UCST

Ashford School is a member of the United Church Schools Trust (UCST) - a leading education charity in the UK. Founded in 1883, UCST has a long and distinguished tradition in the provision of independent education and boarding and currently operates 11 fee-paying independent schools across the UK.

The subsidiary charity of UCST is the United Learning Trust (ULT) which was established in 2003 and is now the largest single sponsor of academies - independently managed specialist state schools. ULT currently consists of 17 academies in areas with some of the worst deprivation index scores in the country. Our state-of-the-art academies are free of charge to attend and welcome students regardless of faith, background or ability.

125th UCST Anniversary Service  

In November 2008, the United Church Schools Trust celebrated 125 years of providing education in the UK. As part of the jubilee celebrations, a service of Thanksgiving, Rededication and Celebration was attended by pupils from Ashford School and other UCST schools and ULT academies. Held in the impressive surroundings of Canterbury Cathedral, the sermon was given by the Most Revd Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town.

UCST pupils and ULT students contributed to the service by giving readings and performances as well as by being part of the choir which led the hymns. During the service, symbols of the life of each school attending the service were brought to the altar by the School Captain, Principal and Local Governing Body Chair. Ashford School presented a shield of the school crest mounted on photographs depicting life and education at Ashford and symbolising the school mantra of Adventurous Learning.

“All our many pupils, parents and staff were inspired to hear Desmond Tutu talk about his deep love of God and his belief in the ability of young people to change the world. It is rare to meet a man of such humility and humour; we will treasure the memory” Mike Buchanan, Head of Ashford School.

To see a video of the UCST/ULT service at Canterbury Cathedral, click here >>

To read more about UCST and ULT visit www.ucst.org.uk.