Expert Insights

Westminster School 11+ Entrance Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Published 17th January 2025 by Alastair

Westminster School is one of the UK's most prestigious independent schools, offering an exceptional education for students aged 11 to 18.

Known for its rigorous academic curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and outstanding pastoral care, Westminster attracts talented students from across the UK and internationally. With a strong emphasis on holistic development, the school provides unparalleled opportunities for intellectual growth, extracurricular engagement, and personal development.

This guide is designed to help prospective families navigate the 11+ entrance process for Westminster Under School. From understanding the exam structure to preparing for interviews, this comprehensive resource covers everything you need to know to ensure your child’s application is successful.

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Westminster School Overview

Specification	Details
School Name	Westminster Under School
Type	Independent School
Gender	Co-Ed (11+ entry is for boys only; girls join from Sixth Form at 16+)
Age Range	11–18 years
Exam Board	School-Specific Papers
Key Exam Subjects	English, Mathematics, Reasoning
Registration Deadline	Typically, the first week of October
Exam Date	Typically Mid-November
Interview Required	Yes
Interview Date	Typically in December
Fees	See Fees Page
Financial Assistance	Scholarships and bursaries available
Admissions Contact	Contact Westminster
Location	Westminster, London
Catchment	No specific catchment; open to applicants nationwide and internationally
Transport Links	Nearest Tube: Westminster, St James’s Park

Key Highlights

Academic Excellence: Renowned for high academic standards and exceptional examination results.

Facilities: Cutting-edge science labs, libraries, sports facilities, and performing arts spaces.

Extracurricular Activities: Diverse clubs, sports teams, drama productions, and more.

Pastoral Care: Strong emphasis on student well-being and holistic development.

University Progression: High success rate in Oxbridge and other top-tier university placements.

Why Choose Westminster School?

Westminster School is celebrated for fostering intellectual curiosity and academic excellence in a nurturing environment. With a commitment to holistic education, the school offers exceptional resources, highly qualified staff, and a focus on character development.

Westminster stands out for its inclusive culture, tailored support for students with diverse needs, and its leadership in promoting critical thinking and creativity.

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Introduction to the 11+ Examination

The 11+ exam is a selective entrance test designed to assess a candidate’s academic potential and suitability for Westminster School. It evaluates proficiency in:

English: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, and creative writing.

Mathematics: Problem-solving, arithmetic, and logical reasoning.

Reasoning: Includes both verbal and non-verbal reasoning components.

Westminster’s tailored examination ensures that candidates align with the school’s rigorous academic standards.

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Understanding the 11+ Exam Components

English

- Focus on comprehension, grammar, creative writing, and vocabulary.
- Candidates should demonstrate clarity, creativity, and strong analytical skills.

Mathematics

- Based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum.
- Tests arithmetic, problem-solving, and logical reasoning.

Reasoning

- Includes verbal and non-verbal reasoning tasks to assess logical thinking and pattern recognition.

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Entrance Exam Papers

If your child needs support with their entrance examinations, Ivy Education offers difficulty-tiered 11+ exam papers to help with the Westminster Under 11+ Entrance Exams.

Westminster Under 11+ Exam Practice Papers

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Registration and Application Process

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Key Dates

The registration deadline for Westminster School typically falls in early October, giving families ample time to complete the required forms and prepare supporting documents. Be sure to check the official admissions page for the exact deadline, as dates may vary slightly each year.

Entrance Exam
The entrance exam is scheduled for mid-November. Candidates will sit tailored assessments designed to evaluate their proficiency in key subjects, including English, Mathematics, and Reasoning. Ensure your child is familiar with the exam format and well-prepared to perform confidently on the day.

Interviews
Interviews are held in December for shortlisted candidates. This is a vital stage of the admissions process, offering the school an opportunity to assess a candidate’s communication skills, personality, and enthusiasm for learning. In recent years, Westminster has refined its interview process to include more open-ended, discussion-based questions aimed at evaluating critical thinking and genuine interest in the school. Families should prepare their child for this key moment by encouraging them to speak confidently about their achievements, hobbies, and aspirations.

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Application Procedure

Complete the online registration form.
Submit the registration fee.
Provide supporting documents such as previous school reports.

For more details, visit the 11+ Admissions Process.

Need Help With Your Westminster Under Application?

Our team of experts can support your family along every step of the admission process for Westminster School. You can speak to our Admissions Team for a free initial discussion.

For more information, visit our School Consultancy Page.

Book a call with our Admissions Team

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Preparation Strategies

Study Materials: Use practice papers and sample tests available on Westminster’s website. Explore reputable 11+ preparation books and resources.

