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  • Independent school for boys

University College School: entry, tests, dates and fees

Frognal, Hampstead, London, NW3 6XH

Facts checked 19 October 2026By ExamKind Editorial TeamSchool website

Can we apply, and when?

For September 2027 entry

Your next steps for 11+ entry

  1. Next: Registration closes for 11+ entry

    in about 3 weeks

  2. Coming up: Entrance tests

University College School sets its own tests and decides after them and the interviews. We have not found a published pass mark, so we do not show one.

How entry works

How entry works

Ways in, and how children are assessed

University College School takes new pupils at 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+ and 16+. Each way in has its own tests and dates.

  • 11+ entryjoins Year 7 (Senior School)

    60 places

    How children are assessed: an English paper, a maths paper, a piece of creative writing, an interview and a reference from the current school.

    Registration closes: Monday 9 November 2026 (for September 2027 entry)

Other ways in: 4+, 7+, 8+ and 16+Places, tests and registration for each

  • 4+ entryjoins Reception (Pre-Prep)

    32 places

    How children are assessed: a play-based observation.

    Registration closes: Wednesday 30 September 2026 (for September 2027 entry)

  • 7+ entryjoins Year 3 (Junior Branch)

    60 places

    How children are assessed: an English paper, a maths paper, a reference from the current school and other tasks set by the school.

    Registration closes: Thursday 1 October 2026 (for September 2027 entry)

  • 8+ entryjoins Year 4 (Junior Branch)

    How children are assessed: an English paper, a maths paper, an interview, a group activity and a reference from the current school.

    Registration closes: Thursday 1 October 2026 (for September 2027 entry)

  • 16+ entryjoins Sixth Form

    60 places

    How children are assessed: a reasoning paper, an interview, a reference from the current school, GCSE grade requirements and other tasks set by the school.

Source: University College School, checked

More about entry from our guide

Young boys start in Reception (Pre-Prep)University College School: JoinsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: There are approximately 32 places available to join the Pre-Prep Reception class each year.View the official source. The Year 3 (Junior Branch)University College School: JoinsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The main point of entry to UCS Junior Branch is at 7+ (Year 3).View the official source and Year 4 (Junior Branch)University College School: JoinsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: A small number of places are available for 8+ entry each year (Year 4).View the official source intakes join the junior school. At 11+ boys move into Year 7 (Senior School)University College School: JoinsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Boys admitted at 11+ will join the approximately 60 boys who transfer from the UCS Junior Branch to the Senior School.View the official source, and both girls and boys can join the Sixth FormUniversity College School: JoinsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The successful candidates will join the vast majority of our current Year 11 boys as they continue into the Sixth Form.View the official source.

Who can apply

Entry at 4+ is for boysUniversity College School: PupilsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Pre-prep Boys 4–7View the official source, and so are the 7+ and 8+ routes (boysUniversity College School: PupilsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Approximately 60 boys aged 7 will be admitted into three classes each year, with about half that number coming from the Pre-Prep.View the official source and boysUniversity College School: PupilsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: These places are open to boys who have not previously sat entrance tests for the school (though boys who were placed on the waiting list at 7+ entry are welcome to apply).View the official source). The 11+ intake is also boysUniversity College School: PupilsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Boys admitted at 11+ will join the approximately 60 boys who transfer from the UCS Junior Branch to the Senior School.View the official source. The sixth form is co-educationalUniversity College School: PupilsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: A small number of places will also be available for boys of the same age.View the official source, so girls can apply at 16+.

4+ (Reception)

There are 32University College School: PlacesChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: There are approximately 32 places available to join the Pre-Prep Reception class each year.View the official source places for September 2027 entryUniversity College School: Current cycleChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The next application deadline for 4+ entry (in 2027) will be noon on Wednesday 30th September 2026.View the official source. Boys have a play-based assessmentUniversity College School: Play observationChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Every candidate is invited to attend a playdate assessment, which, in the case of 2027 candidates, will take place across December 2026 and January 2027.View the official source, held from December 2026 to January 2027University College School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Every candidate is invited to attend a playdate assessment, which, in the case of 2027 candidates, will take place across December 2026 and January 2027.View the official source. Registration closed on 30 September 2026University College School: Registration deadline (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The next application deadline for 4+ entry (in 2027) will be noon on Wednesday 30th September 2026.View the official source. At this age, a play-based session usually means adults watch children play and talk, with no paper to sit.

