13+ PROSPECTUS 3

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 Westminster Abbey were asked by Pope Alexander III to provide a small charity school. The School’s continuous existence is certain from the early 14th century. Following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1540, Henry VIII personally ensured the School’s survival by statute and Elizabeth I confirmed royal patronage in 1560. Westminster is an exceptional place A 21st-century school with a long history of excellence, our very location between the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, 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 share that love, and who inspire them. Pupils perform superbly in A Westminster Education 4 examinations and enjoy further success at leading universities, both in this country Our unique location 7 and overseas. It is their whole-hearted commitment to learning for its own sake, Boarding and Day 8 however, well beyond any examination syllabus, which marks out a true Westminster Boys and Girls 11 pupil. Their enjoyment and confidence in thinking and Debating; their enthusiasm for Music, Sport and Drama; their commitment to Charity and to Service: these holistic A Day at Westminster 12 ingredients make Westminster pupils wonderful to know and to spend time with, A place of wellbeing 14 and Westminster School such a happy, stimulating and rewarding place to be. Academic life 16 The Lower School 21 Our flexible system of boarding and day, unique in London, suits the changing The Upper School 22 needs of pupils and their families. It means that Westminster life can start at The Broader Curriculum 24 breakfast and continue into the evening, long after other schools close their doors. We value cultural understanding and exploration, and make the utmost use of the Queen’s Scholarships 25 galleries, theatres and concert halls on our metropolitan doorstep. Our thriving Adventures and Expeditions 26 co-educational Sixth Form and liberal, progressive international outlook give further Music 29 variety and dynamism to the Westminster way of life. The Art School 30 Drama 33 Please do come and visit us to experience for yourself what makes Westminster Sport for life – and to win 35 exceptional. Westminster and the community 39 You will be most welcome. After Westminster 40 How to Apply for 13+ Entry 43 Dr Gary Savage Scholarships and Bursaries 45 Head Master Fees 47 How to find your way around 48 Timeline 50 4

A Westminster Education Central to Westminster’s ethos is the rapport between teachers and their pupils.

This inspires passion for the subject, Elizabethan foundation, where it is encourages confidence in learning, stated that: ‘the youth which is growing conveys knowledge and develops skills to manhood, as tender shoots in the of rational, independent thought. Our wood of our state, shall be liberally pupils’ academic success comes from instructed in good books to the greater “Pupils express delight their enjoyment of intellectual enquiry, honour of the state.’ in how the School debate and search for explanation, reaching well beyond published While academic and cultural has encouraged them syllabuses. They delight in a huge range attainments are highly prized, the to explore beyond the of opportunities to develop initiatives School is fully committed to nurture boundaries of what and to discuss their ideas. We are each pupil’s spiritual, moral, emotional a happy, busy and purposeful community. and physical wellbeing. We seek they might have thought to develop individual talent wherever they could do.” The broader ethos of the School it lies – and to prepare young people resides in the enduring values reflected for fulfilled private and public lives. ISI Report November 2016 in the 1560 Charter of Westminster’s 7

“Walking out of the school gates and seeing the Abbey and the Houses of Parliament right there… It inspires the atmosphere and the Our approach to learning.” unique location When other schools moved to the suburbs in the late 19th century, Westminster School remained on its original site at the very heart of London.

Some of our buildings date back to the 11th century and, while the community comprises pupils and teachers of many different faiths and none, we retain close links with Westminster Abbey: the Dean of Westminster is a member of the Governing Body and the Abbey is the School’s chapel.

Westminster School now extends beyond Dean’s Yard and into the surrounding quiet streets, having, in recent years, expanded to include:

• the Weston Building for the Humanities; • state-of-the-art laboratories and an observatory in the recently refurbished Robert Hooke Science Centre; • the Sports Centre near Vincent Square; • the Manoukian Music Centre; • an inspiring new location for Purcell’s boarding House • the Millicent Fawcett Hall Theatre; • and finally, the recently opened Sir Adrian Boult Building, a new events space. 8

“There’s always something happening. The School doesn’t stop at 4; it goes on until I go to bed!”

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

“I love the sense of Nowadays between a quarter and activities. The Library remains open a third of pupils choose to board until 9.00pm. having an extended and many members of staff live within family, with whom you the precincts to enable a flourishing Lessons continue on Saturday share a huge number boarding life. This means that activities mornings and on Saturday afternoons, continue into the evening, with a full pupils can enjoy a full range of sporting of experiences.” programme of society meetings, fixtures. There are often musical and lectures, school plays and concerts, theatrical rehearsals at weekends, and cultural trips to London events. as the dates of concerts and plays approach. Pupils who are not involved Day pupils are encouraged to in these activities go home at 1.00pm participate in the opportunities provided on Saturdays. by the boarding life of the School. They can join boarders for breakfast and There are approximately 760 pupils at supper, and many choose to remain at Westminster School – 120 are admitted School in the evenings too, to rehearse each year at 13+ (Year 9) and 75 at 16+ or to attend the evening programme of (Year 12). 11

Boys and Girls

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

“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 a whole lot of big sisters!” 12 13

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 “I never stop… a pupil could enjoy on an average day. I just love everything!”

