EDUCATION IS SUCCESS We are very proud to have sponsored Westminster Academy since it opened in 2006. This has been a period of steady development with significant improvements in each of these years. It has been very gratifying being alongside a hard working and dedicated team of teachers and staff, and its remarkable leadership. Our aim has been to support their inspiring teaching of the students, who are drawn from so many diverse backgrounds. Westminster Academy has the benefit of a resourceful and effective group of Trustees, with an exceptional Chair, which has maintained an ambitious strategy for excellence. We are committed to continuing to build links with outstanding outside organisations that add enriching dimensions to the student experience at the Academy.
Westminster Academy has always had a clear ambition: to be a place of educational excellence, while remaining firmly rooted in and responsive to the community it serves. We are fortunate to be part of one of the most diverse communities in central London, and we are committed to ensuring that the Academy continues to meet the needs and aspirations of local students, families and residents. For every young person who chooses to study with us, our aim is to provide opportunities that enrich their experience, broaden their horizons and help make their time at the Academy truly transformative. That commitment extends beyond the classroom. In particular, we want those living in Westbourne and across Westminster to see Westminster Academy as a place they can connect with, contribute to and be proud of.
We know that we need to improve continuously, to ensure that every student feels the benefit of their years of effort at this Academy for the whole of their adult life.
I encourage you to engage with the Academy, its staff and its leadership whenever you can. In return, the Board of Trustees remains committed to building on the Academy’s strong reputation, strengthening our relationship with the local community and ensuring Westminster Academy continues to be a place of which we can all be proud.
SPONSOR
CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
David Dangoor CBE, The Exilarch’s Foundation
Alastair Metcalf
IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO INTRODUCE MYSELF AS PRINCIPAL AND CEO OF WESTMINSTER ACADEMY. I WAS PRIVILEGED TO TAKE ON THIS ROLE IN 2024 AND BECOME PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF THIS WONDERFUL SCHOOL. This year is a particularly special year for all of us at Westminster Academy: we are celebrating our 20th anniversary! The school has been through an exciting journey over those 20 years. GCSE outcomes have more than tripled since opening, and our Sixth Form has gone from strength to strength with its world class IB provision. Our cohort has remained the same: we are a committed community school and it’s really special to us that our relationships with families in the community have lasted so many years, with siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews and even children of former students progressing through the school. We are proud to have retained strong links with former students, several of whom we have welcomed back to work with us. We are looking forward to celebrating 20 years of success with them and with all those who have supported us and contributed to making Westminster Academy what it is today. Our mission is ‘Education is Success’ and we strive to achieve this mission in a number of ways. We recognise that success can only be achieved in an environment where students feel safe, happy and supported. We are a school that prioritises student well-being in an inclusive, kind environment to allow students to develop as confident young adults. Our committed staff body is ever present to ensure students are supported emotionally as well as academically. The Academy has a strong record of academic success, with a passionate and highly knowledgeable staff body who devise engaging lessons to inspire a love of learning and prepare students for academic success and the world beyond. Our evidencebased approach to teaching, learning and curriculum places emphasis not only on traditional academic subject knowledge but also on cross-curricular connections, student self-management, communication skills, technology use and critical thinking through student-centred, personalised learning experiences.
Westminster Academy students value the breadth of extra-curricular opportunities on offer, which enrich learning experiences beyond the classroom and give students opportunities to develop talents and experience personal success. Alongside an exciting extracurricular activities programme, a large number of educational visits and internal events take place each year, as well as an outstanding careers programme. Westminster Academy is one of the few non fee-paying schools in London to offer both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme at key stage 5. These demanding, world-renowned qualifications aim to combine academic excellence with a mission to ‘develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect’. This goes hand in hand with our values as an Academy. My personal aspirations for Westminster Academy students align with those I have for my own teenaged children: I want to support them to flourish in all areas of their lives by helping them develop into well-rounded, compassionate individuals. My colleagues and I are committed to providing our students with an exceptional education, as we have done for the past 20 years, to ensure they have access to their preferred post18 pathways, and have the skills and attributes to achieve their personal and professional goals. I hope you enjoy finding out more about us. Mrs Numera Anwar
PRINCIPAL AND CEO
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AN IB EDUCATION ETHOS OUR ETHOS IS STUDENTCENTRED AND PERSONALISES LEARNING FOR EVERY STUDENT IN A RESPECTFUL ENVIRONMENT SO THAT ALL OUR STUDENTS ARE SAFE, SECURE AND SUCCESSFUL. The Academy fosters a proud, cohesive, and ambitious staff body through an engaged and innovative professional learning community, where continuous active learning dialogue among teachers results in sustained progress for all students and professional growth for all staff.
