Westminster school music scholarship
Westminster School’s legacy reaches back almost 500 years. Sitting in the heart of the country in the environs of the Houses of Parliament, this famed school has provided young people with one of the country’s top educational offerings through the ages. Music is a core element of this rightly esteemed school, and Westminster’s generous music scholarships offer aspiring musicians a chance to seize the opportunities on offer.
Together, Westminster Under School and Westminster School offer three points of entry for music scholars: 11+, 13+, and 16+. In this blog post, we will explore the details of the music scholarships at Westminster Under School and Westminster School, the scholarship award, the application process, and the notable musical alumni who have thrived since leaving Westminster.
8
No. of Permanent Music Staff
Average 5
39
No. Visiting Music Teachers (VMT)
Average 31
1:25
Music Staff (include VMT) to Student Ratio*
Average 1:32
£6389
Maximum Scholarship Award Value (£)*
Average £5376
*Find out how we collected and calculated our music scholarship data here
School Overview
Westminster School is one of the UK’s leading academic institutions and has a rich and distinguished history dating back almost half a millennium. In 1943, Westminster expanded its educational scope by forming the Under School, an independent preparatory school for boys aged 7 to 13. This allowed high-ability pupils to benefit from the principles and practices of a liberal education, long favoured and demonstrated by Westminster, from an even younger age.
With a focus on a well-rounded education, Westminster School emphasises not only academic achievement but also the development of character, creativity, and critical thinking skills. The school's faculty ensures a tailored approach to learning, while its extensive extracurricular offerings, including music, contribute to a holistic educational experience. Westminster School is a passionate and purposeful place where boys greatly enjoy the activities of learning and are given the support and guidance they need to develop as intelligent, compassionate and inquisitive individuals.
Scholarship Award
A number of awards are on offer for students seeking 11+ entry to Westminster’s music scholarship programme.
Holders of the 11+ music scholarship receive 10% remission on day fees, as well as tuition on two instruments.
Eight 13+ music scholarships are available for students at the 13+ entry point. The award provides holders with a 10% remission on day fees, as well as free tuition on two instruments. At 13+, three music exhibitions are offered. These scholars are not provided a remission on fees, but do receive free tuition on two instruments.
Four 16+ music scholarships are on offer at the 16+ entry point, giving holders a 10% remission on day fees and free tuition on two instruments.
In addition to these awards, every two years the school offers a student the Henry Purcell Organ Scholarship. This provides the holder with a 10% remission on fees, and tuition on two instruments, including organ
Additionally, means-tested bursaries are available, potentially covering full fees.
Eligibility
Music scholars seeking entry into year 7 (11+) will be expected to play to a grade 5 standard on their main instrument, with some skill on a second.
For applicants at year 9 (13+) entry, a minimum of grade 7 is expected, and the school recommends that candidates have an informal interview with the Director of Music in the autumn before formal applications begin.
For year 12 (16+) entry, a standard of grade 8 on the candidate’s main instrument is usually required. A good Grade VI level in a second instrument is favourable, and sight-reading ability is very important.
Application Timeline
The application process for Westminster’s 11+ and 13+ Music Scholarships occurs in the October before the year of entry. Prospective students who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to submit their applications promptly. For 16+ entry, scholarship applications are usually due on the final day of September.
Students are invited to audition following successful results in the school entrance exam. Instrumental auditions for 11+ and 13+ entry take place in January, while auditions for 16+ entry take place in late November the year before entry.
Audition
During the audition process, candidates are required to perform two contrasting pieces on their principal instrument, present one piece on their second instrument (if they choose to do so), read music at sight, undergo aural tests and have a short interview.
This process is usually the same across all age brackets at which a music scholarship is offered by Westminster.
To prepare for the audition, we’d recommend reading our Ultimate Guide to Music Scholarships. We also strongly recommended beginning preparation for scholarship auditions at least 12 months beforehand.
For those looking for additional support, it is advisable to have specialised lessons with a music teacher with experience in scholarships. Some families opt to have meetings with Ralph Allwood MBE, ex-Director of Music at Eton College for 26 years, for a mock audition and feedback in the months leading up to the audition.
Westminster's Musical Profile
Westminster School boasts a rich musical tradition with a strong focus on both performance and academic achievement. The department offers scholarships to talented students and its alumni have gone on to prestigious music programs at universities and colleges. Westminster's Manoukian Music Centre, a state-of-the-art facility opened in 2005, provides students with exceptional practice and rehearsal spaces, including a recital hall and recording studio.
Westminster School boasts an impressive musical legacy, with notable alumni such as Julian Anderson and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. Singing holds a special place at the school, and Westminster musicians frequently participate in junior departments at prestigious institutions like the Royal College of Music (RCM), Royal Academy of Music (RAM), and Guildhall.
The school's commitment to nurturing musical talent is evident in its students' active involvement with esteemed musical organisations, including the National Youth Orchestra and National Youth Choir.
Conclusion
Music scholarships at Westminster showcase the school’s commitment to fostering musical talent and providing a supportive environment for students to flourish. With a rich history, esteemed alumni, and state-of-the-art facilities, Westminster School continues to be a hub for young musicians aspiring to reach their full potential. Prospective candidates should seize the opportunity to apply.
For families looking for support and advice when applying, Prelude Education is Britain's only music-specialist scholarship advisory service and has supported 400+ students to achieve music scholarships to Britain’s leading independent schools.
Ralph Allwood MBE, Ex-Director of Music at Eton College for 26 years, leads our Music Scholarship team
We offer
Private lessons from specialist music scholarship teachers
Consultations with Ralph Allwood MBE
Mock scholarship auditions
Personalised shortlist of scholarships suited to your child
Year-long bespoke scholarship plan for your child
get support from Britain's only music-specialist scholarship advisory service
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![Girl learning piano in a piano lesson]()
Ultimate Guide to Music Scholarships
Interested in how to best prepare your child for a music scholarship? Read the best Ultimate Guide to Music Scholarships written by music scholarship experts.
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![Girl practicing the harp]()
Music Scholarship Advisory Services
Looking for further support in how to achieve a music scholarship? Read more about our Scholarship Advisory Services for 11+, 13+ and 16+ music scholarships
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![Ex-Eton College Music Director]()
Watch Ralph Allwood Discuss Scholarships
Watch Ralph Allwood MBE, Director of Music at Eton College for 26 years, discuss 6 tips of how to get a music scholarship to British private and independent schools.
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![Image of Eton College]()
Free Music Scholarship Resources
These resources have been created by our music scholarship experts, including by a former Director of Music at Eton College.
