Age range. 3–11.
Number of pupils. 220 girls.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Reception–Year 6: £6,250; 5 full days at Little Vic: £5,220.
The Old Vicarage school is a non-selective girls’ prep school based in a beautiful Grade 2* listed ‘castle’ on Richmond Hill. The School was established in 1881 and became a Charitable Educational Trust in 1973. While retaining traditional values, there is a clear vision for the future, and teaching and facilities combine the very best of the old and the new. Girls are admitted into Little Vic pre-school in September following their third birthday. Older girls may be admitted further up the school if a vacancy arises, following a day spent at the school to ensure it is a good fit for them. Girls are expected to remain until the age of 11, being prepared for Common Entrance Examinations at 11+ and for entry to the London Day Schools. A good range of academic, sporting, drama and arts scholarships to senior schools has been awarded to girls over the years.
Work of a traditionally high standard is expected of the girls, and they are challenged and supported in classes of up to 16. Girls in the Upper School are taught by subject specialists who impart a real enthusiasm and love for their subject areas. They will also have a form tutor to provide the pastoral support the school is known for. A system of older buddies, prefects and the Student Council ensures that all girls feel an integral part of the school from the beginning.
Music and drama are active throughout the school. Individual music tuition is provided in a wide range of instruments in purpose-built facilities, and active choirs sing at numerous competitions and collaborations. All girls take part in at least one dramatic production a year, as well as in assemblies to which parents are invited.
The major sports are netball, hockey, football, cricket, athletics and swimming and the school has sports facilities in Richmond Deer Park, Pools on the Park, Barnes Hockey as well as our own gym and playground. Girls compete in fixtures against other schools from Year 3 and have had notable successes in recent years in borough-wide championships. Recent accolades include Richmond Borough Cricket, Netball and Swimming Champions.
Extracurricular activities cater to a range of interests and include art, fencing, sports, coding, music-technology, debating, judo, chess, school newspaper, eco-warriors and drama clubs. All girls in the Upper School attend a residential trip to Sussex, Dorset, Oxfordshire or France and up to 50 join the biennial ski trip to Italy.
Charitable status. The Old Vicarage School is a Registered Charity, number 312671.