7+ (Year 3)

For September 2027 entryUniversity College School: Current cycleChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Applications for 2027 are now open until Thursday 1st October 2026, the year before entry.View the official source there are 60University College School: PlacesChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Approximately 60 boys aged 7 will be admitted into three classes each year, with about half that number coming from the Pre-Prep.View the official source places. The assessment includes:

  • the school's own English paperUniversity College School: Own englishChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The entrance assessment in January will consist of English and Maths tests.View the official source
  • the school's own maths paperUniversity College School: Own mathsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The entrance assessment in January will consist of English and Maths tests.View the official source
  • a reference from the current schoolUniversity College School: ReferenceChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: A confidential report is requested from each candidate’s current school and this plays an important part in the selection procedure.View the official source
  • one other assessmentUniversity College School: OtherChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: All 7+ applicants will be invited to the school during the Autumn Term in small groups.View the official source, which the school can describe

Registration closed on 1 October 2026University College School: Registration deadline (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Applications for 2027 are now open until Thursday 1st October 2026, the year before entry.View the official source. The assessment is on 4 January 2027University College School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The 7+ entry exam will take place on Monday 4th January 2027.View the official source.

8+ (Year 4)

Boys joining Year 4 (Junior Branch)University College School: JoinsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: A small number of places are available for 8+ entry each year (Year 4).View the official source for September 2027 entryUniversity College School: Current cycleChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Applications for 2027 entry are now open until Thursday 1st October 2026, the year before entry.View the official source have:

  • the school's own English paperUniversity College School: Own englishChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The entrance assessment will consist of written English and Maths tests.View the official source
  • the school's own maths paperUniversity College School: Own mathsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The entrance assessment will consist of written English and Maths tests.View the official source
  • an interviewUniversity College School: InterviewChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Successful candidates will be invited back in December for an interview and to participate in group work activities.View the official source
  • a group activityUniversity College School: Group activityChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Successful candidates will be invited back in December for an interview and to participate in group work activities.View the official source
  • a reference from the current schoolUniversity College School: ReferenceChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: A confidential report is requested from each candidate’s current school and this plays an important part in the selection procedure.View the official source

The 8+ list closed on 1 October 2026University College School: Registration deadline (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Applications for 2027 entry are now open until Thursday 1st October 2026, the year before entry.View the official source, and interviews are in December 2026University College School: Interview date (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: All 8+ applicants will sit the exam in November and successful candidates will be interviewed in December 2026.View the official source. In a group task, children work on something together while adults see how they share and listen.

11+ (Year 7)

The senior school has 60University College School: PlacesChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: There are approximately 60 places available to join Year 7 each year.View the official source places at 11+ for September 2027 entryUniversity College School: Current cycleChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Applications to join Year 7 in September 2027 are now open.View the official source. The process has five parts:

  • the school's own English paperUniversity College School: Own englishChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: English Examination – one hour 15 minutes. Time will be split between two sections, namely Reading Comprehension (45 minutes) and Creative Writing (30 minutes).View the official source
  • the school's own maths paperUniversity College School: Own mathsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Maths Examination – one hour 15 minutes. There will be two sections: Multiple Choice and short-answer, covering Core Mathematics and Maths Problems.View the official source
  • the school's own creative writing taskUniversity College School: Own creative writingChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: English Examination – one hour 15 minutes. Time will be split between two sections, namely Reading Comprehension (45 minutes) and Creative Writing (30 minutes).View the official source
  • an interviewUniversity College School: InterviewChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Shortlisted candidates will be invited back to interviews which will take place in late January and consist of a mini-lesson and a one-to-one interview with a member of our teaching staff.View the official source
  • a reference from the current schoolUniversity College School: ReferenceChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Once the application deadline has passed, we request a confidential academic reference from each candidate’s current school.View the official source

Register by 9 November 2026University College School: Registration deadline (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The deadline for applications to be submitted is Monday 9th November 2026 at 5pm.View the official source. The entrance papers are on 6 January 2027University College School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The 2027 assessments are confirmed to take place on Wednesday 6th January 2027.View the official source. We could not confirm the interview or offer dates, so check these with the school.

A creative writing task asks a child to write a story or description of their own. A reference is a short report from the head of the current school.