Tutoring Options: Professional tutors can provide tailored support, focusing on weaker areas identified through practice tests. Ivy Education offers 11+ Tuition to help your child with their 11+ Entrance Exams for Westminster Under.

Practice Schedule: Create a consistent, structured study plan while balancing academic preparation with breaks to prevent burnout.

View Our 11+ Tuition Page

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Written Examination Guidelines

What to Bring: Candidates should bring pencils, erasers, a ruler, and any other permitted tools. It is important to check the school’s guidelines for any additional materials allowed.

Arrival Time: Plan to arrive at the exam venue at least 30 minutes early. This will give your child time to settle, locate the examination room, and relax before starting.

Exam Conduct: Candidates must carefully read all instructions provided at the start of the exam. Time management is critical, so it is recommended to divide the time proportionately across sections. Encourage your child to answer all questions, even if unsure, as partial credit may be given for working out in certain sections.

Breaks: If breaks are scheduled, ensure your child uses the time to refresh and refocus. They should avoid discussing answers with peers during these breaks.

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School Interview Preparation Guidelines

Key Skills: The school interview process is designed to evaluate a candidate's confidence, critical thinking ability, and communication skills. It is not solely academic but also seeks to understand a student’s personality, interests, and potential contributions to the school.

Preparation Tips: Practice mock interviews with family members or professional tutors. Encourage your child to speak clearly and confidently about their hobbies, academic interests, and achievements. Discuss current events or books they’ve recently read to prepare them for any topical or abstract questions.

Common Questions: Students may be asked why they want to attend Westminster, what subjects they enjoy most, and how they contribute to their current school or community. Encourage honest and thoughtful responses.

Presentation and Etiquette: Remind your child to maintain eye contact, listen carefully to the interviewer, and respond respectfully. Dressing smartly and arriving on time are also important.

Additional Support: Consider booking a mock interview session through Ivy Education’s School Mock Interviews. Led by former heads and senior staff, these sessions replicate real interview scenarios, offering valuable feedback and strategies to help your child feel prepared and confident.

Get a Practice Interview by Former 11+ School Heads

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Post-Examination Process

Results Notification: After the written exams and interviews, parents will typically receive notification within four to six weeks. The admissions office will provide either an offer, a waitlist placement, or a decline.

Offer Acceptance: If your child is offered a place, carefully review the terms and conditions, including any deposit requirements. Offers usually have a deadline for acceptance.

Feedback: For candidates who are not offered a place, Westminster School may provide feedback upon request. This can be valuable for understanding areas of improvement for future applications.

Next Steps: For waitlisted candidates, it is important to stay in touch with the admissions office to express continued interest. Families may also consider applying to other top schools with later admission timelines.

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Additional Considerations

Financial Assistance: Scholarships and bursaries are available for eligible families. Contact the admissions team for specific criteria and application processes.

School Visits: Attend open days and campus tours to experience the school’s culture and ethos.

Decision Making: Consider factors such as academic reputation, facilities, and extracurricular offerings to make an informed choice.

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Useful Resources & Contacts

Explore Westminster Admissions: Visit the Westminster School Admissions page for official details, including key dates, application steps, and updates.

Transform Exam Preparation: Ivy Education offers bespoke 11+ Tuition tailored to your child’s strengths and areas for improvement. With expert tutors, engaging resources, and a focus on building confidence, Ivy Education ensures your child is fully prepared for the challenges of the 11+.

Consult Experts: Navigating the admissions journey can feel overwhelming, but Ivy Education’s Consultancy Services are here to guide you every step of the way! Our team provides personalised advice and support, ensuring that families make the right choices for their child’s future. Contact us today!

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FAQs

Preparation should ideally begin in Year 4 or early Year 5 to build a strong foundation. This allows time to identify and address any weaker areas while fostering confidence in core subjects.

Discuss their interests, achievements, and aspirations openly. Encourage them to think critically and express themselves confidently. Mock interviews are a fantastic way to simulate the real experience and can help your child feel at ease.

Yes, the school offers bursaries based on financial need. These provide opportunities for talented students who may not otherwise be able to attend. Visit the Bursaries Page for eligibility details.

The exam includes English, Mathematics, and Reasoning (both verbal and non-verbal). These are designed to assess academic potential and problem-solving abilities.

Ivy Education offers a comprehensive range of difficulty-tiered 11+ Exam Papers tailored to help students steadily prepare for entrance assessments. These expertly designed papers provide practice in English, Mathematics, and Reasoning, giving students the tools to excel.

If your child is not offered a place, there may be opportunities to reapply at later entry points, such as 13+ or 16+. Additionally, feedback from the admissions office can provide valuable insights for future applications.

Yes, reapplication is possible for later entry stages. Westminster encourages families to explore options for 13+ and 16+ admissions, which may align better with a student’s development and readiness.