Old Vicarage School is a thriving independent day school for 250 girls aged between 3 and 11 years in Richmond, Surrey. The main school occupies a beautiful Grade 2* listed ‘castle’ in a quiet, residential area on Richmond Hill. The ‘Little Vic’ pre-school operates from a separate site close to the main School.

The School was assessed as excellent following the ISI’s Focused Compliance and Educational Quality Inspection in June 2019. It is a Trust and a Registered Charity, run by a Board of Governors. 

From Reception Class upwards, there is a two-form year group and class sizes are no more than 15 enabling a good pupil/teacher ratio. Children in the Upper School (Years 3 - 6) are taught by subject teachers in mixed ability classes although effective differentiation is expected. All the core subjects in the curriculum are taught by a Form Teacher. Specialist teachers are introduced for subjects such as PE & Games, Computing/ICT, Music, French and Art/DT.

Pupils are offered many opportunities to develop skills and talents through art, music, drama and sport and many after school activities such as fencing, chess, debating, yoga, origami, cheerleading, stop-motion animation, computer programming and Bollywood dancing. Each member of the teaching staff is asked to offer an after-school club activity each term and play their part in the life of this busy school.

The School provides pupils in Years 3 – 6 with their own iPads, there is an ICT Suite and each classroom has a computer and an interactive SMARTBoard TV with access to the internet. The School uses Firefly (VLE) and the ISAMS School Management Information system.

Digital Learning is embedded into all subject areas and staff have ongoing training to ensure that their use of technology is effective and enhances the learning experience for all pupils. All teaching staff are provided with their own iPad and there is a willingness to invest in new technology. The School also employs a full-time IT systems support manager.

Our staff are committed professionals who have been appointed not just for their academic abilities, but because they demonstrate a real warmth and concern for young children. We aim to instil courtesy and common sense in a framework of firm but kindly discipline. 

The school has a budget for CPD and teaching staff are encouraged to attend appropriate courses offered by external organisations.

Richmond is a unique jewel in London’s crown. Often considered London’s most attractive borough it has been a favourite retreat for the rich and famous throughout history. Home to the marvels of Hampton Court and Twickenham Stadium it rivals anywhere in London for things to see and do. Seen as the happiest place in London to live, the balance of being close enough to central London while maintaining a large amount of open green space.

Located just 8 miles south west of central London, Richmond has fantastic transport links with access to London Underground’s District Line and train services to Waterloo. Heathrow Airport is 12 miles away and can be reached easily by road, train or bus and the M3, M25 and M4 motorways all provide easy access to the area.

Richmond is a friendly and lively centre with excellent facilities including numerous shops and boutiques, pavement cafes and bars, charming pubs and sophisticated restaurants serving top class international cuisine. With so much history and heritage, wildlife and leisure activities, Richmond has something for everyone and is a wonderful environment in which to bring up a family.  Along with a variety of galleries, art centres and cinemas, there is the fabulous Richmond Theatre on The Green along with The Orange Tree theatre.

The Borough also offers up some of the most attractive green open spaces within London including a number of Royal Parks, the most notable of which is the famous 2,300+ acres of Richmond Park.  The River Thames is a major feature of Richmond. Running through the heart of the Borough it winds its way for 21 miles allowing for some beautifully positioned riverside homes with fabulous river views.

Landmarks

Kew Gardens and Palace - Experience the Royal Botanical Garden Show at Kew Gardens. Visit the beautiful palace set within the 300 acre setting.

Richmond Park - London’s largest royal park, famous for its rambling heaths and multitude of deer. A popular jaunt West London locals looking to escape the hustle and bustle of London life.

Twickenham Stadium - The home of rugby. Catch England international rugby games here or during the summer the famous London 7s. Make the short walk to the smaller but just as lively Stoop to catch the local premiership club side, Harlequins RFC.

Hampton Court Palace - The famous royal palace that was a favourite for the King Henry VIII. Visiting here is a little journey to the past. During the winter months it is home to one of London’s largest ice rinks which is a fantastic evening no matter who you are.

Old Deer Park - Houses the boroughs favourite pagoda, it is a fantastic little park land. It is also the home ground of London Welsh Rugby Club if you are looking for an intimate family experience watching the sport.