Our Guide to Richmond
Education in Richmond
Whether state or independent, Richmond’s schools are a powerful incentive for families to move to the area, and this appeal starts early. The borough of Richmond-upon-Thames is one of the smallest London local authorities but also one of the wealthiest. Ranked by the UK government as one of the country’s top five ‘childcare oases’, it has plentiful pre-school provision of every hue, offering a level of choice that continues into primary age.
Independent prep schools – most co-ed, with a leaving age of 11 or 13 – are highly rated, as are Richmond’s state primaries. Until recently, with some honourable exceptions, local state secondary schools lagged behind. Now, a wholesale transformation has seen rapid improvements with at least one previous ‘avoid at all costs’ low-performer heading parental wish lists with an ever-shrinking catchment area, stellar results and oversubscribed in every year group.
When it comes to private senior schools, Richmond families are spoilt for choice. Co-ed or single sex, highly selective or the next notch down in competition, there are options within easy reach. These are on the doorstep, closer into London or a hop, skip and minibus ride into neighbouring authorities such as Kingston and Merton, or into the wide, open (if sometimes traffic-clogged) spaces of the home counties. Add the unveiling of new state schools (primary and secondary) that have filled educational gaps in a few previously overlooked corners of the borough and it’s a rare resident who won’t find a school which is right up (and – if lucky – right in) their street.
Living in Richmond
While no kings have been crowned in Richmond-upon-Thames (unlike neighbouring Kingston, which boasts seven), its connections with royalty are otherwise unimpeachable, not to mention world famous. The only London borough to straddle both sides of the river (whose twists and turns can make even seasoned residents confused about which is which) it boasts two surviving palaces – Hampton Court, acquired by Henry VIII (after a falling out with its original owner, Cardinal Wolsey) and Kew – tiniest of the royal palaces and once a retreat for ailing George III.
It’s also one of London’s greenest boroughs, from Kew Gardens to the 2,500-acres of Richmond Park, one of three royal parks in the borough. But despite bucolic settings so authentic that one – Petersham Meadows – even boasts visitor-friendly cows each summer, there’s no shortage of upmarket shops, restaurants and online deliveries (the Ocado fairy is familiar with most streets). Enjoying first-class transport connections – central London is a short tube, bus or train trip away – with the regular plane noise overhead an inescapable reminder of the proximity of Heathrow Airport, Richmond’s appeal is easy to see and (thanks to those planes) even easier to hear.
Looking for the best schools in Richmond? Our Education Consultants can help.
Every day, education consultants from The Good Schools Guide help parents find the best schools for their children. Our UK team is spread out across the country, each expert with their own specialist areas of knowledge. If you would like us to help you find a school place or are keen to know more about your family’s education options in Richmond, we are ready to help. Read about our education consultancy services or get in touch by emailing consultants@goodschoolsguide.co.uk.
Your thoughts on education in Richmond
Do you know the Richmond education scene like the back of your hand? We depend on our network of parents and teachers to keep us informed and to guarantee that the information we publish stays fresh and useful. If you know something about schools on your patch which would help other families come to decisions – good or bad, do let us know at editor@goodschoolsguide.co.uk.