Registration is how we start looking for a place for your child. It costs £50 per child.
If you have not seen Unicorn yet, come and visit us first. Almost every family does. Half an hour inside the school while it is busy — seeing the classrooms, meeting the children and talking to us — tells you far more than any form can.
How places are offered
Priority is given first to siblings of children already at Unicorn, and then to children of former Unicorn pupils.
In Nursery and Reception, we can usually offer places fairly quickly. For Years 1 and above, availability varies by year group, so it is always worth asking us — even if you are looking for a place at short notice.
Once you register, Lucinda Rodgers, our Registrar, will look at your child’s year group with Mrs Fraley and come back to you with a clear picture, normally within a few days.
We are used to families coming to us at all sorts of points in the year — following a move into the area, a change of job, a move from overseas or simply because another school has not turned out to be the right fit. Children can and do join Unicorn during the school year.
So if the timing feels awkward, ask us anyway. If we can offer a place, we will tell you. If we cannot, we will give you as realistic a sense as we can of whether one is likely to become available.
Tell us about your child
If there is anything it would be useful for us to know about your child — something they find harder than the rest, support they have received before, or simply something that will help us understand them better — do mention it when we speak, or email Lucinda at any point.
There is one class in each year group, with a teaching assistant alongside every class teacher, so we come to know our children very well. It also means we want to understand each child properly before they join us, and be confident that Unicorn is the right environment for them.
Before you start
The form takes about five minutes.
You will need your child’s full name and date of birth, and the year group you would like them to join. If you are registering more than one child, you can add them on the same form.
Registration does not commit you to taking a place. The £50 registration fee is non-refundable and is not deducted from your school fees.
What happens next
Lucinda will be in touch after we receive your registration, normally within a few days.
If there is a place available in your child’s year group, she will talk you through the next steps. If there is not one at the moment, your child can remain on our admissions list and we will contact you if that changes.
We know that choosing a school often sits alongside other decisions — house moves, new jobs, siblings and international relocations. If you are working to a particular date, tell us. We will always try to give you as clear an answer as we can.
When you accept a place
When you accept a place, each family provides the school with a £3,000 interest-free Loan Note.
Unlike a conventional school deposit, the Loan Note is repaid in full after your last child leaves Unicorn.
There is another reason for it, too. The Loan Note gives your family membership of the charitable trust that owns Unicorn.
Unicorn is not owned by a commercial school group. Our families are members of the school.
Questions we are often asked
Can I register more than one child?
Yes. You can register siblings on the same form. The registration fee is £50 for each child.
My child is not three yet. Is it too early?
No. Families often register well in advance, particularly for Nursery and Reception. Children join our Nursery from the day they turn three, or the September after their third birthday.
Can my child join during the school year?
Yes. Children join Unicorn at different points during the year when places are available. It is always worth asking us.
Do I have to visit before registering?
No, but we would much rather you did. You can join one of our Open Mornings or arrange a private tour on a normal school day.
Does registering guarantee a place?
No. Registration means we can consider your child for a place and keep you informed about availability in the relevant year group.
Is the £50 registration fee refundable?
No. The registration fee is non-refundable and is not deducted from your school fees.
What if our plans change?
Just let us know. We will remove your child from our admissions list and there is nothing further to pay.
Still have a question?
Admissions do not always fit neatly into a form. If your circumstances are unusual, you are moving from overseas, you need a place quickly, or you would simply rather talk to someone first, please contact us.
Lucinda Rodgers, Registrar
registrar@unicornschool.org.uk
020 8948 3926
