University College School Junior Branch

Boys enter the Junior Branch at the age of 7 from primary or pre-prep schools. All applicants are interviewed and sit an entrance examination. The Junior Branch accommodates up to 240 boys aged 7 - 11 on the Holly Hill site which occupies a secluded area in the centre of Hampstead Village.

The aim of the Junior Branch is to provide each student with the opportunity to mature steadily so that he develops academic and personal disciplines, self-confidence, thoughtfulness, and public spirit to enable him to transfer smoothly to the Senior School when he is 11.

In the first two years, boys receive most of their teaching from their form teachers but from the age of 9 they are taught by subject specialists. Homework is set at all levels to support and reinforce learning at School. The School uses a homework diary to encourage boys to develop a responsible attitude towards homework, to which we expect parents to give their support.

The school is well-equipped with an Art and Technology block, an ICT room fully equipped with an Apple suite of computers, a Drama studio, and a medical suite. It also has a Music room and additional practice rooms, a large Science laboratory and a modern library with a wide range of age-appropriate reading materials.

Our proximity to the Senior School enables the Junior boys to use the sports hall and swimming pool on the Frognal site. In addition, the 25 acres of playing fields, all-weather pitch and pavilions at Ranulf Road in West Hampstead are only a 10 minute coach ride away.

From the age of 7, boys follow a curriculum which includes English, Mathematics, Science, French, History, Geography, Art, Music, Drama, ICT, DT, PSHE, PE, and Games. As well as Rugby, Football and Cricket, boys participate in Cross-Country, Swimming, Hockey and an annual Sports Day. In all these activities our aim is to encourage participation from as wide an ability range as possible.

All boys have one session per week in the Sports Hall or swimming pool. In Years 3 and 4, boys have one weekly session at the sports field, increasing to two afternoons in Years 5 and 6. Inter-school fixtures are organised in Rugby, Soccer, Hockey and Cricket from Year 4 upwards.