CATS University Foundation Programme (UFP)
CATS UFP is delivered as a qualification in six CATS Global Schools: Worthgate School Canterbury, Guildhouse School London, CATS Cambridge, Bosworth Independent School, CATS China, and Forest City International School (FCIS), Malaysia.
CATS UFP is closely linked to Year 1 university courses in terms of skills although all assessments have been designed for Level 3 (A Level equivalent) in terms of challenge. Our external examiners, who are academics from top UK universities, scrutinise the programme throughout the year
Subjects by School
All students, regardless of the school they choose, follow the same specifications.
| Subject | Worthgate School | Guildhouse School | CATS Cambridge | Bosworth Independent School | CATS China | Forest City International School |
| Biology | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Business | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Chemistry | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Economics | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| English Literature | ✔ | |||||
| History | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| International Relations | ✔ | |||||
| Mathematics | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Physics | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Psychology | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ||
| Sociology | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |||
| Visual Arts | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Assessment
Students complete the same assessments and examinations for each subject regardless of their school or length of course.
Final exams will all take place in May/June each year.
The qualification is graded on a letter scale A*-U.
We would generally expect UFP grades to be treated as equivalent to A Level. (Universities typically treat them as equivalent).
UFP Spec Sheets
UFP Contacts
Jonathan Hawkins
Director of CATS UFP
Jonathan Hawkins is an education professional with nearly 40 years of experience across UK state schools, the independent sector, and international education. He holds a BA (Hons) in History and History of Art, a PGCE from the University of Cambridge, and an MSc in Education and Training Management. For the past decade, Jonathan has led the CATS University Foundation Programme, improving its structure, enhancing outcomes, and recently expanding delivery to China and Malaysia. He specialises in designing assessment frameworks that align with educational goals and diverse learner needs, while training educators and collaborating internationally to standardise practices. Jonathan’s work focuses on creating meaningful assessment experiences that support both students and teachers in achieving their potential.
Ian Tay
Assistant Director of CATS UFP
Ian Tay is both a practitioner and academic researcher in International Education. Having earned his post-graduate degrees in Economic History from the London School of Economics, Political Science from the National University of Malaysia, and Global History from the University of Vienna, he is also currently working on his Doctorate in Education at the University of Bath, researching on the growth and philosophy behind Foundation Programmes, the A-Levels, and the IB. This also builds up on his professional experience in schools around the world for the past 15 years, including teaching Economics in CATS Cambridge and being the Chief Examiner for Business, Economics, and Financial Trading for CATS UFP.
Ruth Moore
STEM Director
Ruth Moore has worked in the education profession since leaving university and has experience teaching in both State UK schools and the independent sector. She holds a BSC First Degree from King's College London in Mathematics and a PGCE from the University of Manchester. She has worked with the UFP course for over 5 years. Initially teaching the Mathematics course, before taking on the Chief Examiner role of Mathematics and now as the director for all STEM subjects.
Ruth Moore
STEM Director
Ruth Moore has worked in the education profession since leaving university and has experience teaching in both State UK schools and the independent sector. She holds a BSC First Degree from King's College London in Mathematics and a PGCE from the University of Manchester. She has worked with the UFP course for over 5 years. Initially teaching the Mathematics course, before taking on the Chief Examiner role of Mathematics and now as the director for all STEM subjects.
Jonathan Hawkins
Director of CATS UFP
Jonathan Hawkins is an education professional with nearly 40 years of experience across UK state schools, the independent sector, and international education. He holds a BA (Hons) in History and History of Art, a PGCE from the University of Cambridge, and an MSc in Education and Training Management. For the past decade, Jonathan has led the CATS University Foundation Programme, improving its structure, enhancing outcomes, and recently expanding delivery to China and Malaysia. He specialises in designing assessment frameworks that align with educational goals and diverse learner needs, while training educators and collaborating internationally to standardise practices. Jonathan’s work focuses on creating meaningful assessment experiences that support both students and teachers in achieving their potential.
Ian Tay
Assistant Director of CATS UFP
Ian Tay is both a practitioner and academic researcher in International Education. Having earned his post-graduate degrees in Economic History from the London School of Economics, Political Science from the National University of Malaysia, and Global History from the University of Vienna, he is also currently working on his Doctorate in Education at the University of Bath, researching on the growth and philosophy behind Foundation Programmes, the A-Levels, and the IB. This also builds up on his professional experience in schools around the world for the past 15 years, including teaching Economics in CATS Cambridge and being the Chief Examiner for Business, Economics, and Financial Trading for CATS UFP.