Looking for a primary school in Richmond area

[ndlesswaltz]

Hi everyone,

I will be moving into Richmond from Northwest England. I am looking for a primary school for my child who is currently in Year 1. Ideally, the school should have a variety of school clubs or at least one that includes arts, a bit stronger academic focus (I did not study in UK for primary and secondary education hence nonfamiliarity with the UK School curriculum. I need a school who would give me a tiny push so I can help my daughter better if she wants to be academically good). I would also like for the school to have a bit of a green space or playgrounds as she loves playing and running. Her current school has a massive playing ground, grassfields with trees and river on the other side which they sometimes use for forest school. I would appreciate any help and advice.
Oh, probably nondenomination, please. My family has not been consistently active in our religion so I guess any faith schools are out of the window.

Many thanks. 🙂

They are all good there

Do you know where in the borough you are going to live ?

That is already a good news, Unexpectedlysinglemum. Thanks. But do you know any particular school that I can be slightly biased about given my preferences?

Thanks again! 🩵

Hi, Boutonnière. Thanks for replying. I am not sure but I will try to post a map image of the areas I am looking to live at. Give me 1 minute.
Thanks. 😊

I am looking at these local areas. Thanks again for any help.

Private or state? The options are all good - you can’t go wrong really.

Where you live and work are probably still important - crossing the river to deer park before commuting would be time consuming, unless you always work
from home.

All of the schools were formerly very oversubscribed and now less so because of the drop in birth rate. There is also a lot of movement - because the population is quite international and people come and go.

The majority of children I know go to vineyard, marsh gate and deer park (state) - and st Elizabeth’s (catholic). There is also a girls prep, the old vicarage.

I think the vineyard is the greenest - lots of after school clubs. All of these schools have high academic standards and a lot of parents targeting the private secondaries.

If I were you I’d be finding the right house at the right price (which is a bigger challenge), then picking the school.

Tread carefully with the Old Vic, one of their teachers drove her car through their neighbours garden wall and walked away without acknowledging it or paying for the damage. Not the ethics anyone wants their child exposed to.

Might be useful for you to look at which schools have in year vacancies at the moment. Richmond admissions are run by a body called Achieving for Children:-kr.afcinfo.org.uk/pages/community-information/information-and-advice/school-admissions/changing-schools-in-year

I am looking for a state school. Thank you very much for all your responses. I would be taking all of these into account. Additional replies would still be welcome. Many thanks.

Realistically find out what schools have spaces in year one and ask about those particular schools. I don't know the likelihood of schools in that area having year one spaces. If people start saying schools they don't like, you'll just worry if those are the only ones that can take your child.

Kings House and Kew College are good

@ThisFoxInSocks I wouldn't care

I had a look online about Deer Park and The Vineyard (as suggested). I think I like them both, slightly inclining towards The Vineyard due to I cannot see if there is enough green space in Deer Park.

Any thoughts about the two schools? Pros and cons, good and bad? Any would be welcome. Also, still open about other schools.

Many thanks. 😊

deer park is a great school but zero green space, their playground is on the roof top. I’ve not visited vineyard but heard they have very good space and on the hill. Based on where you want to live, there’s anlso Marshgate and potentially Orleans primary. All schools are decent in Richmond. There are more schools towards both Twickenham and East Sheen or barns. However given you will be an in year application, it’s probably best to see where you can get a space first. You could also ask the school for a tour or join the open days to have a feel about the school. All the school are good in Richmond, children are generally happy but sometimes there’s a bit vibe underneath and that should align with your family.

Thank you, Pandadream. Curious, what kind of vibe?

Every school has its own culture, and that’s the vibe I refer to. For example, some school are more strict, they have better academics but I find the kids are a bit “moulded” into one way of behaving, almost losing a little bit personality. Some school are less strict, some may say the behaviour isn’t as good, but I find the kids have more voice. Some are focused on extra curriculums, some don’t have may after school clubs. Usually it’s largely driven by the leadership’s vision. They are all subtly different. I personally would say if you can, visit the school so you “feel” it, otherwise it’s words on a piece of paper done on a particular day. It’s a snapshot rather than how the school really is.

@ndlesswaltz as others have said you won’t have a choice for a year 1 or 2 space because these schools are full for reception so you are reliant on someone leaving. You need to move towards Hampton or Surrey to find primary schools that aren’t full in Reception. Your best bet is to contact the council and find out where the spaces are.

I see. Thanks very much. I will do just this. Having said that, if you know a particular school that has a little bit stronger (not necessarily the best or the top of their game) academic focus, a bit of extra-curricular club variety (especially arts and crafts club), and has green space, those are my preferences. I could prioritise to visit them when I have the opportunity. Many thanks again.

As others have said, phone up and see where has spaces and then make your choice from those. There are lots of schools, mostly all excellent, but not all will have space.

All the schools are good and many excellent, so it really depends where you live in the borough. Towards the east of the borough, East Sheen Primary, Barnes and Sheen Mount are all excellent schools. East Sheen and Sheen Mount have lots of space and Sheen Mount has a swimming pool!

Thanks. I will be looking at these schools first thing in the morning. :)

Thanks. I will be looking at these schools first thing in the morning. :)