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AT WESTMINSTER ACADEMY STUDENTS FOLLOW THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM DURING KEY STAGE 3 AND KEY STAGE 4, SITTING GCSE EXAMS IN YEAR 11. Our IB programmes are unique to the Sixth Form, but the philosophy of the IB inspires our teaching and learning and our approach to education across the whole school. The IB aims to develop specific attributes that empower learners to promote intercultural understanding and respect. These attributes form the IB Learner Profile and are embedded in our ethos at Westminster Academy.
THE IB LEARNER PROFILE INQUIRERS THINKERS COMMUNICATORS RISK-TAKERS KNOWLEDGEABLE PRINCIPLED CARING OPEN-MINDED BALANCED REFLECTIVE
VALUES Our HERO values underpin personal development, behaviour and welfare at Westminster Academy:
HONESTY EXCELLENCE RESPONSIBILITY OPPORTUNITY
“WESTMINSTER ACADEMY HELPED PREPARE ME FOR THE FUTURE BY ENCOURAGING CURIOSITY, INDEPENDENCE, AND RESILIENCE.” MOHAMMAD NASSER, ALUMNUS
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LEARNING at Westminster Academy
THE ACADEMY SETS HIGH TARGETS FOR ITS STUDENTS, WITH A STUDENT-CENTRED VISION FOR LEARNING WHICH IS ENGAGING AND CHALLENGING. We encourage collaboration and creativity, recognising and building on each student’s talents. We focus on developing students’ character as well as their intellect, with an emphasis on the importance of a Growth Mindset and the IB Learner Profile attributes. We aim to build students’ understanding through inquiry-based learning, action and reflection to help them make connections between their classroom learning and the ‘real world’.
We achieve this thanks to our qualified, dedicated, dynamic teaching staff and a culture of collaborative professional learning and research which challenges teachers to continuously improve teaching practice. Lessons are differentiated as appropriate to cater for individual needs and abilities while ensuring a suitable level of challenge for every student. Effective assessment methods and data tracking allow us to personalise learning, ensure students make excellent progress and enable us to fully involve students and their families in their progress. Beyond the classroom students complement their learning through an exciting programme of educational visits, extra-curricular activities and events.
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“I’VE FOUND THAT THE TEACHERS ARE EXPERTS IN THEIR SUBJECTS AND REALLY WANT YOU TO DO WELL. YOU’LL STUDY A HUGE RANGE OF SUBJECTS, FROM SCIENCE IN MODERN LABS TO CITIZENSHIP, WHICH HELPS YOU UNDERSTAND THE WORLD IN A WAY YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE IN PRIMARY SCHOOL.” FRED ELLIOTT, STUDENT
OVER
70
%
OF STUDENTS CONSISTENTLY ACHIEVE
GRADES 9- 4
IN CORE SUBJECTS
INCLUSION, WELFARE & SEND AT WESTMINSTER ACADEMY, WE VALUE IN-PERSON CONNECTIONS AND THE INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS OF LEARNING TOGETHER. We aim to ensure our provision supports the wellbeing and mental health of students as much as possible.
