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A historic moment: girls are joining Westminster Under!
2026 marks a significant milestone in Westminster Under School’s history. For the first time, girls will be joining the school in Year 3 (7+), alongside boys, creating a truly exciting educational environment. This change extends across the school, with girls also joining in Reception and 11+ too, making Westminster Under a genuinely co-educational institution from the ground up.
With 60 pupils entering Year 3 in 2026, competition will naturally be keen, but this also means your child will be part of a carefully selected, diverse cohort that represents the very best young minds. If you’re considering this path for your son or daughter, you’re looking at one of London’s most prestigious schools and a mind-blowing opportunity.
Should I attend a Westminster Under 7+ Open Day?
Yes! The school is currently holding a series of small group tours specifically for parents considering the 7+ Assessment for 2026 entry. These sessions are filling up rapidly – testament to the excitement surrounding this historic change. Book soon!
If you’re even remotely considering Westminster Under for your son or daughter, attending one of these Open Days is absolutely essential. There’s something irreplaceable about walking through the corridors, seeing the classrooms in action and getting a feel for the school’s unique atmosphere. Unfortunately, they are not open to children – which we think is a shame – but we understand that numbers will be high as the school is expecting to be inundated given the expansion to girls’ entry and that there has to be an attendee limit.
What is Westminster Under looking for in its 7+ candidates?
Westminster Under School states they’re looking for pupils with “natural ability” who will “thrive” in their environment. They emphasise finding “potential” and suggest that specific tutoring might detract from the “freshness, spontaneity and eagerness to learn” that they value. We get that stance, we do, but let’s address the elephant in the room with honesty and compassion. After observing this process for over 12 years, I can tell you, hand on heart, that the reality is often quite different from a school’s official position.
Every single child who has successfully passed the Westminster Under 7+ Assessment has received some targeted preparation. This could be from parents, grandparents or carers, or tutors, or usually a combination of both, not to mention preparation given from a current school. So I want to reassure you that one-on-one support with a parent or tutoring or other forms of targeted 7+ preparation, aren’t about creating robotic learners or crushing creativity – it’s about giving your child the tools they need to demonstrate their genuine potential under exam conditions. The correct preparation does not equate to extinguishing ‘freshness, spontaneity and eagerness to learn’, it enhances these qualities.
What does ‘natural ability’ mean when a school asks for this in a 7+ candidate?
When schools mention ‘natural ability’ in 7+ assessments, they’re looking for something quite specific – and it’s more nuanced than you might think. It can also be nurtured in your child. Let me explain…
“Natural ability” refers to your child’s innate cognitive potential – their capacity to think, reason and learn – rather than what they’ve been explicitly taught, although entrance tests allow for this to be demonstrated too. Schools want to see how your child’s mind naturally works when presented with new challenges, but often through the application of acquired knowledge.
Here’s some examples:
- Logical reasoning – Can they spot patterns, make connections and think through problems step by step? (This means they will need to have practised this way of thinking at home.)
- Verbal comprehension – How well do they understand and use language naturally? (This means they will need to have read widely and have a good vocabulary.)
- Processing speed – How quickly and accurately can they work through tasks? (This requires maturity of focus, which can be developed through practice.)
- Working memory – Can they hold and manipulate information while solving problems? (Again, practice here helps.)
Natural ability isn’t about being a child genius or having encyclopedic knowledge at age 6. Schools understand that every bright child develops at their own pace and they’re looking for potential not perfection. However, Westminster Under successes at 7+ don’t just stumble upon triumph – they’ve been given opportunities to develop their skills systematically and confidently. You need to provide your child with the foundation they need to shine and nurture their natural talent.
A well-prepared child who can demonstrate clear thinking under gentle pressure is exactly what this school is seeking.
When you approach preparation with enthusiasm, structure and genuine care for learning, it becomes something entirely positive. Your child can absolutely maintain their natural curiosity and love of learning while also being thoroughly prepared for what lies ahead.
How can I give my child the best chance of success in the Westminster Under 7+ entry process in Stage 1?
To give your child the best chance of success in the first round of assessments, they’ll need to have mastered the complete Year 2 curriculum in both English and Mathematics. But that’s just the starting point. They’ll also need exposure to elements of the Year 3 and Year 4 curriculum to demonstrate the academic maturity Westminster Under is seeking.
