Co-curricular | UCS Hampstead

UCS offers an expansive provision for pupils to learn new skills in our co-curricular programme which is as integral to the UCS educational experience as are classroom lessons and academic subjects. Indeed, the full integration of the co-curriculum into the life of the school is both fundamental and instrumental in developing young people who are ambitious to extend their achievements beyond the classroom.

Vibrant club scene

Alongside enjoyment of and participation in traditional pursuits like Music, Drama and Sport, we operate a multitude of clubs and societies as well as debating, Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Young Enterprise, which feed into the fabric of the school. In any given week you can expect approximately 80 daytime club possibilities.

Day trips and international trips similarly stretch pupils’ perspectives, as does the litany of careers talks and academic enrichment talks.

Senior School

Through being involved in such activities, pupils acquire new skills but also develop character and discipline and appreciate the importance of collaboration. There is fulfilment to be found in camaraderie, self-confidence and simply taking part.
Mark Beard, Headmaster

My favourite thing is all the different clubs. I really enjoy spending my lunchtimes in music clubs especially. If you don't have anything to do during a lunchtime, you just go to a club because there are so many. Charlie Wake, UCS pupil, 2020–

The varied experience beyond the classroom serves to nurture and champion creativity, aspiration and the individual talents of every child.
Sophie Bennett, Assistant Head (Co-Curricular)

Pupils have high aspirations and strive for intellectual development in response to the taught curriculum and the challenging provision beyond the classroom.
Independent Schools Inspectorate, 2021

Our co-curricular offering is so broad – any lunchtime the boys have a choice of, say, 15 clubs from sports to languages via photography. They can pursue existing interests or one they haven’t quite discovered. We encourage them to try new things. Edward Roberts, Assistant Head (Head of Lower School)

The clubs and societies encourage independent learning because there is no pressure to learn and you are there by choice, not because of the timetable. It's fun and you do learn. Mir Hamid, UCS pupil, 2020

UCS organised 99 trips in 2022–23, nine of which took pupils to international destinations.

The Music Department prepares pupils for as many as 30 concerts across the academic year.

Pupil committees and advocacy groups span inclusion, representation, sustainability and fundraising.

UCS competes in 16 sports and counting, including rugby 7s, climbing, rowing, netball, cycling and fencing.

Pupils have a rich choice of clubs and societies – numbering approximately 80 – interspersed throughout the school week.

The Drama Department had three major productions in 2022–23, for the Lower School, Middle School and a whole-school production.

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The co-curricular set-up runs on the energy and eagerness of teachers, ALL of whom have the chance to lead clubs, societies and teams.