The UCL Academy is a vibrant non-selective academy school for the 11 to 18 age group, and is
based in Swiss Cottage in Camden. It opened in September 2012 with 180 students in Year 7
and grew year-on-year until reaching full capacity in September 2016. Our building is
especially designed to suit the schools house system and also the use of super studios which
is an innovative way for the students to learn.
The UCL Academy benefits from a programme of master-classes, seminars and summer schools,
given by UCL staff and making use of UCL's laboratory, library and other teaching
facilities. These are designed to build on the teaching undertaken in class and help to
extend students' understanding of core topics. It also helps to prepare students for the
transition between school and university teaching.
The Academy is organised around five Houses with every student and member of Academy staff
belonging to a House. Each House has its own Super studio space and its own canteen area.
Additionally, every space in the Academy belongs to a household, and the members of that
household are responsible for 'hosting' those facilities for the rest of the Academy
community.
Our sponsor University College London provides a range of exciting academic opportunities and
exposure to university life for pupils. We offer iconic state-of-the-art facilities and the
opportunity to work with the latest innovations in classroom technology.
We Offer:
State-of-the-art classroom technology – including Superstudios, subject specialism
suites and demonstration theatres for interactive teaching talks by visiting academics
from UCL
Unlimited access to opportunities for self-development
A Teacher Professional Improvement Programme tied into Appraisal, including a specialist
induction programme for NQTs
Intensive weekly Continuing Professional Learning – 50% of teachers are now enrolled in
the coaching programme
An exclusive partnership with UCL where teaching staff are Associate Lecturers and have
full access to unrivalled University libraries and resources
Laptops & iPads for all staff members
A generous health care plan, including reimbursement for optical, dental, physiotherapy
and a range of other areas, 24/7 GP access, online healthcare literature, access to
trained counsellors and discounted membership at over 2,000 gyms nationwide.
The UCL Academy has four key priorities which make up its ethos:
High academic and personal standards for students and a commitment to developing
individual potential
Specialisms in mathematics and science
Languages at the heart of the curriculum
A mission to provide “education for global citizenship
We want the UCL Academy to fire the imaginations of its students and to support them to
develop in ways which stand them in good stead for their future lives and responsibilities
as individuals, employees and citizens.
Sixth form
The UCL Academy Sixth Form (we call this Level 3) specialises in STEM subjects: science,
technology, engineering and mathematics. We therefore particularly encourage applications
from students who have already demonstrated a particular enthusiasm for these subjects.
As we are a STEM specialist academy, most students follow three STEM subjects and one
complimentary arts, languages or humanities course (non-STEM). However, where a student can
demonstrate a clear route of progression, we will be happy to consider applications from
students wishing to balance two STEM subjects with two arts, languages and humanities
subjects.
The UCL Academy is celebrating another successful year of A-Level results, continuing its
trend of improving year on year since opening in 2012. A particular highlight this year is
in Maths, with nearly half of our students gaining A*-A grades.
Our students have secured places at some of Britain’s most prestigious universities including
our sponsor UCL, studying challenging and varied subjects including, Medicine, Chemistry and
Computer Science.
Robin Street and Simon McBride, Co-Principals said “We are very proud of our students and
staff who have worked tirelessly to achieve these successes. We are delighted that as The
Academy enters its sixth year our A-Level results continue to improve year on year
especially at the top grades. We congratulate our students and wish them all the best for
the future.”
Our working day
08.30am-9.25am
Period 1A
9.25am-10.20am
Period 1B
10.20am-10.40am
Recess
10.40am-11.10am
House Time / Tutor Time
11.10am-12.05pm
Period 2A
12.05pm-1.00pm
Period 2B
1.00pm-1.50pm
Period 3A for Level 2 & Level 3 / Lunch for Foundation & Level 1
1.50pm-2.40pm
Period 3A for Foundation & Level 1 / Lunch for Level 2 & Level 3
2.40pm-3.35pm
Period 3B
3.35pm-4.30pm
Clubs / Enrichment – Self Directed Learning (3 days per week)
