Founded by Elizabeth I in 1560. The Benedictine monks of Westminster Abbey had run a small school for boys before the Reformation but the monastery was dissolved in 1540 and Henry VIII included provision for 40 scholars in the Abbey's constitution. It has been well known since early in the 17th century and remains one of the most distinguished schools in the country. It is renowned for its respect for learning, its individuality and nonconformity. It has a unique site beside the Abbey and Parliament and is blessed with many fine buildings, some of great architectural merit. These are enhanced by pleasant gardens; the main playing field is at Vincent Square. It naturally has close links with the Abbey which is used regularly for worship. A very high-powered school academically, with a strong classical tradition. It achieves outstanding examination results and nearly half of sixth formers go on to Oxbridge. The music, drama and art departments are well known for their excellence and there is a great deal of musical and dramatic activity. A new theatre and music centre have recently opened. There is a wide range of sports and games (in which high standards are achieved) and a very wide variety of extra-curricular activities. Much use is made of the cultural facilities of London. Many distinguished speakers address clubs and societies. A flourishing Expeditions Society organises many events, both in the UK and abroad.
Pupils: Age range 13-18; 730 pupils, 560 day (465 boys, 95 girls), 170 boarding (140 boys, 30 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 13 and 16. Common Entrance and own scholarship exam (The Challenge). Competitive entry to sixth form by test and interviews; most GCSEs at grade A*, usually including sixth-form subjects. Skills in sport, music, art useful; no religious requirements. No state school entry at 13 but large 11+ entry to the Under School, few to sixth form. 40% of intake from Under School (enquiries to The Master, Westminster Under School, Adrian House, 27 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2NN, tel 020 7821 5788).
20 pa scholarships or bursaries, value £100-25% fees: 13 scholarships at 13 (including 5 music), approximately 7 bursaries into sixth form. Variable number of bursaries, based on financial need and which may be up to 100% of fees, and some boarding bursaries. Some school assisted places from age 11 (in Under School). Parents expected to buy textbooks; maximum extras, £200 per term.
Head Master: Stephen Spurr, in post from 2005. Educated at The King's School, Canterbury, Sydney Grammar School and the universities of Sydney and Oxford (classics). Previously Headmaster of Clifton College and Housemaster at Eton. Teaching staff: 80 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 4%. Average age 35.
GCSE: 122 pupils in Upper Shell (Year 11), all gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 189 in upper sixth: 100% passed in 4+ subjects (average 4.2). Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 499.
99% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course, 45% to Oxbridge. 9% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 12% in science and engineering, 56% in humanities and social sciences, 4% in art and design, 13% in economics and management. Others occasionally go on to employment or tutorial college.
GCSE, AS and A-levels, Pre-U. 18 GCSE subjects, 22-23 AS/A-level/Pre-U. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4-5 subjects; general studies is not taken. 20% take science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 50% both. Key skills integrated into curriculum apart from ICT. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, German, Russian and Spanish offered to GCSE, AS and A-level; French compulsory to GCSE and 75+% take another language. Regular exchanges to Germany, Spain and Russia. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subjects and across the curriculum; many pupils have lap-tops; most pupils take ECDL; 3 experts for ICT training. 150 computers for pupils' use (14 hours every day), all networked and with internet and email access. School intranet includes all classrooms, houses, boarders' rooms.
Music: Some 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Over 10 musical groups including choral society, madrigals, chamber choir, 3 jazz bands, several rock bands, orchestras. Lots of original compositions by pupils; annual opera (eg Mozart's Magic Flute, Jerry Herman's Mack and Mabel) and workshops; school has a strong operatic tradition. Drama: Drama offered and GCSE/AS-level may be taken. Majority of pupils are involved in school and house/other productions. Recent productions The Country Wife, What the Butler Saw, as well as plays by eg Shakespeare, Stoppard and Pinter. Art and design: On average, 45 take GCSE, 20 A-level. Design, etching, photography also offered. Regular success in gaining places at the Slade, Ruskin and other art colleges.
Sport: Whole school takes sports on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Options include rowing, soccer, cricket, athletics, judo, tennis, fencing, fives, squash, swimming, netball, aerobics, rock climbing, shooting, badminton. Activities: Community service optional, particularly helping in primary schools. Clubs include debating, chess, bookbinding, politics, Model UN.
Uniform: School uniform worn by boys throughout; girls have dress code. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects (monitors), captain of school, heads of house and house monitors - appointed by Head Master. Religion: Church of England. Compulsory morning service in Westminster Abbey twice weekly. Weekly assembly in School Hall. Social: Joint events with other schools organised occasionally; partnership with local state schools. Annual German exchange; group visits to Spain, Russia, Greece. Sixth form allowed to bring own bike to school. Lunch self-service. School shop.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to produce it next lesson; threat of detention for future offence. Those caught smoking cannabis on the premises would expect expulsion.
45% have own study bedroom, 40% share with 1 other, only first years in dormitories of up to 6. Houses of approx 70. Resident qualified nurse, visiting doctor. Central dining room for breakfast and supper. Weekly boarding (Sat lunchtime-Monday morning) available; all may stay at weekends if they wish. Visits to town allowed with permission.
c/o the school.
Sir Christopher Wren (architect); Sir Peter Ustinov (writer); Michael Flanders, Donald Swann (Flanders & Swan); A A Milne (author); Lord Havers (QC, politician); Lord Carr (politician); Nigel Lawson (former Chancellor of the Exchequer); Antony Howard (journalist); Dominic Harrod (journalist); Andrew Lloyd-Webber (composer); Dan Topolski (broadcaster); Sir Henry Tizard (chemist); Sir Andrew Huxley (Nobel prizewinning physiologist); Sir John Gielgud (actor); Sir Adrian Boult (conductor); Sir Angus Wilson (author); Tim Sebastian (TV journalist); Imogen Stubbs (actress); Stephen Poliakoff (playwright); Nick Clegg (Leader Lib-Dems); Helena Bonham-Carter (actress); Dido Armstrong (musician); Mika Penniman (musician).
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