University College School (UCS) 11+ Guide
University College School (UCS) is an independent school with entry at 11+ into Year 7. This guide explains who can apply, the assessments, how offers are made and how to prepare. We update it whenever the school changes its admissions.
About the school
- An independent day school in Hampstead, north London. Boys only in Year 7; the Sixth Form is mixed.
- About 60 external places, joining about 60 boys from the UCS Junior Branch.
Who can apply
- Children in Year 6 (for September 2027 entry, born 1 September 2015 to 31 August 2016), registered by the school's deadline.
- Independent schools have no catchment area. You apply to the school directly, not through your council.
- A registration fee is usually payable (often waived for families on low incomes).
Key dates for September 2027 entry
- Application deadline: 5pm, Monday 9 November 2026
- Exam: Wednesday 6 January 2027
- Interviews: late January 2027
- Offers: mid-February 2027
Children now in Year 5: expect similar dates next year. Check the school's page in the spring.
The assessments
Exam
The school's own paper exams: English (1 hour 15 minutes: comprehension and creative writing) and Maths (1 hour 15 minutes). Not the ISEB pre-test.
Interview
Shortlisted boys take part in a mini-lesson and a one-to-one interview.
How offers are made
UCS makes its own offers in mid-February. A confidential reference is requested.
Scholarships and bursaries
- Music scholarships only.
- Means-tested bursaries from 10% to 100%.
How to help your child prepare
- Written English and Maths. The school sets its own papers. Cover all of Key Stage 2 by the end of Year 5, go further on problem solving, and practise showing maths working clearly.
- Creative writing. Practise planning and writing a short story or description to a time limit, then checking it.
- Interview. Help your child talk about their interests, the books they read and how they solved a problem. There is no need to learn answers by heart.
- Read every day. Wide reading builds the vocabulary and comprehension every entrance test needs.
- Practice material: The school does not provide past papers.
Common questions from parents
Can girls join in Year 7?
No. Girls join in the Sixth Form.
Can we apply to several schools?
Yes. Many families apply to a few independent schools and grammar schools. Watch the different registration deadlines.
Official information
Always check the school's own pages before making decisions. Dates and arrangements can change each year.
How AshACE can help
AshACE runs small, live online 11+ classes in English, Maths and Reasoning from Year 4, run from Orpington, with over a decade of 11+ teaching. Our Year 6 Masterclasses include preparation for independent school entrance papers. See the classes below, or send us an enquiry.
Sources: University College School (UCS) official admissions pages; checked 25 September 2026.