What do Richmond families look for in an independent primary school?
When Richmond families start looking for an independent primary school, they want more than good results on a page. They want to know their child will be happy, that they will be known as an individual, and that they will leave ready for wherever the next chapter takes them. At Unicorn School on Kew Road, that is exactly what we have been offering since 1970.
Founded by a small group of local parents and teachers, Unicorn was built on a simple but powerful idea: that children flourish when they are given a rounded education in a safe and happy environment. Over fifty years later, that founding philosophy still shapes everything we do. We are a co-educational independent prep school for children aged 3 to 11, and we remain proudly rooted in the Richmond community.
What makes Unicorn stand out academically?
Our prep curriculum is designed to develop not just knowledge but confidence, resilience and the ability to think independently. We want children to be curious, to ask questions, and not to be afraid of getting things wrong along the way. These are the qualities that serve them well at senior school and throughout their lives.
Our leavers go on to some of the most sought-after senior schools in the area, including:
- Latymer Upper
- St Paul’s
- Kingston Grammar
- Hampton
- Lady Eleanor Holles
- Kings College Wimbledon
- Thomas’s
- Hampton
- Ibstock Place
- Godolphin and Latymer
- Putney High
As one Year 6 parent told us: “both children got places at their first choice of senior school without any external tutoring.” Strong academic outcomes without hothousing is something we are genuinely proud of.
What Enrichment and Extra-Curricular Activities Does Unicorn Offer?
Beyond the classroom, our enrichment programme is one of the richest in the area. There is something for every child to discover and enjoy, including:
• Rock band and music performance
• Virtual reality and technology
• Pottery and creative arts
• Padel, sailing and karate
• Chess, cookery, golf and much more
The Good Schools Guide described us as offering a “varied and visionary timetable” with “wise, impassioned staff” who set children up to become “free thinking, decent and kind members of society.”
How Do I Find Out More About Unicorn School?
If you are looking for an independent primary school in Richmond that combines genuine warmth with real ambition for every child, we would love to welcome you. Book a private tour to see Unicorn for yourself.