INDEPENDENT BOARDING AND DAY SCHOOL A BRIEF HISTORY

Westminster is a long-established school on an ancient site. Its origins can be traced back to 1179, when the Benedictine monks of Abbey were asked by Pope Alexander III to provide a small charity school. The School’s continuous existence is certain from the early fourteenth century. Following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1540, Henry VIII personally ensured the School’s survival by statute and confirmed royal patronage in 1560.

Westminster is an exceptional school Our very location, between the Houses of Parliament and which we use as the School’s chapel, is dramatic and inspirational.

Westminster pupils genuinely love their academic subjects and are taught by teachers who inspire them. They perform superbly in examinations and “The Head Master enjoy more success at leading universities, both in this country and in America. clearly cares for But it is their whole-hearted commitment to learning for its own sake, well beyond any examination syllabus, their enjoyment, talent and confidence in us. And he’s Music, Sport, Drama, Debating, which delight me the most and which make like lightning – Westminster such a happy, rewarding place to be at school. often on his bike, Our flexible system of boarding and day, unique in , suits the changing needs of pupils and their families. It means that Westminster life continues chasing the into the evening, long after other schools close their doors. We value cultural understanding and exploration, and make the utmost use of the galleries, next play, match theatres and concert halls on our doorstep. Our thriving co-educational Sixth or recital!” Form and modern international outlook give further variety and dynamism to the Westminster way of life.

Please do come and visit us to experience it for yourself.

Patrick Derham Head Master A Westminster Education “I never stop… I just love everything!” 7

Central to Westminster’s ethos is the rapport between teachers and their students.

This inspires passion for the subject, Westminster’s Elizabethan encourages confidence in learning, foundation, where it is stated that: conveys knowledge and develops ‘the youth which is growing to “Pupils express skills of rational, independent manhood, as tender shoots in the delight in how thought. Our pupils’ academic wood of our state, shall be liberally success comes from their enjoyment instructed in good books to the the School has of intellectual enquiry, debate and greater honour of the state’ search for explanation, well beyond encouraged them published syllabuses. They delight While academic and cultural to explore beyond in a huge range of opportunities to attainments are highly prized, develop initiatives and to discuss the School is fully committed to the boundaries of their ideas. We are a happy, busy nurture each pupil’s spiritual, moral and purposeful community. emotional and physical wellbeing. what they might We seek to develop individual talent have thought they The broader ethos of the School wherever it lies – and to prepare resides in the enduring values young people for fulfilled private could do.” reflected in the 1560 Charter of and public lives. ISI Report November 2016 Our Unique Location When other schools Some of our buildings date back New developments include: to the eleventh century and, while • The Weston Building for moved to the suburbs the community comprises pupils the Humanities in the late nineteenth and teachers of many different • State-of-the-art laboratories faiths, we retain close links with and an observatory in the century, Westminster Westminster Abbey: the Dean newly refurbished Robert “Walking out of the School gates and seeing of Westminster is the Chairman School decided to Hooke Science Centre the Abbey and the Houses of Parliament of the Governing Body and the • The Sports Hall near stay on its original Abbey is the School’s chapel. Vincent Square right there… It inspires the atmosphere and site at the very heart • The Manoukian Music Centre Westminster School now extends • An inspiring new location for the approach to learning.” of London. beyond Dean’s Yard and into the Purcell’s boarding House. surrounding quiet streets. 10 11

Boarding and Day Boarding has been central to life at Westminster since the School was founded.

