About our schools

Growth

We have invested in the provision of excellent buildings and facilities at our schools in the belief that growth enhances the academic and extra-curricular opportunities available to our pupils. The success of this policy is reflected in the growth in pupil numbers from 3,200 in 1990 to nearly 8,000 in 2010. We have invested over £90 million in buildings and facilities and have undertaken extensive modernisation and, in some cases, merger programmes over the past 20 years to ensure that all of UCST schools have robust foundations on which to build for the long-term future.

Preparation for life

This ideal of strong schools embraces not just academic learning to high standards, but also the development of skills that will be essential throughout life. Teamwork, leadership, an enthusiastic response to challenge and an active concern for others are all attributes which we value at our schools. We aim to equip all of our pupils with skills for future success.

Financial assistance

Academic scholarships, exhibitions and means-tested bursaries are awarded at all of our schools. In addition Church Schools Foundation Assisted Places are available at each school. The tuition fees vary according to age and school; please contact our schools directly for further information.

Results

Our schools have a proud tradition of academic excellence. Our recent results reflect our continued strength. Across our independent schools, an average of 92% of our pupils gained five or more GCSEs (including English and Maths) at A*-C grades in 2009. This compares with a national average of 59.5% for independent schools. Over 75% of our pupils gained A and B grades at A Level in 2009. Our strong examination results reflect the value our teachers bring to the classroom and the motivation and discipline of our pupils, who are nurtured in a supportive and stimulating environment.

Governance

Ten schools are governed by the UCST Governing Council, which is supported by a Local Governing Body at each school. Caterham School is governed by a separate body of Trustees, the majority of whom are appointed by UCST. Each Governing Council member is a Trustee of UCST. One person from each Local Governing Body is elected to membership of the Governing Council, which also has members who are not school-based. While the Heads are wholly responsible for the detailed management of their schools, the UCST Governing Council is responsible for appointing head teachers, determining group-wide policies, approving budgets and monitoring the performance and progress of individual schools. UCST is run centrally in Titchmarsh, Northamptonshire.

Setting a benchmark for the independent sector

We are confident that we can continue to set a benchmark for the independent sector with a first-rate education based on:

• providing a new generation of school leaders;
• attracting outstanding individuals to senior positions in the Group;
• training and developing our teachers;
• sustaining a continuous development of our curriculum;
• investing in the latest information and communications technology;
• investing capital as appropriate in additions to the Group;
• implementing best practice at all levels across the Group;
• taking advantage of central services to reduce Group overhead costs.

We continue to make the investments needed to ensure that our independent schools always deliver the highest standards of education across the board.