THE 2025 IMPACT
Your generosity – whether through a single gift, regular donation, match funding or volunteering in one of our all-school initiatives –has strengthened our commitment to providing an outstanding education rooted in kindness, curiosity and academic excellence.
Philanthropy continues to play a transformative role in the life of the school. From expanding our bursary provision to developing new facilities that support pupil wellbeing and creativity, the impact of your support is tangible and far-reaching.
This year, our first-ever Giving Day was a remarkable success, raising an impressive £200,795. It was deeply inspiring to see the entire UCS community of pupils, parents, Old Gowers, staff, and friends come together with such enthusiasm and shared purpose. To me, the Giving Day’s biggest achievements were not only raising vital funds for our Bursary Award Programme, but the amazing
show of spirit that so defines the UCS community.
We were also thrilled to see so many of you supporting the wider Tomorrow’s Trailblazers campaign, which aims to champion the changemakers of the future, through increasing access to UCS and enhancing our site at Frognal. This campaign builds on our longstanding belief that a UCS education should be available to dedicated pupils from all backgrounds, and that all pupils should have the opportunity to seek support for their wellbeing and explore their creative endeavours through the performing arts. Through this ambitious campaign, we are laying the foundations for a school we
can continue to be proud of, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
I hope you enjoy reading about how your support is impacting the lives of tomorrow’s leaders, creators, and trailblazers, in the pages that follow.
On behalf of everyone here at UCS, thank you. Your belief in our mission enables us to look ahead with confidence, knowing that together we can build a school where every individual is empowered to be the best version of themselves.
With gratitude,
Mark Beard, Headmaster
2023-24: 175
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2023-24: £1.19M 2024-25: £1.39M
Being at UCS has opened doors I never knew existed. The support here has made me feel like I can aim high and actually get there.
Transitus student
THE STORY SO FAR
At UCS, we believe in a future where every child with the ability and ambition to thrive here is given the opportunity to do so, regardless of their background.
That belief is at the heart of Tomorrow’s Trailblazers. Launched in 2024, the campaign aims to champion access, wellbeing, and creativity across the school. Thanks to the remarkable support of our community, this bold vision is becoming a reality.
EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY: 60 BURSARY PLACES CHANGING LIVES
At the core of Tomorrow’s Trailblazers is our ongoing commitment to meanstested bursaries. We are proud to now offer 60 fully- or partially-funded Bursary Awards across the senior school. These awards
are more than just financial support; they are an invitation for talented, curious, and determined young people to step into a community that will both challenge and nurture them.
Our Bursary Award Holders bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences that enrich school life for everyone. They gain access to a world-class education, grounded in our liberal values and our ethos of open-minded inquiry.
From music and maths to sport and science, they are thriving, contributing to every aspect of school life and embracing the opportunity to grow into thoughtful, confident, and compassionate young adults.
The impact of these bursaries is profound and lifelong. One Transitus pupil recently shared: “Being at UCS has opened doors I never knew existed. The support here has made me feel like I can aim high and actually get there.”
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: PLANNING APPROVED FOR WELLBEING AND PERFORMING ARTS
We are also thrilled to share that we have received planning permission for our most ambitious building project to date: a new Wellbeing and Performing Arts Centre, with work scheduled to begin in 2027. This project is a direct response to the needs of our pupils and a powerful expression of UCS values in action.
In today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world, the pressures facing young people are increasing. Anxiety, low self-esteem, and social stress are more common than ever, and schools are being asked to play a bigger role in supporting emotional wellbeing. Recent studies suggest that young people are more likely to seek help from their school than from any other support system. Our new Wellbeing Centre will be a purpose-built space where students can access support, learn healthy coping strategies, and simply take a moment to pause and reset; a sanctuary at the heart of school life.
Alongside this, our new Performing Arts spaces will include a state-of-the-art auditorium, rehearsal and
music rooms, and creative studios designed to inspire expression, collaboration and confidence. At a time when the arts are under threat nationally, facing cuts in schools and reduced status in curricula, we are reaffirming their central place in a UCS education. We believe the arts are vital for developing empathy, imagination, and a strong sense of self. They allow our pupils to tell their stories and make their voices heard.
A SHARED COMMITMENT
Tomorrow’s Trailblazers is more than a fundraising campaign; a collective commitment to shaping the leaders and trailblazers of the future, enabling them to live healthy, ambitious, expressive lives.
Thanks to our donors, partners, and supporters, we are already seeing its impact in classrooms, corridors, and concert halls across the UCS Foundation.
