Welcome
For over 500 years we have been at the heart of Hackney, educating young people according to the principles of our founder, Christopher Urswick, who established free education in Hackney in 1520 when he set up a school in The Rectory of his Church.
A School that originally taught 12 children to read, now has over 900 students including a highly successful Sixth Form.
The teachers are all amazing as they dedicate so much time and support to us, so that we can do well in life.
Year 11 student
Richard Brown, Executive Headteacher
Welcome to our prospectus which sets out what The Urswick School has to offer children and their families.
We emphasise the importance of high standards of work and behaviour alongside a strong sense of community and a belief that everyone can be successful. This is summarised in our mission statement: Believe and Achieve. Many of our young people progress to University, including Oxford, Cambridge and other Russell Group Universities. TUS works in partnership with University College London (UCL) who are one of the world’s leading universities, and, organise study visits and master classes for our students.
I have been Headteacher of the school for sixteen years and am proud to lead a staff team of dedicated, hard working and experienced professionals who are supported by The Governing Body. As a Voluntary-Aided Church of England School the Headteacher and Governors establish the policies and strategic direction of the school. Sometimes we do things differently to other local schools and academies. For example, Urswick is the only local secondary school to provide a free school lunch for every child every day, whether they are eligible for Free School Meals or not. We have been doing this for many years – not a single current student has ever paid for their lunch! We have a smart and inexpensive school uniform which doesn’t include a blazer. We ban mobile phones in Years 7 to 11 and confiscate any mobiles that are brought onto our site. We ensure that children are regularly rewarded whenever they do well.
Over many years we have been graded as a good school by OFSTED. Their reports are on our website. We have also been graded as ‘Excellent’ by SIAMs, the organisation which oversees Church of England schools. They describe the school as ‘truly transformational for pupils and staff with an ambitious commitment to high academic achievement for all.
Urswick is a friendly and welcoming school offering excellent care, guidance and support along with high standards of behaviour and academic achievement. I hope very much that you will visit our school to find out more. I look forward to meeting you in the future.
The Urswick Headlines:
TUS graded excellent by SIAMs
SIAMs inspects schools on behalf of the Church of England. In October 2021 we were awarded the highest grade –Excellent. The report stated:
“The Urswick School experience is truly transformational for pupils and staff.”
“The Urswick School is a loving and inclusive community where diversity is celebrated widely.”
This is a lively and extremely happy school, a place of joy and hope.”
Parents’ Views
In a survey of parents with children in Year 7 and Year 9 (June 2023), 98% of parents agreed with the statement:
“My child is safe and well cared for at school.”
99% of parents agreed they would “recommend this school to another parent.”
Health and Well-Being is important at TUS
We were accredited with the Well-Being Award for schools in 2020 and have lessons dedicated to Health and Well-Being in Years 8 and 9. Free period products are supplied to female students. We have a school counsellor and excellent support for students from our Heads of Learning.
Letter from David Laws, MP
Actor Rudolph Walker, OBE, presents students with Artsmark Gold Award
I like coming to The Urswick School because it is a safe environment. I also feel part of a community.
Year 9 student
It takes a village to raise a child.
African proverb
Award winning school building
Our building and facilities are excellent and very well maintained. We won the People’s Choice Award at the Hackney Design Awards in recognition of our school building.
The TUS Sixth Form is Outstanding
ALPs is the DFE recognised organisation which evaluates ‘A’ Level results. Our Sixth Form has been graded ‘Outstanding’ by ALPs – the organisation which evaluates A Level results. In 2023 we signed a long term partnership agreement with University College London.
The Arts are important at TUS
We are an Artsmark Platinum School in recognition of our excellent provision and offer GCSEs in Art, Drama and Music alongside extra-curricular provision.
We are a Christian school not a school just for Christians
We have about 300 Muslim children in our school, plus children of other faiths and no faith. We teach the same Religious Studies (RS) curriculum as other Hackney schools. Students take GCSE RS in Year 10.
