Westminster School - Westminster Jargon

Westminster Jargon

Westminster has an unusual system for naming the school years, which can cause confusion to those not familiar with the system.

• Year 9: Fifth Form
• Year 10: Lower Shell
• Year 11: Upper Shell (GCSE)
• Year 12: Sixth Form (AS)
• Year 13: Remove (A2)

The Lower and Upper Shell years are named after the shell-shaped alcove up School where they were originally taught; the name has been adopted by several other schools with a Westminster connection.

The first term of the academic year, from September to December, is known as Play Term. This is the term in which the Latin Play used to take place (see Customs). The second term, from January to Easter is the Lent Term. The third term of the academic year, from April to July is the Election Term. This is the term in which new scholars are elected, formerly in place of those examined and elected to the universities.