Westminster School: 13+ Entry and the Year 6 Pre-Test
Westminster School is a leading independent school with its main entry at 13+. Its assessment starts in Year 6, so families need to plan in Year 5. This guide explains who can apply, the assessments, how offers are made and how to prepare. We update it whenever the school changes its admissions.
About the school
- An independent school in central London, becoming co-educational: the first girls join Year 9 in September 2028. Day places and weekly boarding.
- Entry at 13+ (about 125 places) and 16+. At 11+, children join Westminster Under School, which leads straight to Westminster at 13+. You cannot apply for both.
Who can apply
- Children registered by the school's deadline, which falls in Year 5 or early Year 6. Late registrations are not usually accepted.
- Independent schools have no catchment area. You apply to the school directly, not through your council.
- A registration fee is usually payable (often waived for families on low incomes).
Key dates (the Year 6 timetable)
- Registration: 1 October of Year 5 to 30 September of Year 6
- ISEB pre-test: October or November of Year 6
- Written papers (stronger candidates): early January of Year 6
- Interview: January or February of Year 6
- Offers: by the end of February of Year 6
The assessments
Year 6: ISEB Common Pre-Test
Online, at the child's own school: Maths, English and reasoning.
Year 6: written papers
40-minute Maths and English papers for invited candidates.
Year 6: interview
An interview in January or February.
How offers are made
Offers made at the end of February of Year 6 are unconditional, but depend on good progress, conduct and a reference in Year 8.
Scholarships and bursaries
- King's Scholarships through 'The Challenge' exam in Year 8 (scholars board).
- Music scholarships and exhibitions.
- Means-tested bursaries up to 100% (families living inside the M25).
How to help your child prepare
- ISEB pre-test. It is online, multiple choice and adaptive (questions get harder or easier). Practise short, timed questions on screen in English, Maths and both kinds of reasoning.
- Written English and Maths. The school sets its own papers. Cover all of Key Stage 2 by the end of Year 5, go further on problem solving, and practise showing maths working clearly.
- Plan early. The Year 6 pre-test decides most offers, so prepare steadily in Year 5 and the start of Year 6.
- Read every day. Wide reading builds the vocabulary and comprehension every entrance test needs.
- Practice material: The school says there is no need for special preparation for the pre-test.
Common questions from parents
Can girls apply?
Yes, for Year 9 entry from September 2028.
Can we apply to several schools?
Yes. Many families apply to a few independent schools and grammar schools. Watch the different registration deadlines.
Official information
Always check the school's own pages before making decisions. Dates and arrangements can change each year.
How AshACE can help
AshACE runs small, live online 11+ classes in English, Maths and Reasoning from Year 4, run from Orpington, with over a decade of 11+ teaching. Our Year 6 Masterclasses include preparation for independent school entrance papers. See the classes below, or send us an enquiry.
Sources: Westminster School official admissions pages; checked 25 September 2026.