Now between a quarter and a third provided by the boarding life of theatrical rehearsals at weekends, of pupils choose to board and the School. They can join boarders as the dates of concerts and plays many members of staff live within for breakfast, supper, and many approach. Pupils who are not the precincts to enable a flourishing choose to remain at school in the involved in these activities go home boarding life. This means that evenings to study, rehearse or to at 1pm on Saturday. activities continue into the evening, attend the evening programme with a full programme of society of activities. The Library remains There are approximately 740 pupils meetings, lectures, school plays open until 9pm. at Westminster School, 120 admitted and concerts, and cultural trips to at 13+ (Year 9) and 70 at 16+ (Year 12). London events. Lessons continue on Saturday mornings. On Saturday afternoons, “There’s always something Day pupils are encouraged to pupils enjoy a full range of sporting happening. The School doesn’t stop participate in the opportunities fixtures. There are often musical and at 4; it goes on until I go to bed!”

“I love the sense of having an extended family, with whom you share a huge number of experiences.” 12 13

Boys and Girls

Girls are an integral part of the intellectual and cultural vitality that creates such a stimulating Sixth Form experience at Westminster. They “It’s got a really have been part of the Westminster good community School community for over 40 years. Now approximately 70 girls join the feel to it, rather Sixth Form each year, about a third than just a school.” living in as boarders. All pupils, boys and girls, belong to a House. This provides them with a supportive and stable community for the duration of their time at Westminster and allows them to get to know pupils of different ages, genders and backgrounds. Six houses accommodate both boarding and day pupils; five accommodate day pupils only; all welcome boys from 13+ and girls in the Sixth Form.

“I feel like girls have a strong voice at Westminster; the School is a very inclusive and welcoming environment. And I think the boys really like having girls around, especially the younger ones – it’s like having whole lot of big sisters!” 14 15

A Day at Westminster The Westminster Day offers so much more than lessons from 9 to 5. The following timetable outlines the range of activities a pupil could enjoy on an average day.

Morning Lunchtime Afternoon Evening

7.50 9.00 12.40 14.00 13.30 17.45 Breakfast is served in the medieval Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays Tuesdays and Thursdays: Supper. College Hall. Day boys and girls On Mondays and Fridays there Lunch. Until 14.00 pupils enjoy (14.10 on Monday): Lessons begin, Pupils enjoy an extensive arrive from all over London. is a short service in Westminster a wide range of student society ending at 16.10 (16.25 on Monday). range of sports in the afternoon, 18.30 Abbey, the address often given meetings and co-curricular activities. including, , Cricket, Supervised trips to London 8.40 by an eminent visiting speaker. These include: Biology Society, 16.15 , Netball, Hockey, Tennis, events begin. All pupils register in Houses. On Wednesdays, there is a short English Society, FemSoc, Model (16.30 on Monday) Tea. Climbing, Judo, Dance Fit, Gym assembly called ‘ Prayers’. United Nations, Computer Science Fitness, Cycling, Basketball, 19.15 Lessons start at 9.25. Society, Investment Society, 16.30 Yoga, Athletics, Hula-Hooping. Boarders do their prep (homework) Land Training, Athletics, Drama (16.45 on Monday) Every pupil in in their studies or in the Library. Tuesdays and Thursdays: and Music rehearsals, Art Club Years 9 & 10 participates in at least We play matches against a full Day pupils are also welcome to lessons start at 9.00. and the opportunity to learn an two Lower School Activities each range of other schools on Tuesday, study in the Library. additional language. week. Options include: Animation, Thursday and Saturday afternoons. Astronomy, Bookbinding, Carpentry, 21.00 On Mondays, all pupils meet with Debating, Drama, Duke of Edinburgh, 16.30 Study time ends. Pupils use the their tutors at 13.50 until 14.10. Fencing, Fives, Football Training, Tea. next hour to socialise, to play Pool Model Building and Robotics. or Table Tennis in their Houses, 13.00 or to play Football in Yard. Some Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays: enjoy the programme of activities Lunch followed by afternoon Sports. available in the Sports Hall. Some prefer to continue studying. On Saturdays, pupils who are not involved in sports fixtures 22.00 or weekend rehearsals go home Bed times vary according to after morning lessons. Year groups. 17

A Place of Wellbeing We are fully committed to the happiness, welfare and wellbeing of our pupils.

