We talk to Zoe Dunn, head of University College School Pre-Prep in Hampstead
How long have you been at UCS Pre-Prep"
I became the headmistress in September 2015, when it was known as The Phoenix School. I really enjoy working in such a creative and caring environment; it is a privilege to be a part of a foundation that celebrates diverse learning experiences.
Can you tell us a bit about the school?s history"
UCS was founded in 1830 to promote the Benthamite principles of liberal scholarship and education. That remains the first and over-riding aspiration. Today, intellectual curiosity and independence of mind are developed, self-discovery and self-expression are still fostered, and learning collaboratively is highly valued. UCS Pre-Prep is a small, nurturing school that forms part of the larger University College School Foundation, which educates boys from four to 16 with a co-ed sixth form. We aim to provide our pupils with a happy and enriched learning environment as they begin their school journey. The school has transitioned from co-educational to an all-boys school, what do you think the main benefits of this change are"
UCS Pre-Prep has embarked on a series of changes, mainly the transition to all boys and a Reception entry point from 2018. This brings with it significant benefits for pupils. Boys-only schools have always been popular and the discourse around single sex education is well documented. One benefit an all-boy environment offers is that of ...