Focus

Intellectual curiosity

Day fees 2024/25

$38,600–$39,600 (incl. VAT)

Pupils

285

Ages

7–13

Spear’s Review

Westminster Under describes itself as a ‘happy, high-achieving prep school for boys aged 7 to 13’. Founded in 1943, its history is not quite as extensive as its larger sibling the Westminster School, which can trace its origins to the 14th century, but the two share more than a name. Both are built on a liberal tradition, encouraging curiosity and resourcefulness as well as a sense of social service.

On the doorstep of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, students enjoy a stimulating and challenging curriculum, as well as opportunities to engage in sports, the arts and community outreach.

In 2026, the school will see the start of one of the most significant and exciting set of changes in the almost 500-year history of Westminster – the introduction of girls into all years, and a new pre-prep. The school has also announced that two new buildings – Chapter House and 11 Tufton Street – will be added to the school’s estate in order to accommodate the influx of additional students.

Senior school destinations

Leaver destinations include Westminster School, Eton College and Harrow.

Head teacher

Kate Jefferson grew up in Hampshire. She read law at Girton College, Cambridge, before completing an LLM in European trade and commercial law at St Chad’s College, Durham. Jefferson gained her NPQH qualification at the Institute of Education, UCL. She worked with the Future Academies Trust for seven years, as the headteacher of Pimlico Primary and then of Millbank Academy. She became master at Westminster Under in 2021.

Admissions

According to the school, the main entry points are currently at 7+, 8+ and 11+; this will change from 2026. 

At 7+ and 8+ the entrance assessment includes papers in mathematics, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Based on the results of these, selected boys are called back to the second round, which includes further tests in English and maths along with classroom activities and an interview session. Entry at 11+ begins with ISEB common pre-tests in mathematics, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, before selected boys sit further papers in mathematics and English. Interviews with each boy then follow. Entry into the Under School at age 11+ guarantees a place at Westminster School at 13+.

Accessibility

Heathrow Airport: 1 hour

Location

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