“THE SCHOOL HELPED ME WITH MY ENGLISH, GAVE ME EXTRA CLASSES, AND SUPPORTED ME IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE, BOTH ACADEMICALLY AND PERSONALLY. AT A TIME WHEN LIFE FELT UNCERTAIN, WA GAVE ME STABILITY, ENCOURAGEMENT AND BELIEF.” ALI ISSA, ALUMNUS
Our goals are to increase understanding and awareness of mental health issues and promote positive mental health among the students and staff at the Academy. Teaching the skills, knowledge and understanding for students to keep themselves and others physically and emotionally well, is part of our Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) programme which is followed by students in all year groups. Students are supported by their Personal Tutors, Year Coordinators and Pastoral Support Workers. As well as our School Medical Officer, we have trained Counsellors on site who are available to deliver counselling to students upon referral. We also work closely with our local Mind service to provide emotional support to students and staff.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS & DISABILITIES (SEND) We are committed to the smooth transition of students with SEND to the Academy, beginning in the months before enrolment, when we liaise with primary school SEN Coordinators, parents and carers and invite students to a series of transition events at WA. Each child who has been identified as having special educational needs has an action plan drawn up which is continually monitored, supported by our SEN Coordinator and Learning Support Assistants. Personalised support may include sessions with a Speech and Language Therapist, accessibility aids and technology support, mentoring, interventions, counselling and specialist support.
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CURRICULUM Key Stage 3 Students follow the National Curriculum and are taught and assessed in the following areas:
ENGLISH, DRAMA MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES (SPANISH, FRENCH OR ARABIC) HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES SCIENCE COMPUTING MATHS ART, FOOD AND MUSIC PE, DANCE PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
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Westminster Academy’s ethos is built around the studentcentred and internationally-minded values of the International Baccalaureate. Students enjoy curriculum journeys rich in breadth, depth and challenge, meaning that subjects and disciplines are valued at all stages and students maintain a broad curriculum all the way from Year 7 to 13. This includes a comprehensive curriculum offer for the arts: our students study five Expressive Arts subjects during Years 7, 8 and 9. Personal Development includes Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE), Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) and Careers information, advice and guidance. We encourage students to further explore their areas of interest by participating in our extra-curricular activities programme, allowing them to identify talents and develop soft skills in a structured and supportive environment.
Key Stage 4 Courses follow the National Curriculum and include:
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LITERATURE MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES (SPANISH, FRENCH OR ARABIC) HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, CITIZENSHIP, ENTERPRISE, TRAVEL AND TOURISM SCIENCE (COMBINED OR TRIPLE) COMPUTER SCIENCE, DIGITAL IT MATHS
The development of subject specific skills and knowledge through our curricula prepares students for undergraduate courses at the world’s best universities, vocational study and rewarding careers. Students work to develop their thinking, social, communication, self-management and research skills through teaching and learning activities which focus on conceptual development, relevance, collaboration, differentiation and student-driven inquiry. The curriculum at Key Stage 4 is personalised to suit the needs, interests and career pathways of individual students, providing a broad range of GCSE and BTEC course choices. The data tracking in place enables the Academy to provide the best possible support for students, with personalised interventions to ensure students achieve their academic potential.
ART, PERFORMING ARTS, FOOD, MUSIC, SPORT CORE: • Physical Education • Religious Studies • Personal Development, including RSHE and Careers Education
WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME All students are offered work-related learning experiences, including a two-week work experience programme during Year 10. Placements have included local and international organisations such as hospitals, solicitor’s offices, art galleries, architecture firms, primary schools, global banks and hotels. The work experience programme allows students to experience first-hand the world of work, enabling them to develop personal and social skills in a professional context.
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THE SIXTH FORM at Westminster Academy
WESTMINSTER ACADEMY IS PROUD TO BE ONE OF THE FEW NON FEE-PAYING SCHOOLS IN THE COUNTRY TO OFFER BOTH THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (IBDP) AND THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE CAREER-RELATED PROGRAMME (IBCP) AT KEY STAGE 5.
WA IB STUDENTS CONSISTENTLY EXCEED
GLOBAL AVERAGES IN THEIR TOTAL SCORES
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The IBDP is known around the world for its academic rigour and for developing independent, critical thinkers. Students study six subjects, resulting in a broader, more balanced curriculum than the traditional Key Stage 5 pathways. Indeed, recent discussions of the future of UK state education have frequently referenced the benefits of a baccalaureate approach. IBCP students study a vocational qualification in subjects such as Business, Sport or Applied Science, while also completing at least two IB certificates. It is a fantastic choice for students who prefer a balanced mixture of academic and vocational study.
