2026
University College School was ranked in the top 25 by The Sunday Times Schools Guide with 94% of GCSE grades at 9-7 and 95% of A-Level grades at A*-B.
All-through school
University College School
Founded 1830 by University College London — non-denominational boys' day school in Hampstead with a co-educational Sixth Form, known for breadth, liberalism and strong A-level outcomes.
Day fees
£27,495 – £32,913
Entry
Observation + School ExamSelective
Next deadline
Mon 9 Nov 202611+ registration closes
Updated 4 months agosource
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Mark Beard
Headmaster
Gender
Boys
Becoming co-ed
Pupils
1,297
109 girls, 1,196 boys
Location
Hampstead, Camden
Urban setting
Day or boarding
Day
Age range
4 to 18
School type
Mainstream
Founded
1830
Entry points
4+, 7+, 11+, 16+
Nearest station
Finchley Road & Frognal
Average class
20 pupils
Bursaries
Up to 100% of fees
Show 3 more factsShow fewer facts
Scholarships
Music
A-level A*–A
72%
2025
GCSE 9–7
92%
2025
Overview
About University College School
University College School (UCS) Hampstead is an independent day school founded in 1830 by University College London on the principle of non-denominational, non-discriminatory education. The school spans Pre-Prep, Junior Branch, Senior School (boys 11–16) and a co-educational Sixth Form (16–18) across sites in Hampstead, NW3. UCS has a long-standing reputation for intellectual breadth, liberalism and a relaxed but academically ambitious atmosphere. In 2025, 92% of GCSE grades were 9–7 and 94% of A-Level grades A*–B; the school was ranked in the Sunday Times top 25 in 2026. Mark Beard is Headmaster.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent boys all-through school in Camden for ages 4–18. Selective entry, top-tier London fees.
Best for
- Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 4–18) rather than separate prep + senior.
- Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
- Fees sit at the top of the London market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- Single-sex (boys). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
September 2027 entryRegistration openCloses 30 Sept 2026
- Sep28Open dayPassedFee Assistance information evening
- Sep30Registration closesPassed
- Dec1AssessmentNext
- Jan31Offers
Not yet published: registration opens, bursary deadline, interview, acceptance deadline.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Open EveningThis week
5pm
UCS Senior School 11+ Open Evening - Monday 12th October 2026
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£27,495 – £32,913per year · Day · 2025-26
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Quick answers about University College School
Answered only from University College School's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
Distinctive features
Member of the Eton Group of leading UK independent schools
Pioneer in teaching modern languages and sciences from the early 19th century
Grade II listed main building (Arnold Mitchell, 1907)
Co-educational sixth form since 2009
admits ~60-70 girls a year
AKO Sixth Form Centre opened 2021
Founded 1830 by University College London on non-denominational principles
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
AthleticsBasketballBoulderingCricketCross CountryCyclingFencingFencing ClubFivesFootballFootball ClubHockeyNetballRowing
Show 12 more
RugbyRugby 7sRunningRunning ClubSquashSquash ClubSwimmingTable TennisTable Tennis ClubTennisVolleyballYoga
music
Brass EnsembleBrass EnsemblesChamber MusicChamber OrchestraChoirsConcert BandFour ChoirsInstrumental and Singing LessonsJazz EnsembleJazz Groups (x3)Music EnsemblesMusic Scholarship Mentoring SchemePercussion GroupPop Music Ensemble
Show 10 more
Rock BandRock SchoolRock School / Popular MusicSainsbury Piano QuintetString EnsembleString EnsemblesSymphony OrchestraWind EnsembleWoodwind EnsemblesYoung Musicians Ensembles
drama
Drama and Dance ClubsDrama ClubDrama Production LeadershipDrama productionsDrama Productions at Edinburgh Fringe and West EndMusical (biennial, with Drama)School Musical
academic club
ChessClassics SocietyCultural Awareness and Racial Politics SocietyDebatingDebating SocietiesDebating SocietyDesign & Technology ClubDrawing ClubGame Design ClubHistory SocietyMaths ClubModel United NationsPhilosophy SocietyPolitics Society
Show 4 more
Public Speaking SocietyRobotics ClubSTEM BreakfastYoung Enterprise
service
Allotment ClubCCFDuke of Edinburgh AwardDuke of Edinburgh’s AwardEco WarriorsGreen Impact SocietyInclusion and Representation CommitteePeer MentoringSchool Council
other
