A New Preparatory Centre for Learning Opens in 2027
Where an Adventurous Education Begins
Construction is almost complete on Westminster’s new Preparatory Centre for Learning, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for young children.
At the start of 2027, the purpose-built Centre will open its doors to students from Reception to Year 3, creating a remarkable new environment for the earliest years of a Westminster education.
The first years of School shape far more than reading levels and numeracy skills. They shape how children see themselves as learners, how they respond to challenge and how confidently they step into the world.
At Westminster, these formative years are where Adventurous Education begins.
Strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and critical thinking are combined with curiosity, creativity and purposeful exploration, helping children develop the knowledge, character and confidence to thrive throughout their School journey and beyond.
Westminster’s investment in the Preparatory School reflects a clear belief that these years deserve exceptional care, clarity and ambition.
As Westminster’s fifth major capital project in six years, the new Centre represents a sustained and strategic commitment to contemporary learning environments across the School’s 23-hectare Marion campus.
Strong interest in the Preparatory School alongside record enrolments and growing waitlists in the Senior School reflects confidence in a Westminster education at every stage of the journey.
“This redevelopment forms part of a deliberate long-term investment in environments that elevate learning,” Acting Principal Andrew Whiteman said.
“We are ensuring our facilities reflect the ambition of our educational vision and the potential of every child.”
Designed by Brown Falconer and delivered by Partek Constructions and Interiors, the Preparatory Centre for Learning has been carefully crafted around the way young children learn.
Light-filled classrooms, flexible learning zones and dedicated art and STEM spaces will create opportunities for exploration, creativity and collaboration. Immersive outdoor environments will encourage adventurous play while fostering wellbeing, resilience and inquiry.
Yet it is not only the design of the spaces that will define this next chapter. It is the learning that will take place within them.
At Westminster, strong academic foundations sit firmly at the heart of the early years experience. Literacy, numeracy and critical thinking are taught with clarity, purpose and rigour, ensuring each child develops the knowledge and skills required for long-term success.
This academic strength is intentionally interwoven with Adventurous Education, creating an environment where children are encouraged to question, explore, design, test and reflect.
Inquiry-based learning, the purposeful use of technology and authentic problem-solving are embedded into daily practice. Whether investigating environmental challenges, building prototypes or collaborating on creative projects, students learn to think deeply and approach new experiences with confidence.
“The early years shape how children see themselves as learners,” Head of Preparatory School Simon McKenzie said.
“When children feel confident, capable and connected they approach every new challenge with curiosity and courage.”
Alongside academic development, leadership and intentional character formation are defining features of the Preparatory journey.
Through collaboration, service and shared achievement, students begin to understand the contribution they can make to their community. Voice and agency are not abstract ideas but experiences embedded within learning at Westminster.
“At Westminster we believe it is never too early to begin developing resilience, leadership and responsibility,” Mr McKenzie said.
“These qualities guide young people throughout their lives.”
One of Westminster’s greatest strengths is the breadth of opportunity available across one campus.
From the ELC and Preparatory School through to Year 12, students are part of a connected learning community with access to specialist facilities, expert staff and experiences extending well beyond the classroom.
Sport plays an important role in this experience. Through a wide range of co-curricular opportunities, children can explore different sports while developing fundamental skills, teamwork, discipline and resilience.
The performing arts are equally central. Every child is encouraged to discover their creative voice through music, drama and performance. In Year 3, all students participate in the School’s strings program while the Michael Murray Centre for Performing Arts provides an inspiring environment in which children can perform, create and grow.
Preparatory students also experience agriculture at Westminster’s Sturt Grove Farm, alongside opportunities to learn in specialist environments across the Senior School.
These experiences mean a child’s education is not confined to one classroom or one part of the campus. From their earliest years, children begin discovering the breadth of what Westminster has to offer.
For families, choosing a School is one of the most significant decisions they will make for their child.
Westminster’s new Preparatory Centre for Learning represents more than a new building. It brings together strong academic foundations, character development, exceptional facilities and a breadth of opportunity within one connected School community.
When its doors open in 2027, it will be a place where curiosity is encouraged, knowledge is pursued with purpose and confidence grows through experience.
A place where Adventurous Education begins.