Unique to the IB programmes is the IB Core. Through components involving volunteering, critical thinking and reflective projects, the IB Core allows students to develop skills and experience beyond their academic qualifications, which is very much a defining feature of the ethos of Westminster Academy. Our supportive and highly knowledgeable team works closely with students to ensure they are on track to achieve their future goals. Diverse extra-curricular opportunities through our business and community links provide unique experiences to contribute to personal statements and CVs. Each year we are proud to see our IB graduates leave WA as mature, resilient, knowledgeable and principled individuals, well prepared for the challenges of studying at university, apprenticeships, careers and beyond.
“WA’S IB PROGRAMME CREATES THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP MANY SKILLS THAT POST SIXTH FORM STUDIES REQUIRE, SUCH AS: TIME MANAGEMENT, COLLABORATIVE WORK AS WELL AS ACADEMIC WRITING.” YELZHAN DYUSSIMBINOV, SIXTH FORM ALUMNUS
100
%
OF SIXTH FORM GRADUATES WHO APPLY GAIN
UNIVERSITY OFFERS
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20 YEARS OF SUCCES 2006-2007
2007-2008 Westminster Academy opened, with the support of our local sponsors, the Dangoor family. We spent the first year in a temporary building while the Academy was still under construction, led by Principal Alison Banks. Our new building opened in 2007.
2014-2015
2008-2009 The building was shortlisted for the Stirling Prize, and won various RIBA architecture awards.
Following the retirement of Alison Banks, Ms Smita Bora became the Principal of Westminster Academy. The Princess Royal visited WA for a Women into Science event.
2015-2016
Westminster Academy began to offer students opportunities at Imperial College Reach Out Lab, sponsored by the Dangoor family. These sessions continue to have a great impact to this day: they allow students to access world-class facilities and resources, they give students insight into the university environment and they inspire academic curiosity and ambition.
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2009-2010 Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown met WA students following an event at Westminster Academy.
2016-2017 Dr Saima Rana became Westminster Academy Principal. WA became the only secondary school in Westminster to again win a London Schools Gold Club Award, a scheme that championed best practice in exceptional London schools.
2021-2022
2022-2023
2023-2024
Our Year 12 students were featured on BBC Countryfile, as they explored the realities of careers in agriculture at Harper Adams University.
Westminster Academy selected a popular new House Hero: Sir David Attenborough. We launched the Subject Prefect leadership programme.
WA’s Sixth Form was graded Outstanding. Students raised over £9,000 for charities, including The Passage, Comic Relief, The Avenues Youth Club and the British Red Cross.
The Academy launched a new uniform and website. It was ranked in the top 50 schools nationally for progress made by our GCSE cohort. We celebrated our 10 year anniversary.
2024-2025 Numera Anwar became the fifth Principal of Westminster Academy. Over 60% of students received offers to Russell Group universities, including four students who achieved places at Oxford or Cambridge.
SS
Westminster Academy is celebrating its 20th anniversary!
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
2013-2014
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was launched at Westminster Academy. The first expedition took place in the Chilterns.
Westminster Academy was ranked among the top 40 most improved schools in the country after more than doubling attainment at GCSE. Many WA students were given tickets to the London 2012 Olympics.
Westminster Academy was the recipient of several awards, including TES Secondary School of the Year.
Westminster Academy was visited by Hollywood Royalty; none other than Harrison Ford, Sir Ben Kingsley, Asa Butterfield and Hailee Steinfeld (the cast of Ender’s Game). On a separate visit, WA hosted Eddie Redmayne, who took questions from WA students. Professor Robert Winston also visited to give a talk to WA scientists. WA was invited to the London Schools Gold Club.
2017-2018
2018-2019
Students interviewed Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, at a Prince’s Trust Iftar held at Westminster Academy. Westminster Academy was recognised in the Schools for Success Awards for high levels of progress. Pudsey Bear visited WA for a BBC Children in Need event.
2025-2026 Grammy award winner Jacob Collier filmed music sessions at Westminster Academy with WA students as part of the BBC’s Get Singing campaign.
2019-2020 Westminster Academy launched its Combined Cadet Force.
Westminster Academy launched ‘WA Online’, allowing students to access their full timetable of learning, via Zoom and Google Classroom, every day while the country was in lockdown during the Covid pandemic.
2020-2021 Westminster Academy was joined by a new Principal, Dr Paul Wood, who began his headship while the school was closed due to the lockdown.