As we look ahead, there is still work to do. But we do so with confidence, knowing that we are building on strong foundations. Together, we are not just investing our funds or laying bricks and mortar; we are investing in potential and possibility and we are laying the foundations for all UCS pupils to thrive.
to find out more about how this campaign can transform the lives of young people at UCS
When Daniel* arrived at UCS as an 11-year-old, he was quietly ambitious but unsure of how far he could go. Now heading into Transitus, he’s hoping to become Captain of Monitors and preparing to study Engineering at a top university.
His journey is a powerful testament to the transformative power of a UCS education.
“I still remember walking into UCS on my first day and thinking, this is a place where anything feels possible,” Daniel recalls. “From the beginning, I was encouraged to be curious and to push myself, and there was a real emphasis on trying things I’d never even considered before.”
Daniel is one of 60 pupils currently supported by UCS’s Bursary Award programme, which offers means-tested awards to ensure that financial circumstances are never a barrier to a first-class education. For Daniel, the support has been life-changing.
“I wouldn’t be here without the bursary,” he says simply. “It hasn’t just given me access to brilliant teaching, it’s given me confidence. I’ve found what I love and been encouraged to pursue it.”
During his time at UCS, Daniel has embraced every opportunity: from mentoring younger pupils to taking part in Model United Nations, participating in the school’s robotics team, and winning a national essay competition. But he’s equally proud of the relationships he’s built here.
“It’s the people that make UCS special,” he says. “The teachers genuinely care about you, not just as a student, but as a person. And there’s this amazing energy, everyone’s encouraged to be themselves and to get involved.”
One highlight of his time at school was winning a coveted Deme prize, a moment he says he’ll never forget. “Standing on that stage, knowing how far I’d come, I just felt so proud.”
Daniel hopes one day to give back to the school that believed in him. “It’s not just about what I’ve achieved,” he says. “It’s about knowing that someone saw potential in me. I lean on that when I am having doubts about
what I can do. It changes everything.”
As he prepares for his final years at UCS, Daniel carries with him not only academic success but also a deep sense of purpose and a determination to make the most of the opportunities he’s been given.
Every gift to the Bursary Award Programme directly enables more young people like Daniel to experience a UCS education. Through your generosity, you are empowering more young people to believe in themselves and achieve their fullest potential. Thank you.
SHAPE WHO
“THIS PLACE HAS HELPED I AM AND I’LL THAT WITH ME.” ALWAYS CARRY
CENTRE STAGE
NURTURING CONFIDENCE, CREATIVITY, AND COMMUNITY IN YOUNG PEOPLE
At UCS, the performing arts are a powerful way for pupils to express themselves, collaborate creatively, and build confidence. For pupils immersed in the drama programme, it’s an essential part of school life that nurtures creativity and encourages personal growth.
We spoke to the stars of the show – pupils Harry, Dylan and Scott – who performed in key productions at UCS last year. They told us why the performing arts are so important to them.
“When I first started performing, I was terrified of being on stage, and I would forget my lines. But over
time, I gained confidence. I pretended I was alone on stage, and eventually, I wasn’t scared anymore.” He explains. “Now, I’m more confident in how I speak and act even outside of drama.”
Harry’s experience highlights a key aspect of the arts too often overlooked: that the skills and confidence learned
are not just restricted to the spotlight.
With arts funding under pressure nationwide, it is now more important than ever to offer young people a safe place to explore their creativity, scaffolded by support, both on and off the stage.
“NOW I’M MORE CONFIDENT IN HOW I SPEAK AND ACT EVEN OUTSIDE OF DRAMA.”
Harry
The shows the pupils produce are incredible. There is a real sense of ownership, community and camaraderie.
Drama has helped me build friendships with people in other years, and it’s taught me how to present myself in front of large audiences. That confidence has carried over into other parts of my life.
Dylan
The programme’s success lies not only in its teaching and performance opportunities but also in the community it builds.
We spoke to UCS’s very own Theatre Manager, Martin Hutchings, about why facilities and infrastructure are important to supporting pupils’ ambitions.
“The commitment from everyone, from teachers to pupils and everyone on our production team, is really special. It’s what makes every UCS performance so unique. By giving pupils a space that they can transform, invest in, and create in, we allow them to really understand the power of their performance, and truly unlock their creativity in a way they probably haven’t had the chance to before.”