Morning Lunchtime Afternoon Evening

7.50am 9.00am 12.40pm 1.30pm 4.00pm 5.45pm Breakfast is served in the medieval On Mondays and Fridays there is a short Lunch on Mondays, Wednesdays On Tuesdays and Thursdays, pupils Tea on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Lower School Supper. College Hall. Day boys and girls start service in Westminster Abbey, the and Fridays. enjoy an extensive range of sports to arrive from all over London. address often given by an eminent in the afternoon, including: football, 4.10pm 6.00pm visiting speaker. On Wednesdays, there From 1.10pm, pupils can enjoy a wide cricket, rowing (Water), netball, hockey, Tea on Mondays, Wednesdays Upper School Supper. 8.40am is a short assembly called ‘Latin Prayers’. range of talks from pupil-led societies. tennis, climbing, judo, DanceFit, and Fridays. All pupils register in Houses. Lessons begin at 9.25am. Societies include the African Caribbean, Gym Fitness, cycling, basketball, 6.30pm English, Environmental, Feminist, yoga, athletics and hula-hooping. 4.30pm Supervised trips to London On Tuesdays and Thursdays, History, Huxley, Model United Nations, Every Fifth Form (Year 9) and Lower Shell events begin. lessons begin at 9.00am. Politics and many more. Pupils can also We play matches against a full (Year 10) pupil participates in at least take part in other co-curricular activities range of other schools on Tuesday, two Lower School Activities each week. 7.15pm such as drama and music rehearsals, art Thursday and Saturday afternoons. Options include: Animation, Astronomy, Boarders do their prep (homework) in club or learning an additional language. Bookbinding, Carpentry, Debating, their studies or in the Library. Day pupils 2.00pm Drama, Duke of Edinburgh, Fencing, are also welcome to study in the Library. On Mondays, all pupils meet with their On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Fives, Football Training, Model Building Tutors at 1.50pm until 2.10pm. (2.10pm on Mondays): lessons begin, and Robotics. 9.00pm ending at 4.10pm (4.25pm on Mondays). Prep time ends. Pupils use the next hour 1.00pm to socialise, to play pool, chess or table Lunch on Tuesdays, Thursdays tennis in their Houses, or to play football and Saturdays. Lunch is followed in Yard. Some enjoy the programme of by afternoon sports (Station). activities available in the Sports Centre, some prefer to continue studying. On Saturdays, pupils who are not involved in sports fixtures or 10.00pm weekend rehearsals go home after Bed times vary according to morning lessons. Year groups. 15

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

We want our pupils to flourish, to Boarding houses have a dedicated develop resilience, confidence in Matron and all pupils have access to themselves, and sensitivity to others. our state-of-the-art Health Centre, run We aim to do all we can to set them up by an experienced Nursing Sister and for meaningful, happy and satisfying visited regularly by the School GP. We lives, at School and beyond. have the full-time support of a School Counsellor and pupils can also talk The well-established community through particular problems with of Houses enables a strong, well- experienced Independent Listeners. integrated system of pastoral care, The Chaplain also plays an important which ensures that the needs of each role in ensuring the welfare of the individual pupil are addressed, and community. Senior pupils from each that all pupils – whatever their age, House are trained as Peer Supporters to background or gender – enjoy their provide additional support and advice. “It’s not about time at School. When issues occur, they are communicated swiftly to the The Head of Wellbeing and their having someone to Housemaster, who talks with the pupil’s team deliver a relevant and engaging look after you; it’s parents, teachers and Personal Tutor programme within the curriculum, to devise the best way forward. addressing the experiences and about having people challenges of teenage life. We promote to look out for you, discussion, learning and reflection, to guide pupils and to help them make and there’s a world constructive choices in their lives. of difference.” 16

“At Westminster Academic life we’re actively Westminster provides an exceptionally strong encouraged to go and highly successful academic environment, beyond the syllabus: to which enables pupils to fulfil their intellectual do our own research, ambitions and to develop life-long skills of to ask questions, to sophisticated, independent thought. read around the subject. It helps us to achieve high grades, Westminster pupils are encouraged regularly in important educational national and international competitions. to love academic life, to think for research studies. Westminster teachers As such, the community provides an but the real result is themselves, to question and to argue treat every pupil as an individual learner exceptional learning environment, that I feel empowered.” things out. Subject syllabuses are seen and are able to challenge and support both within the classroom and without, as a starting point for deeper, more pupils at all stages of their journey so that Westminster pupils emerge exciting and wide-ranging enquiry. through the School. well-informed, articulate and confident to meet the challenges ahead of them. Teachers at Westminster are inspiring. The love of learning and confidence to They demonstrate outstanding develop independent thought flourishes After Westminster, nearly all pupils individual scholarship and a contagious in pupil-led societies and initiatives. are successful in obtaining places enthusiasm for their subject. We are Every week, pupils give talks, which are at leading universities: at Oxford, at the forefront of developments in well-attended by their peers, on a wealth Cambridge, Ivy League Universities teaching and learning, and, as a leading of subjects, and they group together in America, or on the best courses at academic institution, we participate to succeed in an impressive range of Russell Group universities. “The teachers here are always trying to work out how to bring out the best in you.” 0 21

The Lower School Lessons are practical and discursive.