2026-2027 WA proudly celebrates its 20 year anniversary.
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THE WESTMINSTER ACADEMY BUILDING IS NAMED AFTER SIR NAIM DANGOOR, OF THE SCHOOL’S SPONSOR FAMILY, AND WE’RE PROUD TO SHARE MORE ABOUT HIM. SIR NAIM DANGOOR LED AN EXCEPTIONAL LIFE. HE WAS A PHILANTHROPIST WHO OVER THE YEARS INVESTED MILLIONS OF POUNDS INTO IMPROVING EDUCATION IN THE UK AND AROUND THE WORLD.
SIR NAIM DANGOOR & THE DANGOOR FAMILY 12
Judy & David Dangoor
“WE WOULD LIKE STUDENTS TO LEAVE SCHOOL WITH A SENSE THAT ONE OF THE WAYS OF FULFILLING YOUR LIFE IS TO BE HELPFUL TO OTHER PEOPLE, AND, HAVING RECEIVED HELP YOURSELF, TO TRY AND DO THE SAME THING FOR OTHERS.” DAVID DANGOOR CBE
Born in Iraq in 1914, Sir Naim came to the UK in the 1930s to study engineering. After completing his studies, he returned to Iraq where he and a friend ran the country’s very first Coca Cola franchise. He married Renee Dangoor, the former Miss Baghdad, and together they had four sons. When it became difficult for Jewish families to remain in Iraq in the 1960s, Sir Naim sought asylum in the UK, bringing his family to this country in 1964. He was knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2015 for ‘his extraordinarily generous philanthropy to a range of health, educational and religious charities.’ He passed away later that year at the remarkable age of 101. Sir Naim Dangoor believed that what allowed him and his family to succeed was education. Grateful for the opportunities he had found in the UK, he was determined to give back by supporting future generations. This commitment remains of great importance to the Dangoor family. Their decision to become the single sponsor of Westminster Academy reflects their desire to have an impact in their local community and give others opportunities to develop.
As members of the Academy’s Board of Trustees, David and Judy Dangoor actively support the Academy’s leadership and strategic direction. They also work closely with the school to find ways to broaden the experiences of students and help unlock their potential. The Dangoor family is particularly passionate about widening access to science, outdoor education and interfaith initiatives. Through their support, students have benefited from exceptional opportunities, including places at Imperial College London’s Reach Out Lab, as well as an expanding network of educational and enrichment experiences. The story of Sir Naim Dangoor and his family has had a profound influence on Westminster Academy’s ethos and values. Their commitment to service, generosity and opportunity continues to shape the Academy’s vision for its students. As David Dangoor CBE reflects, “We would like students to leave school with a sense that one of the ways of fulfilling your life is to be helpful to other people, and, having received help yourself, to try and do the same thing for others. This is the message I learnt in my life and it’s a message I’d like future generations to continue.”
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NUMEROUS EDUCATIONAL VISITS, EVENTS & ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES TAKE PLACE EVERY YEAR, INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL EXPERIENCES.
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“WA HAS A LARGE VARIETY OF CLUBS AND SPORTS FOR DIFFERENT ABILITIES AND INTERESTS, SUCH AS TABLE TENNIS AND BASKETBALL AS WELL AS CHESS CLUB AND GAMES CLUB.” JIBRAIL TALEOUINE, ALUMNUS
Extra-curricular
ACTIVITIES WESTMINSTER ACADEMY OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (ECA) TO CATER FOR STUDENTS’ DIVERSE INTERESTS AND NEEDS. Our clubs and activities help students to make friends, learn independently, consolidate learning and increase confidence.
SPORT Our first-class sporting facilities allow the school to offer a variety of sports at lunchtimes and after school. Activities vary each season, but include popular traditional sports such as football and rugby, as well as clubs such as indoor rowing and handball. Our exciting collaboration with Greenhouse Sports is extremely popular and gives students access to specialised basketball coaching and mentoring. Many of our sports teams compete in local leagues and we are proud to have seen our students experience both individual and team success through sport.
