Age range. 4–13.
Number of boys. 363.
About the School. Westminster Under School is a co-educational, independent prep school in London for day pupils aged 4–13. Every pupil’s curiosity is established early and developed with care and ambition over time. From the Pre-Prep to Year 8, children are encouraged to think independently, explore ideas in depth and enjoy learning, all whilst remembering the importance of play. Teaching is broad, challenging and flexible, allowing pupils to move beyond the constraints of a narrow syllabus. School life is busy and varied: pupils play sport, make music, perform, compete and lead initiatives of their own, growing in confidence as they discover new interests and strengths. As a central London prep school, we make full use of the city’s museums, galleries, libraries, theatres and churches through our extensive expeditions programme. Within a warm and well-structured pastoral environment, pupils are supported to become resilient, considerate and self-assured, ready to move on as capable learners and thoughtful individuals. It is this combination of academic ambition and genuine warmth that distinguishes Westminster Under School.
Academic. Westminster Under School’s reputation for academic excellence is a source of immense pride within its community, reflected in pupils’ achievements as they progress to senior schools, including Westminster School, often with academic, music and sporting scholarships and exhibitions. Westminster Under School pupils are academic and creative, with a love of knowledge. Teaching and learning are characterised by thought-provoking and stimulating lessons, with participation and debate led by enthusiastic teachers who encourage pupils to look beyond the curriculum and discover things for themselves. In the spirit of Westminster School’s guiding principle of ‘loyal dissent’, pupils routinely ask and research answers to interesting questions of their own, developing independence of thought and intellectual curiosity. Under School learning is not characterised by teaching to the test but is instead focused on a breadth of education that is both well rounded and contemporary. Communication, problem-solving, teamwork and adaptability go hand in hand with the depth of content across all subjects in the academic curriculum.
Admissions. It is an exciting time to apply to Westminster Under School as it moves towards full co-education. By 2028, every year group, from Reception upwards, will have both girls and boys. Westminster’s co-educational community will be supported by the School’s distinctive and broad education, nurturing well-rounded boys and girls with a passion for knowledge and diverse interests who go on to achieve exceptional academic results. Westminster’s admissions pages provide all the information needed to make applying to the School easy. Westminster Under School offers places to children at 4+ and 7+ (entry to Westminster School in Year 9 is subject to the standard entry testing). Westminster Under School also offers places to children at 11+ (this is a through-school place meaning pupils have secured entry to both schools). They enter the Under School in Year 7 before progressing to Westminster School in Year 9, with no further entry testing. For more information, please visit our website: www.westminster.org.uk/admissions.
Bursaries and scholarships. Westminster Under School is a not-for-profit independent school with a long and proud charitable history of offering scholarships to academically gifted children. Free and subsidised places have been a feature of admissions for many generations, with bursaries and scholarships available to all pupils joining at 11+. Westminster’s means-tested bursaries offer free or reduced-fee places to talented pupils who excel in our entrance assessments, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. Support may also be available to current Westminster families experiencing a significant change in circumstances. The School provides approximately £2 million in bursary funding each year to pupils at both Westminster Under School and Westminster School. Means-tested bursaries of up to 100% of day fees are available at 11+, awarded according to individual need. Full bursaries also cover uniform, travel, equipment, books and compulsory school expeditions, with additional pastoral support to help bursary pupils settle into School.
Co-curricular and sport. While Westminster Under School is known for its academic excellence, that is only part of the story. Through our co-curricular provision, we seek to develop well-rounded individuals who are curious and fully engaged in school life. From the earliest years to Year 8, pupils are encouraged to explore a wide range of interests, with creative arts, music, sport, debating, clubs and societies playing a central role in the day-to-day rhythms of the Under School. Through these activities, pupils develop confidence, resilience and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. A full calendar of performances, competitions, exhibitions and fixtures provides opportunities for pupils of all ages to participate, discover new interests and take pride in their achievements. Opportunities exist both on stage and behind the scenes, whether organising events, contributing to publications, supporting teams or taking on leadership roles within clubs and societies. The School’s central London location further enriches this experience, providing access to cultural, sporting and educational opportunities, with trips and visits extending learning beyond the classroom.
Pastoral care. Pastoral care is central to life at Westminster Under School, underpinned by 20 core values that encourage kindness, inclusivity, resilience and responsibility. Every pupil is supported by a dedicated form teacher, with additional guidance and oversight from Heads of Year, while the four School Houses and mixed-age House Families foster a strong sense of belonging, community and mutual respect. Leadership opportunities and the School Council encourage pupils to develop confidence, empathy and responsibility. Pupil wellbeing is supported through initiatives including Wellbeing Week and Anti-Bullying Week, while weekly church services provide opportunities for reflection. Additional pastoral provision includes a BACP-accredited Child and Adolescent Counsellor, offering confidential individual and small-group support, alongside a daily drop-in ‘Talking Space’ accessible to all pupils.
Charitable status. St Peter’s College (otherwise known as Westminster School) is a Registered Charity, number 312728.