The road to co-education and pre-prep

• The road to co-education and pre-prep →

  Westminster School is a historic school in Dean’s Yard, an ancient site, a part of Westminster Abbey from the 1300s, re-founded by Elizabeth I in 1560, before becoming a fully independent ‘public’ school following the Clarendon Commission of the 1860s.

  For over 400 years the School educated only boys before, in 1973, its sixth form became co-educational. Westminster Under School was created as a prep school distinct from Westminster School in 1943. Initially based in Dean’s Yard, for 30 years it was then next to Victoria Station, before moving to its current home on Vincent Square in 1981.

  Whilst Westminster has a long history of adaptation and change, two anomalies have remained – that the two schools are boys only until age 16, and have never educated children in the first three years of formal education, from age four to six.

  It is the unanimous wish of both schools and the Governing Body to become a co-educational school for all ages. This long-term intention has been accelerated by the arrival of Dr Gary Savage as Head Master of Westminster School in 2020, and Kate Jefferson as Master of Westminster Under School in 2021, who have worked together to reach a point at which these changes can be made without changing the academically successful nature of the schools, or altering their ethos, or any element of what makes them unique.

• Changed yet unchanged →

  The ethos of Westminster is long-established. Both schools will remain academically selective and proud of their excellence in sport, the creative arts, opportunities beyond the classroom, pastoral care, and preparation for examinations, university, the workplace and life beyond school.

  Crucially, both Westminster School and Westminster Under School will remain highly academic schools where individual and institutional excellence are expected and promoted in an atmosphere of open-minded enquiry without dogma, prejudice or unthinking conformity.

  There will also be no shift in the way the two schools work with each other. Whilst we are part of the same charity, sharing a wider strategy, Governing Body, administrative staff, and best practice, each school will retain its own senior leadership team and make its own day-to-day operational decisions.

• Not a boys’ school, not a girls’ school, just Westminster School →

  Girls have been integral to Westminster School since 1973. Hundreds of young women have studied for their A Levels in that time, many of whom wished they had had the opportunity to join earlier.

  The move to educate girls of all ages is a continuation of the co-educational project started 50 years ago. The whole community will benefit, as will the new girls and boys who will receive a Westminster education alongside each other.

  Much work is already in progress, in readiness for younger girls arriving at the Under School in 2026 and Westminster School in 2028. This will be most visible in changes to the physical estate to create equal facilities. Both schools will also focus on classroom teaching, sport, the arts, the co-curriculum, boarding and pastoral care to ensure the most suitable provision in all areas.

  We are clear that the fundamental strength and excellence of our education, and the opportunities that education helps create, are not a result of it having been a boys’ school, but instead of it being Westminster School. This is an environment in which young girls will thrive, just as young boys have.

• Our offer to girls →

  Westminster is mature and collegiate, an inherently grown-up place of learning at the centre of the world’s foremost liberal and progressive city — a global superpower of political, cultural, scientific, sporting, economic and diplomatic influence. Renowned museums, galleries, libraries, theatres and churches are just a short walk away. Great people create exceptional things here.

  Within this setting, our pupils thrive — experiencing new ideas regularly, and learning to think independently at an early age. This in turn continues to boost a long-held global reputation for scholarship, reflected through examination results, peerless outcomes in terms of top university places, and an ever-increasing list of noted alumni.

  This is the opportunity that awaits girls in the future, whether aged four, seven, 11, 13 or 16: to join one of the very best schools in the world with its urban campus, superb teachers, and wide ranging curricular and co-curricular opportunities.

  Any girl who is excited by this prospect is certainly a future Westminster.

• Prep school to 13 →

  Westminster Under School’s teaching to age 13 marks it out as a traditional prep school, just as Westminster School’s teaching from age 13 defines it as a traditional public school.

  We know that many girls would look to join a senior school in Year 7 (aged 11), yet believe there is much to enthuse them about a Westminster Under School prep education to age 13, before then moving to Westminster School.

  The prep school model is widely seen as being able to offer pupils a two-year boost. At Westminster Under School in Years 7 and 8, class sizes remain small and teaching becomes increasingly specialist. Pupils learn skills to help with resilience, leadership, self-esteem, independence and thinking outside the box, and are offered positions of responsibility, including Heads of School, School Council members, Enterprise Ambassadors, House captains, and sports team captains.

  By the time they leave to embark on studies leading to their GCSE examinations, pupils have a clear awareness of their strengths and skills, developed within a secure and friendly environment.

