The Vineyard School Review 2026: Elite Results on Richmond Hill

High atop Richmond Hill, with views that have inspired painters for centuries, The Vineyard School serves a community that expects and receives academic excellence. This three-form entry state primary school has established itself as one of the highest-performing institutions in England. In 2024, its Key Stage 2 results placed it in the elite tier (top 2%) of schools in England, a remarkable feat for a mainstream community school. With a capacity for 630 pupils, it offers a large, social environment while maintaining a sharp focus on individual progress and high-level attainment.

The Vineyard manages the difficult trick of being both high-achieving and genuinely welcoming. The school occupies a split-level site that makes clever use of its hilly topography, providing distinct areas for different age groups. There is a palpable sense of purpose in the corridors, but it is tempered by a creative energy that prevents the atmosphere from feeling like an exam factory.

Ms Frances Bracegirdle has served as Headteacher since November 2021, having previously served as an Associate Headteacher within the school. Her leadership has navigated a significant transition in inspection frameworks while maintaining the school's reputation for academic dominance. The school's motto, Learn, Grow, Flourish, is reflected in a curriculum that balances the demands of the National Curriculum with a broad enrichment programme.

The physical environment is a mix of traditional and modern. Recent investments in outdoor learning spaces and digital infrastructure ensure that pupils have access to resources that rival many independent alternatives. The atmosphere during morning drop-off on Friars Stile Road is one of busy, organised community life, with Richmond Park just a short walk away, often serving as an extended classroom for nature studies and cross-country running.

The 2024 academic data tells a story of exceptional performance. An incredible 94% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, significantly outperforming the England average of 62%.

The school's rankings are equally impressive:

• Ranked 246th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking).
• Ranked 5th among all primary schools in the Richmond upon Thames Local Authority.

This performance sits in the elite tier, placing it in the top 2% of schools in England. Depth of learning is a particular strength; 42.3% of pupils achieved a high standard (greater depth) in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of just 8%. Individual subject scores are equally robust, with a reading scaled score of 109 and a mathematics score of 111, both well above the England baseline of 100.

Teaching at The Vineyard is structured around the "Vineyard Way," an approach that emphasises deep questioning and resilience. Subject specialists are used effectively, particularly in physical education, music, and French, ensuring that pupils receive high-quality instruction beyond the core subjects.

The mathematics curriculum is particularly strong, as evidenced by the 99% of pupils reaching expected standards in 2024. The school uses a mastery approach, ensuring children have a secure grasp of concepts before moving on. In English, there is a heavy emphasis on reading for pleasure, supported by a well-stocked library and regular visits from authors. The school has also recently developed its "Gems" Specialist Resource Provision (SRP) for children with social communication difficulties, including autism, which follows the SCERTS framework to provide a tailored emotional regulation curriculum.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded community school, there are no tuition fees for attending The Vineyard School. The school operates a Charging and Remissions Policy for optional extras and voluntary contributions. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the school requests voluntary contributions for trips and activities, typically payable in a single sum or three installments.

Exemptions from these costs (remissions) are available for families in receipt of specific benefits, such as Income Support or Universal Credit (with a household income below £7,400 after tax). The school also offers facilities for external tests for a set fee (currently £150) and charges for certain administrative requests.

With 630 pupils, the school is large, but pastoral care is managed through a strong house system and close-knit year group teams. The school places significant emphasis on emotional literacy, using the "Zones of Regulation" framework to help pupils manage their feelings and ready themselves for learning.

The latest Ofsted inspection in November 2023 rated Personal Development as Outstanding, noting that pupils' well-being is at the heart of the school's work. The "Gems" provision serves as a hub for inclusive practice, ensuring that pupils with social communication needs are fully integrated into the school community.

The extracurricular offering is extensive and reflects the school's active catchment. STEM is a major pillar, with coding clubs and science discovery sessions. Music is another highlight, with various ensembles and a choir that performs at local community events.

Sporting opportunities are frequent, aided by the school's proximity to Richmond Park and local sports clubs. Pupils participate in competitive leagues for football, netball, and athletics. The "Vineyard Values" of being caring, curious, and courageous are encouraged through all after-school activities.

Securing a place at The Vineyard is a significant challenge. For the most recent intake, the school was heavily oversubscribed, with a subscription proportion of 3.85 applications for every offer.

In 2024, the last distance offered was 1.208 miles. Parents 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. The closing date for Reception entry in September 2026 is 15 January 2026.

The majority of pupils progress to high-performing non-selective secondaries in the borough, such as Grey Court and Richmond Park Academy. However, a significant number of pupils sit the 11-plus for the Kingston and Sutton grammar schools, such as Tiffin or Tiffin Girls. A smaller percentage of pupils move into the independent sector, often securing places at local powerhouses like Hampton School or Lady Eleanor Holles.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. The Vineyard offers comprehensive wraparound care through "Vineyard Owls." Breakfast club begins at 7:30am, and the after-school club runs until 6:00pm. Transport is primarily on foot or by scooter, given the steepness of Richmond Hill and limited parking. Richmond station is a 15-minute walk away.

• Intense Competition: With nearly four applications for every place, entry is fiercely competitive.
• Topography Challenges: The school is built on a significant slope, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues.
• Ofsted Transition: Following a 2023 inspection, the school is currently rated Good overall, with Personal Development rated Outstanding. This represents a move from its previous 2013 Outstanding rating, which the school attributes to the much more rigorous 2019 inspection framework.
• No On-Site Nursery: The school starts at Reception (age 4). Families requiring early years provision must seek local alternatives.

The Vineyard School is a primary powerhouse that consistently proves state education can match the outcomes of the elite independent sector. It offers a rare combination of breathtaking location, rigorous academic standards, and a vibrant community spirit. Best suited to academically able children who will relish a fast-paced environment and families who are prepared to be highly involved in school life. The main hurdle is entry; once secured, the education is exceptional.