Age Range. 7–13.
Number of Boys. 286.
About the School. Westminster Under School has a rich history, originating in 1943 when it was opened as an independent preparatory school for boys aged 7 to 13. It shares a close connection with Westminster School, sharing the same Governing Body and the same ethos of a liberal education.
Located in the heart of London, Westminster Under School overlooks the beautiful school playing fields in Vincent Square and is just a few moments’ walk from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. The Under School’s premises were extended in 2011 with a new dining hall and a specialist suite of Art rooms located in an adjacent site, George House.
Academic. The school’s curriculum is broad and diverse, aiming to foster a sense of wonder and curiosity in children and encourage independent thought. The teaching programme goes above and beyond the National Curriculum and teachers are not tightly bound by syllabus. Pupils are taught a wide range of subjects by expert teachers who embrace opportunities for growth and promote diverse thinking. English, Mathematics, Science, History and Geography are all taught by the pupil’s form teacher for Year 3 and 4, allowing pupils to become familiar with their surroundings and facilitating the discussion and dissection of cross-curricular topics and ideas. Pupils then receive specialist teaching outside of their form classrooms in Art, Drama, Music, French, ICT, Religious Studies, and Sport. As they progress more of their lessons are taught by specialists, such as Latin and Greek. In addition to this, the same broad range of subjects are available.
Admissions. The main entry points for Westminster Under School are at 7+, 8+ and 11+. Each year approximately 22 new boys are admitted to the Under School into both 7+ and 8+, with 28 joining at 11+. At all ages the School looks for potential, and for boys who have natural curiosity and aptitude and thrive in an academic environment. The School seeks boys with great potential, valuing those who are eager to learn, develop their skills, and achieve their fullest potential. At 7+ and 8+ the entrance assessment includes papers in Mathematics, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Based on the results of these, selected boys are called back to the second round, which includes classroom activities and an interview session, at which we find out more about each boy as an individual. Entry at 11+ begins with ISEB Common Pre-tests in Mathematics, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, before selected boys sit further papers in Mathematics and English. Interviews with each boy then follow. Entry into the Under School at age 11+ guarantees a place at Westminster School at 13+.
Bursaries and Scholarships. The purpose of a bursary is to give financial support to a child who has the academic ability to benefit from a Westminster education but whose parents would not be able to afford the fees either wholly or in part without unacceptable hardship. Means-tested bursaries up to 100% are available at 11+, as are Music scholarships, and many boys apply at this entry point from London primary schools. Bursaries that are awarded at 11+ entry will continue, subject to satisfactory academic performance, until a pupil leaves Westminster School, should they opt to stay at Westminster.
Co-curricular and Sport. Westminster Under School encourages boys to experience and develop a wide range of interests outside of the classroom. Music is a particular strength of the School and most boys play at least one instrument. Boys join a plethora of musical groups, including the renowned Senior Choir, Junior Choir, orchestra, and string, brass, and jazz bands. Chess plays a key part in School life and the School fosters much talent in this area. In recognition of this, this School received the British Chess Education Award this year. Recently, WUS was the first prep school to reach the U19 Chess Finals, competing against sixth forms and performing admirably.
Art is housed in a wonderful facility for all kinds of creative activity. The Art Department also organises competitions in photography and model-making. There are other school competitions in areas such as public speaking, creative writing, chess, and Scrabble. Dramatic productions are always a highlight of the calendar, and each section of the school participates in their own performance across the year, with previous highlights including Oliver!, Private Peaceful and Guys and Dolls.
Games are played on the 13-acre field at Vincent Square, or nearby in the impressive art deco Sports Hall, complete with a range of excellent facilities, from a rowing suite and weights gym to the dojo and climbing wall. Seasonal sports such as football, cricket, hockey, and rugby are played, and there are also opportunities to participate in athletics, basketball, cross country, swimming, skiing, rowing, and tennis. There is vast array of after-school clubs in such activities as fencing, judo, karate, climbing and table tennis.
Pastoral care. Pastoral care is a core focus at Westminster Under School and each child is supported to flourish through its values-driven care. The School gives boys the tools to develop into happy, fulfilled, and resilient young individuals who enjoy their time at the school. There is a strong culture in which boys look out for others and always act thoughtfully and compassionately, encouraged through systems such as vertical House Families, our ‘Caught Being Great’ initiative and Enterprise programme, which focusses on fundraising, sustainability, and community involvement. To support pupils' well-being, everyone has a dedicated form teacher and a form support teacher. The school also provides access to a BACP-accredited Child and Adolescent Counsellor, and we have an in-house therapy dog. All pupils have a weekly timetabled PSHE lesson, delivered by trained and resourced staff, which guides boys and helps them to make constructive choices in life. Each week, there is dedicated time for personal, spiritual, and philosophical reflection during our weekly Church service – it is a real highlight of the week where boys take time for quiet contemplation.
Charitable status. St Peter’s College (otherwise known as Westminster School) is a Registered Charity, number 312728.