Unicorn School (Richmond)
School summary
A small independent prep in Richmond upon Thames, Unicorn School has been educating children aged 3 to 11 since 1970. With just 159 pupils on roll, it offers an intimate setting where the mixed, non-denominational community is closely knit. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded its top grade of 'excellent', both for the quality of education and for pupils' personal development, with compliance requirements fully met. Around 17 per cent of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting a school comfortable accommodating a range of learning needs.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 27 June 2023
Teaching & academics
Led by headteacher Polly Fraley, the school earned an 'excellent' ISI rating across the board. Academic, Sports and Computer Science scholarships are offered, the last hinting at a forward-looking approach to technology even at primary level. As a feeder for the 11+ years, it prepares children up to the point of transfer to senior schools.
Headteacher · Polly Fraley
Beyond the classroom
Sports and computing are recognised areas of strength, each carrying its own scholarship award alongside the academic route.
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1970
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- No
- SEN support
- 16.98%
- EHC plans
- 1.89%
Mobile phone policy
Children should not bring smart phones, watches, etc to school without the consent of the headteacher. Consent will generally only be given for medical or SEND need. Children in year 5 and below must not bring mobile phones. Year 6 children travelling to/from school on their own may bring a mobile phone with no SMART capability. This will be kept in the school office during the day. Staff must not consult their phones when responsible for children unless in an emergency, nor take photographs. Parents may take photographs for personal use but strictly not to put into the public domain.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £18,684 - £20,124
- Bursaries up to
- 100% of fees
Bursaries up to 100 per cent available from nursery onwards
Schools nearby
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Thomas's College
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The Harrodian School
London, Greater London
The German School
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A small, highly rated prep that pairs strong personal development with genuine access, offering bursaries of up to 100 per cent from nursery onwards.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
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Unicorn School (Richmond) 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.