Westminster School Overview
Westminster is a day and boarding school for boys aged 13 and above, becoming co-educational in the Sixth Form. It is known for its busy, driven atmosphere that encourages independent thinking.
Situated between the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, the school benefits from a prime location in central London with excellent transport links.
The school’s core value is ‘loyal dissent’. Students are loyal to a broad, liberal education, respect scholarship, and are encouraged to question, challenge, and explore what they learn. For centuries, Westminster has been home to some of the world’s most influential writers, politicians, artists, economists, scientists, philosophers, and social entrepreneurs.
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Westminster School Courses And Programmes
In the Lower School, boys follow a comprehensive and common curriculum. As they progress, they gain more freedom to choose subjects. In Years 10 and 11, students prepare for 10 or 11 GCSE or IGCSE exams, over half of which they select themselves.
In the Sixth Form, both boys and girls usually study four A-levels or Cambridge Pre-U courses, all chosen from a wide range of subjects.
Westminster leavers consistently gain places at leading universities, both in the UK and abroad. Over the past five years, at least 70 students each year have secured offers from Oxford or Cambridge.
Lower School (Years 10 and 11)
In Year 10 (Lower Shell), pupils follow seven compulsory subjects: Mathematics, English, French, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and RSHE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education). Each week includes 22 periods across these subjects.
Pupils also choose five option subjects, each taught for three periods per week. These may include Latin, Greek, Combined Classics, Geography, History, Theology and Philosophy, or a modern language (German, Chinese, Spanish, or Russian – which counts as a double option). A practical subject is expected in the mix, such as Drama, Music, Art, Electronics, Product Design or Computer Science.
Pupils must study at least two of the three sciences and are encouraged to include one practical subject.
In Year 11, pupils continue with nine subjects and RSHE. Compulsory subjects are Mathematics, English Language and Literature, French, and RSHE. Pupils choose six option subjects from the existing list. Each subject receives four periods per week. RSHE is taught in smaller House groups.
Sixth Form (Years 12 and 13)
Most pupils begin Sixth Form with four A Levels, each taught for seven periods per week. In Year 13 (Remove), most continue with three A Levels, each taught for eight periods.
Subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths, English Literature, History, Geography, Latin, Greek, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Art, Music, Theatre Studies, Economics, Theology and Philosophy, and Computer Science. Electronics may be taken as an AS-level.
All Sixth Formers also take one weekly RSHE & Wellbeing lesson. In Year 12, pupils take part in the Options and Cultural Perspectives programme, choosing three short courses across the year. Additional languages and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) are available depending on timetable availability.
Westminster School Fees
| Pupil Type | Per Term (Lent and Election 2025) |
| 13+ day pupils and King’s Scholars | £14,749 |
| 16+ day pupils and King’s Scholars | £15,894 |
| 13+ and 16+ boarding pupils | £20,995 |
All fees displayed are inclusive of VAT.
Westminster School Boarding And Pastoral Care
About a quarter of Sixth Formers board at Westminster. Boarders benefit fully from the extended evening programme, which includes concerts, plays, sports, lectures, and academic and cultural trips across London. Day pupils can also stay after school to use the library, sports centre, and theatre.
To ensure pupils receive comprehensive support, each has access to a dedicated Housemaster, a personal tutor, the School Chaplain, the School Counsellor, and trained Peer Supporters.
Westminster School Extracurricular Activities
Westminster offers a wide range of activities to students. Sport includes over 25 options. Thanks to its central location, pupils have access to extensive outdoor facilities, including a shooting gallery, several fives courts, and playing fields at Vincent Square. Indoors, more than 6,000m² of space supports various activities.
The school values drama, art, and music for fostering creativity, innovation, and confidence. Facilities for these subjects are well equipped and maintained.
Pupils in Years 9 and 10 take part in two or more extracurricular activities after school on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with over 30 classes and workshops available. Sixth formers can study additional languages such as Sanskrit or Arabic and pursue practical courses.