“Being able to provide more of those facilities, to more pupils who want to use them, is only
going to enhance their experiences and encourage them further. At the moment, we can only cater to a small number of the possible performances our pupils put together. I’d love to see what they could do with spaces to host their own productions. Theatre is more than just those on stage, imagine how many kids might find their passion for playwriting, set design, or directing, if they had the space to do so?
“With more space, we could facilitate pupil-led performances, and show our young people that we care about their art.”
This is exactly what the new performing arts spaces aim to do. By investing in performing arts infrastructure at UCS, we are showing our commitment to ensuring more young people can pursue their
ambitions, and we’re ensuring creativity is an essential part of education. We aim to provide every pupil, no matter their confidence level or experience, with a stage on which they can find their voice.
“It’s amazing, as a young person, to experience such a high level of drama, and that’s only possible because of the support UCS receives.” – Scott
FACILITIES IS “ANYONE WHO SUPPORTS THESE HELPING SHAPE THAT GENUINELY AN EXPERIENCE CHANGES LIVES.”
To find out more about how your support can enhance performing arts facilities at UCS, email the Development Team at development@ucs.org.uk
CELEBRATING GIVING DAY YOUR COMMUNITY, YOUR IMPACT
On 30 June and 1 July, the UCS community united for our first-ever Giving Day and the results were extraordinary.
In just 36 hours, over 400 donors contributed an astonishing £200,795 fuelling transformational opportunities for pupils at UCS and marking a proud milestone in our philanthropic journey.
UNITING OUR COMMUNITY
Throughout the event, the school came alive with activity. The event featured a 24-hour relay marathon, live music performances, social media takeovers, and friendly competitions between Demes and year groups. Pupils, staff, Old Gowers and parents alike
kept momentum high and spirits even higher – especially in the middle of the night!
Our parent community came out in force to support the events, posting heartfelt messages for their children as they completed their marathon activity and braving the 32-degree heat to volunteer at the Festival. We were also
I know how much UCS as a school gives – not just academically, but in terms of opportunity, community, support, and belonging.
GIVING DAY
thrilled to welcome Old Gowers of all ages back to the school to show their support, whether by making a gift, sharing a memory, rowing, cycling or playing coconut shy at the Old Gower festival stand! What began as a campaign to raise more funds quickly became something more: a celebration of our community and an outstanding display of the values that make UCS so special.
RAISEDFOR BURSARIES
TOTALDONORS
FUNDING BURSARIES AND FUELLING AMBITION
100% of the funds raised during Giving Day are directed to the Bursary Award Programme, which now supports 60 talented and deserving young people as they embark on the next stage of their education.
Bursary Awards offer far more than financial assistance; they open doors to an education that challenges, nurtures and inspires. For pupils like Daniel (see page 10), a bursary place at UCS has meant the chance to thrive, academically, artistically and personally. He is just one of many students whose future has been shaped by the Giving Day, and the generosity of others.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT
The impact of Giving Day reaches well beyond the 36 hours of activity. It has
THANK YOU
The extraordinary outcome of our first Giving Day is a testament to our community’s commitment to the futures we are helping to build. Together, we have turned goodwill into meaningful change: more bursary places, deeper community ties, and renewed momentum for our vision of a school that provides a place
re-energised our entire community, inspired new supporters to get involved, and reminded us of what we can achieve when we work together. Many donors have chosen to continue their support through a regular gift, and more volunteers have put their names forward for the next event.
Alongside our fundraising emails, we also shared stories from pupils, families and Old Gowers. We were touched by how many members of our community resonated with their experiences, and felt overjoyed to read the outpouring of support on our donor wall.
“My motivation for taking part came from a very personal place. I know how much UCS as a school gives – not just academically, but in terms of opportunity, community, support, and belonging. It transforms the lives of pupils and with it, also all the people from their immediate environment. I’m grateful to
have been able to give something back and, if only for a day, be part of such an inspirational moment within the community.” – Lower Remove Parent
This record-breaking total will allow us to extend our bursary provision even further, enabling more young people to join our school, regardless of their financial background. It is a powerful example of the impact you are having on the lives of young people and we are so grateful to everyone who got involved.
LOOKING AHEAD
Building on this success, recent Old Gowers will be picking up the phone and reaching out to parents and fellow alumni this November to thank you for your support and talk about how you can continue making a difference to the lives of young people. Keep an eye on your inbox for more details about how you can get involved.
for every pupil to be the best version of themselves.
On behalf of our pupils: thank you to every donor, volunteer and supporter. Because of you, Giving Day wasn’t just a success; it was a turning point.
Together, we can continue to invest in potential, opportunity, and the bright futures of UCS pupils, today and for generations to come.