For 7+ English, Westminster Under says:
Candidates should be able to express themselves creatively and accurately. We require children to write in a way that should be familiar to any pupil who has followed the Key Stage 1 and 2 programme of study, or equivalent; for example continuing a story, writing a diary, and checking for spelling, punctuation and grammar… Candidates should be reading aloud to others as well as reading to themselves regularly. They should be able to discuss the stories, their meaning and any new vocabulary encountered.
What does your child have to be able to do for English in the 7+ WUS exam?
- Use a varied vocabulary
- Be able to use literary techniques effectively
- Be familiar with different genres and be able to write in those genres
- Demonstrate accurate SPAG, consistently
- Be a confident reader
- Understand in depth what they are reading
Here are our recommended English resources for 7+ WUS preparation:
Note: Use our Core Practice Packs to establish overall ability followed by skill-specific practice to address areas of weakness before assessing with another Practice Pack. When you’re certain your child has solid foundations, move to 7+ Westminster Under-specific Practice Tests.
7+ English: Dictation
Price £40
Learn More 7+ English: Punctuation
Price £20
Learn More 7+ English: Spelling
Price £20
Learn More 7+ Westminster Under School (WUS) English Practice Tests (1-10) Bundle – Stage 1
Sample Available
Price Original price was: £200.£160Current price is: £160. (20% off)
Learn More For Maths, Westminster Under Says:
It will be assumed that candidates have completed a programme of study contained within the National Curriculum. Candidates should have a sound understanding of place-value, a grasp of the four arithmetic operations and the ability to apply them in problem solving, which is a key focus. They should have a range of mental calculating strategies (for example, doubling and division for the 2,4,5 and 10 times tables, and to be able to deduce other results from these). They should also have a practical experience of measurement and shape. They should understand the concept of fractions at a basic level.
What does your child have to be able to do for Maths in the 7+ WUS exam?
- Ensure all of the above competencies are covered, as a minimum
- Ensure solid maths foundations to facilitate sound application and quick and efficient working
- Develop exam calculation strategies- for example, partitioning in your head .For 47 + 36, children mentally separate: 40 + 30 = 70, then 7 + 6 = 13, finally 70 + 13 = 83. This mimics formal written methods but can be done quickly in their head.
- Learn all times tables up to 10 – not just the ones they say!
- Practise maths problem solving regularly
Here are our recommended Maths resources for 7+ WUS preparation:
Note: Use our Practice Packs to establish overall ability followed by skill-specific practice to address areas of weakness before assessing with another Practice Pack.
7+ Westminster Under School (WUS) Mathematics Practice Tests (1-10) Bundle – Stage 1
Sample Available
Price Original price was: £200.£160Current price is: £160. (20% off)
Learn More What does your child have to be able to do for Reasoning in the 7+ WUS exam?
In Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, we recommend that your child should be working confidently at the 7-8-year-old level. This means they should be comfortable with all types of reasoning questions, approaching them with both accuracy and speed. These aren’t skills that develop overnight – they require patient, systematic practice. And Westminster Under agrees!
For Reasoning, Westminster Under says:
There will be tests in Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, which will test thinking skills. Candidates do not need to do any preparation for Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning, although familiarisation with these type of papers may increase confidence for those who have not had previous experience with them. There are a number of examples of reasoning books available online…’ Need we say more.
Here are our recommended Reasoning resources for 7+ WUS preparation:
7+ Westminster Under School (WUS) Non-Verbal Reasoning Practice Tests (1-5) Bundle
Sample Available
Price Original price was: £100.£85Current price is: £85. (15% off)
Learn More 7+ Westminster Under School (WUS) Verbal Reasoning Practice Tests (1-5) Bundle
Sample Available
Price Original price was: £100.£85Current price is: £85. (15% off)
Learn More Note: In recent years, Westminster Under administered online reasoning tests, but it is our understanding, at the time of writing, that the school is reverting to paper-based reasoning papers for the 2025 exams.
How can I give my child the best chance of success in the Westminster Under 7+ entry process in Stage 2?
In November, Westminster Under School calls back approximately 50 candidates who have been successful in Stage 1 for a further round of assessments. This includes interview and group assessment in a classroom setting.
