Westminster School

Westminster School stands in the grounds of Westminster Abbey, a private school in the City of Westminster. Parts of its buildings date back to the tenth-century Anglo-Saxon abbey. The school traces its origins to a charity school founded before the Norman Conquest. In 1540 Henry VIII ensured its survival with a royal charter. The school became a public school in the 16th century and was refounded by Elizabeth I in 1560. It occupies 13 acres in central London, including Vincent Square’s playing fields and tennis courts. The school’s academic results place it among the nation’s best. About half its students go to Oxford or Cambridge, the highest rate in the country. In 2023, 82.3% of A-level candidates scored A* or A. Three Nobel laureates graduated from Westminster: Edgar Adrian, Andrew Huxley and Richard Stone. Seven UK prime ministers attended in the 18th century, all from Whig or Liberal factions. The school’s alumni also include the philosopher John Locke and the scholar William Camden. Visitors find historic buildings alongside modern facilities. The Under School moved to Vincent Square, where it overlooks the playing fields. The school retains close ties with Westminster Abbey, though it is legally separate. The Dean of Westminster chairs the Governing Body. The library holds the “Majesty Scutcheon” taken from Oliver Cromwell’s funeral procession. The surroundings include Dean’s Yard and the Abbey’s precincts, linking past and present.