The School Day
The day for year 7 to 11 begins at 8.30am, though students can buy breakfast from 8am. During the day there are five lessons with 15 minutes for mid morning break and 40 minutes for lunchtime. Students, other than members of The Sixth Form Academy, are not allowed to leave the school site at lunchtimes.
Every student in Years 7 to 13 receives a free school lunch every weekday, whether they are entitled to Free School Meals or not. Each student is given a choice of a hot main meal, sandwich or jacket potato and a dessert or drink. Fruit pots and salad pots are available – all free of charge. This saves a working family over £500 per child each year.
Other than bottles of water, students are not allowed to eat or drink outside of the canteen area. Cans of fizzy drink and sweets are banned from the site. The day finishes at 3pm in KS3 and 3.15pm in KS4, although many students remain in school as part of our Out of Hours Learning Programme. The Library, which includes ICT facilities, is open before and after school. The Library is also open on Saturdays to support students preparing for exams.
Year 10 and 11 students have a compulsory additional lesson most days as part of their preparation for GCSEs.
The Urswick School seeks to provide the best education for all their pupils. They know that good nutrition for children leads to better learning, so by offering a free school meal to all pupils, they are going the extra mile for their children’s attainment. This act of generosity reveals their Christian ethos in serving the local community with hope and love.
Bishop Rob Wickham, Chair of the London Diocesan Board for Schools
School Uniform
Uniform is compulsory throughout Years 7 to 11. Our uniform is gender neutral, smart, practical and inexpensive when compared to other local schools and academies. Students wear: pale blue shirt, Urswick School tie, navy school jumper with logo, navy blue trousers or skirt, plain black tights or plain navy, black or white socks and plain black footwear.
Muslim girls may wear a plain, blue shalwar kameez. There is a separate smart dress code for the Sixth Form Academy. Mobile phones, smart watches and electronic devices are banned on the school site for students in Years 7 to 11.
Jesus said; if you love me feed my sheep. John 21:17
Rt. Hon. Dianne Abbott MP joins Urswick Students for lunch
Our Leadership & Management Team:
Wood, Director of Finance and Resources
David
Vanessa Moise, Deputy Headteacher and teacher of Drama
Naomi Dews, Assistant Headteacher and teacher of Maths
Richard Brown, Executive Headteacher
Lorna Stannard, Assistant Headteacher and teacher of English
Without exception staff are extremely ambitious for their pupils.
SIAMS Report October 2021
Martha
Braggins, Deputy Headteacher and teacher of Politics
Alan
Hunnable, Assistant Headteacher and teacher of Design and Technology
Rebecca King, Assistant Headteacher and Head of Year 11
Jonathan
Khoo, Assistant Headteacher and Director of Sixth Form
Yasmin Hanson, Director of Operations
Curriculum Organisation
Students at The Urswick School are taught in a variety of mixed ability and set groups. At the beginning of Year 7, students are placed in six mixed ability Family Learning Groups by the Head of Learning following primary school visits. Classes will not usually be above 28.
On entry all students are given a reading test, numeracy test and CATs tests which, alongside information from Primary Schools is used to group students.
Personal, Social, Health and Careers education is delivered via a series of sessions when the timetable is suspended.
The Curriculum
Assessments are thorough and thoughtful, with an ambitious commitment to high academic achievement for all pupils.