16+ (Sixth Form)

The Sixth FormUniversity College School: JoinsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The successful candidates will join the vast majority of our current Year 11 boys as they continue into the Sixth Form.View the official source takes 60University College School: PlacesChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: We offer approximately 60 places to girls aged 16 or over each year.View the official source new students for September 2027 entryUniversity College School: Current cycleChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Registration for 2027 Sixth Form entry is now closed.View the official source. Applicants meet:

  • the school's own reasoning paperUniversity College School: Own reasoningChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The Assessment will not be subject-specific but will be an objective multiple-choice test of thinking, reasoning and problem-solving skills.View the official source
  • an interviewUniversity College School: InterviewChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Candidates who have been successful in the Assessment will be invited to UCS for two one-on-one interviews with senior members of staff.View the official source
  • a reference from the current schoolUniversity College School: ReferenceChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: A confidential report (including a forecast of GCSE grades or equivalent) will be requested from each candidate’s current school.View the official source
  • GCSE grade requirementsUniversity College School: Gcse requirementsChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: All our offers are conditional on GCSE performance, typically requiring an average grade of 7.0 across all eligible subjects.View the official source
  • one other assessmentUniversity College School: OtherChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: There is also a short, 20-minute writing task on a topical issue.View the official source

The 16+ assessment is on 30 October 2026University College School: Assessment date (2027)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The date of the 2027 assessment is confirmed for Friday 30th October 2026.View the official source. We could not confirm the 16+ registration deadline or offer date. A reasoning paper checks how a student works through problems, not what they have memorised.

Key dates

11+ dates for September 2027 entry

University College School

  1. Next: Registration closes for 11+ entry

    in about 3 weeks

  2. Coming up: Entrance tests

Dates for the other ways in4+, 7+, 8+ and 16+

4+ entry, September 2027

  1. Done: Registration closes for 4+ entry

7+ entry, September 2027

  1. Done: Registration closes for 7+ entry

  2. Next: Entrance tests

8+ entry, September 2027

  1. Done: Registration closes for 8+ entry

  2. Coming up: Interviews

    Expected

16+ entry, September 2027

  1. Next: Entrance tests

A year younger? 11+ dates for September 2028 entrySome are not published yet; we show what the school has said.

  1. Not published yet: Registration closes for 11+ entry

    Not yet published, checked 11 Oct 2026

  2. Not published yet: Entrance tests

    Not yet published, checked 11 Oct 2026

  3. Not published yet: Offers sent

    Not yet published, checked 11 Oct 2026

At a glance

University College School in brief

tap a value for its source

Ages
4 to 18AgesChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Pre-prep Boys 4–7 Learn more Junior Branch Boys 7–11 Learn more Senior School Boys 11–16 Learn more Sixth Form Boys & Girls 16–18View the official source
The ages the school teaches, from youngest to oldest.
Scholarships
1 kinds
Awards for a talent, such as academic work, music or sport.
Ways in
4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 16+
The ages at which the school takes new pupils (4+, 11+ and so on).
Help with fees
Yes, up to 100%
Bursaries reduce fees for families on lower incomes, after a check of income and savings.
Registration fee
£210VAT not stated by the school
Paid to the school when you register your child for its tests.

Fees

From £11,437 a term, including VAT
4+ entry, day
£9,615 a term, including VAT
7+ entry, day
£10,467 a term, including VAT
8+ entry, day
£10,467 a term, including VAT
11+ entry, day
£11,437 a term, including VAT

Fees for the 2026-27 school year, as the school publishes them. We never add or remove VAT.

fees shown include VAT

Registration fee: £210 (VAT not stated by the school).

Source: University College School, checked

Year group (entry point)Fee for 2026-27University College School: Academic yearChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: | School Fees* | 2026/27 Termly Fee (Incl VAT) |View the official source
Reception (4+)£9,615 per term, including VATUniversity College School: DayChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: | Pre-Prep | £9,615 |View the official source
Year 3 (7+)£10,467 per term, including VATUniversity College School: DayChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: | Junior Branch | £10,467 |View the official source
Year 4 (8+)£10,467 per term, including VATUniversity College School: DayChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: | Junior Branch | £10,467 |View the official source
Year 7 (11+)£11,437 per term, including VATUniversity College School: DayChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: | Senior School | £11,437 |View the official source
Sixth Form (16+)not confirmed

UCS says fees shown include VATUniversity College School: Vat treatmentChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: | School Fees* | 2026/27 Termly Fee (Incl VAT) |View the official source. The table repeats the 2026-27University College School: Academic yearChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: | School Fees* | 2026/27 Termly Fee (Incl VAT) |View the official source figures as published; new fees are set each year. The registration fee is £210University College School: Registration feeChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: The registration fee is £210 each for the Pre-Prep, Junior Branch, Senior School and Sixth Form (with the exception of bursary applicants to join at 11+ and 16+).View the official source. We could not confirm the sixth-form fee or a deposit amount.

Bursaries and scholarships

Bursaries up to 100% of fees
Bursaries (help with fees)
Available, up to 100% of the fees. They depend on a check of household income and savings.
Scholarships
For music, at 11+ and 16+ entry, worth up to 50% of the fees.