We want them to flourish, to develop run by an experienced Nursing confidence in themselves, resilience Sister and visited regularly by the and sensitivity to others. We aim School GP. We have the full-time to do all we can to set them up for support of a School Counsellor meaningful, happy and satisfying and pupils can also talk through lives, once they leave us. particular problems with experienced Independent The well-established community Listeners. The Chaplain also plays of Houses enables a strong, an important role in ensuring well-integrated system of pastoral the welfare of the community. care which ensures that the needs of Senior pupils from each House each individual child are addressed, are trained as Peer Supporters and that all pupils – whatever their to provide an additional layer of age, background or gender – enjoy support and advice. their time at school. When issues occur, they are communicated swiftly The Head of Wellbeing and his to the Housemaster who talks with team deliver a relevant and engaging the child’s parents, teachers and programme within the curriculum, personal tutor to devise the best addressing the experiences and way forward. challenges of teenage life. We promote discussion, learning and “It’s not about Boarding Houses have a dedicated reflection, to guide pupils and to Matron and all pupils have access to help them make constructive choices having someone to our state-of-the-art Health Centre, in their lives. look after you; it’s about having people to look out for you, and there’s a world of difference.” 18 19

Westminster students are The love of learning and confidence encouraged to love the academic to develop independent thought Academic Life life, to think for themselves, to flourishes in student-led societies question and to argue things out. and initiatives. Every day, pupils give Westminster provides an exceptionally strong Subject syllabuses are seen as talks well-attended by their peers a starting point for deeper, more on a wealth of subjects, and they and highly successful academic environment exciting and wide-ranging enquiry. group together to succeed in an which enables pupils to fulfil their intellectual impressive range of national and Teachers at Westminster are international competitions. As ambitions and to develop life-long skills of inspiring. They demonstrate such, the community provides an sophisticated, independent thought. outstanding individual scholarship exceptional learning environment, and a contagious enthusiasm for both within the classroom and their subject. We are at the forefront without, so that Westminster pupils of developments in teaching and emerge well-informed, articulate learning, and, as a leading academic and confident to meet the challenges institution, we participate regularly ahead of them. in important educational research studies. Westminster teachers are After Westminster, nearly all pupils best qualified, therefore, to guide are successful in obtaining places and support students with a variety at leading universities: at Oxford, of learning styles and needs. Cambridge, Ivy League Universities in America, or on the best courses at Russell Group universities.

“At Westminster we’re actively encouraged to go beyond the syllabus: to do our own research, to ask questions, to read around the subject. It helps us to achieve high grades, but the real result is that I feel empowered.” “The teachers here are always trying to work out how to bring the best out of you.” 23

The Lower School Lessons are practical and discursive.

Small classes, comprising boys with a range of strengths, abilities and backgrounds, allow for a full range of experiences and opinions to enhance discussion. Meanwhile, pupils are set in Mathematics, French and Classics to ensure they make the best progress, and a full programme of co-curricular activities provides opportunities to learn additional subjects and skills.

All boys enjoy a broad curriculum in the Fifth Form (Year 9) so they can gain essential skills across a full range of disciplines and develop a good understanding of which subjects they will enjoy most at GCSE.

In the Lower and Upper Shell (Years 10 & 11) boys usually choose ten or eleven GCSE subjects, which must include: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, French and at least two Sciences. They can also choose from: a second Modern Language, Latin, Greek, Philosophy and Theology, History, and Geography. In addition, they are encouraged to take a practical subject: Art, Drama, Electronics, “Pupils engage in robust, informed Music, Computer Science or Design Technology. debate from the start of their time Westminster prides itself on a system at the School, both with their fellow of choice. Every effort is made to pupils and with adults.” allow boys to select their own preferred combination of subjects. ISI Report November 2016 The Upper School Westminster’s Sixth Form is exceptional in the way it prepares students for “The ability to university life. process information quickly, to analyse Academic study is rigorous, exciting and designed as a foundation situations and for top undergraduate courses. Emphasis is given to teaching skills develop their own of independent learning through solutions to integrated research projects and group presentations. There are problems is a strong plenty of opportunities to develop personal learning initiatives, with characteristic of the full support of teaching staff: for pupils’ learning.” example, prize essay competitions; lunchtime research projects; student ISI Report November 2016 discussion and study groups; political debates; student publications and creative work.

