Age Range. 4–13.
Number of Boys. 286.
About the School. Westminster Under School has a rich history, originating in 1943 when it opened as a preparatory school for boys aged 7–13. It shares a close connection with Westminster School with a shared Governing Body and the same ethos of a liberal education.
The School is set beside the playing fields of Vincent Square, just minutes from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Its central London location is a huge asset, adding a significant cultural dimension to the education of every pupil.
From September 2026, the School will benefit from Chapter House, a light and modern building with specialist classrooms, laboratories, music rooms and a library, alongside a fully refurbished Adrian House. Together, these buildings will provide outstanding teaching and pastoral spaces to support co-education and the launch of the new Pre-Prep.
Academic. The curriculum at Westminster Under School is broad and varied, designed to spark curiosity, foster independent thought and nurture a lifelong love of learning. Teaching goes well beyond the National Curriculum, with pupils encouraged to explore ideas in depth and make connections across subjects.
In Years 3 and 4, English, mathematics, science, history and geography are taught by form teachers, helping pupils to settle confidently into school life and engage in cross-curricular discussion. Alongside this, they enjoy specialist lessons in art, drama, music, French, ICT, religious studies and sport.
As pupils move up the School, more subjects are taught by specialists, with Latin and Greek added to the timetable, while the same broad range of opportunities continues. This approach combines academic stretch with intellectual freedom, ensuring children are well-prepared for the next stage of their education.
Admissions. The entry points for Westminster Under School are 4+, 7+ and 11+. From 2026, the School becomes fully co-educational, with girls and boys joining the brand-new Pre-Prep at 4+ (around 32 places), as well as at 7+ (around 60 places, reducing to 34 in 2029) and 11+ (around 30 places). 8+ entry has now closed, with the last cohort due to start in September 2026; no further entry will be offered at this point. For more information please visit our website: www.westminsterunder.org.uk/admissions. At every age, the School looks for children with natural curiosity, aptitude and the potential to thrive in a stimulating academic environment. Assessments are carefully designed to be age-appropriate. At 4+, children take part in play-based classroom activities in a relaxed and welcoming setting that allows them to engage naturally. At 7+, candidates sit papers in English, mathematics, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, with shortlisted pupils invited back for group activities and an interview. At 11+, applicants begin with the ISEB Common Pre-Tests, and those who are successful are invited to sit further papers in English and mathematics, take part in reasoning assessments, and spend time in school for lessons and an interview. Entry at 11+ guarantees progression to Westminster School at 13+.
Bursaries and Scholarships. Bursaries ensure that talented children can benefit from a Westminster education regardless of family finances. Means-tested bursaries of up to 100% of fees are available at 11+, alongside Music Scholarships, and many applicants at this stage join from London primary schools. Awards made at 11+ continue, subject to strong academic progress, through Westminster Under School and on into Westminster School at 13+, should they opt to stay at Westminster.
Co-curricular and Sport. Westminster Under School offers a lively programme of activities beyond the classroom, encouraging pupils to discover and develop a wide range of interests.
Music is a particular strength: most pupils learn at least one instrument and join ensembles such as orchestra, jazz and string groups, or the Senior and Junior Choirs. The annual Carol Service at St Margaret’s, Westminster Abbey, together with regular concerts and recitals, reflects the central place of music in school life. Chess is another highlight, with pupils recently qualifying for the finals of five national competitions, winning titles at U9 and Junior level, and placing strongly against older competitors at U11, Primary and U19.
Creative opportunities are plentiful, with specialist art facilities, photography and model-making competitions, and annual drama productions that showcase every year group. The Art Department encourages pupils to experiment widely, from painting and drawing to sculpture and design, and regularly celebrates their work through exhibitions and displays. Drama is equally valued, with each section of the School performing across the year; recent highlights include Oliver!, and The Aristocats, giving pupils the chance to develop confidence, teamwork and creativity.
Sport takes place on the 13-acre Vincent Square playing fields and in the School’s impressive sports centre, which houses 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 central part of Westminster Under School. Values-based Education (VBE) underpins daily life, encouraging pupils to act with thoughtfulness and compassion. Initiatives such as vertical House Families, the ‘Caught Being Great’ scheme and the Enterprise programme promote kindness, community involvement and a sense of responsibility.
Each child is supported by a form teacher and a form support teacher, with additional provision including a BACP-accredited Child and Adolescent Counsellor and the companionship of a therapy dog. Weekly PSHE lessons, led by trained staff, give pupils practical guidance for decision-making and wellbeing. The weekly Church service also provides time for personal, spiritual and philosophical reflection in a calm and respectful setting.
Charitable status. St Peter’s College (otherwise known as Westminster School) is a Registered Charity, number 312728