| Name | Westminster School |
| Focus | Natural sciences • Mathematics • Logic |
| Founded | 14th century |
| Rivalry | |
| Location | |
| Notable Graduates | Renowned philosophers • Scientists • Engineers |
Westminster School is an independent co-educational day and boarding secondary school located in the heart of New Rotterdam, the capital of New Netherland. Founded in the 14th century, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in the country. Unlike many other historic schools in the region, Westminster has traditionally maintained a strong secular focus, emphasizing instruction in the natural sciences, mathematics, and logic rather than the humanities.
Westminster School was established in 1342 by a group of Dutch mathematicians, philosophers and educators who sought to create a new center of learning outside the influence of the Catholic Church. At the time, most schools in Europe were affiliated with religious orders and focused on theological study and clerical training.
The founders of Westminster envisioned an institution dedicated to the advancement of secular knowledge, with a particular emphasis on the natural sciences, mathematics, and rational philosophy. This ethos would define the school's curriculum and culture for centuries to come.
In the early years, Westminster struggled to gain legitimacy and secure funding, as the Church and aristocratic establishment were often suspicious of its non-religious orientation. However, the school gradually built a reputation for academic excellence, attracting students from across the Low Countries and eventually from as far as France and the Holy Roman Empire.
A key distinguishing feature of Westminster has been its unwavering commitment to the sciences, mathematics, and logical reasoning over the humanities. From the 15th century onwards, the school's curriculum was dominated by intensive study of subjects like astronomy, physics, chemistry, geometry, logic, and natural philosophy.
This scientific focus produced many renowned scholars and innovators who made important contributions to fields like optics, mechanics, and early modern philosophy. Notable alumni include Johannes Vermeer, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Baruch Spinoza, and Christiaan Huygens.
At the same time, Westminster traditionally gave less emphasis to classical languages, literature, history, and the arts compared to peer institutions like Oxford and Cambridge. This has sometimes caused tension, as critics have accused the school of neglecting the humanities. However, its defenders argue that Westminster's graduates have been exceptionally well-equipped to drive scientific and technological progress.
A defining feature of Westminster School's history has been its long-standing academic and cultural rivalry with the University of Oxford. As two of the oldest and most prestigious educational institutions in the region, Westminster and Oxford have competed fiercely for students, prestige, and influence since the 15th century.
The rivalry is rooted in fundamental differences in educational philosophies and priorities. While Oxford has traditionally been oriented towards the humanities, theology, and the education of political and Church elites, Westminster has steadfastly focused on the sciences, mathematics, and the training of philosophers and innovators.
This competition has manifested in everything from heated academic debates to intense sports competitions between the two institutions. It has also driven both schools to constantly strive to outshine the other, leading to rapid advancements in curriculum, facilities, and reputation over the centuries.
Today, Westminster School remains one of the most prestigious and selective educational institutions in New Netherland and the broader Dutch Republic. It continues to be renowned for its strength in the sciences, mathematics, and rational philosophy, producing a steady stream of distinguished alumni who go on to lead in fields like engineering, technology, finance, and academia.
While the school has broadened its curriculum in recent decades to include more humanities offerings, its scientific and mathematical focus remains a core part of its identity and culture. Westminster is consistently ranked among the top secondary schools in the country and is highly sought after by the children of the nation's political, business and intellectual elite.
The school's long-running rivalry with Oxford is also still a defining feature, with the two institutions engaged in an ongoing battle for academic prestige, funding, and influence. The schools' legendary sports matches, particularly in football and rowing, are major social events that captivate the public's attention.
Overall, Westminster School's unique history, academic priorities, and storied rivalry with Oxford have made it one of the most renowned and influential educational institutions in the history of the Dutch Republic and New Netherland.
