United World College

One of the most important things we can learn is how to understand each other.

A short history of UWC

This idea has been at the heart of what we do at UWC, ever since our first school was founded in 1962. We believe that education can be about more than just personal advancement, or securing a place at university. It can inspire students to discover what connects us all as humans, and to act as champions for a world of peace, collaboration and understanding.

Where it started

“I regard it as the foremost task of education to ensure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self-denial, and – above all – compassion.”

– Kurt Hahn (Founder of UWC)

In 1955, educational pioneer Kurt Hahn delivered a speech at the NATO Defense College in Paris. During his visit, he was inspired by the cooperation and loyalty shown by military men who had very recently been on opposite sides in World War Two.

He said:

“There are three ways of trying to capture the young; one is to preach at them — I’m afraid that is a hook without a worm; the second is to coerce them… and to tell them ‘You must volunteer’… the third is an appeal which never fails, ‘You are needed’.”

The first UWC school opened in 1962. Atlantic College was built on the idea that if young people from different backgrounds were educated together, they could build an understanding which could prevent future conflicts.

It was the height of the Cold War, and many saw the benefits of an idea that valued connection, compassion and service.

By the end of the 1960s, the United World Colleges name had been coined, and a movement started to become a reality.

Today there are 18 UWC schools and colleges and UWC is represented in more than 150 countries through our national committees. Since we opened our doors in 1962, over 60,000 students from over 180 countries have studied at UWC schools and colleges

Timelines section

1962

UWC was founded with Atlantic College admitting its first students, being hailed by The Times as “the most exciting experiment in education since the Second World War”.