University College School was founded in Gower Street in 1830 as part of University College, London, which had opened two years previously.
From the start the liberal philosophy behind the foundation of the College inspired the School. From 1830 to the present day the central tenets of the School's educational policy have been the pursuit of excellence; a respect for, and encouragement of, independent thought and individual judgement; a broad curriculum and, finally, the lack of any religious barriers. This, coupled with the belief that the School system should adapt as far as possible to the individual, in addition to the individual adapting to the School, has encouraged talent and diversity for over 150 years.
At the end of the nineteenth century the need of the College to expand, and the desire of the School to be more conveniently situated for new centres of population in the suburbs where there was more scope for sport, led to the opening of a Junior School in Hampstead in 1891 and the re-establishment of the main school in new purpose-built accommodation in Hampstead in 1907.
A fine original structure with attractive modern additions enables the school to offer excellent facilities for work, games and recreation. In addition to classrooms and laboratories there are a fully equipped theatre, a Design Department with an Art Studio, a Music School; a Sixth Form Centre; and a Sports Hall. The grounds are beautifully laid out with tennis courts, courts for fives, an open air theatre and a covered heated swimming pool. These, in addition to extensive playing fields in the vicinity and a field centre in Weardale, offer boys the chance to enjoy a wide range of sporting and leisure activities.
