Academic Life

By any measure, Westminster is one of the foremost centres of academic excellence in the country; however, our aim is not simply to achieve academic excellence but to develop well-rounded pupils with a love of learning and an enthusiasm for life. We believe that one of the best ways to achieve this is to provide a stimulating and challenging teaching programme, offering our pupils lessons that are truly interactive, enjoyable, and thought-provoking. We expect pupils to work hard and be active participants in their classes; thinking for themselves, asking questions and engaging fully in group discussions. For many, the short, sharp and thought-provoking lessons barely feel like learning at all.

In part, we are preparing them very practically for the next stage of their academic career. Whether our pupils continue on to Westminster School, or join other schools such as Eton or Winchester, they will sit entrance and scholarship examinations and we ensure that they are working at an appropriately level to reach the senior school of their choice.

More significantly, however, we are preparing them for the rest of their lives and as such a Westminster education is far from teaching to the test. We value a breadth of education that is both well-rounded and contemporary in nature.

Just as Westminster’s long history of thoughtful, high-quality scholarship helps to fill and shape the inquisitive minds of our pupils, so in turn our pupils are empowered and educated to shape the world they venture out into, whether through their work, their friendships and family life, or their community involvement.