11+ & 13+ Entry – 2026
Westminster does not publish official past papers. On this page you’ll find premium Westminster-style practice papers—built from recent candidate feedback—and details of our expert-led holiday revision courses to build confidence, sharpen exam technique, and maximise success in both the ISEB Common Pre-Tests and the January written papers.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Westminster School is one of the UK’s most prestigious academic institutions, attracting some of the brightest minds from across London and beyond. Known for its outstanding exam results, historic location near Westminster Abbey, and tradition of producing leaders in every field, Westminster offers an exceptional education for ambitious pupils. Entry is highly competitive, and early, targeted preparation is essential.
Westminster School at a glance
- Independent, highly selective day school (co-educational at 11+ from 2026) in Westminster, Central London
- Founded: 1560 (Senior School). 11+ entrants spend Years 7–8 at Westminster Under School, then progress to Westminster School in Year 9
- Ages: 7–13 (Under School) → 13–18 (Senior School) 11+ places: ~40 places into Year 7 (2026 entry)
- Address: Westminster Under School, 27 Vincent Square, London SW1P 2NN
- Website: westminsterunder.org.uk
- Contact: Admissions Team (see website for the latest dates and requirements)
Key Dates for the 2026 Westminster School 11+ Exam
Registration Deadline
30 September 2025 – Final deadline for registration, including SEND reports, bursary and scholarship applications.
ISEB Common Pre‑Tests
From 24 November to 8 December 2025, online assessments in Mathematics, English, Verbal & Non‑verbal Reasoning, taken at current school.
Written Papers
Mid‑January 2026 – Invited candidates sit written follow‑up papers in Mathematics and English at the School.
Interviews
February 2026 – shortlisted pupils attend interviews with senior staff.
Full Timeline
- 1 September 2024 – Registration opens for entry to Year 7 (11+) in September 2026.
- 28 June & 20 September 2025 – 11+ Open Days (combined tours of Under and Westminster School).
- 30 September 2025 – Final deadline for registration, including SEND reports, bursary and scholarship applications.
- From 24 November to 8 December 2025 – ISEB Common Pre‑Tests (online assessments in Mathematics, English, Verbal & Non‑verbal Reasoning), taken at Westminster Under School or current school.
- Mid‑January 2026 – Invited candidates (~100 pupils) sit written follow‑up papers in Mathematics and English at the School.
- February 2026 – ~60 shortlisted pupils attend interviews with senior staff.
- By Friday 13 February 2026 – Offers are issued to successful candidates.
- By 12.00 pm, Wednesday 4 March 2026 – Deadline for acceptance of offer.
Admissions Process
Register
Complete the online application form for Westminster Under School 11+ entry and pay the registration fee before the published deadline (30 September of the year prior to entry). Bursary and scholarship applications, along with any SEND reports, must also be submitted by this date.
ISEB Common Pre‑Tests
In November of Year 6, candidates take the ISEB Common Pre-Tests in Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. These can be sat at Westminster Under School or at the candidate’s current school.
Written Papers
Based on ISEB results, around 100 pupils are invited back in January to sit additional written papers in Mathematics and English at Westminster Under School. These provide a deeper assessment of each pupil’s academic ability.
Interviews
Approximately 60 shortlisted candidates attend interviews in February with senior staff. These focus on intellectual curiosity, personal interests, and potential to thrive within Westminster’s academic environment.
Offer & Acceptance
Offers for Westminster School Year 7 entry are typically sent in mid-February, with acceptance required by early March. Successful candidates will join Westminster Under School for Years 7 and 8 before progressing automatically to Westminster School in Year 9.
Please note: All supporting documents, including any access arrangement requests, must be submitted by the registration deadline. Late applications are not accepted.
Westminster School 11+ Exam Format – What to Expect in 2026
Stage 1 – ISEB Common Pre-Tests (November 2025)
- Online, adaptive assessments in Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Around 2.5 hours in total, taken at Westminster Under School or your child’s current school
- Multiple-choice format, assessing reasoning skills, problem-solving, and core knowledge
Stage 2 – Written Papers (January 2026)
Mathematics
Written-response questions testing problem-solving, reasoning, and accuracy across advanced 11+ topics including fractions, decimals, percentages, and algebra.
English Comprehension
A challenging passage with written-answer comprehension questions testing vocabulary, inference, and analysis
English Writing
A creative or discursive writing task assessing structure, creativity, and technical accuracy.
Prepare with the right practice papers
Westminster School does not publish official past papers for its 11+ entrance exams. To bridge this gap, Elite School Tutors has created a suite of premium Westminster-style practice papers, built from detailed feedback from pupils who have recently sat the Westminster 11+ written assessments.