Source: University College School, checked

UCS has means-tested bursaries availableUniversity College School: AvailableChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Bursaries are financial awards which range from 10% to 100% of the cost of fees and, in addition, include assistance with co-curricular activities which have a direct bearing on a pupil’s education, such as curriculum-related school trips.View the official source, covering up to 100%University College School: Max percentChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: Bursaries are financial awards which range from 10% to 100% of the cost of fees and, in addition, include assistance with co-curricular activities which have a direct bearing on a pupil’s education, such as curriculum-related school trips.View the official source of fees. We could not confirm an income guide or a bursary deadline. A means test weighs a family's income and assets; it does not depend on how a child scores. Read our bursaries guide for the general steps.

On scholarships, we could confirm music scholarshipsUniversity College School: MusicChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: A Music Scholarship at UCS will entitle the holder to a reduction in the annual school fees of between 10% and 25%.View the official source. They are offered as scholarships at 11+University College School: 11 plusChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: A Music Scholarship at UCS will entitle the holder to a reduction in the annual school fees.View the official source and scholarships at 16+University College School: 16 plusChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: A Music Scholarship at UCS will entitle the holder to a reduction in the annual school fees.View the official source, worth up to 50%University College School: Max percentChecked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: In exceptional cases an award of up to 50% of fees may be made.View the official source of fees.

Open days

Next: Junior Branch Open Evening, Wed 12 May 2027

  1. Done: 11+ Open Evening (passed)

    5pm, booking needed

  2. Coming up: Junior Branch Open Evening

    4.15pm, booking needed

  3. Coming up: Junior Branch Open Evening

    4.15pm, booking needed

Source: University College School, checked

Events coming up when we checked.

Results, as published by the school

A level grades A* to A: 79% (2026)

  • A level grades A* to A, 2026

    79%A level grades A* to A, 2026Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: In 2026, 84% of GCSE grades gained by our Year 11 boys were either 8s or 9s, while 94% were 9–7 and 60% were grade 9. At A Level, 95% of grades attained by UCS pupils were A*–B, 79% were A*–A, and 39% were A*.View the official source

    No earlier year published

  • A level grades A* to B, 2026

    95%A level grades A* to B, 2026Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: In 2026, 84% of GCSE grades gained by our Year 11 boys were either 8s or 9s, while 94% were 9–7 and 60% were grade 9. At A Level, 95% of grades attained by UCS pupils were A*–B, 79% were A*–A, and 39% were A*.View the official source

    No earlier year published

  • GCSE grades 9 to 7, 2026

    94%GCSE grades 9 to 7, 2026Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: In 2026, 84% of GCSE grades gained by our Year 11 boys were either 8s or 9s, while 94% were 9–7 and 60% were grade 9.View the official source

    94% in 2025

  • GCSE grades 9 to 8, 2026

    84%GCSE grades 9 to 8, 2026Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: In 2026, 84% of GCSE grades gained by our Year 11 boys were either 8s or 9s, while 94% were 9–7 and 60% were grade 9.View the official source

    No earlier year published

Results are the school's own figures. Schools count them in different ways, so compare with care.

UCS reports these results. Each figure shows its exam year.

MeasureLatest yearYear before
A level grades A* to A79% (2026)University College School: A level astar apercent (2026)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: In 2026, 84% of GCSE grades gained by our Year 11 boys were either 8s or 9s, while 94% were 9–7 and 60% were grade 9. At A Level, 95% of grades attained by UCS pupils were A*–B, 79% were A*–A, and 39% were A*.View the official source–
A level grades A* to B95% (2026)University College School: A level astar bpercent (2026)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: In 2026, 84% of GCSE grades gained by our Year 11 boys were either 8s or 9s, while 94% were 9–7 and 60% were grade 9. At A Level, 95% of grades attained by UCS pupils were A*–B, 79% were A*–A, and 39% were A*.View the official source–
GCSE grades 9 to 794% (2026)University College School: Gcse9to7 percent (2026)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: In 2026, 84% of GCSE grades gained by our Year 11 boys were either 8s or 9s, while 94% were 9–7 and 60% were grade 9.View the official source94% (2025)University College School: Gcse9to7 percent (2025)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: 94% of all GCSE grades for 2025 were 9–7View the official source
GCSE grades 9 to 884% (2026)University College School: Gcse9to8 percent (2026)Checked 11 Oct 2026 against University College School.The source says: In 2026, 84% of GCSE grades gained by our Year 11 boys were either 8s or 9s, while 94% were 9–7 and 60% were grade 9.View the official source–

Official documents and sources

12 sources, each kept as an archived copy

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