Enlightening education
ucs review ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF UNIVERSITY COLLEGE SCHOOL, HAMPSTEAD SUMMER 2026
UCS REVIEW INTRODUCTION
The pursuit and realisation of excellence marked 2025–26 as another successful year in which a UCS education stimulated, enriched and informed pupils across the Foundation. From Pre-Prep to Sixth Form, pupils’ achievements in the classroom attested to the UCS ethos by revealing the individuality and originality of 2
each pupil’s work. Outside it, the UCS experience encouraged creativity and aspiration, nurtured talents, and enabled pupils to broaden their attitudes, attributes, skills and knowledge. Altogether, a year of ambition and accomplishment, reflecting both the ability and achievement of pupils, and their good cheer, decency and kindness.
A contemporary education of enlightenment, nurturing happy and compassionate pupils who are academically ambitious, intellectually curious, and encouraged to shine purposefully in the world.
Universal free-thinkers. Compassionate characters. Shining brightly in the world. 3
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.
85 Oxbridge offers (2022-2026 offer data)
Over 94% of leavers were offered their firm or insurance choices, with destinations spanning some of the UK’s leading universities and institutions around the world. This includes Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, LSE, Bristol and Edinburgh. Beyond the UK, 17 students are heading to international universities, including Bocconi, Dartmouth, Brown, McGill and the University of Toronto.
The top destinations for our leavers
50 Medicine offers (2022-2026 offer data)
162 International offers (2022-2026 offer data)
TOP 5 OFFERS DESTINATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDY (2022-2026 DATA)
44
24
6
12
10
7
McGill University (Canada)
NYU (US)
University of Toronto (Canada)
Bocconi University (Europe)
UC San Diego (US)
UCS REVIEW PAGE NAME UCS REVIEW BEYOND UCS
UNIVERSITY OF ST ANDREWS
3
UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW
70
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH
DURHAM UNIVERSITY
NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY 6
24
45
Recent destinations for
music scholars include
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UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
62
• Oxford Incl. choral scholarships to The Queen’s College
UNIVERSITY OF YORK
UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
• Cambridge Incl. choral scholarships to Trinity and Clare Colleges
4 UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD
• Royal Academy of Music • Guildhall School of Music and Drama
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14 UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
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46 UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
135 UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL
27
25
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE
71
QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON 12
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON
41
UNIVERSITY OF BATH
16
6
UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA
LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
• BIMM University
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
40
UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
• BRIT School • Berklee College of Music (Boston, US)
TOP 25 UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS*
8
17
15
LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS/ POLITICAL SCIENCE
KING’S COLLEGE LONDON
6 UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX
*Based on 2022-2026 University Destinations 55
Our success in 2026 66
We measure ourselves not just by the grades our pupils achieve, but by how far they travel. Our 2026 A Level students achieved recordbreaking A Level results, marking the strongest performance in UCS history. 37% of all grades awarded were A*, 78% were A*–A, and 95% were A*–B, with 26 pupils achieving straight A* grades. Our GCSE results also marked the strongest performance in UCS history by all measures, with 58% of all grades awarded being 9s, the highest grade possible at GCSE. 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.
78%
95%
% of A* grades awarded
% A*-A grades awarded
% A*-B grades awarded
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100%
100%
100%
pupils scored straight A*
of pupils achieved A*-A in A Level Physics
of pupils achieved A*-A in A Level Computer Science
of pupils achieved A*-B in A Level Geography
58%
84%
94%
% UCS Pupils Scoring 9s
% UCS Pupils Scoring 9-8
% UCS Pupils Scoring 9-7
80%
92%
90%
80%
of all pupils in History secured a grade 9
of all pupils in English Literature secured a grade 9-8
of all pupils in Maths secured a grade 9-8
of all Modern Language GCSEs were either a 9 or 8
UCS REVIEW PAGE NAME UCS REVIEW RESULTS
A Level
GCSE
37%
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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
UCS REVIEW LOWER SCHOOL
A rich and diverse experience that inspires curiosity, celebrates individuality and evolves with the world around it.
Welcome to the Lower School
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, 12
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.
HEADMASTER’S LOWER SCHOOL DIPLOMA
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 LAUREL
The Lower School Laurel 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
THE LOWER SCHOOL AWARDS
UCS REVIEW PAGE NAME
Lower School pupils complete one of three awards – sometimes all three!
