UCS Review 24-25

Enlightening education

ucs review ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SCHOOL, HAMPSTEAD_ SUMMER 2025

UCS REVIEW INTRODUCTION

It has been an amazing year at UCS, which we document in this publication. From a child’s first steps at the Pre-Prep to their last day in the Sixth Form, they are encouraged, as part of a personalised learning pathway, in the good habits that make excellence – its pursuit and realisation – routine. A UCS education bears the hallmark 2

of aspiration, whether in the academic, the co-curricular or the extra-curricular. Pupils want to do their best. They care about their work and their play – they care about each other. It is a culture of excellence that strikes a balance between affirming the individual and championing communal enterprise. Please discover more in these pages.

A contemporary education of enlightenment, nurturing happy and compassionate students who are academically ambitious, intellectually curious, and encouraged to shine purposefully in the world.

Universal free-thinkers.

Compassionate characters.

Shining brightly in the world.

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At UCS we want both the academic journey and the destination to be as perfectly aligned as they possibly can be for every pupil.

If we tailor the journey thus – including the prerequisites of personal statements and UCAS – then it will follow that our leavers will go on to undergraduate study at great institutions here in the UK or, increasingly, overseas.

109 Oxbridge offers (2020-2025 offer data)

93% of leavers in the summer of 2025 were placed into their Firm or Insurance choice university, with 84% of students leaving for prestigious Russell Group universities such as UCL, Bristol and Edinburgh. Adding placements into excellent non-Russell Group universities such as Bath, St Andrews, and Loughborough sees the total rise to 95%! Alongside this both Oxbridge and medic offers are a central part of our HE success.

The top destinations for our leavers

60 Medicine offers (2020-2025 offer data)

111 International offers (2020-2025 offer data)

TOP 5 DESTINATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDY (2020-2025 DATA)

44

16

6

6

5

4

McGill University (Canada)

NYU (US)

University of Toronto (Canada)

University of Southern California (US)

University of Pennsylvania (US)

UCS REVIEW PAGE NAME UCS REVIEW BEYOND UCS

TOP 25 UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS*

8 UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS

86

THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

DURHAM UNIVERSITY

NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY 6

27

65

Recent destinations for

music scholars include

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• Oxford Incl. choral scholarships to The Queen’s College

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UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS

UNIVERSITY OF YORK

UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

• Cambridge Incl. choral scholarships to Trinity and Clare Colleges

44 UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD

• Royal Academy of Music • Guildhall School of Music and Drama • BRIT School • Berklee College of Music (Boston, US)

9

21

23 UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

29

UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA

LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY

44

UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

• BIMM University

51 UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

143 UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL

32

21

UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

73

QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON 22

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON

46

23

UNIVERSITY OF BATH

UNIVERSITY OF EXETER

50

UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM

KING’S COLLEGE LONDON

20 LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS/ POLITICAL SCIENCE

50

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON

11 UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX

*Based on 2020-2025 University Destinations 55

Our success in 2025 66

We measure ourselves not just by the grades our pupils achieve, but by how far they travel. Our 2025 A Level students were predicted 12% A* by baseline testing and they achieved 31% — more than doubling expectations. At GCSE, the baseline for 9s was 32%; our pupils achieved 47%. That uplift at the very top is the true measure of value added. It’s why more than 9 in 10 of our A Level results are A*-B and why our students progress to the UK’s most selective universities.

UCS is a place where young people go further than baseline

data alone would suggest they can reach. Supported and challenged by their teachers, they fulfil and exceed their ambitions. The story is not just about raw outcomes; it is about the difference we make as a school, and it is a difference that is significant and clear.

71%

94%

% of A* grades awarded

% A*-A grades awarded

% A*-B grades awarded

73

100%

76%

88%

pupils scored straight A*–As

of pupils studying Music & Art achieved A* A

of pupils achieved A*-A in A Level Maths

of pupils achieved A*-A in A Level Geography

47%

75%

91%

% UCS Pupils Scoring 9s

% UCS Pupils Scoring 9-8

% UCS Pupils Scoring 9-7

53%

60%

50%

80%

of all pupils in Biology secured a grade 9

of all pupils in French secured a grade 9

of all pupils in Maths secured a grade 9

of all Modern Language GCSEs were either a 9 or 8

UCS REVIEW PAGE NAME UCS REVIEW RESULTS

A Level

GCSE

31%

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UCS REVIEW PASTORAL CARE

NURTURING

Pastoral care is woven into the fabric of school life. Wellbeing is not an add-on — it’s the thread that connects how we teach, support and relate to pupils every day.