Small classes, comprising boys with In the Lower and Upper Shell (Years a range of strengths, abilities and 10 and 11) boys usually choose ten or backgrounds, allow for a full range of 11 GCSE subjects, which must include: experiences and opinions to enhance English Language, English Literature, discussion. Meanwhile, pupils are set in French, Mathematics and at least two Mathematics, French and Classics, to Sciences. They can also choose from: ensure they make the best progress, a second Modern Language, Geography, and a full programme of co-curricular Greek, History, Latin and Philosophy activities provides opportunities to learn and Theology. In addition, they are additional subjects and skills. encouraged to take a practical subject: Art, Computer Science, Design All boys enjoy a broad curriculum in Technology, Drama, Electronics or Music. the Fifth Form, so they can gain essential skills across a full range of disciplines and Westminster prides itself on a system develop a good understanding of which of choice. Every effort is made to subjects they will enjoy most at GCSE. allow boys to select their own preferred combination of subjects.

“Pupils engage in robust, informed debate from the start of their time at the School, both with their fellow pupils and with adults.”

ISI Report November 2016 22

“The ability to process The Upper School information quickly, to analyse situations Academic study is rigorous, exciting courses. Pupils study four subjects and develop their own Westminster’s and designed as a foundation for top in the Sixth Form (Year 12). A decision Sixth Form is undergraduate courses. Emphasis is on whether to continue all four subjects solutions to problems exceptional in the given to teaching skills of independent to A Level is made on the basis of an is a strong characteristic learning through integrated research individual pupil’s own circumstances of pupils’ learning.” way it prepares projects and group presentations. There and ambitions: the majority continue are plenty of opportunities to develop with four subjects, but a sizable ISI Report November 2016 pupils for personal learning initiatives, with the full minority focus their studies on three. university life. support of teaching staff, for example: As with all studies at Westminster, essay competitions; lunchtime research there is no set formula and decisions projects; pupil discussion and study are made in collaboration between groups; political debates; pupil School and home. Classes typically publications; and creative work. comprise about 12 pupils – large enough for dynamic interaction and Each pupil is encouraged to choose a variety of viewpoints; small enough subjects that play to his or her strengths to allow for more attention to the needs and interests, with an eye on the best and interests of each individual. combination for prospective university 24 25

Queen’s Scholarships

The Scholarships were originally There are a total of 48 Queen’s Pupils who gain established by Henry VIII and were Scholars, with 12 chosen every year: our academic more formally affirmed by Elizabeth I in eight boys at age 13 and four girls 1560 – the historic link with the Royal at age 16. The Scholars are chosen scholarships are Family continues today. Our Queen’s based on their performance in the known as the Scholars are privileged to be able to entrance exams and interviews and attend a variety of special services in the scholarship lasts for the duration Queen’s Scholars. Westminster Abbey, as invited by the of their time at the School. The fee for Dean. Such events have included the a Queen’s Scholar is set at 20% less wedding of the Duke and Duchess of than the boarding fee. If required, an Cambridge, the visit of His Holiness additional bursary will be awarded on the 14th Dalai Lama, the Nelson Mandela a means-tested basis. Queen’s Scholars Memorial Service and the 60th are required to board at the School and anniversary of the Coronation, at which all belong to College. the Queen’s Scholars sang the ‘Vivats’. For more information on the admissions process and fees, please see Entry to Westminster on page 43. 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.

Further languages can be studied also have their own programmes of outside the timetable. Boys in the workshops and visiting speakers, and Fifth Form and Lower Shell can take all Sixth Form pupils attend the John introductory courses in new subjects, Locke Society lectures, which are held for example: Psychology, Art History regularly, mainly throughout the Play and or Film Making, as one of their Lent Terms (winter and spring), where Lower School Activities. In the Upper they can learn from individuals at the top School, all pupils enjoy a varied, of their field. These lectures are also “As a Scholar, you year-long programme of lessons open to Remove pupils. Recent guests study like everyone designed to explore different cultural have included Damian Barr, Alain de perspectives. In addition, they Botton, Nick Bullock, Sir Nick Clegg, else but you get access can take a range of short courses, Reverend Richard Coles, Jean-Marc to some amazing ranging from Computer Coding to Dewaele, Lucy D’Orsi, Tim Emmett, Dr Journalism and Design. Stuart Flanagan, Fox and Owl, Professor experiences. I still Anthony Grayling CBE, Dominic Grieve can’t quite believe Pupils from all years enjoy the thriving QC, Femi Otitoju, Antonia Romeo, programme of events and talks planned Jan Rostowski, Sir Simon Schama CBE, that I got to meet the by pupil-led societies. Departments Peter Tatchell and Terry Waite CBE. Dalai Lama.” 26 27

“The trips I’ve been on have taught me so many new things and have actually changed the way Adventures I think when I’m back and Expeditions in the classroom.” Westminster life may be based in London, but it also extends further afield.

