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Westminster School, 威斯敏斯特学校17 Dean’s Yard,
London SW1P 3PB
Tel: 020 7963 1000 Fax: 020 7963 1043
• BOYS, MIXED SIXTH, Boys 13–18, Girls 16–18, Day & Boarding (full & weekly)
• Pupils 705, Upper sixth 168
• Termly fees £5068 (Day), £7316 (Boarding)
• HMC
• Enquiries/application to the Registrar

WHAT IT’S LIKE
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 over a third 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.


SCHOOL PROFILE

Pupils & entrance
Pupils: Age range 13–18; 705 pupils, 530 day (462 boys, 68 girls), 175 boarding (147 boys, 28 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).

Scholarships, bursaries & extras 23 pa scholarships or bursaries, value £1000–50% fees: 16 scholarships at 13 (including 8 music), 7 bursaries into sixth form. Variable number of bursaries, based on financial need, 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 & staff
Head Master: Tristram Jones-Parry, in post from 1998. Educated at Oxford University (maths). Previously Headmaster of Emanuel, Under Master at Westminster.
Teaching staff: 80 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover 4%. Average age 35.

Exam results
GCSE: In 2003, 115 pupils in upper fifth, all gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. Average GCSE score 76 (75 over 5 years).
A-levels: 168 in upper sixth: 84% passed in 4+ subjects; 16% in 3 subjects. Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 469.

University & college entrance 99% of 2003 sixth-form leavers went on to a degree course, 46% to Oxbridge. 9% took courses in medicine, dentistry & veterinary science, 12% in science & engineering, 56% in humanities & social sciences, 4% in art & design, 13% in economics and management. Others occasionally go on to employment or tutorial college.

Curriculum GCSE, AS and A-levels. 18 GCSE subjects, 22–23 AS/A-level.
Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4–5 subjects at AS-level, 4 at A-level; general studies is not taken. 20% took science A-levels; 30% arts/humanities; 50% both. Key skills integrated into curriculum apart from IT: almost all take ECDL.
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 (1 lesson/week in Year 9) and across the curriculum; many pupils have lap-tops; most pupils take ECDL; 3 experts for IT training. 150 computers for pupils’ use (14 hours every day), all networked and with internet and e-mail access. School intranet includes all classrooms, houses, boarders’ rooms.

The arts
Music: Over 35% 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 Don Giovanni, Britten’s Curlew River) 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 Cabaret, The Lower Depths, as well as plays by eg Shakespeare, Stoppard and Wilde.
Art & 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 & activities
Sport: Compulsory from rowing, soccer, cricket, athletics, judo, tennis, fencing, fives in first year. Optional: squash, tennis, swimming, netball. Recent world junior sculls champion, 2nd in medals table, National Schools Rowing Regatta.
Activities: Community service optional, particularly helping in primary schools. Clubs include debating (recent winner of Observer Mace), chess, computers, bookbinding.

School life
Uniform: School uniform worn by boys throughout; girls have dress guidelines.
Houses & prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects (monitors), captain of school, heads of house and house monitors – appointed by Head Master.
Religion: Compulsory morning service in Westminster Abbey 3 times/week. 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 formal, others self-service. School shop. No tobacco or alcohol allowed.

Discipline 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.

Boarding 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.

Alumni association c/o the school.

Former pupils Sir Peter Ustinov; Michael Flanders; Donald Swann; Lord Havers; Lord Carr; Lord Lawson; Antony Howard; Dominic Harrod; Lord Lloyd-Webber; Dan Topolski; Sir Henry Tizard; Sir Andrew Huxley; Sir John Gielgud; Sir Adrian Boult; Sir Angus Wilson; Tim Sebastian; Imogen Stubbs; Stephen Poliakoff; Helena Bonham-Carter.