Radnor House

On the banks of the Thames at Twickenham, where Alexander Pope once penned verse in his famed grotto, Radnor House occupies a Tudor Gothic revival building with literary heritage woven into its foundations. Radnor House was founded in 2011 by David Paton (formerly a teacher at nearby Harrodian). It has grown into a co‑ed independent day school of about 480 pupils aged 11–18, built around a ‘genuine education’ vision. The riverside setting is not merely scenic; it shapes the school's identity, with rowing boats launching from the boathouse alongside Eel Pie Island and students absorbing the atmosphere of one of London's most characterful stretches of water. Now part of Dukes Education, the school is preparing for a significant expansion to the historic Kneller Hall site in September 2027, a move that will transform its facilities while preserving the intimate, values-driven culture that defines it.

Pope's Villa, the school's home since 2010, stands on the site where Alexander Pope created his famous grotto and gardens from 1719. The current building, a Tudor Gothic pile designed by Henry Edward Kendall Jr and completed around 1845, brings a sense of heritage that extends beyond bricks and mortar. House names reference Alexander Pope alongside three literary contemporaries, tying the school’s location into everyday vocabulary.

The atmosphere is warm and purposeful. Students speak highly of teachers, and the school's compact size ensures that individuals do not disappear into anonymity. Four core values permeate everything: Courage, Excellence, Perseverance, and Respect. These are not slogans relegated to a wall display; they frame the school's vision and appear in day-to-day operations, from behaviour expectations to celebration of achievement.

Amy Cavilla became Head in Sept 2024, joining from Nonsuch High School for Girls (Cheam). Her background, with a BA in French and Spanish from the University of Leeds, brings linguistic breadth to a school already known for its personable leadership style. The change followed the tenure of Darryl Wideman, who oversaw the school's growth and the planning for the Kneller Hall expansion.

The school's cafe, with its impressive range of teas, serves as an informal gathering point where parents congregate after drop-off or meet staff over coffee. This kind of detail, small but telling, illustrates the culture: accessible, community-focused, and unintimidating. At present the upper school has more boys than girls, but Year 5 in the prep is now exactly 50:50, so parity is expected to feed through over time.

Around half of students arrive from local state primaries, a notable feature that distinguishes Radnor House from more socially homogeneous independent schools. Minibuses run from areas such as Ealing, Wimbledon and Chelsea, though most pupils live closer in Richmond upon Thames.

At GCSE, Radnor House achieves results that place it among the stronger independent schools in the region. In 2025, 67% of grades were 9 to 7, with 34.5% at the top grades of 9 and 8. This places the school 321st in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it within the top 7% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks 7th among secondary schools in Richmond upon Thames, a competitive borough with several high-performing state grammars and established independents.

At A-level, the picture remains positive. In 2025, 46% of grades were A* or A, with 79% at A* to B. The school ranks 370th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it within the top 14% of schools in England and above the England average for this phase. Locally, it ranks 6th in Richmond upon Thames for sixth form results.

The school does not chase headline statistics at the expense of individual needs. Class sizes are small, and teachers willingly run A-level courses even when only one or two students are taking the subject. This flexibility benefits those with niche interests who might struggle to pursue their preferred subjects at larger institutions.

Mathematics consistently draws strong take-up at A-level, alongside social sciences such as economics, geography, and psychology. Language take-up is more modest, with only a handful pursuing French or Spanish A-levels. The Extended Project Qualification is growing in popularity, offering students the chance to develop independent research skills valued by universities.

Learning Support

About 12% of pupils receive specific learning support, most commonly for mild dyslexia or dyspraxia, and sometimes hypermobility. The majority receive support within mainstream lessons, with additional English and mathematics available in small group or individual sessions. The current site presents challenges for students with mobility issues, spread across four floors with narrow corridors and numerous stairs. The move to Kneller Hall should address this limitation significantly.

The school holds the Thinking Schools accreditation, reflecting a commitment to developing metacognitive skills alongside subject content. The Konnections programme supports this approach, encouraging students to make links across disciplines and reflect on their learning processes.