Each pupil is encouraged to choose subjects that play to his or her strengths and interests, with an eye on the best combination for prospective university courses. All take four subjects at A-Level or Pre-U. Classes typically comprise about 12 pupils – large enough for dynamic interaction and a variety of viewpoints; small enough to allow for more attention on the needs and interests of each individual. 26 27

The Broader Curriculum In addition to their timetabled subjects, there are many opportunities for pupils of all years to extend and enrich their academic life. “Pupils delight in how the School has Further languages can be studied Pupils from all Years enjoy the outside the timetable. Boys in thriving programme of events encouraged them Years 9 & 10 can take introductory and talks created by student-led to explore beyond courses in new subjects, for example societies. Departments also have Psychology, Art History or Film their own programmes of workshops the boundaries of Making, as one of their Lower and visiting speakers, and the entire School Activities. In the Upper Upper School is free to attend the what they might School, all pupils enjoy a varied, Society each week, have thought they year-long programme of lessons where they can learn from people designed to explore different at the top of their field. Recent guests could do.” cultural perspectives. In addition, have included Michael Frayn, Michael they can take a range of short Gove, Sally Davies, Helena Bonham ISI Report November 2016 courses, ranging from Computer Carter, Zanny Minton-Bedoes and Coding to Journalism and Design. Sir Richard Dalton. Queen’s Scholarships Pupils who gain our academic scholarships are known as the Queen’s Scholars.

The scholarships were originally There are a total of 48 Queen’s established by Henry VIII and were Scholars, with 12 chosen every more formally affirmed by Elizabeth I year: eight boys at age 13 and four “As a scholar, in 1560: the historic link with the royal girls at age 16. The Scholars are you study like family continues today. Our Queen’s chosen based on their performance Scholars are privileged to be able to in the entrance exams and interviews everyone else but attend a variety of special services in and the scholarship lasts for the Westminster Abbey, as invited by the duration of their time at the school. you get access to Dean. Such events have included the The fee for a Queen’s Scholar is some amazing wedding of the Duke and Duchess of set at half way between 50% of Cambridge, the visit of His Holiness the boarding fee and the day fee. experiences. I still the 14th Dalai Lama, the Nelson If required, an additional bursary Mandela Memorial Service and the will be awarded on a means-tested can’t quite believe 60th anniversary of the Coronation basis. Queen’s Scholars are required that I got to meet at which the Queen’s Scholars sang to board at the school and all belong the Vivats. to College house. the Dalai Lama.”

For more information on the Admissions process and fees, please see the Further Information booklet. 28 29

“The trips I’ve been on have taught me so many new things and have actually changed the way I think when I’m back in the classroom.”

Adventures and Expeditions Westminster life may be based in London, but it extends far field.

Our pupils are international in their Twice each year, all Lower School outlook and make the most of boys enjoy a programme of opportunities to experience different subsidised expeditions, where cultures and ways of life. Linguists enthusiastic teachers take groups enjoy a thriving exchange programme of 10-20 pupils off on adventures with schools in Paris, Berlin, Munich, in England and Europe – to Krakow, Beijing and Chile, and those learning the Menai Straits, Sicily and the Russian spend time with families in Isle of Wight; groups cycle from Moscow. In 2017 Westminster hosted London to Paris, boys learn how a Science conference with the Meiwa to cook in Suffolk and go climbing School in Japan. in Catalunya.