A maximum of 12 pupils in PSHE lessons creates a comfortable environment where open communication thrives.

Every pupil has two Form Tutors, one Warden and one Head of Section to provide a multi-layered support network.

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Our whole-school approach is strategic and inclusive, embedded across the curriculum, co-curriculum and wider community. This layered support helps us get to know pupils quickly and strengthens relationships. We work closely with families, making home contact easier and more effective. Pupil voice and engagement are central, ensuring that young people feel heard, understood and supported throughout their journey at UCS.

PUPIL CHAMPION COURSE

Over £28,000 raised annually by pupils for their chosen charities, enabling students to support wider community initiatives.

120 Year 8 pupils learn alongside 120 pupils from South Hampstead High School about bravery, empathy and vulnerability as part of the Pupil Champion Course.

PEER EDUCATION

SUPPORT

Targeted support is available, including a network of qualified professionals and two dedicated School Counsellors.

21 Prefects, 18 House Captains, 8 Sixth Form Union Officers, 15 Inclusion Ambassadors and 10 Junior House Captains offer inspiration, support and mentorship to the pupil body.

COMMUNITY

CONNECTON

TEAM WORK

100 clubs and societies, 35 musical ensembles, 133 sports teams and 8 annual Drama productions for pupils to discover their interests and find community.

Access for all parents, staff and pupils to the Wellbeing Hub, designed by child and adolescent psychotherapists and school leaders. This provides access to one weekly seminar, podcast or blog and thousands of research-led, expertinformed resources.

INDIVIDUALS

HEART JANUARY

All pupils participate in our ‘Heart January’ initiative, an annual challenge which encourages students to complete activities across five areas – Helping, Eating, Activity, Resting and Thinking– to develop healthy habits and boost positivity.

20 Sixth Formers deliver mental health education to Year 7s through the Peer Education Project.

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Verdict and validation QUOTES FROM THE 2024 ISI REPORT FINDINGS

A team from the Independent Schools Inspectorate visited UCS in Autumn 2024 and the ensuing report induced an immense sense of pride: not only did it highlight the broad strengths and exceptional opportunities of a UCS education, it praised the “significant strength” of our academic and intellectual ambition while also commending the school’s strong pastoral system.

ACADEMICALLY AMBITIOUS

A CARING AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT

“Teaching is highly effective.

Teachers have wide-ranging subject knowledge and make pupils think deeply.”

“ Leaders have established a strong pastoral system in which tutors and teachers have been well trained in understanding the needs and interests of their pupils.”

“Staff instil a joy of learning and give pupils the confidence to be ambitious in just how far they can develop their skills and knowledge.”

“ Mutual respect and inclusivity pervade all aspects of life across the school.” “ A school environment in which pupils are valued as individuals, knowing that leaders want to hear their views and ideas.”

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UCS REVIEW INSPECTION

“Warm and nurturing yet academically pacy, UCS pulls off the trick of fostering ambitious and socially minded individuals who enjoy their intellectual journey. ”

The Good Schools Guide

“A refreshing mix “Every pupil of traditional and really is treated modern learning, as an individual with a jaw and genuinely dropping breadth celebrated for of curriculum that their individuality. allows pupils to Academically and find and nurture pastorally the their passions.” school goes out of its way to inspire and support its pupils.”

Muddy Stilettos Summer 2025

UCS Parent 11

HEADMASTER’S LOWER SCHOOL AWARD

The Headmaster’s Lower School Award invites pupils to focus on their contributions to school life outside the classroom. Over 12 months they complete a series of challenges – adventure, community, sustainability, co-curricular and academic – linked to our Learning Values of resilience, relationships, responsibility and resourcefulness.

THE LOWER SCHOOL DIPLOMA

Lower School pupils complete one of three awards – sometimes all three!

The Lower School Diploma lets pupils explore subjects beyond their taught courses.

Pupils attend lectures on topics like sociology, architecture, the Beatles, Greek tragedy and Computer Science then undertake an academic research project. Their research is written up in essay form. Reading these, it is hard to believe the participants are aged just 12.

