As a parent, you’re going to want to do everything in your power to ensure that your child gets the best education available to them. On top of the scope of academics, you’re also going to want them to learn in an inclusive and engaging environment so that they can develop a passion for learning while creating great life memories.
Westminster is a school that serves to tick all the boxes in that regard, serving as a school for the academically inclined, with plenty of achievements to its name along with a storied past.
With such an attractive education experience on offer at the school, it draws the eyes of parents and students alike from across the UK and further afield!
In this article, we will cover everything you’d want to know before enrolling your child at Westminster. We’ll also cover the admissions procedure so that your child can put their best foot forward and maximise their chances of being successful in their application.
Why You Might Consider Westminster
- Academic excellence: the majority of their GCSE students achieve 8-9 (95% in 2019). Three-quarters of all A-Level students consistently earn top marks.
- Earning university placement for their students at some of the UK's top schools, including the London School of Economics and Imperial College.
- Excellence in sports: the school is renowned for its boat club; the campus boasts three Eaton Fives as well as football and cricket fields, tennis courts and more
- Educating renowned alumni, Sir John Gielgud and Andrew Lloyd Webber among them.
Everything a Parent Needs to Know About Westminster School
There is a certain prestige and bragging right that comes with the idea of sending your child to a school with a legacy as dated as Westminster which has been operating since the 14th century and the the Rugby Group of schools has some facilities that date back to the 15th Century!
Elizabeth I is credited as the school’s Foundress because she confirmed royal patronage after her father, Henry VIII, ensured the school’s survival during the dissolution of monasteries back in 1540.
Of course, academic performance and acceptance rates to leading third-level institutions are going to be factors that weigh heavily on your decision to enrol your child at any secondary school.
Well, would you believe that about half of Westminster School’s students get accepted to Oxford and Cambridge universities, an Oxbridge acceptance rate that sets it apart from other schools in the UK and perhaps even from other frontrunners on your shortlist of potential schools?
In recent A-level examinations, over 80% of candidates achieved A* or A grades, demonstrating the school's commitment to academic rigour.
In terms of the learning experience and how your child will engage with their education over the course of their time at the school, you can expect them to delve into a well-rounded curriculum.
There is definitely more than meets the eye, as your child will have an opportunity to try their hand at a range of subjects, many of which are hard found across many of the country’s secondary schools.
Westminster School students can opt to take subjects like humanities, art sciences, music, theatre, and athletics.
With such a culture of academic excellence, the school certainly strikes a balance with the facilities that it offers, offering plenty of outlets for students to decompose and socialise outside of the classroom.
An array of top-notch amenities can be found such as the Sports Center at Vincent Square which provides a variety of activities, like climbing, combat sports, fencing, and indoor games.
Notable Alumni
One way to look at the quality of the education offered at a school is to see some of the students who have walked the same corridors and where they found themselves in their careers today.
Given its deep roots, Westminster School boasts a history of successful graduates, many of which need no introduction.
Some names from the school's list of notable alumni include John Locke, Christopher Wren and Helena Bonham Carter among others who have left their mark on the world stage over the years.
So, not only does this give you a stamp of assurance as a parent that you are leaving your little one in good hands, but having them walk the same halls serves as a source of motivation for your child to realise and achieve their academic potential.
Location
Westminster School is the only ancient London school to occupy its original site by Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. One of the main attractions of the school and something that makes it all the more accessible for those hailing from far and wide is its prime location in the heart of London.
This adds so many more avenues for learning when your child leaves the school grounds, from top-notch museums to iconic historical sites that seamlessly integrate into their academic journey to enhance their overall learning experience.
It’s also comforting to know that the area is extremely manageable to commute to. So, if you plan on dropping them off in the car each morning, having them take the bus or plan on finding them some accommodation in the locality the area is more than ideal for all the above!
The area is more than well serviced by a variety of forms of public transport and there is certainly no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation.
Your child will also have their fair share of facilities and clubs across to engage with with so many options on offer in the heart of the nation’s capital.
How to Decide if the School Is Right for You
The school hosts Open Mornings during the autumn terms for those who wish to register their son for 13+ and 16+ entry. You can also schedule a visit for your child if they are in Year 5 on the school’s website.
The school’s motto "Dat Deus Incrementum," translates to "God gives growth" which underlines its dedication to fostering both academic achievement and individual development.
While you're there, you should bookmark the page so you can check on upcoming dates for Open Mornings. We know they will be in September but we don't yet have the exact dates.
Understanding Westminster School's Admission Process
If you like what you have read about Westminster thus far and think it might be a suitable next step in your child’s academic journey, then you’re likely already a little courteous about the school’s application process.