Key Stage 3: Years 7, 8 and 9
Art
Citizenship
Drama
English
Spanish
Mandarin
Geography
History
ICT/Computing
Learning Skills
Mathematics
Music
Personal, Social,
Health Education
Citizenship Education
Stepping Stones transition programme (Year 7)
Physical Education (PE)
Religious Studies (RS)
Science
Design Technology
Food Technology
Key Stage 5: Years 12 and 13
Students study up to four A Levels or equivalent qualifications and we offer the following subjects:
Art
Biology
Chemistry
Computing
Criminology
Drama and Theatre Studies
Economics
English Literature
Extended Project
Qualification (EPQ)
History
Law
Key Stage 4: Years 10 and 11
Students have the opportunity to study GCSEs in the following subjects:
English Language
English Literature
Mathematics
Art
Computer Science
Drama
Geography
History
ICT
Mandarin
Music
Photography
Physical Education (PE)
Psychology
Religious Studies (RS)
Science (Combined or Single Science)
Sociology
Spanish
Mandarin (MSK)
Mathematics
Philosophy and Ethics
Physical Education (PE)
A Level and BTEC Level 3
Physics
Photography
Politics
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
In year 12 students take AS Levels in most subjects
For detailed information about these subjects, visit: www.theurswickschool.co.uk
Out of Hours Learning
One of the best things about going to The Urswick School is the different after school clubs on offer.
Year 8 student
In addition to after school homework club, a timetable of activities is published each term.
These range from ICT to Music to Art and Drama. Our extensive range of Sports Clubs before school, at lunchtime and after school include: football, basketball, cricket, trampolining, tennis, badminton, table tennis, netball, volleyball, athletics, rugby and handball. We also have a thriving chess club and organise swimming trips to the Olympic Pool and other visits to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Additional classes, especially for students preparing for exams, take place during Half Terms and the Easter holidays.
The library is open on weekdays from 8am to 5pm, with special Saturday openings.
There is an extensive range of educational trips and visits. In the Summer of 2023 a group of year 10 students visited South Africa. In the summer of 2022 our year 12 students visited Thailand. Closer to home we have visited St Paul’s Cathedral, the Houses of Parliament, the Science Museum, Arsenal Football Club and various theatres as part of an extensive programme of daytime visits. There is an impressive programme of University visits including trips to University College London during KS4 and KS5, and residential study visits in both year 11 and year 12.
None of you truly believes in Allah and His religion until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.
Prophet Muhammad’s saying
(Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahin Al-Muslim)
Working Together
Pastoral Care, Guidance and Support
On entry all students are supported by a permanent Head of Learning for Year 7 who works with an experienced team of tutors. These tutors, known as Urswick Parents, monitor each student’s academic progress and social development. The Head of Learning for Year 7 visits every primary school to meet students whilst they are in Year 6.
Behaviour for Learning
At The Urswick School everyone is expected to behave in a way which promotes learning and achievement. School and classroom rules, drawn up in consultation with students, are on display throughout the building. We promote self respect and self discipline. There is zero tolerance of bullying and breaches of our Equal Opportunities Policy. Incidents are taken seriously and resolved quickly. Visitors frequently comment on the calm, friendly atmosphere around the school. We are part of the Safer Schools Partnership. There is a separate visitors’ entrance to the school and all other entrances and exits are supervised by adults or locked during the school day.
Home / School Communication
Every child is given a Planner to write their homework in and for parents/carers to communicate with the school. The Planner is where children collect their credits – these can be traded for rewards. Those who gain 120 credits get the ultimate reward: a special tea with Mr Brown, the Headteacher, and special guests. At Progress Days and Parents Evenings parents/carers will be given a detailed report about their child’s learning and have the chance to discuss this with the tutor and subject teachers. We log credits, sanctions, homework and parental contact on a system called Class Charts.
Electronic registers are taken in every lesson. This means any concerns about attendance can be quickly resolved. We send you reminders of school events by text message and publish a half termly newsletter. The views of parents are important to us: the Headteacher holds a weekly surgery every Monday from 3pm – 4.30pm where he speaks to parents on the phone and we ask parents to complete questionnaires on a regular basis.
The Urswick School Sixth Form Academy
The Urswick Sixth Form Academy offers a range of A Level and equivalent qualifications. Students study three or four AS Levels, followed by A2s in Year 13. Students are placed in small Family Learning Groups with specialist members of staff to support UCAS applications.
