Westminster Under School is distinctive both for its uniquely central position in central London but also because of our unwavering focus on encouraging our children to be curious, sparky and to embrace their potential. If your child likes a challenge, is energetic about new things and has a desire to do well then this may well be the school for them. The school is known equally for the quality of its teaching as well as for the breadth of its curriculum.
Westminster Under School best suits those who are intellectually curious: your child may enjoy Science, or English, or Mathematics, or History and Geography. They may like the idea of learning another language, including Latin or Classical Greek or they may spend hours reading books or have great general knowledge of the world about them. Almost everyone enjoys learning for their intrinsic love of learning. Alongside that, the opportunities for being part of one of many sports teams, for art, drama and music are almost unlimited and go far above and beyond the academic results – our last ISI inspection referenced this as a significant strength of the school and it is not unusual for our pupils to play the banjo or harp, go rowing on the river or have their art work exhibited in museums.
The academic standard here is high, but high standards in the classroom and good sport, music, art and drama are by no means mutually exclusive, and we value our pupils’ achievements in all areas of school life. There is a particular focus on the way they treat each other – in a friendly and caring manner – and set good examples for others. While many of our pupils are strong across the board, just like us, some areas need greater application and work – we are by no means looking for children who are already the ‘finished product.’
Pastorally, this is a small and friendly school and all staff get to know the children very well. Smiles are intrinsic to the school and we aim to ensure that every pupil has a sense of well-being about their achievements and for the future. Among my favourite moments of the day are seeing our children arrive at 8 am for the start of school excited about the day ahead and them leaving again between 4 and 5 pm still with a smile on their face, discussing all of the things they’ve learned that day – from Fermat’s Theorem to the French Revolution and everything in between.
We hope that this website will enable you to find out something of the breadth of school life but there is no better way to get a clear impression of the Under School than by visiting us and speaking to the pupils, the staff, or to me. If you do decide to register your child, then you will automatically be invited to come and look around two years before they are due to come here. And if you are considering Westminster Under School, and then later Westminster School, you would ideally be making contact with us from the year before your child is due to join our pre-prep, using this website to consider the entry process.
Do not hesitate to contact us if there is anything you wish to know about Westminster Under School.
MR M WOODSIDE
MASTER