Further highlights of our annual All new 5th Formers (Year 9) spend programme of trips include: the a few days at our Westminster 5th Form (Year 9) tour of classical house in Nenthead, Cumbria, sites in Greece, a tour of US with their Housemaster and Tutor, campuses for prospective American during their first two terms at the university students and the School – a trip designed to foster Westminster School Ski Trip. new friendships. Nenthead also There are also regular sporting provides a perfect location for and musical tours, most recently to reading weeks and outward Monaco, Barbados and Slovenia. bound activities. 31

Music Music is central to the cultural life of Westminster School.

Well over half of pupils play a wide We have an exceptional number composed by pupils are regularly variety of musical instruments, of pupils playing in the National featured in concerts and recitals. and the School provides a great Youth Orchestra, as many as eight number of musical opportunities for at any one time, the most of any The Choral Society, including everyone, from beginners to those non-specialist music school. We are pupils and parents, performs major of Diploma standard, alike. also the 2017 winners of the Pro works, such as the Verdi Requiem, Corda Chamber Music Competition. every year; and, every two years, Almost every week, there is at Accomplished musicians have Westminster produces a full-scale least one concert and often several, opportunities to conduct orchestras musical, a highlight for pupils of all featuring the musicianship of and to play concerti; while those ages. Meantime, our own Abbey soloists, vocalists, chamber developing their technique benefit Choir leads our twice-weekly groups and duos, wind, brass from masterclasses with leading services in Westminster Abbey, and big bands, House groups professional musicians and voice and this is also where we hold our and School orchestras; playing coaches. A special feature of Music candle-lit Christmas Carol Service – music of all genres, from Baroque at Westminster is the tradition of a very special occasion for the to Jazz and Pop. teaching composition; works whole School community.

“It’s incredible to play alongside so many others who love music like I do.” 32

The Art School “I thrive because there are no creative In the Art Department the emphasis is on boundaries. The drawing and painting, including life drawing. School actively

Westminster’s Art School is situated a large darkroom with equipment encourages artistic on Great College Street, behind for black and white processing and innovation.” Dean’s Yard. It contains large, printing. We also make full use of well-lit studios, specialist equipment the world-class galleries in central including two printmaking rooms London, for study and inspiration. with Albion presses and an etching studio – spaces where ambition The Art School is available to all can be limitless. pupils and often remains open late into the evening to support extended A dedicated IT suite, film-making work. Pupils’ work is widely shown in facilities and a well-stocked library the public areas of the School and are set alongside many additional exhibitions are frequently held in the architecturally interesting work areas Carleton Gallery. Each year a major that enhance creativity. In addition to Summer Show is hosted to celebrate digital photography facilities there is the achievements of pupils.

© Lucy Li 34

Drama Drama flourishes at Westminster.

Most pupils will take part in shows produced and performed by Drama facilities are superb: a state- during their time at the School – the Sixth Form, this year of-the-art theatre and studio spaces on stage, backstage or perhaps showcasing iconic scenes of at the purpose-built both – and some go on to pursue twentieth century American drama, Hall; the School Hall, a traditional successful careers in the performing and the Elizabethan Festival for proscenium arch with fly tower; and arts. We currently have alumni in all Fifth Form boys (Year 9), who Ashburnham Garden where we put the West End ( and the work with visiting theatre directors on summer productions against the Cursed Child), and on television on scenes from Shakespeare and unique backdrop of the ancient (Poldark) and film The( Queen). his contemporaries. In addition, Abbey Walls. Visiting companies we produce original translations, regularly come to Westminster to Regular productions of musicals plays in foreign languages and perform and give workshops. and large-scale classical plays a lively programme of House involve pupils from the whole school Drama. Pupils are encouraged Our theatrical alumni include community. Other highlights of the to write, direct and design their , Imogen theatrical calendar include a festival own productions. Stubbs, , and .

