Unicorn is a school and nursery for children aged 3 to 11. Most join us in Red Class, our Nursery, and stay until they leave for senior school at eleven. Children also join us at Reception and throughout the school when places become available.
We are a small, one-form entry school, so admissions are personal. If you are considering Unicorn, the simplest thing is to come and see us. We can then talk about your child, the year group you are interested in and what happens next.
When can my child join?
Nursery — Red Class
This is where most children begin their time at Unicorn.
There is no need to wait for September. Children can start as soon as they turn three, at any point during the school year. Nursery runs Monday to Friday, with a choice of half days or full days. Many families begin with mornings and build up as their child settles.
We are non-selective at Nursery and can usually offer a place fairly quickly.
A Nursery place also comes with a guaranteed place in Reception the following year. There is no obligation to take it.
Reception – Orange Class
Reception is our other main point of entry. Children join in the September after their fourth birthday, and we are non-selective at Reception too.
You do not need to have attended our Nursery to join Reception. Many children begin their Unicorn journey here.
Years 1 to 3
Children regularly join Unicorn after Reception, too.
Availability varies by year group, so it is always worth asking us – whether you are planning well ahead or looking for a place at short notice.
We ask to see your child’s school reports and invite them to spend an informal morning with us. It gives us a chance to get to know them, and gives your child a chance to experience Unicorn before any decisions are made.
Year 4 and above
Children can join us in the older year groups when places are available.
At this stage, finding the right fit matters particularly because children are moving towards the 11+ and their senior-school decisions. We will look carefully at where your child is academically, what they have been learning and what you are hoping for from their remaining years at primary school.
If you are considering a move, talk to us. We will give you a clear picture of availability and whether Unicorn could be the right fit for your child.
Joining during the year, or moving from overseas
Not every school move happens neatly in September.
Children join Unicorn throughout the year. Families move into Richmond, jobs change, international relocations happen, and sometimes a school simply has not turned out to be the right fit for a child.
We are also used to families moving to London from overseas and the practical uncertainties that come with it — visas, notice periods, different school calendars and moving dates that are not yet fixed.
You do not need to have everything settled before you speak to us.
If you are working towards a particular date, tell us. The earlier we understand your circumstances, the more useful we can be.
How admissions work
1. Come and see us
The best place to start is inside the school.
You can book a private tour on a normal school day or come to one of our Open Mornings. You are very welcome to bring your child.
2. Talk to us about your child
Lucinda Rodgers, our Registrar, can tell you about availability in your child’s year group and explain the admissions process that applies at their age.
If your child is joining further up the school, we may ask for school reports and invite them to spend an informal morning with us.
3. Register
If you would like to take the next step, registration costs £50 per child and formally places your child on our admissions list.
4. We confirm the next steps
Lucinda will guide you through everything that follows, from availability and your child’s visit to a formal offer of a place.
We try to keep the process straightforward and, importantly, we will always tell you where you stand.
A small school by design
Unicorn is a one-form entry school. Our eight year groups are named after the colours of the rainbow, from Red to Ultra Violet.
Classes are small – usually no more than 22 children – with a teaching assistant alongside every class teacher.
Many subjects are also taught in half classes. It means more individual attention, more opportunity for every child to contribute and teachers who get to know their children exceptionally well.
Being small is not incidental to Unicorn. It is part of how the school works.
Also worth reading
Visit us – book a private tour or come to our next Open Morning.
Fees – what a term costs, what is included and what is not.
Bursaries – help with fees for families who need it and how to apply.
11+ results – our latest results, where our children go next, and every offer and scholarship year by year.
Prospectus – more about the school and what matters to us.
If you would rather talk to someone
Lucinda Rodgers, our Registrar, is the person to ask about places, year groups, an international move, joining during the school year or anything else you would like to discuss.
registrar@unicornschool.org.uk
020 8948 3926
Equity, diversity and inclusion
Unicorn School seeks to be diverse and open-minded, and to foster a culture of compassionate and conscious inclusion. We stand against discrimination, exclusion, harassment, bullying and hatred in whatever form they take.
Fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance, are promoted throughout the school.
We are committed to continually addressing the barriers and challenges to inclusion that may arise over time, both in schools and in wider society.