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.
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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
A MONSTER CALLS: An ambitious Middle School production combining compelling performances, inventive physical theatre and impressive pupil-led technical stagecraft.
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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. 15
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!”
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All UCS teams (U13 Boys, U16 Boys, U18 Boys and U18 Girls) progressed from the Central London Schools Qualifiers to the Area Finals.
The U14As were crowned Middlesex champions and the U15As remained unbeaten after half-term. The 1st XV team enjoyed another successful campaign.
Basketball Swimming
spor
The U13 and U15 teams both came 2nd in the UK Padel Finals, and we had international recognition with a pupil being called up for Padel Australia
Tennis
The U14Bs enjoyed a remarkable 15-game winning streak. The U12As had a memorable performance where two UCS players recorded impressive fifties.
NS
The U16s secured third place in the Camden Shield, while the U12A and U14A teams both achieved winning league records in finals.
UCS continued to compete strongly in the elite Herts Middlesex League, with pupil (Alex) achieving a national ranking.
UCS Tennis enjoyed another outstanding season, with Entry and Shell teams recording impressive victories, while the Middle School sides secured notable wins against different schools.
The 1st Netball team remained unbeaten in the Beat the Firsts Community Action initiative.
Netball
The 1st XI reached the third round of the National Cup and the Middlesex Tye Cup Final and the 2nd XI progressed to the quarter-finals of the London Independent Schools Cup.
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Hockey
Rugby
Table Tennis
Padel
Cricket
Football
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LISB CHA A MPI O
The Under-16s and first XI both qualified for the Notts Sports Vase National Finals, finishing eighth and seventh respectively. Pupil (Lewis) earned selection for the Scotland Under-18 squad.
UCS REVIEW SPORT
Everyone played sport across academic year 2025–26 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.
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THIS HOUSE SIXTH FORM
A MONSTER CALLS MIDDLE SCHOOL
This House by James Graham proved to be another ambitious undertaking by the Drama Department and a cast of Transitus and Sixth students. Tackling the play’s fast-paced political drama and razor-sharp satire demanded precision, energy and confidence, and the cast delivered in abundance. Performances were expertly timed, with the ensemble demonstrating exceptional comic instinct and intelligent characterisation. This is a testament to the thorough rehearsal process, which included work with a dialect coach to perfect the many regional British accents in the play.
The Middle School production of A Monster Calls leaned heavily into physical theatre, with the cast working as a cohesive ensemble to shape the world around the central character. Moments of transformation and storytelling were achieved through precise, disciplined movement. Inventive stagecraft and clever choral movement were used to realise the play’s eponymous Monster. The ambitious technical demands of projection and sound were handled with great assurance by our pupil stage crew. A Monster Calls was realised with care, creativity, and considerable skill.
Showstoppers
THE ROARING BOYS LOWER SCHOOL The Lower School production, The Roaring Boys, was a striking example of the ambition, creativity and theatrical sophistication that continues to define drama at UCS. Conceived by Director in Residence Dom Weatherby, the production was an original work inspired by The Bacchae, the ancient Greek tragedy by Euripides. Reimagining the themes of the classical text through the lens of the climate crisis, The Roaring Boys was a bold undertaking. What made the production particularly exciting was its fusion of theatrical forms. Drawing on both ancient and modern performance practices, the piece incorporated the use of masks and a chorus alongside live cinema techniques.
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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.
Milo, Upper Remove, won the London Round of Channel 4’s ‘Your Song’ and appeared in the national final.
UCS REVIEW MUSIC
Over the past year, so many of our young musicians have achieved remarkable success. Here are just a few highlights... Hugo, Shell, was accepted as joint first study cellist and pianist at the Junior Royal College of Music and won the Hugh Bean String Competition.
Joseph, Transitus, won the Bromsgrove Young Musician of the Year Award for his performance on the recorder and competed in ORDA, Open Recorder Days Amsterdam.
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
Year 7 pupils enjoyed four action-packed days at Skern Lodge in Devon, developing confidence, resilience and teamwork through a wide range of outdoor adventure activities, from surfing and climbing to rafting and high ropes.