Our pupils are international in their Twice each year, all Lower School outlook and make the most of boys enjoy a programme of subsidised opportunities to experience different expeditions, where enthusiastic cultures and ways of life. Linguists enjoy teachers take groups of ten to 20 pupils a thriving exchange programme with on adventures in the UK and Europe – schools in Paris, Berlin and Munich, for example, to, Almuñécar, Cornwall, and those learning Russian spend time Rome and Sicily; groups cycle from with families in Moscow. In early 2020, London to Paris, boys go horse riding a group of Westminster pupils attended in the Brecon Beacons and go climbing the National High Schools Model in Catalunya. United Nations (MUN) in New York. All new Fifth Formers spend a few days Further highlights of our annual at our Westminster house in Nenthead, programme of expeditions include: Cumbria, with their Housemaster and / the Fifth Form tour of classical sites or House Tutor(s), during their first two in Greece, a tour of US campuses for terms at the School – a trip designed to prospective American university pupils foster new friendships. Nenthead also and ski trips to Les Menuires, Jasper provides a perfect location for reading and Vermont. There are also regular weeks and outward-bound activities. sporting and musical tours, most recently to Berlin, Monaco, Barbados, Tenerife and Slovenia. 29

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

The standard of music-making at work alongside the full-time staff to debut album `Now may we singen’, on Westminster is exceptional by any deliver an extensive weekly music the Signum Classics label. The recording school’s standards, and the Music programme. Regular performance was featured on Classic FM Drive as Department is renowned for the venues include Westminster Abbey, ‘Recording of the Week’, and BBC Music quality of its choirs and orchestras. St John’s Smith Square, and the Magazine included it in its Top Ten With well over half of pupils playing Barbican. In addition, each year Christmas Playlist. The Choir sings a wide variety of musical instruments, Westminster produces a musical, twice-weekly services in Westminster the School prides itself on musical a highlight for pupils of all ages. Abbey, and this is also where the opportunities for everyone, from School’s candle-lit Christmas Carol beginners to those of Diploma Pupils regularly perform in national Service is held; a very special occasion standard alike. ensembles such as the National Youth for the whole community. and National Children’s Orchestras of Almost every week, there are evening Great Britain, and a number of music Accomplished musicians have performances for both soloists and award holders are able to attend the opportunities to conduct or accompany ensembles in the form of concerts, junior departments of London’s music ensembles and to play concerti, and recitals, masterclasses, and instrumental conservatoires later on a Saturday all Westminsters can benefit from or singing fora. Weekly lunchtime morning. The standard of chamber masterclasses with leading professional recitals give pupils the opportunity music is extremely high, and musicians. A special feature of Music to perform in a more informal setting. Westminster ensembles regularly at Westminster is the tradition of Heads of Brass, Jazz and Popular Music, participate in the Pro Corda Chamber teaching composition; works composed Piano, Singing, Strings and Woodwind, Music Festival. In 2019, the Choir of by pupils are regularly featured in and around 40 visiting music teachers Westminster School released their concerts and recitals.

“It’s incredible to play alongside so many others who love music like I do.” 30 31

“I thrive because there are no creative boundaries. The School actively encourages artistic innovation.” The Art School In the Art Department the emphasis is on drawing, painting and printmaking.

Westminster’s Art School is situated programme welcomes leading artists on Great College Street, behind and past pupils currently studying Dean’s Yard. It contains large, well-lit Foundation, Fine Art or Architecture studios, specialist equipment, including to speak throughout the year. an etching studio and a darkroom – spaces where ambition can be limitless. The Art School is available to all A dedicated IT suite, film-making pupils and often remains open until facilities and a well-stocked library are 6.30pm each evening to support set alongside our Gallery space which extended work. Pupils’ artwork is has a full program of pupil led exhibitions. widely shown in the public areas of the School and each year a major We also make full use of the world-class Summer Show is hosted to celebrate galleries in central London, for study the achievements of our pupils. and inspiration and our ARTISTALK 33

Drama Drama flourishes at Westminster.

Most pupils will take part in shows in foreign languages and a lively during their time at the School – on programme of House Drama. Pupils “Standing stage, backstage or perhaps both – are encouraged to write, direct and backstage and and some go on to pursue successful design their own productions. careers in the performing arts, making hearing everyone a name for themselves in television, The School’s drama facilities are come in, waiting theatre and film. superb: state-of-the-art theatre and studio spaces at the purpose-built for us to begin, Regular productions of musicals and Millicent Fawcett Hall; the School Hall, is one of the most large-scale classical plays involve pupils a traditional proscenium arch with fly from the whole school community. tower; and Ashburnham Garden, where brilliant experiences Other highlights of the theatrical often we put on summer productions of my life.” calendar include a festival produced against the unique backdrop of the and performed by Sixth Form pupils, ancient Abbey Walls. Visiting companies this year showcasing scenes from regularly come to Westminster to iconic movies, and the Elizabethan perform and give workshops. Festival for all Fifth Form pupils, who work with visiting theatre directors Our theatrical alumni include Helena on scenes from Shakespeare and Bonham Carter, Imogen Stubbs, Peter his contemporaries. In addition, we Brook, Peter Ustinov and John Gielgud. produce original translations, plays 35