THE YOUNG LEADERS AWARD

UCS REVIEW LOWER SCHOOL 12

THE LOWER SCHOOL AWARDS

The Young Leaders Award is a demanding course completed by around 25 boys annually.

Through workshops and seminars, pupils learn about leadership and put their skills to good use by completing a community activity each term.

They thrive on the responsibility and learn lessons which will remain with them for life.

A rich and diverse experience that inspires curiosity, celebrates individuality and evolves with the world around it.

The Lower School ensures pupils develop the skills and attributes which will enable them to flourish beyond UCS. After induction and welcome days, new joiners quickly feel comfortable and, aided by Bios lessons, soon appreciate the significance of effort, attitude, vision and practice. Lessons are dynamic and stretching, while themed terms notable for interdepartmental collaboration, as well as Dialectics and PPE courses, mean pupils cover subject matter not normally encountered this early. PSHE lessons prepare the boys for 21st-century life,

reinforced by termly Life Values Weeks examining aspiration, bravery, compassion and decisionmaking. With South Hampstead High, the Lower School also runs a Pupil Champion Course and Entrepreneurial Challenge. The overall provision is enriching, varied and constantly evolving, making for two unforgettable years.

Welcome to the Lower School

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The Middle School is always a busy and exciting place, with differing challenges facing – and embraced by – the three distinct year groups.

A year in the Middle >September

IMPRESSIVE RUGBY SEASON: A busy and successful term of UCS Rugby sees another rise in participation and performance, with high-level representation from the Middle School.

>March

BURYING YOUR BROTHER IN THE PAVEMENT: A cast of over 20 pupils deliver strong performances in a dynamic and engaging Middle School play that explores grief, family and identity.

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>October

COMMUNITY ACTION: Pupils hone their leadership and organisational skills by taking part in charitable initiatives like Community Action, also increasing their social awareness.

>April

ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT: The Academic Enrichment provision deepens subject knowledge and helps pupils think more clearly about the right direction of travel for their studies.

>November

CAREERS TALKS: Careers talks enable pupils to engage with professionals, gain invaluable insights into the opportunities that lie beyond UCS, and show real maturity and interest.

>May

PERFORMANCE PLATFORM: This concert sees performances of the highest quality across various disciplines including piano, trumpet, violin, voice and woodwind contributions.

Form life. The Year 11 cohort work towards the crescendo of study leave and GCSEs, while meeting – with versatility, resilience and resourcefulness – continued expectations of participation in the wider life of the school.

>January

>February

UCS REVIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL

For Year 9, the initial task of settling into a new section is followed by a sharpening focus on academics and GCSE options.

Year 10 launch into their GCSE studies, yet will also find time for an aspirational glimpse into Sixth

School >December

FESTIVE CONCERT: Middle School pupils contribute to the sheer diversity of the Music Department and its co-curricular provision, featuring prominently in December’s Carol Concert

>June

SPORTS DAY: The Middle School Sports Day witnesses the Year 9s and 10s competing in the right spirit and, with House honour at stake, to the very best of their ability.

FOOTBALL HIGHLIGHT: The Spring Term is football term at UCS and there is noteworthy Middle School representation when the 1st XI take part in their cup semi-final.

>July

TENNIS TRIUMPHS: The Under-15 tennis players continue to display some preternatural talent, easily topping their group in the latest Schools Team Tennis competition.

PARTNERSHIP EVENT: Partnering with pupils from South Hampstead High School, the boys engage in meaningful discussions with peers about important topics like relationships.

>August

AMAZING GCSE RESULTS: Middle School pupils always set themselves the highest targets when it comes to Public Exams - the 2025 cohort achieved exceptional results and should be immensely proud.

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CARLO

SIX BIG REASONS TO LOVE SIXTH FORM

The UCS Sixth Form is an enriching, exciting and fulfilling place in which to take your next steps towards the future. Our engaged and passionate teachers inspire students to reach their full potential within a rigorous curriculum, balanced with our stateof-the-art AKO Sixth Form Centre.

“I’ve been encouraged to follow my own passions while being supported by all my teachers every step of the way.”

1.

ELI

4.

16 16

“I love how new thoughts and ideas are always floating around in Sixth Form.”

3.

5.

6.

