The Richmond upon Thames School Review 2026: A Modern Anchor in the Education and Enterprise Zone

The Richmond upon Thames School (RTS) occupies a unique position within the Twickenham landscape, physically and philosophically linked to the Richmond Education and Enterprise Zone. Opened in 2017 and moving into its purpose built home in 2018, the school was designed to sit at the intersection of academic study and local industry. The campus is modern and glass fronted, situated next to Richmond upon Thames College and Harlequins’ Twickenham Stoop, providing students with a physical sense of the world beyond the school gates.

Currently serving 762 students in the 11 to 16 age range, the school has matured quickly from a new starter to a sought after local choice. It holds a Good rating from Ofsted, with a curriculum and culture that emphasizes being "the best version of yourself." While it does not yet have its own sixth form, its location in the heart of an educational hub ensures that the transition to post 16 study is a central part of the school's identity.

The atmosphere at RTS is defined by its architectural openness and its youthful energy. Unlike older London schools with cramped Victorian corridors, the RTS building is airy and light, featuring wide communal spaces that encourage a sense of calm movement. It feels less like a traditional institution and more like a modern workplace or a junior university campus.

Ms Kelly Dooley, the Head Teacher since the school's inception in 2016, has steered the institution through its critical formative years. Her leadership focuses on high expectations and a clear behavioral framework that students and staff refer to as the "RTS Way." This culture is built on three pillars: being ready, being respectful, and being safe.

The student body is diverse and representative of the Whitton and wider Richmond community. There is a palpable sense of pride in being part of a relatively young school, with students often describing a community where they are known as individuals rather than just names on a register. The proximity to the Stoop and local businesses gives the school a professional edge, grounding the students' daily experience in a tangible local context.

Academic performance at RTS is solid and sits in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). In the most recent published data, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 51.4, which is significantly above the England average of 46.2. This indicates that students at RTS are achieving high grades across a broad range of subjects.

The school ranks 1,272nd in England for GCSE outcomes and 16th among secondary schools in the Richmond upon Thames local authority (FindMySchool ranking). These proprietary rankings, based on official Department for Education data, place RTS as a competitive option in a borough known for its high educational standards.

A key indicator of the school's effectiveness is its Progress 8 score of +0.06. This score demonstrates that students at RTS make progress that is in line with or slightly above the England average from their starting points at the end of primary school. It suggests that the school is successfully adding value to its students' education regardless of their academic background.

The curriculum at RTS is broad and balanced, designed to keep doors open for as long as possible. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9), students study a wide array of subjects including Mandarin, which reflects the school's global outlook. Teaching is structured around the principle of "challenge for all," where lessons are designed to stretch the most able while providing a firm scaffold for those who need more support.

Teachers use modern technology effectively, with many classrooms equipped to support digital learning. The school places a high premium on literacy and oracy, with dedicated time for reading and opportunities for public speaking woven into the timetable. Science and Mathematics are strong pillars of the academic offering, benefiting from the school's links to the nearby college and its technical facilities.

In Key Stage 4, the options process is rigorous. While the percentage of pupils achieving grades 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) is 21.3%, the school focuses on ensuring students choose the right mix of academic and creative subjects to suit their future career paths.

Extracurricular life at RTS is vibrant and benefits immensely from its local partnerships. The school's "Enrichment" program is a mandatory part of the week for younger students, ensuring that everyone tries something new.

Sport

Given the school's location next to the Twickenham Stoop, rugby is a major focus. The school has a formal partnership with Harlequins, providing students with access to high quality coaching and facilities. Beyond rugby, the school offers football, netball, and athletics, utilizing its modern sports hall and outdoor spaces.

Creative Arts

The school has excellent facilities for music and drama. The RTS Choir and various instrumental ensembles perform regularly. Drama is a popular choice, with annual school productions that take advantage of the professional lighting and sound equipment in the main hall.

STEM

Innovation is a hallmark of the school. Specific clubs such as the Robotics Club and Coding Society allow students to apply their mathematical and scientific knowledge to real world problems. The school often participates in regional STEM challenges, leveraging its links with local tech businesses.

Pastoral care is organized through a Year group system, with each student belonging to a tutor group that meets daily. The "RTS Way" provides a clear social contract for the school community, focusing on positive reinforcement and clear boundaries.

Safeguarding is a clear strength, with staff receiving regular training to support the diverse needs of the student body. The school employs a dedicated pastoral support team, including a school counselor and mental health leads, to help students manage the pressures of modern teenage life. Transition from primary school is handled with particular care, involving summer schools and induction days that help Year 7 students find their feet in the larger secondary environment.

Securing a place at RTS is a competitive process. For the most recent intake, the school was significantly oversubscribed, with a subscription proportion of 3.65. This means there were nearly four applications for every one of the available places.

Admissions are coordinated by the Richmond upon Thames Local Authority. After siblings and children with specific needs, places are allocated based on distance from the school. In 2024, the last distance offered was 1.438 miles. Families should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to this benchmark. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Fees & Financial Aid

The Richmond upon Thames School is a state funded academy and is free to attend for all students. There are no tuition fees. Parents are responsible for the cost of the school uniform, sports kit, and voluntary contributions for optional school trips or certain extracurricular activities. Financial support may be available for families eligible for Pupil Premium to help with these costs.

The school day typically begins at 8:30am and concludes at 3:10pm, though many students remain for after school clubs and enrichment activities. The school is well served by public transport; it is within walking distance of Whitton station and is served by several local bus routes (H22, 281, and 481).

RTS does not have an on site nursery or primary phase. For families researching the local area, the school is situated within a wider "Educational Hub" that includes Richmond upon Thames College, providing a seamless visual pathway toward further education.

• Competitive Admissions: With a subscription ratio of over 3 to 1, RTS is one of the most popular schools in the area. Living within the 1.438 mile radius is helpful, but parents must remember that distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• No Internal Sixth Form: Currently, RTS only caters to students up to age 16. While its location next to Richmond upon Thames College makes transition easy, students will need to apply for post 16 places elsewhere, which may feel like an additional hurdle for some.
• Modern Environment: The school’s glass and steel architecture and open plan feel are very modern. Families who prefer the traditional, "closed door" classroom feel of older schools might find the RTS environment takes some adjustment.
• Young Institution: While RTS has established itself quickly, it lacks the decades of alumni networks that older Richmond schools possess. However, it compensates for this with its forward looking industry partnerships.

The Richmond upon Thames School is a successful example of a modern, community focused secondary school. It balances academic rigor with a genuine interest in preparing students for the technical and professional world. It suits students who are self motivated and who will thrive in a contemporary, university style environment. For families in Whitton and Twickenham who secure a place, it offers a high quality education with exceptional local links.