University College School

UCS is different from many day schools in the trouble that we take over the pastoral care of our students. This is because our aim is to develop self-confidence, maturity and self-esteem, not just exam results. We believe that our route not only leads to good results at school, but, by producing well-balanced and assured school-leavers, to continuing success thereafter.

At every stage of their UCS career, each of our students will know that there is at least one member of staff who regards their care, their achievement and their happiness as a top priority.

Good pastoral care is founded upon close, honest and demanding relationships between teachers and pupils and in this, continuity is crucial.

In the Lower School (Years 7 and 8), each pupil will work with the same form-teacher and Year Warden for two years. The pastoral team is co-ordinated by the Warden of the Lower School.

At the start of the Middle School (Year 9) each pupil is allocated to one of five Demes. Responsibility for his pastoral care over the coming three years now passes to his form-teacher who will work very closely with his Deme Warden.

The Deme system continues to operate in the Sixth Form. Our aim now is that boys and girls take proper responsibility for their academic and personal progress. They will be allocated to smaller tutor-groups and encouraged to mix as a single unit. They have their own Common Room and study facilities. Uniform regulations are relaxed slightly and pupils are encouraged to develop the habits that will prepare them for university study. At the same time, they will have important opportunities to contribute to the daily life of the school.

While the pastoral care of individual pupils in the Transitus and Sixth remains the responsibility of Deme Wardens, the overall management of these year-groups is in the hands of the Senior Tutors. The Senior Tutors are responsible for maintaining general standards of behaviour and ensuring that the administration of matters relating to these senior pupils (particularly those concerned with university entrance and careers) is thorough and efficient.

The Headmaster aims to meet as many students as possible, from the youngest in the Lower School to the oldest in the Sixth Form, throughout the year.

He takes a personal interest in the pastoral care of all pupils, through close and regular contact with Deme and Lower School Wardens.