CREATIVE
ACADEMIC
Expressive arts enthusiasts enjoy working together to improve their skills and develop talent in Dance, Music, Drama, Food and Art. Students are offered the opportunity to join a variety of expressive arts clubs such as food club, choir, and arts and crafts. Students also have the chance to perform in our winter and summer shows. A range of inspiring visits and workshops take place throughout the year to further explore and nurture students’ creative talents.
Clubs such as STEM Club and History Club aim to inspire academic curiosity and a love of learning. Debate Club and Model United Nations (MUN) encourage students to express themselves confidently and understand the value of considering a diverse range of opinions. There are lots of other activities, like Creative Writing, Coding and UK Maths Trust (UKMT) competitions to offer something for everyone. The full ECA programme is available to view on our website, and the offer is updated each year. Participating in ECA leads to further opportunities, such as local and national competitions, educational visits, events and, in some cases, additional qualifications.
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“LOOKING BACK, WA PROVIDED ME WITH MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM. THERE WERE ALWAYS TRIPS, COMPETITIONS, WORKSHOPS AND VOLUNTEERING ACTIVITIES TO GET INVOLVED IN. THESE EXPERIENCES HELPED TO SHAPE MY SOFT SKILLS AND MY WILLINGNESS TO TRY NEW THINGS.” AYSHA SYEDA, ALUMNUS
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Student
LEADERSHIP WA ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO TAKE ON RESPONSIBILITY BY OFFERING A VARIETY OF WAYS STUDENTS CAN GET INVOLVED WITH THE SCHOOL AND DEVELOP AS YOUNG LEADERS.
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMMES
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Students from all year groups are elected to the Academy Council each year. The Council meets regularly to provide personal insights into the student experience and to explore possible ways of improving it. Year 7 and 8 students have the opportunity to become WA Ambassadors. The Ambassador team supports the Principal in greeting visitors to the school, conducting tours and telling them all about Westminster Academy. Subject Prefects work with Directors of Learning to promote initiatives within the department, and inspire a passion for learning for their chosen subject. Our Pride Club and Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Group offer ways for students to make their voices heard and lead the change they wish to see in society. Peer mentoring gives older students training in mentoring and provides valuable support to younger students. All of our young leaders are positive role models who help to strengthen connections among the school and wider community.
We also provide great opportunities for students to develop leadership skills outside the school. The nationally recognised Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme offers students the chance to gain their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Students develop independence and skills in leadership and teamwork by completing a challenging expedition in the countryside over two or three days. The programme also encourages students to develop as all-rounders, by getting students involved in volunteering, skill-based and physical activities as part of the Award. The Army Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is a further exciting opportunity at Westminster Academy for students to be trained in military drill and presentation, field craft and soldiering. CCF is a popular programme at Westminster Academy, and gives students a sense of pride, duty, camaraderie, determination and discipline that they will carry with them throughout their time in the cadets and beyond.
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Preparing for Future
PATHWAYS WE OFFER CAREERS EDUCATION, INDEPENDENT ADVICE AND GUIDANCE FOR ALL STUDENTS AGED 11–18. All students have a personal tutor who they can go to for advice and guidance at any time. Each student is given access to an online, interactive careers service and specialist interviews are arranged for students to prepare them to move on to sixth form and university or an apprenticeship. We place great value on equipping students with the research skills to access diverse information and make informed decisions that affect not only their future pathways, but their personal lives, finances and wellbeing. Students benefit from regular opportunities through our wide range of partnerships with renowned companies. These opportunities enhance academic qualifications and prepare students with the skills and knowledge to go on to successful and fulfilling educational pathways and careers.
“WESTMINSTER ACADEMY PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PREPARING ME FOR LIFE AFTER SCHOOL, BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY. ACADEMICALLY, IT GAVE ME A STRONG FOUNDATION THROUGH MY GCSE STUDIES AND TAUGHT ME HOW TO MANAGE MY TIME EFFECTIVELY, STAY ORGANISED, AND WORK INDEPENDENTLY. NOW, AS A QUALIFIED SOLICITOR, I CAN CLEARLY SEE HOW THOSE EARLY EXPERIENCES HELPED SHAPE MY WORK ETHIC, ATTENTION TO DETAIL, AND ABILITY TO THINK CRITICALLY.”