These papers are our most accurate Westminster materials to date, closely mirroring the difficulty, style, and timing of the real exams. Authored by experienced 11+ teachers, each paper includes:
- Detailed mark schemes to show working and award method marks
- Timed versions for realistic exam practice
- Model answers illustrating top-band responses
Our premium Westminster-style papers are the best possible way to prepare your child for success in this highly competitive exam process.
How to Prepare for the Westminster 11+ – Proven Strategies
Success in the Westminster 11+ exam requires more than just ability – it takes strategic preparation. Here are our top recommendations:
Start early & build a routine
Begin preparation at least a year before the Westminster 11+ exam if possible. Short, regular study sessions are far more effective than last-minute cramming. Start by building confidence with the ISEB Common Pre-Test computer-based questions in Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Once your child is comfortable with the online format, introduce targeted written practice using our premium Westminster-style past papers, designed to develop the advanced problem-solving, comprehension, and writing skills needed for the January written assessments.
Identify strengths & weaknesses
Use practice papers to pinpoint whether timing, question style, or specific topics need improvement. Our in-person 11+ courses include individual feedback and tailored targets after each timed session, helping children focus on what matters most.
Practice under timed conditions
Focus on problem-solving
Refine exam technique
Teach your child to pace themselves, keep answers neat, and check their work efficiently. Using a mark scheme alongside model answers shows what full marks look like in practice. These strategies are built into every 11+ course we run, so pupils learn to apply them automatically under pressure.
Don’t forget interview preparation
Interview success comes from confident communication, curiosity, and calm thinking. Practise discussing solutions, recent reading, and personal interests. Our in-person 11+ courses also include mock interviews and feedback, helping children feel prepared for every stage of the process.
Expert Tip
Front-load preparation with ISEB Common Pre-Test drills to nail speed and accuracy, then alternate weeks with Westminster-style written papers to build depth in Maths, comprehension and extended writing. Keep an error log, practise timed mocks, and revisit weak areas with short, regular sessions rather than long crams.
Westminster School 11+ Practice Papers
Premium Westminster-Style Papers
Westminster School does not release official past papers for its 11+ entrance exams. To bridge this gap, Elite School Tutors has created a suite of premium Westminster-style practice papers, developed using detailed feedback from pupils who have recently sat the Westminster 11+ written assessments.
These are the most accurate Westminster practice materials available, closely replicating the difficulty, style, and timing of the real exams. Authored by experienced 11+ teachers, they include:
Detailed mark schemes
Timed versions included
Designed to mirror the real exam
Westminster School Scholarships & Bursaries
Academic Scholarships
Westminster offers Academic Scholarships at 11+ entry, awarded for exceptional performance in the entrance process. While no separate application is usually required, strong results in both the ISEB Common Pre-Tests and the written papers, combined with an impressive interview, are essential.
Means-Tested Bursaries
Means-tested bursaries are available for families who would not otherwise be able to afford the fees. These can cover a significant proportion of costs and must be applied for by the 30 September registration deadline.
Westminster 11+ FAQs – Answers to Common Questions
How many sessions per week do you recommend?
Most families find that 1–2 focused sessions per week works well during term time, increasing to 2–3 in the lead-up to the exam. Short, regular practice sessions are far more effective than occasional long crams.
Do you teach online and in person in London?
Yes. We offer online and in-person tuition in London. Many families combine both for flexibility and consistency.
How soon should we start 11+ preparation?
Ideally, start at least a year before the exam. Begin with the ISEB Common Pre-Test online question types, then build in written paper practice using our premium Westminster-style papers to strengthen problem-solving, comprehension, and writing skills.
Can you help with interview preparation?
Absolutely. We cover discussion prompts, problem-solving talk-throughs and confidence-building. It’s included within our holiday revision courses and can be added to one-to-one tuition.
Will your papers reflect the latest format?
Yes – our premium Westminster-style papers are based on the most recent 11+ exam formats, created from detailed feedback from pupils who have sat the ISEB Common Pre-Tests and the January written papers. They accurately mirror the style, difficulty, and timing of the real assessments.
What’s the best way to use the papers?
Begin with practice on the ISEB Common Pre-Test style questions to build speed and accuracy in the online assessments. Then move on to our premium Westminster-style written papers in timed conditions. Mark using the provided schemes, compare with model answers, and revisit weaker topics regularly. Our 11+ holiday courses integrate these routines into a structured programme.
Do you provide feedback on completed papers?
Yes. We can review scripts in one-to-one sessions or during our in-person 11+ courses, with clear next-step targets.
Are these resources suitable for home practice?
Definitely. Every paper includes a mark scheme and model answers so you can track progress at home and focus on what matters most.
Ready to get started?
Give your child the best possible chance at Westminster Day School with expert guidance, realistic practice papers, and proven preparation strategies.