WATCH OUR THANK YOU VIDEO!
We are proud to offer an education where curiosity is nurtured, talents are discovered, and dreams are realised. Legacy giving is a powerful way to ensure that these values live on, giving future generations the opportunity to benefit from the exceptional education that UCS offers.
JOIN THE 1830 SOCIETY
When you notify us of your legacy gift, you become a valued member of the 1830 Society. The 1830 Society was formed to recognise and celebrate the generosity of those who make a planned gift. As a member, you’ll receive exclusive event invitations and will be featured on our legacy donor board in the Great Hall.
YOUR LEGACY, THEIR FUTURE
By including UCS in your Will, you are making a lasting investment in the lives of countless pupils.
Your generosity will help ensure that UCS continues to be a place where young minds are challenged, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.
To learn more about leaving a gift in your Will, please contact the Development Team development@ucs.org.uk
FEES CAN THE GIFT OF A YEAR’S CHANGE THE OF A YOUNG TRAJECTORY PERSON’S LIFE FOREVER.
FREE WILL WRITING SERVICE
UCS has partnered with FairWills, a free Will writing service which enables Old Gowers to create a Will and give to UCS, all in a matter of minutes. To claim yours, scan the QR code here.
To find out more about other ways to leave a legacy, visit ucs.org.uk/legacies
2-14 NOVEMBER 2025:
A CALL FROM UCS
This November, you may receive a phone call from one of our enthusiastic Old Gowers who have returned to help support their school once again.
Our callers will be chatting to parents and Old Gowers to learn more about your careers, aspirations, memories of the school, and charitable giving.
We know that behind every donation is a personal story of connection, gratitude, or
a desire to give back. Each call is an opportunity to find out what motivates you, to say thank you, and to invite you to continue your support as we plan ahead for the future of UCS.
Whether you’re able to make a gift this year or simply want
If you’d like to opt out of our calling programme, please scan the QR code and update your preferences.
to reconnect, we would be delighted to speak with you. Your support has helped shape the lives of so many young people and we want to show you just how far that impact reaches.
So if your phone rings in November, we hope you’ll pick up. It’s more than a fundraising call, it’s a conversation between generations, and a celebration of everything our community makes possible.
UCS is more than just a school. It is a lifelong community.
2025-26 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
We are delighted to share with you a series of events designed to bring our community together, celebrate your achievements, and foster connections among Old Gowers, current pupils, and parents.
THURSDAY, 9 OCT 2025
THE
OLD GOWERS’ REUNION
We invite all Old Gowers of graduation years ending in 0 or 5 to join us for this year's Old Gower Reunion. This event is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with former classmates, reminisce about your time at UCS, and find out more about the Old Gower community.
THURSDAY, 16 OCT 2025
UCS NETWORKING EVENT –ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Hosted by Collinson and Grant in the Eve Lounge (UCS Playing Fields), this event offers parents and Old Gowers an opportunity to connect with peers, share their experiences, and explore the world of entrepreneurship.
To change your details please visit ucs.org.uk/community/update-your-details or email the Development Office at development@ucs.org.uk
THURSDAY, 4 DEC 2025
AUTUMN CONCERT DRINKS RECEPTION
This exclusive event is dedicated to our most generous supporters, giving a term’s fees or more. It is an opportunity to express our gratitude for your generous contributions and discuss the impactful projects your support has enabled.
SPRING & SUMMER TERMS
SPRING
Young Old Gowers – Reconnect and Network
Community Celebration Event
UCS Networking Event
SUMMER
Summer Drinks Party
Old Gower Annual Dinner
Our events are curated to meet the needs of bespoke groups and audiences. Invitations are usually sent by email or mail. To ensure you receive invitations to the correct events, please update us if your details have changed.
TOUCH STAY IN
We are thrilled to share the impact you are having on our community. Your generosity – whether as donors, parents, or Old Gowers – has played a crucial role in shaping the success and growth of philanthropy at UCS.
As we continue to engage our community, we kindly ask that you update us of any recent changes to your contact details.
This will help us to celebrate your contributions and keep you informed about the meaningful ways your support is making a difference.
If you have recently moved, changed your phone number, or want to record your profession for networking or mentoring opportunities, please take a moment to update your information.
Your support is integral to our success. Thank you for being an essential part of the UCS journey and for helping us create a brighter future together!
To update your details please visit ucs.org.uk/community/update-your-details or email us at development@ucs.org.uk
2024-2025 OUR DONORS
