The Old Vicarage School, an independent day school for girls aged three to 11, is a charming institution operating from a Grade II listed castle on Richmond Hill. Established in 1881 and transformed into a Charitable Education Trust in 1973, the school combines traditional values with a forward-thinking approach. The school follows a non-denominational ethos, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in its educational offerings.
The school is known for its strong academic foundation, preparing girls for the 11+ entry into London Day Schools and Common Entrance for Boarding Schools. Impressively, most students achieve their first-choice schools, with numerous scholarships awarded over the years. The curriculum is designed to challenge and support students, with small class sizes of up to 15 girls allowing for personalised attention. In the Lower School, a Form Teacher provides core instruction with specialist input, while in the Upper School, subject specialists impart enthusiasm and expertise.
Music and drama are integral parts of the school’s culture. Individual music tuition is available across various instruments, and choirs regularly participate in competitions. Every student takes part in at least one dramatic production annually, fostering confidence and creativity. The school’s sports programme is robust, with netball, hockey, rounders, athletics, and swimming as major activities. Students compete in fixtures against other schools from Year 3 onwards, achieving notable successes in borough-wide championships.
Extra-curricular activities are diverse, catering for a wide range of interests including art, yoga, computing, chess, and drama clubs. Upper School students attend residential trips to locations such as Sussex, Dorset, Oxfordshire, and France. A biennial ski trip to Italy is also a highlight for many students.
The leadership under Clare Strickland since 2023 has been transformative. With a background in education from Oxford Brookes and Cambridge and experience at prestigious institutions like St George’s Ascot and Millfield Senior School, she brings valuable insights into the educational journey of her young charges. Her approach balances traditional education with innovation to prepare students for future challenges.
The school places significant emphasis on wellbeing. A buddy system ensures younger students feel supported by older peers. The four houses within the school foster community spirit through regular meetings and interhouse events. The learning support room on the top floor caters to students with diverse needs, providing fluid and holistic support tailored to each individual.
Art is woven into many lessons beyond those specifically timetabled for it. The art room is a hive of creativity where students work on projects ranging from mosaics to Picasso-style portraits. Success in competitions attests to the quality of teaching and the talent of the students.
The music and drama facilities are equally impressive. The senior choir recently reached the finals of a national competition, showcasing the school’s commitment to excellence in performing arts. Drama has been enthusiastically embraced by students across all year groups.
Parents appreciate the school’s thorough preparation for the 11+, describing it as nurturing yet effective. The consensus is that girls secure places at schools that suit them best without needing external tutors.
The school’s location offers access to excellent facilities for sports and other activities. Swimming is part of the weekly routine for all pupils throughout the year. Early morning games sessions and PE lessons ensure that physical activity is embedded into daily life.
The Old Vicarage School’s values—curiosity, ambition, resilience, and empathy—are evident throughout its operations. While maintaining traditions such as velvet-collared coats and blazers, the school embraces innovation through partnerships with local institutions like Tower House School.
Wellbeing is prioritised through ongoing staff training and initiatives like wellbeing ambassadors among pupils. Effective communication underpins much of what goes on at the school.
While not particularly diverse in terms of pupil demographics due to its location in south-west London, the school offers wraparound care that supports working families effectively.
Fees are competitive yet inclusive; there are no additional charges for in-house learning support services.
In conclusion, this institution provides an exceptional start both academically and socially within a warm environment where traditional values meet progressive education practices seamlessly—a true gem among independent schools for girls.
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