Pupils, parents and staff from both schools gathered in Abbey on the 466th anniversary of Elizabeth I’s accession. The biennial Commemoration of Benefactors of Westminster saw a packed church give thanks to those who have given much to help the School flourish, both historically and to this day.

The service at the end of November, much of it in its traditional Latin, was an opportunity for the Westminster School and Westminster Under School communities to come together and reflect on the lasting legacy of those whose generosity continues to serve pupils today.

The biennial service honours the benefactors whose contributions have helped Westminster and the Under School grow and flourish. It is an opportunity to express gratitude for their vision and generosity, which have shaped the educational experiences of generations of Westminster pupils. The event also highlighted the vital role of continued generosity, which ensures the School’s success and supports its ongoing growth and development.

In addition to the moving performances by the WUS Senior Choir and the pupil-led procession, the congregation reflected on the role of benefactors in supporting the School’s success and ensuring its continued growth. The service was a moment for the Westminster community to express gratitude for the enduring support that enables both Westminster and the Under School to offer an exceptional education to a diverse student body.

The message was clear: in challenging times, the importance of benefactors has never been more significant. Their generosity has helped shape Westminster into a world-class school that prioritises the wellbeing of its pupils, while upholding the core values of honesty, integrity, generosity, and truth in both learning and life. As both Westminster and the Under School continue to evolve, the ongoing support of benefactors will be vital to ensuring that Westminster’s legacy and mission thrive for generations to come.