  With co-education and pre-prep also comes a large new building, Chapter House, which will be light and spacious, with modern facilities, designed with girls and boys equally in mind. This new space, which will include social areas, will provide the perfect environment for girls aged 11 to 13 to explore new ideas and activities — with the chance to set up and run clubs and societies — before the move up to Westminster School (or indeed another senior school) aged 13. Chapter House will add to the feeling of Westminster Under School being part of a broader campus, with excellence in teaching spaces, the sporting provision of Vincent Square and Lawrence Hall, and access to the facilities of Westminster School.

  This additional 13+ option in London means girls will now have the chance to stay at their existing prep school until the end of Year 8, before joining Westminster School aged 13.

Further pre-prep information

• A soft, modern space →

  The work to renovate and update the Under School’s Adrian House will create up-to-date, modern and playful facilities entirely suitable for young children, allowing them to learn and explore as they build their learning, whether it be literacy and numeracy, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, or just play.

  As an independent school, there can be a great amount of flexibility within the early years curriculum, with the prospect of specialist teaching in areas such as music, art, ICT, languages, and sport, and as with our older pupils, children will be encouraged to think for themselves.

  The Adrian House pre-prep will be directly next to the Vincent Square playing fields, at 13 acres one of the largest private green spaces in central London, with grass pitches, hard courts and an adventure play area, giving youngsters a great amount of freedom for outdoor fun and learning.

• Pastoral care →

  Many of the experienced teaching staff at Westminster Under School have excellent knowledge of both EYFS and KS1, as well as their existing excellence in KS2 and KS3. This, combined with the recruitment of new specialist teachers and teaching assistants, will mean children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive the very best teaching and care available, in small classes with a high adult to child ratio, ensuring attention, time and encouragement, to complement our tailored curriculum.

• Entry and progression →

  At entry to Reception, aged four, the Under School will implement a bespoke admissions model, largely based on play, to help us find the children we believe will truly benefit from a Westminster education. We understand fully that all children develop academically at different rates, and so we will spend time with each child to see how they interact with other children and adults.

  As is standard in all academically selective schools, there will be an ongoing dialogue with parents regarding their child’s progress throughout their time with us, and their continued suitability for a Westminster education. Some children will join aged four and go all the way through to 18; others may go through the Under School and leave for 11+ or 13+ schooling elsewhere. All children will be helped equally to ensure they find the very best education for them.

Academic Matters

• A place of scholarship →

  Our two schools are places of scholarship and are renowned for being so. Pupils achieve exceptional examination results and entrance to some of the top schools and universities in the world.

  In 2023 most Westminster Under School pupils moved to Westminster School, based on academic merit, also taking five of the eight prestigious King’s Scholarships. Three pupils also took scholarships to Eton. At Westminster School, more than 70% of all GCSEs were graded 9; 57% of all A Levels were graded A*. 65 pupils went on to Oxford and Cambridge, and 23 to the USA, including to six of the eight Ivy League schools.

  These outcomes are not a result of classroom cramming, but instead because our schools are busy, passionate and purposeful places where independent and deep thinking is enjoyed, encouraged and respected by all.

  Central to our approach is the open dialogue between teachers and their pupils, which inspires passion for the subject, conveys knowledge and develops skills of informed, rational, independent thought which sustain a lifelong love of learning. Enjoying one’s learning and seeking true mastery of a subject is warmly encouraged by pupils and teachers alike, supported by the administrative and support staff whose work enables everyone to flourish in an atmosphere of mutual respect, generosity and compassion.

  This academic philosophy is at the core of a Westminster education and will remain so with the introduction of girls into all years.

• Inside the classroom →

  The fundamentals of teaching and learning here will not change. Our broad curriculum of English, Mathematics, the sciences, humanities, languages, arts and digital learning, is suitable for all children and will be offered to all. We regularly review timetabled subjects and adjusts accordingly. This system of curriculum management will continue.

  Class sizes will remain small to allow for excellent individual support, and all girls and boys will be expected to uphold high standards of behaviour in the classroom, as is already the case.

  Most of our academic staff have experience teaching both boys and girls and many have worked in co-educational schools. More than a third of our teaching staff are female. Across all teaching and support staff, more than half are female.

  The expansion of Westminster Under School to include Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will mean new teachers and teaching assistants with Early Years experience will be appointed gradually. Existing colleagues with relevant experience and interests may also organically adapt their roles, should they choose to do so. A new Head of Development for Co-education and Pre-prep has already been recruited and will act as the de facto project manager for the work at the Under School. A similar role will also be created at Westminster School.

Pupil Care and Welfare

• Pupil Care and Welfare →

  The care, wellbeing and welfare of pupils underpins everything we do.