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, there are 11 sports Historically, the principal sports at the tuition of professional coaches, for boys to choose from: Westminster are cricket, football and several of whom have represented • Athletics and cross country, Water. All three have a long tradition their countries internationally, including cricket, Fencing, Fives, football, at Westminster and we can rightfully at the Olympic Games. hockey, judo, squash, swimming, claim a place in their annals. The first tennis and Water. known Cricket match between public The Station programme gives schools was Westminster v. Harrow in pupils the opportunity to learn As pupils progress up the 1796; the Westminster colours were important life skills – by working both School, over 25 choices become chosen supposedly after rowing independently and as part of a team, available, including: against Eton in 1837, and we competed through participation and competition. • badminton, basketball, cycling, against Charterhouse in the first ever Our aim is that Station should be one DanceFit, golf, Gym Fitness, inter-school football matches in 1863. of the most enjoyable and rewarding hula-hooping, lawn bowls, netball, areas of each pupil’s school life. It is Musical Theatre Dance, Pilates, The competitive Stations – such as the exceptional variety of sporting rock climbing, rounders, shooting, cricket, cross country, Fencing, Fives, activities on offer that ensures this table tennis, Winter Tennis football, squash, tennis and Water – is the case. and yoga. have full fixture lists of matches and competitions against other schools. If pupils are involved in a competitive Westminster pupils participate in Station, they will have fixtures on these sports at local, regional and Saturday afternoons, too. national levels. They benefit from

“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.” 36 37

Our Facilities

Westminster’s Pavilion, playing fields and Sports Centre are at Vincent Square, a ten-minute walk from Dean’s Yard. Football, netball, cricket, tennis, basketball, hula-hooping and rounders are played on Vincent Square. Officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2014, the Sports Centre offers over 6,000m² of space for a broad range of athletic pursuits and includes changing facilities and a cafeteria. It houses a Fitness Suite, a multi-use Movement Studio, a Rowing Training Suite, fencing pistes, six cricket nets, two climbing walls, five table tennis tables, five badminton courts, a free weights room, a dojo, and courts for basketball, netball, indoor football, hockey, handball and volleyball. “Boats win national rowing competitions, the School has won On the main school site there are facilities for Fives and shooting, whilst the national tennis competition for the School’s Boathouse, which was independent schools and pupils completely rebuilt in 1996, is situated have won gold medals in on the Tideway at Putney. national Fencing, climbing and judo competitions.” 39

“Pupils engage in service outside the School with great enthusiasm and Westminster great integrity.” and the community ISI Report November 2016 Westminster School is outward-looking.

Our pupils heed the call to be politically, Sixth Formers enjoy further volunteering socially and ethically engaged. We enjoy opportunities: working at local hospitals, a unique educational partnership with academic mentoring, visiting older the Harris Westminster Sixth Form. In people and supporting the homeless. addition, Sixth Form pupils enjoy The annual Westminster Phab is mentoring at the Westminster Summer a popular and, for some, a life-changing School – a week of activities for pupils experience, where 30 Sixth Form pupils in the maintained sector with high become the sole carers of people with academic potential, in collaboration with physical and mental disabilities for Imperial College, King’s College London a week of the summer holiday. and McKinsey and Company. We also host the Linacre Summer School. Our Outreach Programme allows Westminster pupils see beyond the Many pupils work with local primary immediate priorities of their academic, school children: mentoring, reading co-curricular and social lives. It one-to-one, teaching English as an encourages them to acknowledge their additional language, at breakfast or position in a wider society and to take after school clubs, and coordinating their responsibility for others. For many, it is own Science, Music and Sports clubs at the start of life-long civic engagement. local schools. All Upper Shell boys work together after their GCSEs to host a day of workshops – from dissection to dance – for primary school children. 40

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 experiences and give advice. This is in “It’s a great Education advisers guides and supports addition to the superb programme of environment to be in; Sixth Formers through the exciting visiting speakers each week. Boys in the process of making decisions about the Upper Shell also enjoy a Futures Day the School encourages future and completing applications. where they are given practical advice, all sorts of broadening University preparation classes are held at in workshops that introduce them to the lunchtime and after School to help pupils world of employment and encourage of intellectual and develop skills for assessment tests and them to think purposefully about the social horizons – but interviews. Each pupil also benefits from choices ahead. All pupils are encouraged tutorials with a personal subject mentor to take appropriate work experience, and also they don’t mind specialising in the subject for which he assistance is provided where possible. if you just want to or she wishes to apply. Our aim is that Westminster pupils have a bit of fun.” Popular careers panel events are held should continue to live highly successful throughout the year, at which experts and fulfilling lives, in a full range of from different fields – Medicine, Law, professional, creative, political and Journalism, Engineering, Investment, entrepreneurial fields. Digital Media and Marketing – share their 43

