University College School

Overview of University College School and 11 Plus information

Address: University College School, Frognal, Hampstead, London, NW3 6XH

Website: www.ucs.org.uk

Pupils:

Boys – Yes

Girls – Sixth Form only

School Size – c. 840 – 850

University College School Scholarships and bursaries available – Yes

University College School 11 Plus Exam Format – School written. This covers:

• Mathematics
• English

University College School – Overview

University College School (UCS) was founded in 1830 as part of University College London and moved to Hampstead in 1907. The UCS foundation, now independent of the University, comprises three school; UCS Senior School (for boys aged eleven to eighteen and girls aged sixteen to eighteen);the Junior Branch (for boys aged seen to eleven) and The Phoenix (for boys and girls aged three to seven).  All three schools maintain the founding Benthamite principles of religious tolerance, respect for the individual and the development of independence of mind.  The first girls were admitted to the sixth form in 2008.  UCS is governed by a council composed of nineteen members.

The aims of UCS are to: provide a stimulating and enriching education within a liberal and tolerant environment, encourage intellectual curiosity, breath of study, independence of mind, tolerance, confidence and self-expression; prepare pupils for life beyond school; and enable pupils to contribute to local, national and global communities.

Most pupils in the school are from professional families and the cultural mix is representative of the local area.

Entry into Year 7 for pupils not in the Junior Branch is by the school’s own entrance tests and interview; entry into Year 9 is by preliminary assessment and interview and is conditional upon performance in the Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) Common Entrance examination. Entry to the sixth form is by entrance tests and interview.  Music Awards and means-tested bursaries are available.  The ability profile of the school to GCSE is far above the national average for boys in maintained schools and above the national average for boys in maintained selective schools.

For help understanding how to prepare for Independent School 11 Plus Exams go to our relevant page