About our schools

Growth

Pupil numbers and spending levels have doubled in the past decade. We have invested over £90 million in buildings and facilities and have undertaken extensive modernisation and, in some cases, merger programmes over the past 15 years to ensure that all of UCST schools have robust foundations on which to build for the long-term future.

Results

Our schools have a proud tradition of academic excellence. Our recent results reflect our continued strength. 90% of all our pupils gained five or more GCSEs (including English and Maths) at A*-C grades in 2006. This compares with a national rate of 45%. Over 73% of our pupils gained A or B grade at A Level in 2006. This compares with a national rate of 47%.

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. Over 90% of our pupils move on to university; in 2006, 58% of these attended Russell Group universities.

Governance

Nine 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 at Church Schools House 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.