How to Apply for 13+ Entry

Pre-interview Tests Reaching a decision At 13+ entry every year, Westminster The first stage is for the candidate We look carefully at all the information has an intake of about 120 boys who to take some tests in Mathematics, we have assembled before deciding enter Year 9. About 45% come from English and Reasoning. Westminster whether to offer an unconditional Westminster Under School and the School uses the Independent place. The decision to offer a boy remainder comes from a wide range Schools Examinations Board (ISEB) an unconditional place means that of schools. At 13+ pupils may apply Common Pre-Tests. we believe he will be able comfortably for boarding or day places. to achieve the standard we require For more information about these tests for entry to the School when he is 13, 13+ Registration please refer to the ISEB website: https:// while also enjoying a broad and The first step in the 13+ entry www.iseb.co.uk/Parents/What-are-the- varied education. process is to register your son Common-Pre-Tests. Boys take the tests when he is in Year 5 (the academic at their prep schools during October An unconditional offer is made on the year of his tenth birthday) online, or November. These tests are online expectation of continued good conduct www.westminster.org.uk/admissions. and no special preparation is necessary. and academic progress at his existing Raw scores are adjusted to take account prep school, including an unreserved Visiting the School of a boy’s date of birth so that younger reference of support from his school Parents should bring their son to visit candidates are not disadvantaged. in March of Year 8. It is not our intention the School when he is in Year 5. To Boys who attend primary schools that boys should be put under arrange a 13+ visit please enquire online: should be registered for 11+ entry unnecessary pressure – we want them www.westminster.org.uk/admissions/ to Westminster Under School to enjoy Sport, Music, Drama and all the 13+ Entry Timeline open-days/. Every year there are three (https://www.westminsterunder.org.uk/ other activities that make school life 13+ Open Afternoons and there are also admissions/entry-points/). The richer and more enjoyable. regular tours of the School each term in system described above is for boys Year 5 – September of Year 6 groups of no more than five families. who can remain at their prep schools The Waiting List Open Days / Tours / until they are 13. If we do not feel that it would be Registration Meeting and assessing the candidate appropriate to offer a boy an immediate While a candidate is in Year 6 we Interview unconditional place, we may put his End of September Year 6 decide whether to offer him a place. Candidates who have performed name on the Waiting List. From time to Registration closes We do this by gathering information strongly in the ISEB Common time we will ask head teachers to update from various sources: Pre-Tests are invited to Westminster us on the progress of boys on the School for an interview. Parents Waiting List and, in this way, boys who End of October – November Year 6 ISEB Common Pre-Tests are informed mid-December. The did not do themselves justice in the tests interview stage comprises further are given further opportunities to show tests in Mathematics and English us what they are capable of. A boy who Early January Year 6 (40 minutes each) in early January, is on the Waiting List may be promoted Further Testing in followed by a separate interview to an unconditional place at any time English and Mathematics scheduled in January / February. up to the end of March in Year 8.

January – February Year 6 School Report Interview We attach great importance to the report we receive from a candidate’s End of February Year 6 present school. Apart from information Offer about the boy’s character, interests and potential, we also ask for information that will help us, where appropriate, April Year 6 to compare him with other candidates Acceptance deadline from that school. Report requests are sent to schools in November of Year 6. September Year 8 Acceptance Deposit due 44 45

