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Westminster Under School 11 Plus (11+) Exam Guide

Exam Information 5 min read
Table of contents
  1. About Westminster Under School
  2. Key information for 2027 entry to Westminster Under School at 11 Plus (11+)
  3. Admissions information for 2027 entry to Westminster Under School at 11 Plus (11+)
  4. How can I register my child for the 11 Plus (11+) exams at Westminster Under School?
  5. What is the entrance 11 Plus (11+) exam format at Westminster Under School?
  6. How to prepare your child for the 11 Plus (11+) Westminster Under School exam

About Westminster Under School

Westminster Under School (WUS) is an independent preparatory school for boys aged 7 to 13. Located in central London, just a short walk from Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament, WUS is renowned nationally for its academic excellence, sporting achievements and artistic endeavours. [1]

WUS offers a broad and stimulating curriculum, encouraging its boys to grow their own sense of curiosity and develop the ability to think for themselves. Alongside their outstanding teaching of core subjects, such as English, maths and science, WUS’ curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects, such as history, geography, art, drama, music, french, ICT, religious studies, sport, Latin and Greek. [2]

Alongside their outstanding classroom teaching, WUS offers an array of extra and co-curricular activities, giving students the opportunity to develop their passions and discover new interests. WUS is particularly known for its excellent drama programme, however, there are a number of other options such as sports teams; music options; and after-school clubs, such as chess, judo, cookery and animation. 

The school also offers a number of excursions and expeditions throughout the year, such as trips to the Science and Natural History Museums, Osmington Bay in Dorset and Aviemore in the Scottish highlands. [3]

Key information for 2027 entry to Westminster Under School at 11 Plus (11+)

  • School type: independent prep school for boys
  • Open events: September 2026
  • Registration deadline: October 2026
  • Exam dates: November 2026 (online) and January 2027 (written)
  • Music scholarship auditions: end of January 2027
  • Interview date: February 2027
  • Offers sent & acceptance deadline: February 2027 & March 2027 
  • Contact Details: 020 7821 5788, [email protected], www.westminsterunder.org.uk

Admissions information for 2027 entry to Westminster Under School at 11 Plus (11+)

The school strongly recommends that prospective students and their parents attend one of Westminster Under School’s open events. Their next open events will take place in June and September 2026. You can book and find out more information about these events on the WUS website. Please ensure you book these events early, as places tend to fill up quickly.

This will allow you and your child to familiarise yourselves with the facilities, meet the staff, and ensure WUS is the right choice for you. 

WUS is an academically selective school and every place is competitively sought after. The first stage of admission into Year 7 at WUS is an online assessment, set by ISEB called the Common Pre-tests, in November 2026. 

Approximately 100 boys are then selected to take additional written papers in maths and English, which are taken at WUS in January 2027. 

Based on these results, the school then invites back approximately 60 boys for an interview with a senior member of staff in February 2027. 

Offers are then made to successful candidates in early March. The acceptance deposit of £3,000 will need to be paid at this stage.

How can I register my child for the 11 Plus (11+) exams at Westminster Under School?

To register your child for WUS, you should complete the online application form which can be found here. There is a non-refundable registration fee of £150. 

If you wish to apply for a bursary you must request it on your application form, providing evidence of eligibility. You can apply for a scholarship (music) by requesting it on the registration form, any further enquiries should be addressed to the registrar. 

What is the entrance 11 Plus (11+) exam format at Westminster Under School?

Stage 1 of Westminster Under School’s 11+ exam is the online ISEB (Independent Schools Examination Board) Common Pre-test. 

This online assessment consists of four papers:

  • English: reading comprehension and grammar (including spelling and punctuation)
  • Maths: in line with the National Curriculum up to the end of Year 5
  • Verbal reasoning: measures a pupil’s comprehension, reasoning and logic. This test focuses on letter, word and language-based questions
  • Non-verbal reasoning: assesses logic, critical thinking and problem-solving skill using figures and diagrams

Stage 2 of the WUS 11+ exam consists of the following written papers: 

  • English 
    • Boys are tested on their reading and writing skills, for example, comprehension, questions about a specific text, descriptive writing activities, short reviews and invitations to continue a passage in the voice of the author
    • WUS have noted that they are particularly interested in boys with knowledge of a wide range of texts, in particular, those with an awareness of how writers use language for effect 
    • A wide vocabulary, fluency and accurate writing are expected
  • Maths 
    • This paper will follow the Key Stage Two National Curriculum 
    • Ability to achieve Level 5 in their Key Stage Two SATs is expected 
    • WUS have noted that they are particularly interested in the boys’ ability to apply maths in the context of problem-solving
  •  

How to prepare your child for the 11 Plus (11+) Westminster Under School exam

The most useful way to prepare for Westminster Under School’s 11+ entrance exam is to use practice tests to familiarise your child with the exam content and format.

These tests can help your child to build their confidence and improve their performance in the exam.

For Westminster Under School 11+ preparation, we recommend the following packs: 

Westminster Under School 11+ Practice Tests

Key Recommendations

To prepare for Stage 1: ISEB Common Pre-Tests

To prepare for Stage 2: English & Maths

Targeted Skills

Key Recommendations

To prepare for Stage 1: ISEB Common Pre-Tests

To prepare for Stage 2: English & Maths

Targeted Skills

Mock Exams

Find out more about Examberry’s in-person mock exams: please click here.

Tuition

Find out more about Examberry’s in-person and online tuition courses for Westminster Under School 11+ preparation: please click here.

Creative Writing Course

Find out more about Examberry’s in-person creative writing tuition courses for 11+ preparation: please click here.

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