“Standing backstage and hearing everyone come in, waiting for us to begin, is one of the most brilliant experiences of my life.” 37

Sport for Life – and to Win All pupils at Westminster participate in a wide variety of sporting activities (known as Station) on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

In the Fifth Form (Year 9), If they are involved in a competitive of matches and competitions against there are 11 sports for boys to Station, they will have fixtures on other schools. Westminster pupils choose from: Saturday afternoons, too. participate in these sports at local, • Athletics & Cross Country, regional and national levels. Cricket, Fencing, Fives, Historically, the principal sports at They benefit from the tuition of Football, Hockey, Judo, Westminster are Rowing, Football professional coaches, several Squash, Swimming, Tennis and Cricket. All three have a long of whom have represented their and Water. tradition at Westminster and we countries internationally, including can rightfully claim a place in their at the Olympic Games. As pupils progress up the annals. The first known Cricket School, over 25 choices become match between public schools was The Station programme gives available, including: Westminster v Harrow in 1796; the pupils the opportunity to learn • Badminton, Basketball, Westminster colours were chosen important life skills – by working Cycling, DanceFit, Golf, supposedly after rowing against Eton both independently and as part Gym Fitness, Hula-Hooping, in 1837, and we competed against of a team, through participation Lawn Bowls, Netball, Charterhouse in the first ever inter- and competition. Our aim is that Real Tennis, Rock Climbing, school Football matches in 1863. Station should be one of the most Rounders, Shooting, enjoyable and rewarding areas Table Tennis, Winter Tennis The competitive Stations – such of each pupil’s school life. It is the and Yoga. as Cricket, Cross Country, Fencing, exceptional variety of sporting Fives, Football, Squash, Tennis activities on offer that ensures this and Water – have full fixture lists is predominantly the case.

“We push each other to be the best we can be, not just because the team wants to win, but because we want everyone to enjoy and get the most out of what we’re doing together.” “Boats win national Rowing competitions, the School has won the national Tennis competition for independent schools and pupils have won gold medals in national Fencing, Climbing and Martial Arts competitions.”

ISI Report 2016 41

Westminster and the Community Westminster School is outward looking.

Our pupils heed the call to be dissection to dance – for primary politically, socially and ethically school children. engaged. We enjoy a unique educational partnership with the Sixth Formers enjoy further Harris Westminster Sixth Form. In volunteering opportunities: working addition, Sixth Form pupils enjoy at local hospitals, academic mentoring at the Westminster mentoring, visiting older people and Summer School – a week of activities supporting the homeless. The annual for state school students with high Westminster Phab is a popular and, academic potential, in collaboration for some, a life-changing event, with Imperial College, King’s College where 30 Year 12 pupils become the London and McKinsey and Co. We sole carers of people with physical also host the Linacre Summer School and mental disabilities for a week for students from the north of England. of the summer holiday.

Many pupils work with local primary Our Outreach programme allows school children: mentoring, reading Westminster pupils see beyond one-to-one, teaching English as an the immediate priorities of their “Pupils engage in additional language, at Breakfast or academic, co-curricular and social service outside the After School clubs, and coordinating lives. It encourages them to their own Science, Music and Sports acknowledge their position in a wider School with great clubs at local schools. All Year 11 society and to take responsibility boys work together after their GCSEs for others. For many, it is the start enthusiasm and to host a day of workshops – from of life-long civic engagement. great integrity.”

ISI Report November 2016 42

“It’s a great environment to be in; the School encourages all sorts of broadening of intellectual and social horizons – but also they don’t mind if you just want to have a bit of fun.” After Westminster Pupils continue their studies at leading universities after Westminster – more than half at Oxford, Cambridge and Ivy League universities; almost all on top courses.

Our experienced team of Higher Media and Marketing – share their Education advisors guides and experiences and give advice. This is supports Sixth Formers through the in addition to the superb programme exciting process of making decisions of visiting speakers each week. Boys about the future and completing in Year 11 also enjoy a Futures Day applications. University preparation where they are given practical advice classes are held at lunchtime and in workshops introducing them to the after school to help students develop world of employment and encouraging skills for assessment tests and them to think purposefully about interviews. Each pupil also benefits the choices ahead. All pupils are from tutorials with a Higher Education encouraged to take appropriate work mentor specialising in the subject for experience and assistance is provided which he or she wishes to apply. where possible.

