Excellent pastoral care
Excellent pastoral care and a focus on wellbeing will be central to the Pre-Prep, helping children feel happy, confident and connected as they begin school life at Westminster.
Many of the experienced teaching staff at Westminster Under School have excellent knowledge of both EYFS and KS1, as well as their existing excellence in KS2 and KS3. This, combined with newly-recruited specialist teachers and teaching assistants, means children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive the very best teaching and care available, in small classes with a high adult to child ratio, ensuring attention, time and encouragement, to complement our tailored curriculum.
-
"Reception is, without question, one of the most magical places in the Under School. The progress children make over the course of the year – socially, emotionally, and academically – is remarkable and unlike any other stage. To be part of their very first steps in school life is a true privilege, and one we hold with great care and responsibility. "
— Mrs Selbi Fryer, Head of Pre-Prep