All of our Sixth Form Academy students are given an iPad on long term loan. Sixth Form Academy lessons run from 9.30am to 4.00pm and the school is open to them until 5.30pm and on Saturdays.
The students have sole use of a Study Room and in good weather can study or relax on our Roof Garden. There is an extensive programme of trips and visits, including to a number of Universities. Our Sixth Form students all receive a free lunch every day. This universal provision is unique to The Urswick Sixth Form Academy.
Patience is the companion of wisdom. Saint Augustine of Algeria
There is an extensive range of study trips including residential visits.
Sixth Form Academy graduate destinations
Over the last three years every student in year 13 has secured a University place of their choice or have taken up Apprenticeships. Our graduate destinations include both Oxford and Cambridge, and, Russell Group Universities.
UNIVERSITY
SUBJECT
Bath Chemical Engineering
Bath Pharmacology
City, University of London
City, University of London
De Montfort University
Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles
Law with Criminology
Psychology
Exeter Art History and Classical Studies
Goldsmiths, University of London
Kent University
King’s College London
King’s College London
King’s College London
Kingston University
Met Film School
Middlesex University
Middlesex University
Middlesex University
Middlesex University
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University
Queen Mary University
Queen Mary University
Queen Mary University
Royal Holloway
Sheffield Hallam University
SOAS University of London
Southampton
Swansea University
Criminology
Drama and Film
Politics
Biomedical Engineering
Nursing with Registration as an Adult Nurse
Business Management
Content, Media & Film production
Biomedical Sciences with a Year Abroad
Sport and Exercise Science (Physical Education and Coaching)
Sport
Law with Criminology
Health and Social Care
Cyber Security and Digital Forensics Computer Science (with Sandwich Year)
Criminology and Sociology
Law
Biological Sciences with Foundation
Advertising & Digital Marketing
Computer Science (Foundation)
Adult Nursing
Law with Business
Zoology
Business Management with a Year Abroad
The University of Law Law with Criminology
UCL (University College London)
UCL (University College London)
University of Birmingham
University of Birmingham
University of Cambridge
University of Derby
University of East London
University of Essex
University of Exeter
University of Exeter
University of Greenwich
University of Greenwich
University of Greenwich
University of Greenwich
University of Greenwich
University of Hertfordshire
University of Kent
University of Kent
University of Leicester
University of Leicester
University of London
University of Northampton
University of Northampton
University of Oxford
University of Southampton
University of Southampton
University of Southampton
University of Surrey
University of Sussex
University of Warwick
University of Warwick
University of West London
University of Westminister
University of Westminister
Biochemical engineering
Criminology and Psychology
Philosophy and Politics
Law
History and Politics
Diagnostic Radiography
Architectural Design Technology
Business Management and Accounting & Finance
Chinese
International Relations and Modern Languages
Sociology and Criminology
Architecture
Criminology and Criminal Psychology
BA Animation
Economics (BA)
Diagnostic Radiography and Imaging
Law with Criminology
Economics, Politics and Mathematics
Archaeology
Psychology with Counselling
Chemistry
Psychology
Psychology
Modern Languages and International Relations
Law
Philosophy Ethics and Religion
Asian and Middle Eastern Studies
Mechanical Engineering
Make-up & Hair Design
Russian Studies (4 years)
Criminology
Computer Science
Psychology
Criminology
Introducing our Staff
1 “Teaching at The Urswick School is extremely rewarding. Our students are motivated and courageous with their words in order to debate, write creatively and express independent ideas.”
Alice Pugh, Head of English
2 “It is a real pleasure to teach at The Urswick School, there is a real community atmosphere and our students develop through the use of positive rewards.”
Mohammed Kibria, PE Teacher and Assistant Head of Learning
3 “The Urswick School is a lovely and rewarding place to work.”
Jean Clarke, Assistant to the Director of Finance
4 “I am proud to be part of The Urswick School. The facilities in our buildings are excellent and make a real difference for the students and staff to learn and teach in.”
