Contemplating a school both steeped in history and dedicated to shaping young minds. That is Westminster Under School. This school stands proudly in the heart of London. It is an independent preparatory school for boys aged 7 to 13.
Westminster Under School was founded in 1943. It began in Little Dean’s Yard, behind Westminster Abbey. The school initially had only a few teachers and students. St Faith’s Chapel in Westminster Abbey served as the school chapel.
After the war, Westminster Under School moved to Eccleston Square. The school needed more space because it was growing. In 1981, it relocated to its present site in Vincent Square. This location was a former hospital. It overlooks the Westminster School playing fields.
Today, Westminster Under School has about 285 pupils. The school has a strong musical tradition. It provides choristers for St Margaret’s Church. The school excels in sports, drama, chess and Latin. Many boys move on to Westminster School. Some go to other prestigious schools like Eton.
The Master of Westminster Under School is Kate Jefferson. There are 47 members of staff.
Westminster Under School is housed in three buildings. Adrian House is a four-storey building on Vincent Square. It has classrooms and a hall. George House is on Douglas Street. It houses the Dining Room and Art Department. The Westminster School Sports Centre is on Elverton Street. The Under School uses it for sports.
The school has unique customs. Year 8 boys participate in the annual pancake greaze. This takes place on Shrove Tuesday. The school holds a Music Competition each summer. Boys can enter with any instrument. There is also an annual reading competition.
The curriculum includes a wide range of subjects. Specialist teachers teach most subjects. In Years 3 and 4, pupils have specialist teachers for French, Music, Art and Design, IT, PE and Games. Years 5 and 6 have specialist teachers for all subjects. Greek is added in Year 8.
Westminster Under School is organized into four houses. These are Tudors, Lions, Fleuries and Martlets. There are inter-house competitions. These include music, Scrabble and Chess.
The school offers many extras or clubs. These include bridge, chess, swimming, fencing, judo, karate, mandarin, LAMDA, indoor and outdoor cricket, indoor football, cooking, photography, climbing, table tennis and outdoor tennis.
Notable alumni include Andrew Lloyd Webber, Adam Buxton, Julian Lloyd Webber and Jacob Rees-Mogg.
Westminster Under School combines tradition with modern education. It prepares boys for future success. The school’s motto is Dat Deus Incrementum. This means God Gives Increase. It reflects the school’s commitment to growth and development.