GENEVA Year 12 Physics pupils travelled to Geneva for a visit to CERN, where they explored the worldrenowned research centre and gained first-hand insight into particle physics, before discovering the city’s rich scientific and historical heritage.
Sixth Form Psychology pupils visited London Zoo to explore how research methods can be used to observe and understand animal behaviour.
GERM
ANY
KENT Year 7 pupils developed teamwork, resilience and outdoor survival skills during a bushcraft expedition in Kent, learning to build shelters, throw axes and light their own campfires using natural materials. 26
Forty Year 8 pupils travelled to Berlin during the autumn half-term for a STEM trip, exploring Germany’s scientific and cultural heritage through visits to world-class museums, exhibitions and landmarks.
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 CUMB
RIA
Year 10 pupils travelled to Barcelona for a Spanish language trip, combining lessons with visits to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks while experiencing Spanish culture, cuisine and everyday life.
ESSEX
Year 12 Geography pupils spent four days in Cumbria carrying out human and physical fieldwork, investigating urban environments and river processes while experiencing one of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes.
AY NORW The inaugural UCS ski trip to Scandinavia saw pupils take to the slopes in Voss, Norway, before rounding off the week with a fjord cruise and festive visit to Bergen.
ITALY
FRAN
CE
A Geography trip to Essex gave pupils the opportunity to investigate coastal processes through hands-on fieldwork while enjoying the landscape of the Essex coastline. Highlights included visiting the historic Naze Tower and searching the beach for fossilised shark teeth.
Classics pupils travelled to Rome to explore the city’s extraordinary ancient history and visit iconic landmarks including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon and Vatican Museums.
A French language trip to Nice gave Year 10 the opportunity to immerse themselves in the language and culture of the Côte d’Azur, combining lessons with local teachers, stays with host families and excursions to Monaco, Grasse and Antibes. 27
Spectacular Spaces
The AKO Library offers a stateof-the-art space for creative learning, reading, project work and collaboration.
The iconic Great Hall represents the physical heart and soul of UCS.
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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UCS Playing Fields span 27 acres of playing surface, alongside a new sports pavilion.
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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Milo Music Leo Table Tennis
Celebrating our pupils’ success
UCS REVIEW CELEBRATING PUPIL SUCCESS
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.
Milo recently took part in Channel 4’s Your Song, a nationwide series celebrating everyday singers and the personal stories behind the songs they perform. After progression through the London round, Milo went on to earn a place in the grand final at Hackney Empire, where finalists across the country came together to perform.
Leo represented UCS at the Jack Petchey London and Essex Schools individual Finals 2026 and won gold, without conceding a game all day, culminating in a 3-0 (11-8, 11-5, 11-5) in the final. In the Boys’ Under 13 Team event at the Prague Grand Prix finished on the podium in 3rd place.
Rian, Matteo and Baptiste’s TeenTech project, SoilBuddy, won the National Finals in the category Next Gen Home Innovation at the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Stefan Hay, CEO of AMDEA — the UK trade association for manufacturers of domestic appliances — judged the category and presented the award.
Dhruv and Rian Academic
Zachary Football
Zachary represented the ISFA England U14 team in their 6–2 victory over Welsh Schools. To earn selection for an England schools side is a significant honour, with players chosen from a highly competitive pool of talented young footballers from across the country.
UCS Hockey
Peter competed in the Scottish Gigafinal of the UK Schools’ Chess Challenge (UKCC). After scoring an impressive six points from seven and winning a tie-break game, Peter was crowned U14 Scottish Gigafinal champion..
Teen Tech Award STEM
Luka Drama Peter Chess
Luka was awarded the highly competitive award ‘Best actor in a play’ for his terrific performance in our Upper School Production of ‘This House’ at the National School Theatre Awards. This marks the second consecutive year that a UCS pupil has received a prestigious National School Theatre Award.
Rian and Dhruv have been awarded Arkwright Engineering Scholarships. The scholarship recognises exceptional talent, creativity and problem-solving, providing recipients with mentoring, industry connections and opportunities to further develop their interests.
Both the Under-16s and first XI teams qualified for their respective Notts Sports Vase National Finals at the Nottingham Hockey Centre, with the Under16s finishing eighth and the first XI finishing seventh.
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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.” 33
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. 35
Enlightening education.
happy and compassionate pupilsi
Apply online at ucs.org.uk