Westminster School
London · SW1P 3PF
AAB+ A-level
70.1%
9–7 GCSE
93.5%
Day fees
£46k
Inspection
Not yet inspected
Westminster School is one of England's oldest and most academically distinguished independent schools, situated in the shadow of Westminster Abbey in the heart of London. Founded in its modern form by Queen Elizabeth I in 1560, it has long been regarded as a crucible of intellectual life, prizing rigorous debate, independent thought, and scholarship above narrow exam performance. The school is undergoing a historic transition to full co-education, with girls joining at 13+ from 2026 and a new Pre-Prep planned. Its urban location means pupils benefit from unparalleled access to London's cultural, political, and academic institutions as an extension of the classroom.
- →Consistently ranked among the top academic schools in the country, with exceptional Oxbridge and Russell Group results
- →A genuinely intellectual culture where curiosity and debate are celebrated rather than merely tolerated
- →Unique Central London location giving pupils direct access to Parliament, the arts, top universities, and global institutions
- →Historic community centred on Westminster Abbey, with a distinctive and storied sense of place and tradition
- →Strong co-curricular offer spanning drama, music, sport and service, with the city itself as a resource
Who thrives here
Pupils who are intellectually voracious, self-motivated, and relish the cut-and-thrust of debate and open-ended enquiry will thrive here. Westminster suits those who want to be stretched far beyond the syllabus and who can handle a fast-paced, idea-rich environment with relative independence.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Little Dean's Yard
London
SW1P 3PF
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Composer, creator of The Phantom of the Opera and Cats
Tony Benn
Politician and diarist, former Cabinet minister
Peter Ustinov
Actor, director and writer
Nick Clegg
Former Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader
Dido Armstrong
Singer-songwriter
Helena Bonham Carter
Actress
Kim Philby
British intelligence officer and Soviet spy
A. A. Milne
Author of Winnie-the-Pooh
John Gielgud
Actor and theatre director
Matthew Parris
Journalist and former MP
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
What are the fees at Westminster School?
Day fees at Westminster School are approximately £46,353 per year (2025/26). Boarding fees are higher.
How do you get into Westminster School?
Westminster School admits pupils at 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by Interview, Assessment. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Westminster School's exam results?
At Westminster School, 70.1% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 93.5% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Westminster School a boarding school?
Westminster School offers boarding as well as day places.
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional teaching quality — pupils regularly describe being taught by passionate subject specialists who inspire genuine intellectual excitement
✓The London location is consistently praised as transformative, with visits to Parliament, galleries, courts, and universities woven into academic life
✓Pupils develop remarkable confidence, articulacy, and independence of thought
✓Strong community feel despite the school's prestige; peer group is stimulating and diverse
✓Outstanding university destinations, particularly Oxbridge and top US universities
Common concerns
!The highly competitive and fast-paced academic environment can be stressful, and pupils who are not naturally self-motivated may struggle
!Sports facilities on the main site are limited given the urban location, with much sport requiring travel to Vincent Square
!The school's historic single-sex (boys) culture means the full co-education transition is still in progress, and some families have questioned the pace of change
!Fee levels are among the highest in the country, and bursary information is not always perceived as transparently communicated