“It more than lives up to the hype and provides a hard-to-match balance of independence while offering readily available guidance and support when needed.”

UCS REVIEW SIXTH FORM UCS REVIEW PAGE NAME

MAYA

“The people at UCS are also some of the loveliest you will meet and create a lovely atmosphere in which to go to school every day.”

2.

AVANTIKA

PARISA JEHAAN

“Through the wide range of clubs and extracurricular activities, there are so many opportunities to integrate yourself into the subjects and hobbies you enjoy, beyond the classroom.”

“I love how strong the sense of community is – it’s like one big family!”

17 17

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UCS’s Under-16s entered the season as the best boys team from the London Youth Games 2024, while the U19s came third in their area finals of the national championship.

Rugby flourished as UCS’s principal autumn sport, complemented by an extensive sevens programme, and several pupils participated in elite player pathways at professional clubs.

Basketball Swimming

spor

The Girls 1st XI performed well in the ISFA south-east league, with more than 25 girls representing the school in highly competitive fixtures.

Tennis

UCS’s chief summer sport prizes hard work, teamwork and continuous improvement – enabling pupils to grow on and off the field. For senior students, the season culminated in an exciting three-day tour.

NS

Netball

Such is the depth of footballing talent, and the game’s popularity among pupils, that UCS successfully fielded squads from 1st to 6th XI, as well as for every year group from Year 7 upwards.

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Hockey

Rugby

Table Tennis

Womens Football

Cricket

Football

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LISB CHA A MPI O

UCS’s partnership with coaches from London Knights Basketball Club continues to bear fruit, as the Under-18 team won the London Independent Schools Basketball Association Trophy in style.

In keeping with a proud swimming tradition, and a group containing national age-group champions, UCS won individual and relay medals in the Herts & Middlesex County League finals.

The Under-15s enjoyed a brilliant season to build on recent UCS appearances in national semi-finals and finals as well as this cohort’s LTA schools title in 2023.

In addition to the main school teams, the student-led House netball competition attracted more pupils than ever, inspiring the introduction of mixed netball next season.

Pupils of all ages enjoyed playing hockey through the Autumn and Spring Terms, prospering under the tutelage of staff with a wealth of national and international playing experience.

UCS REVIEW SPORT

Everyone played sport across academic year 2024–25 as UCS showcased its strong commitment to broad participation and competitive excellence.

Pupils engaged in core sports such as rugby, football, hockey, cricket, and netball.

SPORTS ON OFFER:

RUGBY FOOTBALL CRICKET HOCKEY NETBALL BASKETBALL SWIMMING TENNIS SQUASH TABLE TENNIS JUDO

YOGA BOULDERING CROSS COUNTRY FIVES VOLLEYBALL BOXING EXERCISE WELLBEING WALKING ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT SESSIONS IN GYM 19

UCS Performing Arts is a busy, thriving and creative department. Our vision is for UCS to become the go-to destination in London for pupils wishing to study Music and Drama. We stage three full-scale Drama productions each year, we have a large number of pupils studying A Level Drama, and we offer GCSE Dance as an option too.

“The UCS adaptation of Into the Woods didn't feel like a school production at all, with a level of professionalism and talent that began with polite students taking tickets and ushering you to seats, and ended with a standing ovation for the stellar performances seen throughout the evening. A huge well done to all involved in the creation of such a fantastic production.”

National School Theatre Awards 20

INTO THE WOODS A STELLAR ALL-SCHOOL MUSICAL Over three nights in November 2024, the Lund Theatre became a magical place where the Senior School's adaptation of Sondheim and Lapine's musical Into the Woods left audiences (totalling 600) completely spellbound. Director of Drama, Connor Abbott, elaborated: ‘‘I was inspired by their commitment, joy and enormous talent. But beyond artistic excellence, the real magic of a UCS musical is the community it forges in a company comprising different year groups who might not ordinarily meet.”

Showstoppers

PRIVATE PEACEFUL LOWER SCHOOL Michael Morpurgo’s World War One tale Private Peaceful came to UCS and the Lund Theatre in May, in the form of a Lower School production that showcased a talented cast of Year 7 and 8 pupils. They handled the challenging material with remarkable sensitivity and maturity over two captivating performances. In addition, the Drama Department hosted a special matinee for enthusiastic local primary school children.