Scholarships Applying for a boarding place and Bursaries The Challenge 13+ Entry Boarders from overseas The 13+ Scholarship Examination The Challenge is the traditional name The decision about whether to apply For boys under the age of 16 What is the Since at least the 17th century the for Westminster’s 13+ scholarship for a boarding or day place does not Westminster is a weekly boarding difference between Westminster Scholarship Examination examinations. It is the means by which have to be made at the time of 13+ school and parents must live close has been known as The Challenge. Queen’s Scholars, Honorary Scholars registration. In fact, it is not unusual enough to the School that boys can a scholarship and For centuries it was an oral grammatical and Exhibitioners are chosen. For for the final decision to be delayed until return home at weekends or when they a bursary? contest, but written papers were information about this, please read a boy is in his final year at prep school. are unwell. Boys under 16, therefore, introduced in 1855. (For further the section of this booklet entitled Provided that a place is available, it is cannot board if their parents live information please refer to the ‘Scholarships and Bursaries’. also possible for a boy to switch to overseas. We do not offer sponsorship Academic and music scholarships section entitled ‘The Challenge’.) The boarding having started at Westminster of Child Student visas for 13+ entry. are awarded on a strictly competitive examinations take place at Westminster The decision about whether to enter as a day boy and vice versa. basis and parental income is not taken School in late April or early May. a boy for The Challenge is usually made into account. The system of bursaries by his prep school. If you would like To arrange a visit to a boarding Applying for enables Westminster School to offer 13+ Candidates who are not registered your son to sit The Challenge, it is, house, please email registrar@ free places or places at reduced fees Candidates for The Challenge therefore, essential to discuss the westminster.org.uk. Every June we a day place to boys and girls who do well in our need not have registered for the School, matter with his present head teacher, have a Boarder Taster Evening for boys It is not customary for the parents of entrance examinations but whose nor hold a place, but in such cases who will be required to counter-sign in Year 7 who hold offers of places. candidates who are applying for day parents cannot afford the full fees. a regular place will not be offered the Challenge application form by places to meet Housemasters during if a Queen’s Scholarship is not February in Year 8. The Boarding Houses the application process. We also prefer Queen’s Scholarships awarded. To obtain an application form, Purcell’s is a girls-only boarding house; parents not to express a preference for The Queen’s Scholars are part of Queen please contact the 13+ Admissions The Challenge examinations take College, Grant’s, Rigaud’s, Busby’s and a particular day house unless there is Elizabeth I’s Royal Foundation of the Administrator by the end of January place in April or May. All Challenge Liddell’s are mixed boarding houses. a strong family connection. All Houses College of St Peter, which encompasses Year 8 at [email protected]. candidates sit papers in the following Apart from College, our Scholars’ have equally high standards of both Westminster School and subjects: Mathematics, English, Science, House, all Houses have day pupils pastoral care and in allocating day Westminster Abbey. They are required What is College like? French, Geography, History and Latin. too – boys and girls. All year groups boys and girls to houses we try to by the statutes to attend certain Abbey College is a relaxed and friendly Greek is optional. (If a boy attends a are represented in each House. ensure that each house has among services, and have other ceremonial boarding house and the Queen’s school where Latin is not taught, please its members a similar cross-section duties to perform in connection with the Scholars mix with other pupils, boarding email the Registrar for advice.) For more information on boarding in of talents and backgrounds. Abbey and the Crown. There are 48 or day, girl or boy, just like everyone College, please look at the section Queen’s Scholars and it is usual for eight else. The Housemaster is Mr Gareth Past Challenge papers can be entitled ‘Scholarships and Bursaries’. Scholars to be elected every year for Mann, who also has the title of Master downloaded from our website: Year 9 entry. Four Queen’s Scholarships of the Queen’s Scholars. We know that www.westminster.org.uk/admissions/ Housemasters are awarded every year to girls entering some boys are nervous at the prospect scholarships/the-challenge/. Busby’s Mr Matthew Bradshaw the School in the Sixth Form. Since of boarding, even though they would College Mr Gareth Mann Elizabethan times the Queen’s Scholars go home at weekends. The benefits of Grant’s Mr Nick Fair have resided in a boarding house boarding are, of course, the forging of Liddell’s Dr Ransford Agyare-Kwabi known as College – the present building deep, life-long friendships and a unique Rigaud’s Dr Richard Kowenicki dates back to the early 18th century. It is sense of belonging in a community a condition of a Queen’s Scholarship of learning. We would urge them not that the candidate should be willing to to dismiss the exciting opportunity of be a boarder in College. For election to becoming a Queen’s Scholar. a Queen’s Scholarship a candidate for 13+ entry must be under 14 years of age on 1 September of the year of entry and for 16+ entry must be under 17 years of age on the same date.