Teaching is characterised by strong relationships between staff and students. The school's small size means teachers know their students well, enabling them to pitch lessons appropriately and identify when individuals are struggling. Inspectors at the May 2024 ISI inspection were impressed by how the school's core values of Courage, Excellence, Perseverance, and Respect shape classroom expectations and wider school culture.

The (small) library is used for enrichment events such as an annual Harry Potter quiz and visiting speakers — a good snapshot of a school that takes academics seriously without losing its sense of fun. Digital learning initiatives support curriculum delivery, and the academic enrichment programme extends beyond timetabled lessons.

The curriculum follows a traditional academic model with sufficient flexibility to accommodate individual interests. At GCSE, students take a broad range of subjects. At A-level, the school offers around twenty subjects, sufficient for a school of this size without spreading resources too thin.

University destinations reflect the range of intake, with 60% progressing to Russell Group institutions. University destinations include Durham and St Andrews, Edinburgh and Exeter, plus LSE, UCL and King’s College London; others go to Bristol, Bath, Nottingham and York.

Oxbridge success is modest but genuine. In 2025, three students secured places at Oxford or Cambridge. In the measurement period, three students applied to Cambridge, with one offer made and accepted. The school does not push all students towards the most competitive universities; the guidance team works to match individuals with institutions that suit their interests and abilities.

In 2024, 66% of leavers progressed to university, with 2% entering apprenticeships and 15% moving directly into employment. Around 40% of students leave after GCSEs, typically to join larger local sixth forms. This is not a sign of weakness; rather, it reflects honest conversations about where students will thrive in their post-16 studies. Some prefer the scale and subject breadth of a larger sixth form, while those who stay value the intimacy and personal attention that Radnor House provides.

The school participates in the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, offering students exposure to entrepreneurial thinking and business skills that complement traditional academic pathways.

Main entry is in Year 7 and Year 12; Year 7 typically offers around 100 places. The process begins with reports and references from the current school, which carry significant weight. Candidates start with an informal group interview in autumn term, before sitting written papers in English and maths.

Year 12 applicants submit a personal statement and attend an interview. The school looks for students who will contribute to the community as well as those who will succeed academically.

Registration for September 2026 entry is now closed, though late applications may be considered by contacting the admissions team. Occasional places arise mid-year when students leave, and the school uses the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4) for these assessments. The test, taken on-site, cannot be prepared for in advance and focuses on understanding how students learn rather than testing taught content.

The registration fee is £180, and accepting a place requires a deposit of £3,000, which is refundable upon departure less any deductions for unreturned property.

Open days typically run in October and May. The school also offers private and group tours throughout the year for families who cannot attend scheduled events.

The school's weekly bulletin highlights, any, individuals, who, are and struggling, ensuring that staff across departments can offer appropriate support. Friendship issues are dealt with swiftly, a necessity in a small community where social dynamics matter.

PSHE is delivered through the Reflections programme, running throughout the school and addressing topics from mental health to relationships. The school holds the School Mental Health Award, recognition of its systematic approach to student wellbeing.

The house system provides vertical groupings that foster relationships across year groups. Older students mentor younger ones, and house competitions in academic and sporting spheres build community spirit.

Uniform expectations are clear in lower years, though standards relax slightly as students progress. Sixth formers wear business attire, looking smart without the formality of traditional uniform.

Sport

The school's riverside location shapes its sporting identity. Rowing is prominent, with the boathouse located alongside Eel Pie Island providing direct access to the Thames. Year 7 students begin on dry land, progressing to on-water training from Year 8. Regional and national regatta successes demonstrate the strength of the programme, with students achieving Great Britain representation and national championship titles.

Boys play rugby and football as main winter sports; girls play netball and hockey. Cricket is mixed in lower years, with a recent partnership with Teddington Cricket Club enabling new development opportunities. The U12 rugby team was undefeated last season.

The school uses high-quality local facilities at St Mary's University, Teddington Cricket Club, Teddington Swimming Pool, and Twickenham Rowing Club, supplementing its own on-site multi-use hall and netball and tennis courts at Grotto Road. External partnerships with London Scottish RFC, Believe Perform for sports psychology, MINT coaching, and Lions Sports Academy enhance provision further.

