Stirring, inspiring and satisfying

In our co-educational Sixth Form, we welcome both girls and boys to our broad, intellectually stimulating and personally satisfying curriculum, where undergraduate-level study skills are developed.

Academic life in the Sixth Form at UCS reaches beyond lessons and is characterised by our young people’s day-to-day experience of school. They have access to regular lectures, trips, clubs and societies that complement and stretch their classroom learning.

Learn to Study Smart

Led by the Head of Learning Support, all Sixth Formers, and indeed all UCS pupils, have access to 1:1 ‘StudySmart’ sessions. In these, they can talk through strategies on how to enhance their study skills and ensure that all of their academic work is as purposeful and effective as it possibly can be. This evidence-based and pupil-centred approach empowers Sixth Formers to take responsibility for and control of their learning. They must self-refer and can access sessions about revision, focus, essay writing, proofreading, handwriting, motivation and stress, note taking, lifestyle and, last but not least, procrastination.

UCS is unashamedly academic and aspirational – providing an education that is distinctive, inclusive and broad-minded, and that stimulates, enriches and informs. Thomas Underwood, Director of Studies
UCS is a united community of individuals, and our pupils develop diversity, lateral-thinking and confidence. They leave UCS with exceptional grades at GCSE and A Level. Mark Beard, Headmaster
I love the passion, energy and potential that our pupils bring to their learning. I also love the fact UCS is so open-minded. I am grateful for the support of senior colleagues and very lucky to work with outstanding Heads of Department. Mark English, Vice Master and Academic Director
You think of Sixth Form as a massive climb, but once you're here, it feels like a seamless shift in your education. The Sixth Form is happy, collaborative and studious, but everybody has a good time and enjoys school life. Alex Benson, UCS pupil, 2016–2023
Academically it feels like you are in control of your learning – if you want to push yourself harder, there is so much support to do that. Conversely, if you are struggling, there is always somebody to help. Ruby Koppel, UCS pupil, 2021–2023

The enormous majority of our GCSE pupils decide to remain at Frognal to study for their A Levels and Pre-U qualifications. These children are joined by pupils from other schools, including around 50 girls per year group. Small tutor groups and excellent pastoral provision help these newcomers settle fast into both their new surroundings and the existing student cohort. Consequently, they quickly make important contributions to the sporting, Drama, arts, Music, cultural and academic life of the school.

We do not necessarily see their education as a set of parallel tunnels – we ask our pupils to make connections between subjects as we encourage them to develop a love of learning without regard to specific academic disciplines. Our scientists can enjoy poetry and fine art; our artists can appreciate the wonder of scientific discovery.

Our broad range of academic enrichment and variety of topics and tasks in the classroom – combined with societies, competitions and trips – provide a multitude of opportunities for learners to develop skills such as inquisitiveness, collaboration, persistence and resilience. UCS scholars typically have excellent communication skills and collaborate successfully on group projects.

We encourage reading, critical analysis and identifying all sides of an argument, because we want our pupils to thrive in a rapidly transforming world. Following such a bespoke and comprehensive Sixth Form education, all students go on to highly successful Higher Education institutions and careers.

Public exam subjects 2023–24

A Level: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Drama, DT, Economics, English Literature, French, Geography, German, Greek, History, History of Art, Italian, 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.