Westminster City School

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 19 May 2026

Pupils enjoy attending Westminster City School. Most pupils attend regularly. Leaders have set out a clear strategic vision for the school, rooted in the school’s values of wisdom, integrity, compassion and excellence. These are embodied by pupils and students in the sixth form. Relationships between staff and pupils are warm and positive. Staff know pupils well and have high expectations of them. Around the school, pupils behave calmly and show a high degree of respect for one another. In lessons, pupils are focused and ready to learn. Pupils understand the school’s routines and behaviour systems and consistently follow them. Pupils study a broad and ambitious curriculum. Teachers explain new learning clearly and help pupils to build their knowledge over time. Pupils achieve well in examinations, including in the sixth form. Leaders have developed a range of partnerships with international companies that provide significant additional resources and bursary opportunities for pupils. Sixth form students act as positive role models for younger pupils, including through reading support and mentoring. Pupils are kept safe in school. They know who to speak to if they are worried and feel confident in raising concerns, for example through the school’s online reporting system. Staff listen to pupils and support them well. Leaders have made significant improvements in support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Typically pupils’ needs are well met. The school provides a wide range of opportunities beyond lessons. Pupils value the opportunities that they have to participate in performing arts, sport and curriculum-based clubs. The school’s location is fully utilised, for example by enabling pupils in the choir to perform at Westminster Abbey.

What the school should improve

• Leaders should continue their work to further develop the expertise of staff in making sure that the teaching of the curriculum is appropriately adapted to the needs of all pupils.
• Leaders should further develop a coherently designed range of wider opportunities and track the uptake of these carefully to ensure that these consistently benefit all groups of pupils.

Read the full Ofsted report (opens in a new tab)