Ambitious and emotionally resonant, the production marked a memorable achievement for all involved.

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That’s wonderful to hear

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30+

300

30+

70+

Music groups, orchestras and ensembles.

Pupils take instrumental lessons in at least one instrument.

Concerts per year.

Music scholars across the school.

Hugo, Year 7, won first prize in the Cello class in the North London Festival.

UCS REVIEW MUSIC

Over the past year, so many of our young musicians have achieved remarkable success.

Here are just a few highlights...

Tyler, Year 13, won the Junior Guildhall School of Music Singing Prize.

Finn, Year 13, was appointed principal second violin in the National Youth Orchestra and leader of the Junior Royal College of Music Chamber Orchestra.

Opportunity doesn’t just knock at the Music Department, it also taps along contagiously to the latest honeyed sounds emerging from the lessons, practices, rehearsals or concerts taking place in a department that works tirelessly to enhance its proud reputation. Thanks to the quality and commitment of pupils and teachers alike, UCS Music has the strength – in numbers and talent – to match

the vast scale of its offerings and ambition. Its sustained excellence reaches wider audiences during annual events such as the Summer Concert and Rock Concert in the Great Hall which are wellloved highlights of the school year, transcending any genre.

INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS ARE AVAILABLE IN: Acoustic Guitar, Bass Guitar, Bassoon, Cello, Clarinet, Classical Guitar, Double Bass, Drum Kit, Electric Guitar, Flute, French Horn, Oboe, Orchestral Percussion, Piano, Saxophone, Singing, Trombone, Trumpet, Tuba, Viola and Violin.

We also have lessons available in Jazz Techniques, Music Theory and Aural training.

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CLUBS THAT SUIT ALL TASTES AND TALENTS

Clubs and societies bring UCS to life – helping pupils connect, collaborate and go beyond the classroom. They’re diverse, dynamic and often driven by the pupils themselves.

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Classics Society

Model United Nations

The Classics Society explores ancient history, literature and language, hosting engaging sessions on topics from the Iliad to Roman emperors and spoken language.

Model United Nations (MUN) is a dynamic UN simulation that builds understanding of international relations and diplomacy. This year, the team enjoyed remarkable success, winning numerous prizes across competitions.

Debating Club

Lower School Art Club

The Debating Club develops public speaking, critical thinking and persuasive skills. Pupils debate a range of topics and regularly take part in national competitions.

The Lower School Art Club provides a creative space for artistic expression.

Pupils explore diverse projects, including events like the recent art pen pal programme.

UCS REVIEW CLUBS

Dungeons & Dragons

Chess

The Dungeons & Dragons Club offers a creative, immersive space for pupils to embark on collaborative fantasy adventures, role-play characters and craft unique stories—all through the roll of a dice.

The UCS Chess Club promotes strategic thinking and teamwork. The team recently achieved strong national results, placing sixth at the British Team Chess Challenge and 11th at the English Schools Championships.

Sustainability Club

Medical Ethics Society

The Sustainability Club champions eco-friendly initiatives and creative design projects. It encourages environmental awareness through student leadership, publications and community events.

The Medical Ethics Society supports pupils interested in healthcare careers. It offers indepth discussions on medical ethics and helps with university applications, broadening students’ understanding of the field.

WE OFFER OVER 100 CLUBS AND SOCIETIES, AND HERE IS A GLIMPSE OF SOME OF THE BRILLIANT OPTIONS ON OFFER. ASIAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN HISTORY SOCIETY ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT BASKETBALL CLUB BOARD GAMES & PUZZLE CLUB BRASS SINFONIA CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CHEMISTRY BREAKFAST CHESS COACHING CLAY CLUB CLASSICS SOCIETY COMPUTER SCIENCE BREAKFAST DUNGEONS & DRAGONS CLUB ECONOMICS SOCIETY ENGINEERING SOCIETY ENTRY ALLOTMENT CLUB F1 SOCIETY FANTASY SPORTS SOCIETY FRENCH LITERATURE SOCIETY GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ CLUB ISLAMIC SOCIETY ITALIAN CLUB JAPANESE CLUB JEWISH SOCIETY JUNIOR DEBATING LAW SOCIETY LEGO SOCIETY LIBERAL ARTS SOCIETY LIVING POETS SOCIETY LOWER SCHOOL BOOK CLUB MAKE:ABLE MEDICAL ETHICS SOCIETY MODEL UNITED NATIONS NETBALL CLUB PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE PHYSICS BREAKFAST POLITICS SOCIETY QUANTUM MECHANICS SOCIETY RUNNING CLUB SAXOPHONE ENSEMBLE SPELLING & TRANSLATION BEE COMPETITION CLUB SUSTAINABLE DESIGN CLUB SWIMMING CLUB UCS DANCE COMPANY UNO SOCIETY VOLLEYBALL CLUB VEX IQ ROBOTICS