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MASHKHAL ABDULKARIM, ALUMNUS
Business and Community
PARTNERSHIPS OUR AIM IS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS TO INVESTIGATE THE WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO THEM, TO PREPARE THEM FOR THEIR FUTURE PATHWAYS AND TO SUCCEED IN A GLOBAL SOCIETY. WE HAVE A NUMBER OF LINKS WITH BUSINESSES, THE COMMUNITY AND HIGHER EDUCATION, INCLUDING:
IMPERIAL COLLEGE THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF MEDICINE BRITISH LAND UCL’S INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION CITIBANK STEM LEARNING CONSTRUCTION YOUTH TRUST
Work experience, insight days and opportunities with external professionals provide critical experience, preparing students for success in further and higher education, as well as employment. Our business partnerships focus on providing entrepreneurial experiences for all our students. Links with a variety of organisations offer opportunities for students to work closely with highly successful business people, including mentoring programmes and skills workshops. These interactions are valuable opportunities for students to explore their strengths and weaknesses and identify the gaps in their skills. Community and higher education links provide further opportunities for students to broaden experiences, gain new perspectives and an insight into higher level research and study. Students in our Medicine Society thrive through opportunities with medical students at Imperial College, UCL and St George’s University Hospital.
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PARENTS, CARERS & the Community
OUR STUDENTS’ FAMILIES SPEAK OVER 60 LANGUAGES SO IT IS FITTING THAT AS AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, WE CELEBRATE THE COUNTRIES, CULTURES AND FAITHS WHICH OUR STUDENTS REPRESENT. GLOBAL AWARENESS AND INCLUSION ARE THREADS WHICH RUN THROUGH ALL OUR WORK. Being an active part of the community is at the heart of Westminster Academy. Students engage in diverse volunteering opportunities both in school and in the community, and particularly enjoy fundraising. The Academy works closely with Westminster City Council and its schools and colleges. Joint projects with our link primary, secondary and IB schools give young members of the community access to our facilities as well as enabling secondary school taster days, CPD sessions for staff and curriculum support from subject specialists. Westminster Academy collaborates with community organisations to offer opportunities to parents, carers and local young people.
PARENTS AND CARERS Parents and carers are encouraged to be in regular communication with their child’s personal tutors and involve themselves in their child’s learning through Parents’ Evenings, as well as through our online platforms which enable them to view up-to-date information such as reports, attendance and achievement points. The weekly Academy newsletter also keeps parents and carers informed of all events. The Academy values regular opportunities to engage with parents and carers through coffee mornings/afternoons, as well as some of our popular social events such as our Interfaith Iftar and International Day.
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FACILITIES The Academy has a state-of-the-art building designed by award winning architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM).
THE SITE IS EXTENSIVE FOR A CITY SCHOOL AND INCLUDES: •A flexible working environment, enabling our focus on personalised learning •Science laboratories, music suite and a food room •Top floor ‘Sky Dining’ area and ground floor ‘Global Cafe’, with in-house catering •Library •Drama studio •Lecture theatre with cinema-style seating •Five professional-grade sports pitches •A community sports centre with a large sports hall and a dance studio •The world’s first managed outdoor Parkour facility
“WESTMINSTER ACADEMY IS AN AMAZINGLY ACADEMIC SCHOOL WITH AN AMAZING STAFF TEAM. THIS TEAM IS KNOWLEDGEABLE ON EVERYTHING FROM MENTAL HEALTH TO MATHS, AND HAS A FULL-TIME PASTORAL SUPPORT TEAM.” SEAN CASSIDY, FORMER STUDENT
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“THE BEST THING ABOUT WA IS ITS TEACHERS. THEY ARE OPEN-MINDED AND YOU CAN CREATE A WONDERFUL RELATIONSHIP WITH THEM. THEY ENGAGE STUDENTS IN LESSONS AND MAKE US GENUINELY ENJOY THE SUBJECTS AND WHAT WE STUDY.” MARTINA RADENKOVIC, ALUMNUS Sir Naim Dangoor Centre 255 Harrow Road London W2 5EZ T: 020 7121 0600 Email: admin@westminsteracademy.org.uk www.westminsteracademy.org.uk @WestminsterAca @westminsteracademylondon @westminsteracademylondon