Popular careers evenings are held Our aim is that Westminster pupils throughout the year, at which Old should continue to live highly Westminsters from different fields – successful and fulfilling lives, in Medicine, Law, Journalism, a full range of professional, creative, Engineering, Investment, Digital political and entrepreneurial fields. “There is a great culture at Westminster where if there is something you want to do – a club you want to start, or a band or ensemble – you can just set it up and make it happen.” 1300s 1800s

1370 First references to the School in Westminster 1810 Vincent Square secured as the School’s Abbey’s records playing field 1813 The School’s Rowing Ledger begins 1400s 1837 Westminster’s victory over Eton at rowing hastens death of William IV 1855 Last wholly oral ‘Challenge’ 1461 The School moves from the Monastic Almonry scholarship examination to Dean’s Yard 1858 Prince Albert and the Prince of Wales attend the Latin Play 1500s 1868 Public Schools Act gives Westminster independence from the Abbey 1877 First house for day boys ‘Homeboarders’ House’ 1540 Dissolution of the Benedictine Monastery, is established Henry VIII ensures the School’s survival by statute 1560 New charter for the ‘College of St Peter’ from 1900s Elizabeth I with provision for 40 scholars 1561 Links established with Christ Church, Oxford, and Trinity College, Cambridge 1906 Science laboratories built in Great College Street 1562 First Election Dinner 1939 Outbreak of the Second World War, School evacuated from London 1564 Elizabeth I attends the Latin Play, performed in College Hall 1940 : Busby Library destroyed 1599 Former Monks’ Dormitory first used 1941 School and College destroyed in an air raid as the schoolroom 1943 Under School opened in Little Dean’s Yard 1950 George VI reopens College 1600s 1960 Queen Elizabeth II reopens School, marking Westminster’s Quatercentenary 1967 First female pupil joins the School 1638 Dr becomes Head Master, serving until his death in 1695 1973 Girls first become full members of the School 1649 Busby leads the School in prayers for Charles I 1988 Science Centre opened on the day of his execution by the Queen 1659 Busby Library built 1666 The Great Fire of London, Dean Dolben 2000s and scholars save St Dunstan’s in the East 1679 The King’s Scholars receive the Royal for their murder of a bailiff 2001 Opening of Millicent Fawcett Hall (the School’s theatre) 1685 Westminster pupils first formal attendance at the coronation 2005 Opening of the Manoukian Music Centre and Weston Building 2010 450th anniversary of the Elizabethan foundation: 1700s Queen Elizabeth II visits the School and unveils a statue of Queen Elizabeth I, by sculptor Matthew Spender 1733 The New Scholars’ Dormitory, designed 2013 New Sports Centre at the Royal Horticultural Hall WESTMINSTER by Lord Burlington, is completed opened by the Queen ABBEY 1746 First recorded cricket match – 2017 First female Queen’s Scholars join College Old Westminsters v. Old Etonians The Abbey is a breathtaking space 1750 The Grant family begins to manage a boarding and it’s a huge privilege to have it as the house in Little Dean’s Yard School’s chapel. All pupils attend services 1753 First recorded ‘pancake greaze’ twice a week and the School holds 1786 Rebellion in the School – Francis Burdett felled concerts and special services in the Abbey by Head Master’s cudgel throughout the year, giving everyone a chance to speak and perform in this beautiful and historic venue. THE REGISTRAR WESTMINSTER SCHOOL LITTLE DEAN’S YARD LONDON SW1P 3PF

+44 (0)20 7963 1003 [email protected]

@wschool

Registered charity number: 312728 © 2017 Designed and produced by MAXX Design www.maxx-design.co.uk