Unicorn School, located at the heart of Richmond, is a co-educational primary institution that has been nurturing young minds since its founding in 1970. With a non-denominational ethos, the school offers a welcoming environment for boys and girls aged three to eleven. The school’s commitment to providing a rounded education is evident in its diverse curriculum, which extends beyond core subjects to include Music, Drama, Sport, and Art. This broad approach ensures that every child can discover their strengths and passions.
The school was established by a group of local parents and teachers who envisioned a place where children could flourish creatively while enjoying the learning process in a safe and happy environment. This founding philosophy remains strong today, as evidenced by the school’s excellent academic results and the wide range of senior schools that students progress to after leaving. Recent data shows that students have moved on to prestigious institutions such as Kingston Grammar, Kew House, and Latymer Upper.
Since 2021, Polly Fraley has been at the helm as headteacher. An Oxford history graduate with a PGCE in primary education, Fraley’s leadership style is characterised by her intelligence, approachability, and sense of humour. Her dedication to knowing each child by name and fostering strong relationships with families underscores her commitment to the school’s community ethos. Fraley’s office, with its modern design and open-door policy, reflects her transparent and inclusive approach.
Entrance to the school is non-selective, aligning with its founding principles. Most children begin their journey in the nursery with a guaranteed place in reception. The school encourages early registration but maintains an informal admissions process that includes a chat with the headteacher and basic assessments in Maths and reading. This approach ensures that children are placed in an environment where they can thrive without undue pressure.
The school’s exit strategy is equally thoughtful, focusing on matching children with schools that suit their individual needs rather than those where they might struggle to keep up. This philosophy is supported by parents who appreciate the school’s emphasis on finding the right fit for each child.
The school itself is housed in a former Victorian villa, offering a compact yet generously proportioned space for learning. The nursery and reception classes are situated within a former coach house surrounded by a large playground and multipurpose pitch. The acquisition of adjoining gardens has provided ample outdoor space for play and exploration. Nearby open spaces like Kew Gardens and Richmond Park are frequently utilised for educational outings.
Inside, the school exudes warmth and creativity. Classrooms are named after colours of the rainbow rather than numbers, infusing an immediate sense of imagination into the learning environment. The curriculum is designed to shield children from exam stress while maintaining high academic standards. Specialist teaching in subjects such as Art, PE, Music, French, Science, Drama, and Computing begins early, ensuring that children receive expert guidance throughout their education.
Music plays a significant role in school life, with lessons integrated into the curriculum from an early age. A music pod at the bottom of the garden serves as a hub for musical activities, where children engage in singing and rhythm exercises using innovative methods like coloured beakers. More than three-quarters of students take private music lessons in practice rooms adjacent to this pod.
Art is another cornerstone of the school’s creative offerings. Housed in a bright room at the top of the coach house, art classes provide students with abundant resources to explore their artistic talents. During our visit, students were painting delicate Sakura trees using earbuds on canvas as part of an extended Japanese theme.
Sport is taken seriously yet joyfully at Unicorn School. From Year 3 onwards, students are transported to nearby sports grounds for activities such as football, hockey, netball, and cricket. The school’s commitment to physical education is further demonstrated by its swimming programme for all students on Fridays.
The pastoral care system at Unicorn School is based on encouragement rather than punishment. House points are awarded generously for kindness, thoughtfulness, effort, and achievement. When issues arise, they are addressed calmly through fact-finding discussions aimed at preventing recurrence.
Financially accessible compared to similar local schools, Unicorn School offers bursaries up to 100% from nursery onwards—a rarity among independent schools. Parent events contribute to raising funds for these bursaries as well as other charitable causes.
In conclusion, Unicorn School remains undilutedly loyal to its roots while seamlessly advancing into its second half-century. It offers a fresh breath of air with its varied timetable and wise staff who set children up to become free-thinking members of society.
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