New UCL-sponsored academy in Swiss Cottage is six times over-subscribed

An academy, sponsored by one of the UK’s top universities, announced it received just over six applications for every place last week.

UCL Academy, Adelaide Road, Swiss Cottage – which is sponsored by University College London (UCL) – received 1,085 applications for 180 places in the first Year 7 entry form this September.

Some 80 per cent of the applications came from Camden residents.

The academy adopted Camden Council’s standard admissions criteria to decide which pupils received a place.

This looks at how close a child lives to the school, whether they are in care and whether a child has a particular need to attend the school.

Principal Geraldine Davies said: “We are delighted by the response from parents to the opening of the academy.

“Now we have our final students confirmed for our foundation year and are delighted that all the students live within a 0.7 mile radius of the academy.

“This is very much in line with the vision of our sponsor for an academy that provides for the local community.”

Due to the university’s connection to the school, university staff will deliver a programme of master-classes, seminars and summer schools to pupils.

These will be designed to build on the teaching undertaken in class and help to extend students’ understanding of core topics.

It will also help to prepare students for the transition between school and university life.

Such classes will make use of UCL’s laboratory, library and other teaching facilities.