Every Westminster pupil belongs to a house during their time at the school. The house system adds another layer of friendship and support, crossing year groups and developing a sense of care and camaraderie between boys at different points of their Westminster education.
It also adds a competitive element with the different houses competing against each other in a variety of events during the year, ranging from athletics, swimming and chess to public speaking and Scrabble. A particular highlight is the House Music Competition, which takes place over two days, where each boy is given the opportunity to win points for his house. The most accomplished musicians from each year group perform for the school in St John’s, Smith Square with the winning house choir also performing at this prestigious venue. House points can also be earned by producing good work or, even more importantly, showing positive attitude or behaviour throughout the school year. The house system also enables staff to observe how boys are progressing outside of the classroom. Each house has a dedicated Housemaster who, in addition to overseeing the community and activities of their house, is designed to be another source of guidance and support for individual pupils. There are opportunities for peer leadership in the house system as well, as each Housemaster has an assistant and will appoint every term a new House Captain and other officials from the Year Eight boys.