Students have achieved individual distinction across multiple sports, including a Middlesex athletics champion with national representation, a national diving champion, and students selected for football academies, hockey representation at Middlesex and South of England levels, and rugby academy and Middlesex representation.

Sports tours extend the programme, with recent destinations including Lisbon, Barcelona, and Shropshire, plus planned trips to Paris.

Performing Arts

The small studio theatre hosts rehearsals and intimate performances, while larger productions move to off-site spaces, including St Mary’s University and the Waterman’s Arts Centre. Two major productions are staged each year; a recent highlight was the senior show Little Shop of Horrors.

The choir has an annual engagement singing at Hampton Court Palace, a high-profile slot that reflects the strength of vocal work. Roughly one in four has individual music tuition, and the school has put money into online music software to support composition and theory. Drama runs at GCSE and A‑level, and the LAMDA programme adds structured speech-and-drama training.

Creative Arts

The art department is ambitious, using software to create virtual exhibitions displaying student work online. Photography is available at A-level. The absence of design technology is noted, a consequence of space constraints at the current site. The move to Kneller Hall will address this, with studios for art, textiles, and design planned as part of the new facilities.

Clubs and Enrichment

The co-curricular programme spans an impressive range: ukulele, ornithology, chess, puzzles, gardening, fashion and textiles, robotics, and coding. Cookery club runs in the actual school kitchen, led by the chef. The recent introduction of vertical houses adds another layer of community activity and competition.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme offers bronze through gold levels, and the school is accredited as an Eco-School, reflecting commitment to sustainability.

Fees for 2025/26 are £9,584 per term for Years 7 and 8, rising to £9,990 per term for Years 9 to 13. All fees include VAT. This equates to approximately £28,752 annually for lower years and £29,970 for upper years.

Bistro fees are mandatory at £496 per term, covering breakfast, lunch, and mid-morning fruit. First-term fees are payable in advance by 1 July for September entry, with subsequent fees payable by direct debit.

A small number of students receive bursary support, though the school does not publish detailed eligibility criteria or percentages. Families in financial need should contact the admissions team directly to discuss options.

The school day runs from approximately 8:30am to 4pm, with after-school clubs and activities extending into late afternoon. Transport minibuses serve Ealing, Wimbledon, and Chelsea. The current site at Pope's Villa is well-connected by local bus routes, and Twickenham railway station is within walking distance.

The move to Kneller Hall in September 2027 will transform facilities significantly. The 60,000 square foot site will include new science laboratories, design technology suites, studios for art and textiles, dedicated music and performance spaces, a new sports hall, extensive playing fields, an all-weather pitch, and a multi-use games area. Over half the campus is designated Metropolitan Open Land, preserved as green space for students to explore. A Forest School and nature reserve will add outdoor learning opportunities currently unavailable.

Compact site with accessibility limitations. The current Pope's Villa site spans four floors with narrow corridors and numerous stairs. Students with mobility issues will face significant challenges until the Kneller Hall move in 2027.

Modest sixth form size. With around 100 students in the sixth form and approximately 40% of GCSE students leaving for larger local options, the peer group is smaller than at many competitors. This suits students who value intimate teaching but may feel limiting for those wanting a broader social scene.

Limited subject breadth at A-level. While the school runs courses for small numbers, options remain narrower than at larger institutions. Students with highly specific subject combinations may find themselves constrained.

Transition period ahead. The move to Kneller Hall in 2027 represents significant change. Current Year 7 students will experience the transition during their school career, which may bring disruption alongside improved facilities.

Radnor House delivers a genuine, values-driven education in an intimate setting where students are known as individuals rather than numbers. Academic results are strong, placing the school in the top 7% in England at GCSE and top 14% at A-level, while the culture prioritises wellbeing alongside achievement. The riverside location, literary heritage, and rowing prominence create a distinctive identity that sets it apart from competitors.

Best suited to families seeking a smaller community where pastoral care is embedded in daily practice, where teachers know every student by name, and where academic ambition coexists with recognition that different paths suit different students. The impending move to Kneller Hall promises expanded facilities while preserving the school's defining character. For families who secure a place, the educational experience combines genuine warmth with quiet rigour.