Chris Stephens, Head of Science
5 “In order for our students to grow into successful well-rounded adults, we must give them the hope and belief that anything is possible. I am proud to be part of a school that does just that; we instil belief in them, so they can achieve greatness.”
Elli Faramarzi, Head of Learning
6 “Drama is a fantastic subject to teach; it’s great to see young people being creative. Every day the students surprise me with their talent in lessons.”
Sarah Conway, Teacher of Drama, Lead Practitioner
7 “The Urswick School is a wonderful place to work with a family atmosphere. It is great to get to know students and watch them grow and flourish.”
Ali Kamara, Assistant Head of Learning and Teacher of Religious Studies
8 “Attending school on a regular basis is an integral part for children to reach their full potential. There is a strong link between good attendance and achieving good results, children who frequently miss school are vulnerable to falling behind. Parents and carers have a duty to ensure their child has a suitable education either by regular attendance at school or otherwise.”
Bilal Batha, Attendance and Family Well-Being Co-ordinater
People from all backgrounds are accepted at The Urswick School.
Year 8 student
Admissions Process
50% of our places are awarded based on the Community Criteria – how close you live to the school.
Families of children in Year 6 can apply for a place at The Urswick School using the Admissions form issued by Hackney Education or the local authority where you live.
We welcome applications from all faiths and families of no faith. We are a Christian School not just a school for Christians. The Admissions criteria at the back of this prospectus explains how membership of the Church of England, other Christian churches or attending worship in other world faiths can assist you in your application. If you wish to make an application using the faith criteria, please complete the enclosed form and return it to Richard Brown, Executive Headteacher, at the school. For any queries about school admissions please contact Martha Braggins Deputy Headteacher, at the school.
Winners of the Sedgwick Medals, presented by Rev’d Nate Hayes
Admissions Criteria
The foundations of The Urswick School have been part of Hackney’s community for over 500 years. We welcome applications from ALL faiths and families with no faith. We are a Christian School not just a school for Christians. We welcome applications from children from all other world faiths for our open or community places and give priority to those who are able to demonstrate a commitment to their individual faith.
The Urswick School has an agreed PAN of 150 students for the academic year 2025/6.
All children applying for a place at The Urswick School will be required to take the Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT) arranged by Hackney Education. Children will be placed in one of four bands based on their CAT score. The boundaries of each band reflect the national range of abilities and are as follows:
BAND
CAT SCORE
Band A Above 110
Band B 101-110
Band C 90-100
Band D Below 90
Where possible, the same number of children will be admitted into each of the four bands to ensure a balanced intake that reflects the full ability range. Children with an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP) and looked after children who do not take the tests will be allocated an appropriate band on the basis of an alternative assessment (for example, KS2 Teacher Assessments in English and Maths).
Having received a band allocation on the basis of their CAT score, children will be awarded places within each band using the oversubscription criteria. Where any other applicant has not been able to take the CAT test, the governors will request a KS2 Teacher Assessment in English and Maths from the primary school.
Parents seeking a place outside the normal age group at secondary transfer or any other time of the school year (in-year transfer) and wish this to continue, should read the guidance regarding out of normal age group admissions in Hackney Education’s Secondary School Transfer Guide available at Hackney Education. Please note that such requests will only be agreed in very exceptional circumstances.
Procedures where The Urswick School is oversubscribed
Where the number of applicants for admission is greater than the published admissions number, applications will be considered against the criteria set out below. After the admission of children with an EHCP where The Urswick School is named on the EHCP (see note 1), places will be allocated to applicants in the following priority order:
A. Foundation (Church) places. (90 places)
For a place in this category, the applicant must regularly attend a Church of England church or other Christian churches or chapels (see note2), or other Christian denominations as defined by ‘Churches together in Britain and Ireland’ or members of the Evangelical Alliance or Afro-Caribbean Evangelical Alliance (see note 2).