For Stage 2 WUS assessments, the School says:
Based on the results of the written papers, later in November the School invites back approximately 50 children for classroom activities and an interview. Pupils experience a session similar to a typical school morning; they will be settled in with games before they start their assessment. The day includes an outside play break and a snack and drink. They will be interviewed by the Master and another member of the Senior Management Team who will encourage them to talk about themselves, and to discuss their genuine interests and enthusiasms. We are looking for children who have a spark and a passion. Quiet or shy children are equally enthusiastic in talking about the topics that fascinate them. This is a chance for us to get to know candidates.
I want to translate some of the key insights in this message that will help you prepare your child for this process.
The school explicitly states it’s looking for children with “spark and passion.” Help your child develop deep interests in topics they naturally gravitate towards. Believe it or not, the authenticity of their enthusiasm matters more than the subject itself. Warning: the interviewer does not want to hear about parental interests, so do not be tempted to feed insincere responses.
Pupils experience a session similar to a typical school morning…
This is good. Your child should be comfortable with classroom activities. But, stress to them the importance of listening carefully, following instructions in a group setting and being mindful of peers and peers’ opinions. Since the day includes group activities and breaks, your child needs to feel comfortable interacting with unfamiliar children and adults. Encourage situations where they meet new people and practice introducing themselves. Practise similar scenarios through playdates, structured activities or educational games.
‘They will be interviewed… [and encouraged]…to talk about themselves, and to discuss their genuine interests and enthusiasms’
They need to be comfortable talking about themselves, their family, their school, what they enjoy doing, etc. The good news? This can – and should – be fostered through natural conversation so responses come across as unrehearsed. However, having a mock interview or two at the end of the preparation period will help with that specific, formal experience, which is probably something the average 6-year-old has not experienced before!
Quiet or shy children are equally enthusiastic in talking about the topics that fascinate them.
This declaration is honest and reassuring for any parent who has a quiet or reserved child. And we know from experience that this is true. If children talk about something they’re genuinely interested in and know a lot about, they will come across just fine. Trust us on this. But this does mean you might have to work at home on getting your shy child to become comfortable with conversation, articulating their own opinions and getting used to the sound of their own voice. This will build initial confidence in a completely safe environment.
Our final words of wisdom on successful interview/Stage 2 7+ preparation is this: based on our experience as master educators, don’t leave this preparation too late. Group assessments and the chance of getting a call back to Round 2 should be ‘assumed’ in terms of the preparation, so start this from the summer prior to them starting Year 2.
How do I start preparing for the 7+ exam at Westminster Under?
Start with an honest assessment of where your child currently stands academically. This creates a realistic starting point for your preparation. Use one paper from each of our 7+ Core Packs as a diagnostic.
Develop a structured but enjoyable routine that incorporates all the key areas: English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Little and often is far more effective than long sessions.
Focus on understanding and application. Westminster Under values children who can think flexibly and apply their knowledge creatively. Your preparation should reflect these values.
Practise under timed conditions regularly but not exclusively. Your child needs to be comfortable with the pace required while still having opportunities for deeper exploration.
Maintain perspective and positivity. Your child will pick up on your moods, so approach this journey as an exciting opportunity rather than a source of stress.
How can I develop a 7+ support network?
The families who succeed are often those who approach the process with realistic expectations, proper preparation and expert support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to ask any questions and seek guidance. We have navigated this journey successfully with thousands of families and want to share our knowledge and experience with you too.
Professional tutoring isn’t a sign of weakness or failure – it’s a strategic investment in your child’s future. The right tutor can provide expertise, objectivity and encouragement that complements your parental support beautifully.
Looking towards 7+ success – EPP has got your back!
As you embark on this journey toward the Westminster Under 7+ Assessment, hold onto the excitement of what lies ahead. Your child has the opportunity to join a truly exceptional educational community during a historic moment in the school’s development.
The path requires dedication, preparation and realistic expectations, but thousands of families have walked it successfully before you.
The key is understanding that preparation enhances rather than diminishes natural ability. When your child walks into that assessment room, they should feel confident, prepared and excited to show what they can do. Your child’s success story starts with understanding the reality of what’s required and approaching it with both ambition and joy. And we’re here to help. The Westminster Under 7+ Assessment is challenging, but with proper preparation and support, it’s absolutely achievable.
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Author(s)
Louise Lang
Director of Learning