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On the road n

o Lond

ABOVE

The Skern Lodge trip was packed with endless activities, including surfing, climbing and zip-lining. Pupils showed great enthusiasm throughout the four days in Devon, relishing every moment of the outdoor adventures.

GENEV A Physics students took an unforgettable trip to CERN in Geneva, visiting the Antimatter Factory and Data Analysis Centre, also making time to explore Geneva’s Christmas markets and History of Science Museum.

History of Art and A Level Art pupils made multiple trips to the National Gallery, spending hours reflecting on the artwork, curative factors and presentation of exhibitions.

AMST

ERDA

M

KENT Pupils on the Year 7 Bushcraft Trip learned survival skills in Kent. Activities included competitive shelter building, engaging camouflage games and creating functional traps.

The trip proved an immersive, and memorable outdoor experience for all.

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Year 8 Science pupils had a fun and enriching trip to North Holland, exploring science institutions like NEMO, ESA Space Expo and Micropia, while also absorbing cultural sights.

UCS REVIEW TRIPS

School trips – at home and abroad – give UCS pupils lifelong memories, friendships, and the chance to apply classroom learning, try new things, and immerse themselves in new cultures. Our offering is ambitious and always evolving.

BARC ELON A

GREEC

E

A Level artists found inspiration in Barcelona’s art and architecture. Staying on Las Ramblas, they explored Gaudí’s masterpieces like the Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Casa Milà.

ESSEX

Classics enthusiasts from Year 11 to Year 13 delved into the ancient world during a visit to Greece, taking in sites such as Mycenae, the Theatre of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Delphi.

ND

ICELA Twenty-one pupils on the Year 9 Physics trip witnessed breathtaking views, from black sand beaches to the incredible waterfalls of Skógafoss and much more!

ITALY

FRAN

CE

The Geography Department led 90 pupils on an epic fieldwork quest to Essex! They braved Mersea Island’s tides and explored Walton-onthe-Naze, seeing dynamic coastal processes and clever management in action.

Pupils had an amazing week’s skiing in the Italian Alps: staying in the Olympic Village, they shredded slopes daily, enjoyed the sports centre and loved the local creperie.

Year 7 pupils had an Easter escapade to France’s Opal Coast, enjoying pétanque, crêpes and a football match. Highlights included a visit to a snail farm and a rather delicious chocolate factory tour.

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Spectacular Spaces

The AKO Library offers a stateof-the-art space for creative learning, reading, project work and collaboration.

UCS Playing Fields span 27 acres of playing surface, alongside a new sports pavilion.

The Sixth Form Centre; a place where awardwinning architecture meets sustainable and studentinformed design.

The 25-metre swimming pool at UCS Active.

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The iconic Great Hall represents the physical heart and soul of UCS.

UCS’s long, proud tradition and its forward-thinking philosophy. The buildings are not only lovely to look at; they are also equipped to maximise pupils’ potential, in and out of the classroom.

UCS REVIEW SPECTACULAR SPACES

Beautiful buildings and grounds contribute to making UCS the inspiring place that it is. The school benefits from a stunning blend of classic and contemporary architecture which reflects both

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Freddy Irish Dancing

Celebrating our pupils’ success

UCS REVIEW CELEBRATING PUPIL SUCCESS

Quiz Team

UCS pupils shine in so many ways—pursuing individual passions and joining together in teams to achieve incredible success. We’re proud to share just a few highlights from across the year.

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Freddy secured his fourth Irish dance world title in 2025, winning the senior men’s category at the CRDM World Championships in Dublin. This remarkable victory adds to his previous wins in 2019, 2022 and 2023, cementing his legacy as a formidable dancer.