To apply for a place in this category, a Supplementary Information form should be completed, so that the governors may consider the application fully, and returned to the school before 31 October, NOT the local authority. If a Supplementary Information form is not returned, the applicant cannot be considered for a Foundation Place.
1. Looked after children and former looked after children who have been adopted (or made subject to residence orders or special guardianship orders) immediately following having been looked after, also Internationally Adopted Previously Looked After Children;
2. Children subject to a Child Protection Plan;
3. Children who are the subject of an Education Supervision Order which names The Urswick School;
4. Children whom the Governors and Headteacher accept have an exceptional medical or social need for a place at The Urswick School. Applications will only be considered under this category if they are supported by a written statement from a medical consultant, senior social worker or other appropriate professional. In each case there must be clear connection between the child’s needs and The Urswick School, and an explanation of the difficulties which would be caused if the child were to attend another school. Parents are requested to note that very few applicants are awarded this priority.
5. Siblings of pupils in years 7 – 11 who will be on roll at the time of admission or previously. A ‘sibling’ refers to a brother or sister, half-brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, step-brother or sister or the child of the parent/ carer’s partner living at the same address.
6. Children living nearest to the main entrance of the school measured in a straight line. For tie breaker see below.
If there are more applicants for places in Category A (Foundation), the remaining applicants without a Category A place will also be considered for a Category B place (Open and Community).
B. Open or Community places. (90 places)
Places in this category are given to all other world faiths and those of no faith.
Applications for ‘other world faiths’ (non-Christian) should return a Supplementary Information Form signed by a Faith Leader, so that governors may consider the application full, and in order to be considered under sub section 6. This should be returned to the school by 31 October.
1. Looked after children and former looked after children who have been adopted (or made subject to residence orders or special guardianship orders) immediately following having been looked after, also Internationally Adopted Previously Looked After Children;
2. Children subject to a Child Protection Plan;
3. Children who are the subject of an Education Supervision Order which names The Urswick School;
4. Children whom the Governors and Headteacher accept have an exceptional medical or social need for a place at The Urswick School. Applications will only be considered under this category if they are supported by a written statement from a medical consultant, senior social worker or other appropriate professional. In each case there must be clear connection between the child’s needs and The Urswick School, and an explanation of the difficulties which would be caused if the child were to attend another school. Parents are requested to note that very few applicants are awarded this priority.
5. Siblings of pupils in years 7 – 11 who were not offered a place under the sibling category in category A, Foundation places, who will be on roll at the time of admission or previously. A ‘sibling’ refers to a brother or sister, half-brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, step-brother or sister or the child of the parent/ carer’s partner living at the same address.
6. Children from other world faiths who have completed a signed Supplementary Information Form by their religious leader.
7. All other children living nearest to the main entrance of the school measured in a straight line.
Tie Breaker
The tie breaker for any category ‘cut off’ will be distance from the school gate to the home address as identified using geographical references determined by the information provided by the borough council in which they live. In the event of parental responsibility for a child being equally shared between separated parents living at different addresses, the home address will be considered to be that of the parent/carer who receives the relevant Child Benefit Allowance. In the case of more than one child having the same distance a decision will be made by drawing lots.
Under subscription of Category A places
If there is an undersubscription in Category A (Foundation Places), additional places will be offered under Category B (Open or Community places).
Find Us
Public transport links
The Urswick School is easily accessible by public transport, either by one of the many bus routes serving Hackney or one of the nearby overland rail stations.
Buses to Paragon Road
From Dalston Junction: 30, 38, 236, 242, 277
From Bethnal Green: 106, 254, 277
From Cambridge Heath: 26
Trains
Hackney Central: London Overground
Hackney Downs: National Rail and London Overground
London Fields: London Overground
Paragon Road, Hackney, London E9 6NR
Shoreditch
Bromley-By-Bow
Clapton & Walthamstow
Stoke Newington