In order for you to manage your expectations and know what you’re in for, you’ll need to note that the process is extremely competitive, as many students across the UK and beyond set their sights on Westminster School as a means of maximising their chances of earning their place in a top university.
However, the admission process looks beyond the mere academic performance of applicants, looking for those who fit the ethos, have a love for learning and have the ability to make an impact on the school community as a whole.
So, in terms of actionable steps that you can take, there are two main entry points to the school, 13+ and 16+.
13+ Entry
In order to have your child with a chance of securing a spot for admission at the age of 13, the process is going to begin in Year 5 with an online application.
Even at this age, the school receives somewhere in the region of 500 applications, making it quite an accomplishment to progress to the next stage. Of these applicants, about 250 typically receive invitations for interviews, whittling down the list of prospective students to just half.
This selection process enables the school to pinpoint students who demonstrate not only excellence but also embody the values that resonate with Westminster's principles.
Expect the admissions board to look at the ongoing good behaviour and progress of your son in his current school as an indication of their suitability for a place.
If your child is fortunate enough to secure an interview, the results of which will be made available to you by the end of February, regarding whether or not your son is accepted into Year 6.
16+ Entry
The admissions process for both points of entry has many similarities, with 16+ being that it is more competitive given the more advanced material that is covered over the course of these years of schooling.
Admissions for 16+ entries also welcomes both boys and girls which also gives rise to increased competition with a larger pool of students gunning for a place.
On top of the interview, students will also be required to sit an entrance exam in November, the year prior to joining the school. This helps the school evaluate the aptitude and suitability of applicants to the school, ensuring that all students are judged on a level playing field.
Exams are set depending on what subjects your child would like to study. For example, if your child wants to learn Math, Chemistry, Biology, and French, Westminster School will set up an exam on just those subjects for your child.
If they achieve satisfactory scores on all four then they will be offered a place at the school. You/they will receive a notification of scoring by early December.
For example, if you want your son to enter in Year 7, you should submit their application during Year 5. That's not such a large gap; Charterhouse School expects their applicants to register three years ahead of enrolment.
Key Tips for the Entrance Exams
The ISEB Examination is used by many preparatory schools including Marlborough College. For this reason, many companies have produced sample exam papers written in ISEB format and style. These can be bought from WH Smiths and Amazon.
Students should practice as much as possible using these practice papers. They should run through the answers afterwards to check what they got right and wrong to help them improve. You (or a test prep tutor) might help them by staging mock exams, complete with a formal grading session afterwards.
Preparing for exams can be a long process. Many students can get frustrated with the revision they have to do and the number of questions they have to answer. Be there to encourage them!
Any student applying to Clifton College will submit to these same tests; they appear to be universal.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, the fees for day students are approximately £31,000 per year. Boarding students who live at the school pay higher fees of around £46,000 per year.
For the interview, Westminster School wants to get an idea of who your child is. Not just as a candidate but on a personal level and outside of the school environment. A good way to prepare for this is to do mock interviews together. Here again, a tutor would be a big help.
Key Deadlines and Aates for the Application Process
In order to leave chance out of the equation and put your child in the best position to succeed in their application to Westminster School, you need to familiarise yourself with a number of dates for the year they are looking to enter.
October 1, 2024
Online registration opens for 13+
September 30, 2025
Registration closes for 13+
October/November 2025
ISEB Common Pre-Test for 13+
January/February 2026
Interviews for selected candidates for 13+
March 2026
Admission decision notification for 13+
It would be a shame if, after all the hard work and time that was put in in order to make a strong application to the school, their chances were affected as a result of failing to meet a deadline.
June 1, 2024
Online registration opens for 16+
September 30, 2024
Registration closes for 16+
November 9, 2024
Entrance exams in four chosen subjects for 16+
November 30, 2024
Interviews for selected candidates for 16+
December 2024
Offers of admission sent out for 16+
By keeping on top of these key dates, you’ll take a lot of stress associated with the process of your and your child’s shoulders and ensure that they don’t give the admissions board any reason not to have your child’s application right at the top of the pile.
To make things a little easier on you and your child, we have compiled the most important dates that you’ll need to adhere to while navigating the application process for 13+ and 16+ entries.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
At Westminster school the great and best in UK school , I’m leaving a request message if there’s by any chance for late registration 16+
2024?
I look forward to hearing from you
Westminster School’s 16+ registration for 2024 entry has officially closed, but you can still contact their admissions office at sixthformadmissions@westminster.org.uk or +44 (0)20 7963 1003 to inquire about any late application possibilities. Best of luck! 😊
Many thanks.