Westminster Under School is the junior school of Westminster School, one of London’s most prestigious academic institutions, admitting pupils aged 7–13 and preparing them for progression to the senior school. For families considering entry at 7+, this marks a defining moment in the school’s history as it prepares to admit girls for the first time. Founded in 1943 as a boys’ preparatory school, Westminster Under will welcome girls at 7+ from September 2026. As part of this transition, the school is expanding its facilities, including a new Chapter House building, and plans to admit approximately 60 pupils into Year 3 each year.
Westminster Under combines high academic expectations with an environment that nurtures an intrinsic love of learning, grounded in a rigorous curriculum and enriched by discovery, music, art, drama, and sport. Its philosophy is high-achieving but not hothouse, placing emphasis on intellectual enrichment rather than pushing bright pupils too far, too fast. This philosophy guides Westminster Under in seeking young learners with natural ability, curiosity, and enthusiasm – children who will thrive in an environment that celebrates learning. As a result, places are highly sought after, and competition for entry is significant.
Admission to Westminster Under at 7+ follows a structured timeline, beginning up to two years before entry to Year 3. Families are encouraged to familiarise themselves with each stage, as the process is carefully sequenced and deadlines are strictly observed.
Stage One: Registration and Open Days
Registration opens 1 September two years before the intended year of entry and closes 30 September of the following year. In the months following registration, the school invites families to attend 7+ Open Days and school tours, typically held during the summer and early autumn prior to the entrance assessments. Families are strongly encouraged to attend with their child, as these visits provide a valuable opportunity to see the school in action, meet staff, and gain a sense of its ethos, atmosphere, and expectations.
Stage Two: First Round Assessment
The first round of entrance assessments takes place in mid-October of the year prior to entry, during which all registered candidates sit written tests in Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. In a typical year, around 200–250 candidates sit the first-round assessments, with a select group of candidates invited back for the second stage of the process (exact numbers may vary slightly as Westminster Under prepares to welcome girls into the 7+ intake). The tests are aligned with National Curriculum expectations for Key Stages 1–2 and are designed to assess each child’s understanding and potential rather than rehearsed, rote knowledge. Secure foundations and familiarity with the format empower children to approach the assessments with confidence and demonstrate the depth of their thinking.
The school makes every effort to create an informal, child-friendly environment, with children placed in small groups and supported by at least two members of staff for the duration of the exams. That said, the first round remains a competitive stage of the admissions process, with only a small proportion of children invited to the next stage. Expectations are high, and children benefit greatly from careful preparation.
Stage Three: Second Round Assessment
Based on performance in the written assessments, a group of high-performing candidates is invited to return for the second round, which takes place later in November. During this stage, children spend part of a day at Westminster Under, taking part in classroom activities and attending an individual interview.
Group Activities
Designed to mirror a typical Year 2 classroom morning, pupils are welcomed with games to help them feel at ease before joining small group activities. There is also time for an outdoor play break and a snack. Throughout the morning, teachers observe how children respond to new challenges, collaborate with peers, and settle into the school environment while also assessing their readiness for Westminster’s academically ambitious environment. This stage is as much about engagement, confidence, and overall fit as it is about intellectual ability.
Interview
Each child also has an interview with the Master and another member of the Senior Management Team. Here, they are encouraged to talk about their interests — whether a fascination with dinosaurs, an imaginative flair for storytelling, or a keen interest in how things work — as well as their favourite books, hobbies, or something they feel particularly proud of. Interviewers look for a “spark and a passion” for learning, alongside qualities such as poise, creativity, and the ability to thrive in a lively classroom setting.
The school emphasises that the day is intended to feel “as normal and as comfortable as possible,” though families should bear in mind that this remains a competitive stage of the process. Children are expected to engage confidently and express their ideas clearly in both group and interview settings. Practising articulating ideas clearly and engaging in thoughtful discussions at home can make a significant difference.
Final Thoughts
Westminster Under School is highly selective, and entry at 7+ is particularly competitive. That level of demand is unsurprising: as the junior school of Westminster School, known for its rich heritage and academic excellence, it has long attracted families seeking both intellectual rigour and tradition. Now that girls are eligible at 7+, interest is expected to increase further. Moreover, admission at 7+ allows pupils to establish themselves early within the Westminster community, building foundations that support long-term success.
Westminster Under is deliberate in how it selects pupils. Admission is not simply a matter of awarding places to those with the highest test scores. Rather, the school looks for children with strong academic grounding and clear potential — those who will thrive in, and contribute to, a high-achieving environment. In practice, this means valuing reasoning skills, creativity, and a genuine eagerness to learn, alongside a secure grasp of the core knowledge and skills expected at this level. A child who combines intellectual promise with curiosity, ambition, and the ability to engage thoughtfully with others will stand out.
For many families, the right preparation can make a meaningful difference at 7+, building both confidence and exam readiness. Explore how tailored support can help your child on our 7+ admissions page.