BCS and UCST

Our links to United Church Schools Trust

The United Church Schools Trust (UCST) is a leading education charity in the UK. Founded in 1883, UCST has a long and distinguished tradition in the provision of independent education and boarding. UCST operates 10 fee-paying independent schools across the UK. Our subsidiary charity United Learning Trust (ULT) was established in 2002 and is now the largest single sponsor of academies - independently managed specialist state schools. We have 15 academies in areas with some of the worst deprivation index scores in the country. Our academies and schools welcome students regardless of faith and background. Our group of independent schools and academies is at the forefront of educational practice, and our two charities provide a first class education for over 22,000 pupils. We have over 4,500 members of staff, including 2,100 teachers.  Wentworth College joined UCST in August 2008, and Uplands School in June 2009.

In 1990 UCST’s 7 independent schools contained only 3,250 pupils. Thereafter, UCST engaged in a policy of integrating schools so that they would have the core numbers needed to give the required educational quality. Through this process UCST schools have become larger and more effective, offering wider opportunity to pupils and staff alike and growing our family to 10 schools with over 8,000 pupils in 2009. This has also enabled UCST to understand the sensitivities and change management required for creating new joint ventures. This ideal of strong schools embraces not just academic learning to high standards, but also the development of skills that will be essential throughout life. Teamwork, leadership, an enthusiastic response to challenge and an active concern for others are all attributes which we value at our schools. We aim to equip all of our pupils with skills for future success.

To achieve this UCST has invested almost £90 million in new and improved buildings and modern educational technology during the last 18 years. This bold investment policy has given clear signals to all our parents, pupils and staff that we intend to create the best possible environment for all our children. Consequently our pupil numbers have grown to over 8,000 today. Improvement is at the heart of everything we do. Our objective is to bring out the best in everyone. We believe all young people have the potential to succeed when given the right environment, support and leadership. Being part of the UCST group brings many benefits to local schools, including:

• providing a new generation of school leaders and 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 new members of the Group
• implementing best practice at all levels across the Group
• taking advantage of central services to reduce Group overhead costs and provide greater stability and permanency
• sharing good practice
• organising group conferences involving external experts and advisors
• providing professional training and development for all staff

However, the individuality of each school is valued, and UCST encourages each one to pursue its own character and style.

 

CLICK HERE to learn more about UCST and our Independent Schools

CLICK HERE to learn more about ULT and our Academies