Richmond upon Thames isn’t just London’s happiest borough. It’s also an outstanding place for schools – quite literally. A study by Barratt found that Richmond has the second-highest proportion of outstanding state schools in the whole of London.

If you’re thinking of moving to Richmond with your family, this is excellent news. You can enjoy the borough’s green, bucolic feel and high standard of living without making any sacrifices in terms of education. The extensive transport network also means you’ll be able to access central London’s amenities whenever you want. Let’s take a closer look.

Richmond schools guide

Whether primary, secondary or prep, in Richmond you’ll have a wide choice of schools. The borough has a greater proportion of state schools, with a high standard of quality: at the time of writing, all state secondaries in Richmond are rated “outstanding” or “good” by Ofsted. But there’s ample choice for those who prefer private schooling.

Primary

Wherever you are in Richmond upon Thames, you’re likely to be in the catchment area for a great state primary. Parent favourites in the town of Richmond itself include St Elizabeth’s RC, The Vineyard, and Marshgate Primary School. In Twickenham, St Mary’s CofE, St James’s RC and Orleans Primary School are all popular options. All these schools are currently rated outstanding, and you’ll find even more choice across the borough.

There are also two highly-rated SEN schools: Clarendon and Strathmore. They’re both in Twickenham, and both accept children from the age of 4.

Independent primaries in Richmond upon Thames vary in size, approach and focus. For example, Kew College in Richmond is a down-to-earth place with strong academics and a great music culture, while nearby Kew Green is valued for its combination of expert teaching and a homework-light ethos. Meanwhile, Newland House in Twickenham suits those students who thrive in a more traditional and driven academic environment.

These are just some of the options. There are also a number of excellent all-through independent schools that take students from primary onwards, such as Lady Eleanor Holles (for girls), The Harrodian (co-ed), and Hampton Court House (co-ed).

Prep

If you’re looking for a preparatory school, there are a few independent options here. Newland, a co-educational school accepting pupils from ages 3 to 13, is great for those academic performers who do best when challenged. Kings House (boys) is known as a friendly and energetic place with a great headmaster. Tower House (boys) is a paradise for keen readers, while Twickenham Prep (co-educational) is a favourite for its community feel and green spaces.

Secondary

Because all of the borough’s state secondaries are rated either good or outstanding, you won’t have to worry when it comes to standards. Your best choice will really depend on your child’s individual needs and character. Grey Court School in Ham, Orleans Park in Twickenham, and St Richard Reynolds RC are all outstanding places to start looking.

You also have a good choice of independent secondaries, whether co-educational or single-sex. Hampton School (boys) is known as a high-achieving place that also keeps its students happy, while Lady Eleanor Holles (girls), mentioned above, is a fabulous performer across academia, music and sports. Radnor (co-ed) has become known for achieving great results through a sensitive all-round approach that will suit some students exceptionally well.

It should be clear by now that Richmond is a great place to grow up and go to school. The academic offerings are backed up by the borough’s huge variety of green space and its lively cultural scene. The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, in particular, are a tremendous resource for learning and leisure alike.

Richmond transport guide

Because it’s spacier and more affordable, it’s a lot easier to run a car in Richmond than anywhere in Central London. However, you don’t need your own vehicle to get around the borough, which is well-connected to Greater London’s extensive public transport network.

Although it feels like a country haven, Richmond is connected to the centre of the metropolis by the District Line, which also departs from Kew. This brings you an easy, fast connection to the train stations, museums and attractions, and other amenities of the big city. It’s one reason Richmond is so favoured by commuters. You can also take the Overground from Richmond Station in the direction of Stratford. The borough as a whole has no less than fifteen South Western Rail stations, assuring you excellent mobility across local, regional and national levels.

The borough is also covered by the London bus network. Buses are a convenient way to move around within Richmond upon Thames, but they’ll easily bring you into the city, too. The town of Richmond alone has no less than 66 bus stops served by 31 routes. And the views are great, especially from the upper deck!

If you’re a keen cyclist, you’ll thrive in Richmond. It’s a pleasant place to bike, whether you’re making a short trip or going for a long, scenic ride through parks and villages. If you don’t have your own machine, you can easily rent one as needed, either from an independent shop or the Cargo and Lime networks. You’ll find an in-depth guide to Richmond’s cycling culture here, including trails, clubs, shops and hire options.

And of course it’s great for walkers, too. The rolling scenery, clean air and gentle inclines make it a real pleasure to stroll around. And since it’s the only borough to span the Thames, river walks are one of its greatest attractions. Many locals also choose to own a boat, whether for living, travel, or simply messing around on the river.

If Richmond upon Thames sounds like your kind of place, why not talk to Cadogan Tate? Founded in London in 1977, our expert team has all the local knowledge to make your move a seamless one. We also offer specialist services such as fine art removals, storage and interior design. Contact us today to discuss your relocation and receive your free, bespoke quote.