The fee for a 13+ Queen’s Scholar is set at 80% of the full boarding fee. 46 47

Fees 13+ Honorary Scholarships Bursaries Special Educational Needs Registration fee Termly Fees Challenge candidates who do not wish Means-tested day bursaries of up to Westminster School has a well- A non-returnable fee of £200 is payable The Governing Body reviews school to be elected to a resident Queen’s 100% of day fees are available at 11+, established tradition of identifying for registration. fees for the subsequent year annually Scholarship may be awarded the title 13+ and 16+ entry. We aim to act as and nurturing academic potential in by the end of the summer term, for of Honorary Scholar if their performance sensitively as possible; very few pupils with special educational needs, Entrance fee publication in early July. To view fees for in the examination is indisputably of members of staff and none of the other including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADD and An entrance fee of £1,500 is payable on the current academic year, please visit the calibre of a Queen’s Scholar. pupils will be aware that a boy or girl ASD. If your son or daughter has been acceptance of an unconditional place. https://www.westminster.org.uk/ is receiving financial assistance. When identified as having a specific learning admissions/fees/. 13+ Exhibitions a full bursary is awarded, it will cover difficulty, please contact our Study This fee is refundable if the prep school Up to seven Exhibitions (minor the cost of uniform, equipment and Skills Coordinator Kathryn.Ireland@ considers the 13+ candidate to have The fees are inclusive and payable scholarships) may be awarded compulsory school expeditions. westminster.org.uk. failed to demonstrate the expected in advance. Expenses payable each year to those Challenge To be eligible for a bursary, a child’s continued good conduct and academic retrospectively include book bills, candidates, who narrowly miss parent(s) must be a British or Irish Extra time and / or use of a word progress and is consequently not exam fees and any advances charged being awarded a scholarship. citizen, or be in possession of Settled processor in our entrance examinations admitted to the School. such as those for private tuition, music or Pre-Settled Status or have indefinite at 13+ and 16+ will only be granted if lessons, etc., which are incurred by Music Awards leave to remain in the UK AND must the criteria used for public examinations The entrance fee is not off-set parental choice. For 13+ entry, up to eight music also live in London. Boarding bursaries are met. Our Study Skills Department against the final term’s fees. Parents scholarships worth 10% of the day fee, are not awarded. will require: of boys who enter Westminster Under Accounts are rendered at the end irrespective of day or boarding status, School at the 11+ stage do not have of each term and must be paid for on and three music exhibitions may be 13+ Bursaries • An up-to-date report from an to pay the Entrance Fee. Candidates or before the first day of the following awarded annually. Both of these At this stage bursaries are normally educational psychologist, or other who apply for and are awarded a term in the manner specified on the awards include free tuition on up to awarded only to candidates who relevant medical specialist. bursary of 100% do not have to pay accounts form. two instruments. Auditions are held already hold bursaries at their prep • A letter from the candidate’s the entrance fee. in late January or early February. schools. If you would like to apply for current school confirming their The Governing Body cannot undertake Candidates who are not already a bursary please email the Bursar’s normal way of working. Acceptance Deposit to remit any fees of pupils who are registered must be under 14 years of [email protected] to An acceptance deposit of £3,500 is absent on account of illness, or for age on 1 September of the proposed request an initial financial assessment The Governing Body of Westminster also required to confirm the place, any other reason, and they draw the year of entry and must subsequently form. Once you have submitted the form School recognises its responsibility payable by 1 September when your attention of parents to the fact that qualify for a place by sitting The you will be contacted by the Bursar. under the Disability Discrimination Act son is in Year 8. This deposit will be insurance facilities for covering the risk Challenge or Common Entrance. For (1995), which prevents discrimination returned to parents at the start of are available. further information, please email the If a boy, who has been awarded against disabled people in their access the term after the pupil has left the Music Department via music.office@ a bursary, subsequently wins to education. Westminster School’s School. The deposit will only be Advance Fees Scheme: a scheme westminster.org.uk. A good ABRSM a scholarship, the monetary value Policy on Admissions is available in full refunded if the school fees account exists to enable parents, grandparents Grade 7 standard on the candidate’s of the scholarship will be absorbed on our website: https://www. has been fully settled. and guardians to provide for future first instrument is usually expected and within the bursary. westminster.org.uk/about/policies-and- school fees by way of a composite cash it is recommended that a candidate reports/. payment. There are considerable tax should have an informal audition with advantages to the scheme, details the Director of Music in the preceding of which may be obtained from the autumn before the formal auditions Finance Bursar, Mrs Heather Burgess: take place. [email protected]; tel 020 7963 1030. Broad Sanctuary How to Westminster Westminster Abbey find your Great George Street Birdcage Walk way around Parliament Big Ben Square Victoria Street Palace of Westminster Westminster Tothill Street Abbey St James’s Park 11 Westminster School, Westminster School Little Dean’s Yard Abingdon Street

Dean’s Yard Victoria Street Great College Street 12 Millicent Fawcett Hall, Marsham Street Great Peter Street Tufton Street Westminster Abbey 4

Great Smith Street Precincts – Dean’s Yard St John’s, 2 Smith Square Greycoat Street Robert Hooke 3 Science Centre Romney Street 1 Lambeth Bridge Horseferry Road

Marsham Street Sports Centre, Elverton Street Vincent Square Little Dean’s Yard Greycoat Street 1

Maunsel Street Millbank 13 Westminster School Oce Page Street 18 Dean’s Yard 10 Vincent Square Regency Street 14 Playing Fields

9 7 6 5 Westminster Under School

1 Liddell’s House 9 Common Room and 8 Head Master’s Study 2 The Sir Adrian Boult Building 10 Hakluyt’s House 3 Ashburnham House Library and Lecture Room 11 College Hall Great College Street (medieval dining room) 15 4 School (the School Hall) 12 The Weston Building

5 Dryden’s and Wren’s House, College Street Tufton 13 Milne’s House 16 6 Grant’s House

14 Ashburnham House Street Barton 7 Rigaud’s House 17 15 Purcell’s House 8 Busby’s House 16 Sutcli’s (the Art School) 9 Common Room and Little Smith Street Head Master’s Study 17 Manoukian Music Centre 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 The Blitz: 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 HM Queen Elizabeth II reopens School, marking Westminster’s Quatercentenary 1967 First female pupil joins the School 1638 Dr Richard Busby 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 Robert Hooke 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 Pardon 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 HM Queen Elizabeth II visits the School and unveils a statue of Queen Elizabeth I, by sculptor Matthew Spender 1733 The New Scholars’ Dormitory, designed 2014 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 2018 Launch of The Westminster School Campaign – The Abbey is a breathtaking space 1750 The Grant family begins to manage a boarding the School’s major Bursary campaign and it is a huge privilege to have it as the house in Little Dean’s Yard 2019 Opening of the renewed Sir Adrian Boult Building 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 building. THE REGISTRAR WESTMINSTER SCHOOL LITTLE DEAN’S YARD LONDON SW1P 3PF

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