Boardgame ClubBoardgames ClubClubs & SocietiesCoins and Stamp Collectors' ClubCreative SewingCreative WritingOrigami ClubOutdoor Learning / Residential TripsPhotographyPoetryReading GroupsReligious GroupsSewingWellbeing Society
Show 1 more
Wellbeing Walk
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
GymGymnasium (Pre-Prep)Sir Roger Bannister Sports CentreUCS Active Swimming PoolUCS Playing Fields and Pavilion (off-site)
arts
Creative Arts and Sciences Studio (Pre-Prep)Great HallLund GalleryLund TheatreMusic School
academic
AKO Centre (Library)AKO Sixth Form CentreDesign Technology LabsDT LabsResearch Pod (Pre-Prep)Science Labs
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
Outcomes2025 GCSE
92
of GCSE grades at 9-794
of A-Level grades at A*-B72%
A-level A*–A
92%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
12%
to Oxbridge (2025)
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cohort | 183 | 192 |
| Oxbridge | 22 | 23 |
| US Ivy | 1 | 1 |
| Medicine | — | 4 |
Top universities (2025)
UCL (Russell Group)Bristol (Russell Group)Edinburgh (Russell Group)BathSt AndrewsLoughboroughPennUSC
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
GCSEA-level
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
In the press
- Sunday Times Schools Guide 2026 top 25; 94% GCSEs 9-7; 95% A-Levels A*-B
- Good Schools Guide Review quote
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Sir Roger Bannister (athlete, four-minute mile)Sir Roger Penrose (Nobel Prize, physics 2020)Oliver Hart (Nobel Prize, economics 2016)Dirk Bogarde (actor)Stephen Spender (poet)Will Self (writer)Karl Pearson (mathematician)David McCallum (actor)
Recommended next step
Registration closes 9 Nov 2026 (11+)
Add it to your plan and book a visit before you apply.
Fit for your child
Is University College School right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childCommunityHouse system
Community
House system
BannisterBonningtonKendallMacArthurSeacoleBaxtersBlack HawkinsEvansFlooksOldersUnderwoods
Pastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
Peer mentoringMental health support
University College School offers a comprehensive pastoral care system including a house system, peer mentorship via a Student Support Service, and wellbeing education. The school emphasizes resilience, responsibility, relationships, and resourcefulness as core learning values supporting pupil welfare and mental health.
RegulationInspection
Regulation
Inspection
ISI inspection, 15 Oct 2024
2 reports on file.
- Isi · Regulatory Compliance1 Jan 2024met
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn1 Sept 2026 → 11 Dec 2026Half-term 19 Oct 2026–30 Oct 2026
Spring4 Jan 2027 → 25 Mar 2027Half-term 15 Feb 2027–19 Feb 2027
Summer12 Apr 2027 → 1 Jul 2027Half-term 31 May 2027–4 Jun 2027
PathwaysFeeder schools
Pathways
Feeder schools
4 offers
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
1 offer
Also considerSchools like University College School
Also consider
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FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is University College School best for?+
University College School suits: Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 4–18) rather than separate prep + senior; Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school; Families comfortable with top-tier London independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
How much are the fees at University College School?+
Day fees at University College School are £9,165 to £10,971 a term in 2025-26 (£27,495 to £32,913 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at University College School?+
The next open evening at University College School is on 12 October 2026. Booking is usually required.
How does admissions work?+
University College School is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does University College School support SEND?+
University College School offers some SEND support. Ask admissions which needs it can meet.
What ages does University College School take?+
University College School takes pupils from age 4 to 18.
Is University College School a day or boarding school?+
University College School is a day school.
Is University College School co-educational or single-sex?+
University College School is a boys' school.
Where is University College School?+
University College School is in Camden, NW3 6XH.
How do I contact admissions at University College School?+
Contact University College School by email at admissions@ucs.org.uk or phone on 02074352215.
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