A foundation for life

We take raw talent and develop it into something exceptional, providing a breadth of education that stirs and inspires. We help pupils find their passion points and discover their future aspirations.

At UCS, we see education in the most broad sense and actively encourage pupils to make connections between their subjects and beyond the schemes of work and exam specifications they follow. The aim for all UCS pupils is to discover a love of learning that will last a lifetime.

5

Five Modern Languages are on offer to pupils

4

Our four learning values are resilience, responsibility, relationships and resourcefulness

3

Pupils can opt to take any or all three of the Sciences

2

Latin and Greek are the two Classical Languages available to study

The home of liberal scholarship

UCS is the home of liberal scholarship in secondary education and our approach to education continues to be defined by this founding principle. Liberal scholarship nurtures qualities such as intuition, curiosity, confidence, entrepreneurialism and creativity, which in today’s world are a necessary supplement to top exam grades and university places. So, we prize the individual and educate them in such a way that enables them to grow into themselves.

At the same time, our pupils are highly skilled learners with a strong spirit of enquiry. There is a highly positive approach to academic work, with pupils taking responsibility for their academic attainment and progress as well as their broader intellectual development. They develop excellent knowledge, skills and understanding and achieve outstanding exam results at both GCSE and A Level.

What’s more, we are committed to professionally developing our dedicated, talented and inspirational staff. First-rate teaching is at the heart of our mission. Well-educated and well-trained professionals who are passionate about what they teach – and passionate about aiding and developing young people – will ensure the very best learning experience for pupils.

We offer an extensive range of subjects (more than 22 at both GCSE and A Level), supported by huge amounts of academic enrichment activities and a dedicated and bespoke pastoral care which together make for an integrated approach to educating the whole child.

In the educational landscape, UCS stands apart. The distinctive curriculum and innovative teaching truly prepare pupils for life in the 21st century. Outstanding exam grades are a given and pupils enjoy considerable success with applications to the top universities. Mark English, Vice Master and Academic Director
The pupil experience is always paramount – and UCS pupils receive an exceptional education, in and out of the classroom, thanks to the calibre of our teaching and support staffs. Thomas Underwood, Director of Studies
We look at our pupils' academic progress, extra-curricular contributions and check that everything is ticking over. There is a lot of guidance from subject teachers, House Masters and others to help pupils get it right in terms of GCSE and A Level choices. Stewart FitzGerald, Assistant Head (Head of Middle School)
Our House Masters chat to us about GCSE options, and pupils from the Sixth Form and Year 11 have spoken to us about what's involved in individual subjects and their coursework elements. Alex Outred, UCS pupil, 2021–
The teachers have told us what we are going to be doing in the curriculum for GCSE so we are fully informed. They explain, in a simple way, the components of each subject, also in private conversations. George Akle, UCS pupil, 2021–
There are support sessions for any subject. If you feel you are struggling, the teachers will happily help you. They have the best intentions and want to help as much as possible. They always lift you up. Adam Stern, UCS pupil, 2019–
The amount of freedom you have expands as you move up the school. You get more freedom for extracurricular activities and you can use departmental facilities outside of normal hours, in break times and lunchtimes. Arun Khiani, UCS pupil, 2019–
I am immensely grateful to UCS for the quality of education and unbounded support I received. The inclusive ethos was evident from day one and I will not forget the teachers whose love for education radiated throughout. Geno Racklin Asher, UCS pupil, 2013–2020

Public exam subjects 2023–24

GCSE (& IGCSE*): Art, Biology*, Chemistry*, Computer Science, Dance, DT, Drama, English Language*, English Literature*, French, Geography, German, Greek, History*, Italian, Latin, Mandarin, Maths*, Music, PE, Physics*, Spanish, Science Double*
A Level: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Drama, DT, Economics, English, French, Geography, German, Greek, History, History of Art, Latin, Mandarin, Maths, Further Maths, Music, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Spanish

NB This list reflects the current academic year but remains subject to change beyond summer 2024.

Focus on enrichment

‘Innovative’ describes the Academic Enrichment programme which complements the curriculum and forms part of our co-curricular provision. Enrichment spans all year groups at UCS and takes various forms, with the main components being:

• Enrichment Weeks stimulate, inform and enrich through a programme of events that complement curriculum content and broaden pupils’ intellectual horizons.
• The Extended Project Qualification allows Sixth Form pupils to conduct advanced research into an academic topic of their choice.
• The curriculum-based enrichment provision also includes studying Dialectics in Year 7 and Politics, Philosophy and Economics in Year 8.
• Middle School Academic Enrichment comprises 16 short courses which broaden Year 10s’ understanding of a subject they are passionate about.
• The Morris Lecture Series are academic lectures delivered by UCS teachers and external professionals which typically cover cross-curricular topics.
• The Academic Symposium sees Year 12s giving 15-minute presentations on topics related to potential courses of study beyond UCS.
• Academic Enrichment sessions for Years 12 and 13 offer greater insight into likely university subjects than the A Level/Pre-U.