  With the introduction of younger children and girls in all years, we will continue to recognise each pupil as an individual and offer tailored advice and support to enable all to thrive. We understand the differences in certain areas of need between girls and boys and will ensure these are well considered and implemented. Sensitive issues – whether common to both girls and boys or unique to each – will be handled with the utmost care and respect by all staff, most of whom have experience teaching both girls and boys.

• At Westminster School →

  Westminster School has a strong pastoral network which includes the Safeguarding Team, Housemasters, Matrons, Tutors, Heads of Year, Head of RSHE and School Chaplain, as well as welfare professionals including a full-time School Counsellor, two full-time members of teaching staff with a foundation certificate in Counselling, a School Nursing Sister and a School Medical Officer.

  The well-established community of Houses enables a strong, integrated system of pastoral care, to ensure the needs of each individual pupil are addressed, and that all pupils enjoy their time at School. When issues occur, they are communicated swiftly to the Housemaster, who talks with the pupil’s parents, teachers and tutor, to devise the best way forward.

  In their final year, senior pupils are appointed to the positions of School Monitors, Heads of School and Peer Supporters.

  All pupils at Westminster School have a weekly timetabled RSHE and Wellbeing lesson, delivered by trained and well-resourced staff, to help guide them to make constructive choices in their lives. Topics are designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, with depth, substance and relevance to the daily lives of today’s young people. Pupils themselves have had input into the curriculum design and will continue to do so; senior pupils also help to deliver some sessions to younger year groups, too. Alongside this, there is a schedule of wellbeing-focused events across all years, with regular visiting speakers and workshops.

• At Westminster Under School →

  At Westminster Under School, there is a well-developed pastoral structure of form teachers and Heads of Year, as well as a School Counsellor who works three days a week and runs formal one-on-one sessions, drop-in ‘Talking Space’ sessions during break times and a weekly Mindfulness Club. The House system is an additional support network, especially the vertical House Families made up of smaller groups of pupils, encouraging cross-year group relationships to flourish. Weekly assemblies and church services are regularly focused on ways in which we can help to look out for each other and support our wellbeing, and often are organised and led by our own pupils, especially our Prefect Team.

  The Under School’s Core Values promote the attributes and behaviours that will help our children grow into good, kind, resilient young adults and are effective in supporting their character development. As well as integrating these values into weekly PSHE lessons, subject specific curriculums and reflecting on them in our day-to-day academic teaching, they are also celebrated every half term in a final assembly in front of the whole school.

Sport and the Arts

• Sport →

  Sport at Westminster, known as Station, is designed for all, and takes place largely in three locations shared between both schools: Vincent Square, at ten hectares the largest private green space in central London, and home to football, cricket, netball and tennis; Lawrence Hall, the vast art deco sports hall adjacent to Vincent Square where pupils practice multiple sports including fencing, climbing, table tennis, badminton, judo and pilates; and the Boat House in Putney, where the School’s rowing crews are based.

  With more than 25 different sporting activities on offer during the year, every pupil can find a sport they enjoy and in which they can flourish and fulfil their potential, which is so important for their mental, as well as their physical wellbeing.

  Sports options at Westminster School include our major competitive sports for girls and boys – football, cricket, netball, rowing, tennis, fencing, fives and cross country – and a full range of additional sports such as hockey, climbing, table tennis, judo, swimming, athletics, cycling, golf, squash, shooting and badminton. There is also a range of activities for those who wish to focus on fitness and relaxation: gym fitness, DanceFit, yoga, pilates and rounders.

  At Westminster Under School sports include football, cricket, tennis, athletics, cross country, swimming, fives, table tennis, badminton and basketball.

  At both schools there is much opportunity for competition both within school and against other schools, and all disciplines are overseen by top-quality instruction from both the teaching staff and high-level external coaches, whether pupils are playing a major competitive sport or pursuing a recreational one.

  As we approach co-education at Westminster, all sport will be reviewed – a project led by a newly appointed Head of Girls’ Sport, who is already in post. Our new girls’ teams will be competitive from an early age, and even more competitive at sixth form.

• The Arts →

  Westminster has long been renowned for music and drama, with many notable names having studied here, not least Henry Purcell, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Dido, John Gielgud, Peter Ustinov, Helena Bonham Carter, Imogen Stubbs, Grace Chatto and Alfred Enoch. Alumni have won Oscars, Grammys, Golden Globes, Emmys, Baftas, Oliviers, Tonys, Ivor Novellos and Brits — many got their first taste of the arts here.

  The Under School’s Chapter House will increase the space available to Under School pupils to participate in the arts. And with the purchase of 11 Tufton Street, immediately next to the School’s Manoukian Music Centre, which it is planned will form part of a brand-new performing arts centre for Westminster School, we will seek to further expand the performing arts and look forward to greater participation and more opportunities in both music and drama for both boys and girls at both schools.

