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Unicorn School
Description: Unicorn School1
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Unicorn School
Org 1: IAPS
 
Description: Unicorn School
238 Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3JX
Telephone: 020 8948 3926
Open events: We run daily private tours and Open Mornings termly
Key dates: Open Morning: Friday 9 October 2026 at 9.30 am

Autumn term: Thursday 3 September 2026 to Friday 11 December 2026
Half term: Monday 19 October 2026 to Friday 30 October 2026

Spring term: Wednesday 6 January 2027 to Thursday 25 March 2027
Half term: Monday 15 February 2027 to Tuesday 23 February 2027 (inclusive)

Summer term: Wednesday 14 April 2027 to Thursday 8 July 2027
Half term: Monday 31 May 2027 to Friday 4 June 2027
Age Range: Nursery, Pre-Prep/Infants, Prep/Junior to 11
Day or Boarding: Day, Day Only
Gender: Co-ed
Bursaries and discounts: New entrant bursary, Existing pupil bursary/hardship award
Bursary places – further details
Eligible parents and guardians who might not otherwise be able to benefit from an education at Unicorn School could benefit from a fee discount of up to 50%, depending on the individual and financial circumstances of each applicant.
Any bursary awarded will be means-tested each year and the following are examples of eligibility:
• Parents both working in low-paid employment. Modest home with mortgage.
• Single parent running own business with very low income. Living in rented accommodation.
• Parent/Carer unable to secure employment due to poor health.
• Existing Unicorn pupil where a change in parents’ circumstances has resulted in difficulty in meeting tuition fees.
 
Co-Chairs of Governors: Mr Paul Rathbone and Mrs Charlotte Lee
 
Headteacher: Mrs Polly Fraley
 
Age range. 3–11.
Number of children. 143 Day Pupils: 66 boys, 77 girls.
Fees per term (2026–2027). £3,630 (Nursery half days), £5,695 (Nursery full days) – £7,314 (Year 6).
Unicorn School is a parent-founded, co-educational IAPS prep school established in 1970. Located opposite Kew Gardens, the school occupies a large Victorian villa and converted coach house, complemented by a spacious, well-equipped playground and garden.
The school benefits from access to Kew Gardens and uses nearby sports facilities, including Barnes Hockey Pitch and local swimming pools. Breakfast Club operates from 7.30 am and wraparound care is available until 6.00 pm daily for ages Nursery to Year 6.
Unicorn aims to provide a forward-thinking, nurturing environment where children thrive within a dynamic and creative community. The school encourages pupils to become confident, independent, responsible and self-aware individuals through a broad and stimulating curriculum.
With class sizes of no more than 22, teaching is tailored to individual needs through a variety of methods, regular assessment and specialist teaching, often in half classes. The main entry point is Nursery at age 3+, although children may start from their third birthday. Pupils are prepared for entry at a range of leading London day schools and boarding schools at 11+.
The curriculum extends beyond the National Curriculum and includes specialist-taught Computing, Science, Music, Art, Drama, French and PE. Additional programmes such as Brain Time, Philosophy, Current Affairs and daily reflection sessions promote critical thinking and personal development. Support and extension groups in Reading and Maths ensure that every child can achieve their potential.
Music is a particular strength, with individual tuition available in a wide range of instruments and singing. Pupils can also participate in choirs, orchestra, rock band, recorder groups, music theory and other ensembles.
From Year 2 onwards, every child is provided with an iPad. The school also offers excellent facilities, including a Science suite, Music rooms, library and a state-of-the-art Art and Design Technology room, with interactive whiteboards throughout.
A wide variety of extracurricular activities is available, including sport, languages, performing arts, technology, debate, cookery, golf, sailing, padel, horse riding and more. Pupils enjoy regular educational visits to theatres, museums and galleries, while children aged seven and above take part in residential trips. An optional ski trip is offered biennially for Years 5 and 6.
The School Council, with representatives from each year group, meets weekly with the Headteacher, and parents receive a weekly newsletter.
At its heart, Unicorn is a happy, caring community that prioritises kindness, responsibility and consideration for others. The school is committed to diversity, inclusion and equality, actively opposing discrimination, bullying and exclusion in all forms.
Unicorn School is a registered charity (No. 312578) dedicated to providing high-quality education for boys and girls.