Announcement: Tomorrow’s Trailblazers

On Wednesday 11 September, the Camden Council planning committee met to discuss changes we propose to make to the Frognal site. After careful consideration, we are thrilled to announce that the application was approved in full with no requests for changes. This exciting news means we can move forward with our plans to expand performing arts provision, create a more cohesive wellbeing hub, and provide a place for our Lower School pupils to find their feet and feel at home.

The story so far
UCS is an outstanding school with excellent facilities. The Senior School is home to a state-of-the-art library with adaptable smart classrooms; a Sixth Form study centre for Transitus and Sixth Form pupils to meet, revise and socialise as they work towards their A Levels; and the exceptional, dynamic Lund Theatre and Art Gallery, which provide our pupils with a creative outlet to explore their ideas and refine their skills. We are so thankful to all those whose professional and philanthropic support helped to create these spaces, and we recognise the privilege we have to access them so readily.

Nonetheless, we are constantly evaluating our provision to ensure all our pupils receive the best possible experience. In recent years, we identified some key areas we could improve to better cater to our pupils, both current and future. To meet this need, we envisaged an expansion and enhancement capital project which will provide our pupils with more opportunities to learn, explore, create and nurture their wellbeing.

The project comprises three key components:

1. A wellbeing hub for all pupils to access counselling, nursing and GP care, wellness advice and quiet spaces to support their mental health as they traverse some of the most challenging years of their lives;

2. Enhanced Performing Arts spaces, including a c. 128-seat auditorium, a dance and drama studio, and music practice rooms, meeting pupil demand for access to the performing arts and improving our provision;

3. A Lower School hub for our youngest Senior School pupils to make their own, including a designated common room, ample form rooms, and resources which help to instil the values and learning habits expected of all UCS pupils.

Tomorrow’s Trailblazers
In May 2024, we formally launched Tomorrow’s Trailblazers, a fundraising and celebration campaign that will enable parents, Old Gowers, and community members to contribute to this exciting new development; co-creating a legacy to help UCS start its third century with pride.

Pupils and parents across the UCS Foundation expressed a keen interest in our plans and we have been patiently waiting to share more information with you. With this approval, we can now confidently reveal the design and details for the build.

How to get involved
To find out how your support could help shape the future of UCS, please contact the Development Office at [email protected] or call the School and request to speak with Director of Development, Edd Pickering.

Alternatively, visit Tomorrow’s Trailblazers to find out more.