Boarding and Day

• Living in SW1 →

  The boarding status of Westminster School will not change, meaning girls entering aged 13 will also have the chance to wake up to the sound of Big Ben’s chimes.

  Boarding life is integral to Westminster’s identity and is rooted in the history of the School. Today around a quarter of all pupils board. There are six boarding houses, one of which is girls’ only. All year groups are represented in each house and there is a strong sense of community both within and between the houses.

  Boarding at Westminster has many benefits. It allows pupils to take full advantage of the School’s extensive evening programme of concerts, plays, sport and lectures, and also gives pupils the opportunity to take part in many external academic and cultural pursuits in the evenings and at weekends. The School’s location right in the centre of London offers pupils access to an unmatched choice of restaurants, shops, cinemas, galleries, theatres and so much more. All this variety right on our doorstep means boarders can make the most of their independence, and pursue and develop their own interests.

  Without the need to factor in travel to and from School, boarding can offer up more time to fit in studying and extra-curricular hobbies, or indeed some much needed downtime. Boarding also allows pupils to spend more leisure time with their friends in the various social spaces, as well as getting to know boys and girls from outside their classes and year groups.

• Boarding Care →

  Each of our six boarding houses has a house team comprised of a Housemaster, Resident Tutor and a resident Matron, as well as a team of tutors, with each tutor taking responsibility for a group of pupils from the same year group. The well-established community of houses enables a strong, well-integrated system of pastoral care, to ensure the needs of each individual pupil are met. In addition, every year senior pupils in each house are nominated by housemasters to be Peer Supporters, providing additional support and advice to their peers. Peer supporters receive a weekend of training with the School Counsellor and Director of Upper School.

• Boarding Facilities →

  Boarding has been identified as an area of particular change by our Estates Department and work is underway to ensure there are excellent and equal facilities for both boys and girls by the first 13+ entry point in September 2028.

  There will be single-sex boarding accommodation zones for 13+ girls in two of the boarding houses, with mixed sixth form communities. The houses will also comprise boy and girl day pupils. We currently have both single- and mixed-sex boarding at 16+. As is currently the case, there will never be mixed bedrooms or bathroom facilities within mixed boarding houses.

  Westminster Under School will remain a day school only.

Admissions

• Admissions →

  There will be little change to the admissions system, which is described in detail on each school’s website.

  Co-educational Westminster will have five entry points: 4+, 7+, 11+, 13+ and 16+. This will give families much choice when considering Westminster Under School and Westminster School. Some children will join aged four and go all the way through to 18; others will want to look just at secondary level education, whether that be Year 7 at the Under School or Year 9 at Westminster School. Some may wish to go through the Under School and leave at 13+ – at present whilst most boys continue to Westminster School, some leave for the likes of Eton, Harrow and Winchester; girls would be able to consider similar moves.

• Westminster Under School Admissions →

  Entry into the new Reception (aged 4) will operate in much the same way as currently seen at entry at Year 3 (aged 7) and Year 7 (aged 11), through an age-appropriate selection process which will consider the academic potential, character and overall suitability of each child.

  For Reception, the Under School will implement a bespoke model, largely based around play, for selecting children. We understand that children all develop academically at different rates, and so we will spend time with each child to see how they interact with others. As is standard in all academically selective schools, there will be an ongoing dialogue with parents regarding their child’s progress throughout their time with us, and their continued suitability for our academically ambitious curriculum.

  As is currently the case for boys, all girls admitted to Westminster Under School in Year 7 will have a guaranteed place at Westminster School, in the Year 9 Fifth Form. Equally, as at present, those entering the Under School prior to Year 7 will still be required to go through the 13+ admission process in Year 6.

  The application window for the first Reception, Year 3 and Year 7 girls at the Under School will open at the start of September 2024, and will close in October 2025, for entry in September 2026. 

• Westminster School Admissions →

  It is expected many girls joining the Year 9 Fifth Form (aged 13) in September 2028 will be moving up from the Under School. We will also recruit girls from outside Westminster at this point.

  Sixth Form (aged 16) entry to Westminster School will be unaffected by these changes until September 2030. At that point, the School will continue to recruit the same number of new external pupils, although the boy/girl balance of the new cohort would change as girls will be moving up from within the School.

  The application window for the first year of Year 9 girls at Westminster School will open in September 2024 and close in September 2025 (when in Year 6), for entry to Year 9 in September 2028.

• Bursaries and scholarships →

  Music scholarships and bursaries will be available equally for boys and girls at 11+ at the Under School.

  King’s Scholarships (academic), Music scholarships and bursaries will be available equally for boys and girls at 13+ and 16+ at Westminster School.