The UCS Lower School Quiz Team achieved an outstanding feat by getting to the semifinals of the highly competitive Schools Challenge in their very first entry. Vying with over 100 teams nationwide, UCS’s remarkable ascent to the top four marks a flying start to their journey.

Frankie enjoyed an exceptional success by winning Best Supporting Actress in a Musical at the illustrious National School Theatre Awards.

She was recognised for her brilliant portrayal of the Witch in the school’s production of Into the Woods, a prestigious honour presented at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.

Roshan Golf

Chess Team

The UCS Chess Team excelled in two major national competitions, reaching the finals of both the British Team Chess Challenge and the English Schools Championships. After strong qualifying performances, they placed sixth and 11th respectively.

Sam Trampolining

Tyler won the Junior Guildhall School of Music Singing Prize, 12 months on from winning the Voice Prize at this leading institution for the performing arts.

Frankie Best Supporting Actress

Alex Swimming Tyler Musical Success

Alex has had a phenomenal year in competitive swimming.

After medalling at the Middlesex County and London Regional Championships, he won bronze at the Scottish Nationals in July 2024.

He has since qualified for two events at the GB Championships and ranks seventh nationally at his age group for 50m backstroke.

Competing in the English Schools Golf Association Championship at Fulwell Golf Club in April, Roshan was crowned the Under-16 champion. He scored 81 gross and also qualified to represent Middlesex at the National Regional Finals.

Sam made it onto the Junior Squad this year and competed as part of the GB Junior men’s team at the Coimbra Trampoline World Cup in July 2025, where Team GB took home the silver team medal!

Sam has since qualified for the finals of British Championships this year and is aiming for the World Championships in Pamplona in November.

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UCS REVIEW JUNIOR BRANCH 32

Fun and fulfilment at Junior Branch

The JB is an academically high-achieving school, and this is an accolade of which we are immensely proud.

There is a strong emphasis on sport and the creative arts, both of which play a central role in school life. Our extensive co-curricular programme offers a wide range of clubs and activities, providing every boy with the chance to explore new interests and develop talents beyond the classroom.

Above all, we want our boys to be happy, confident, and to flourish in a friendly, caring and respectful environment – building resilience, independence and a lifelong love of learning. By the time they leave the JB at the end of Year 6, they are fully prepared to embrace the challenges and opportunities that await them at secondary school.

“I go to chess, my favourite

“I enjoy playtime, you play

with different people and make new friends. My favourite is table tennis. I also like origami and have started an origami club for my friends.”

PHILIP, YEAR 6

SAMMY, YEAR 6

ROLAND, YEAR 4

WILLIAM, YEAR 4

club, on Mondays after school – we do tournaments – and on Tuesdays to virtual reality club. The JB has lots of clubs and everybody loves them.”

“I have been introduced to

many new sports at the JB, not just rugby, football or hockey. Now I play squash!

The JB gives us lots of great sports opportunities.”

“I went on the ski trip to Passo

Tonale in Italy. We had a great time. I was also selected for a ski race competing against other schools: we came second overall.”

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We provide a happy, nurturing environment as pupils begin their educational journey.

The children positively burst through the school doors each morning, eager to explore, learn and grow. They enjoy not only their classrooms but also the outstanding facilities on offer across the UCS Foundation – forest school and the library at Frognal, swimming

at UCS Active, and sports at the UCS Playing Fields. We combine high academic standards with an exciting and creative curriculum which stimulates curiosity and develops independence of mind.

Learning and laughter at the Pre-Prep

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Every day brings something new at the Pre-Prep

UCS REVIEW PRE-PREP

Many boys arrive at school early, to enjoy one of the extensive range of clubs on offer.

The boys know that once they are registered, they can launch into their passion for reading.

Our budding mathematicians are curious and reflective learners who receive strong individual support.

The joy of learning at the Pre-Prep also pervades the pupils’ love of language, writing and performing.

The allotment at the Senior School is a calm space for outdoor learning and forest school pursuits.

Schoolboys the world over love their lunchtime... and sometimes they help with the cooking!

Pupils get many opportunities to develop their artistic abilities and proficiency in different techniques.

Helping to raise chicks and ducks is an enriching experience for our very enthusiastic STEAM students.

Individual music lessons are enjoyed by many boys, as they start on their musical journey.

All pupils love spending two afternoons per week at the UCS Sports Fields.

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Enlightening education.

Apply online at ucs.org.uk