Westminster Under School entrance guide
A popular and relatively recent addition to London prep schools (having been established in 1943), Westminster Under School provides an excellent education to around 285 boys aged between seven and thirteen. As might be expected, the vast majority of boys progress to Westminster senior School (or in Westminster parlance, the “Great School”) on successful completion of the 13+, whilst a few move on elsewhere.
Westminster Under School is very flexible in its entry points, accepting general admissions at 7+, 8+ and 11+. Occasional places into other year groups are also available. Each stage is dependent upon boys achieving good grades in each exam as well as passing an interview and receiving a good report from their head teacher.
Below, you can find our tutors who have successful experience supporting applicants to Westminster Under School and a guide to entry to this popular school.
Open Days and Events at Westminster Under School
Westminster Under School is happy to welcome prospective families for a visit, and this is seen as a key part of the admissions process. Open mornings take place for different entry points throughout the year and are bookable on the website or by telephoning the school. There are three places per family available so the school recommends that parents bring their child with them on the tour. Open days offer a chance to speak to staff, listen to a talk from the Headmaster (known as the Master) and see the school buildings and facilities. Some current pupils will also be present to answer questions and help tour the school.
7+ and 8+ Entry to Westminster Under School
7+ and 8+ entry to Westminster Under School is a staged process. Following an application in the Autumn Term prior to entry, boys attend the school for an assessment day. Assessments take place in Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Some boys (around 60) are then taken through to stage 2, which involves interviews, further Maths and English tests and activities which take place in the classroom with other prospective pupils. Stage 3 is an interview for parents, the same week as the stage 2 interviews for boys. Offers are sent that week and must be accepted promptly. It should be noted that equal numbers of boys (around 22) are offered places at 7+ and 8+; there is no preferred point of entry.
11+ Entry to Westminster Under School
11+ entry to Westminster Under School is a two-stage process. Following an application, boys sit the ISEB pre-tests at their own school in the late Autumn of Year 5 (or at Westminster Under School if their current school does not offer this facility). Westminster Under School receive the results directly from ISEB and then successful boys who meet the school’s pass mark are invited for an assessment day in the early part of the Spring Term. This involves papers in both Maths and English. Boys will also be interviewed at this stage, although this will take place on a
different day. Offers are sent out shortly afterwards.
Scholarships and Bursaries at Westminster Under School
There are no academic scholarships available at Westminster Under School. Music scholarships are available for 11+ entry only and carry a fixed fee remission of 10%. Auditions for music scholarships take place in the Spring Term prior to entry.
Bursaries are available at Westminster Under School for 11+ entry only. There is a detailed process involved in applying for a bursary which is available on the school website. A fee remission of up to 100% is available for those boys who would otherwise be unable to access the education provided at the school.
