Everything you need to know about entrance to Westminster Under at 4+
4+ : How to apply for Westminster Under’s pre prep
Westminster Under School is currently for students in Years 3 – 8, however a new pre-prep will be opening in 2026, taking students from Reception (when your child is 4 years old). Both Westminster Under School and Westminster Great School have a reputation for being academically challenging schools, hence are very selective with applicants far exceeding the number of places available. In this blog we’ll take a look at how to apply for Westminster Under School at 4+, and provide a few Clarendon tips on how to give your child the best chance of success.
4+ : How to Apply for Westminster Under
There are 4 entry points for Westminster Under: 4+ (opening in 2026), 7+ (22 day pupils), 8+ (22 day pupils) and 11+ (28 day pupils).
4+ Entry to Westminster Under
The entry process for Westminster at 4+ will take place over 2 stages:
Stage 1: Westminster Under will conduct play-focused classroom activities that allow children to actively engage. Children who succeed will show enthusiasm to participate, work well with other children and have fun.
Stage 2: Some pupils will then be invited back for another round of activities, giving the school a chance to get to know your child. Shortly after this round, parents will be informed about whether their child has been offered a place.
4+ Entry to Westminster: A timeline
The first step in the 4+ entry process is for a parent to register their child online from 1 September two years before their intended year of entry; registration for that year will close on 30 September of the following year. (For example, registration for entry in September 2026 will open on Sunday 1 September 2024 and close on Tuesday 30 September 2025). Entrance assessment dates for 4+ entry the following September are published by the end of March each year.
Clarendon tips on how to apply for 4+ at Westminster:
- Look around the school. Westminter Under will be hosting a number of 4+ Open Events from Summer 2025. Dates have not been confirmed yet, but they will be made available soon at this link: https://www.westminsterunder.org.uk/admissions/open-days/
- Register early! In this first round of applications, Westminster Under have confirmed that they will start a waiting list one they reach a list of 500 applicants.
- Introduce numbers and letters to your child from an early age. Obviously your child is still very young, but if they can demonstrate confidence at an early age, this could indicate an ability to handle the pace later on.
- Read to your child and with your child every single day.
- Ensure that you are playing games at homes that actively develop your child’s cognitive development. For more advice on this, get in touch with Clarendon.
- Get to know the admissions team. Forming a personal connection with members of the admissions team can help, so without being overly pushy, get to know the admissions team by name and keep them updated on your child’s progress and why you are so keen to send them to Westminster Under (for example, if there a personal connection to the school, why the school is aspirational to you and any other news coming from the school).
- Please note that DOB, EAL and proximity to the school will be factored into the decision-making process. We’re not suggesting that you should move house, but if you do live nearby, make them aware that you live locally.