PARENT AWARENESS
Parents’ Professional Experience (PPE) Programme – bringing our community together
At Richmond Park School, we believe that our parent community is one of our greatest strengths. With this in mind, we are delighted to continue developing our Parents’ Professional Experience (PPE) Programme, an initiative designed to enrich pupils’ learning by drawing on the diverse professional backgrounds, skills and experiences of our families.
Through this programme, parents will have the opportunity to contribute to school life in a variety of ways, whether by sharing their career journeys, delivering workshops, supporting enrichment activities or participating in special projects across different year groups.
By connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, we aim to inspire curiosity, broaden pupils’ horizons and introduce them to new career pathways and opportunities. At the same time, the programme strengthens the valuable partnership between home and school, encouraging greater involvement and collaboration within our community.
To prepare for the 2026/27 academic year, our Director of Strategic Development, Rebecca Puszti, will shortly be contacting families with further information and an invitation to join or update their details in our PPE database.
We look forward to discovering the wealth of knowledge and talent within our parent community and working together to create inspiring, meaningful and memorable learning experiences for our pupils.
Together, we can bring the world beyond the classroom into Richmond Park School!
SCHOOL NEWS
Welcoming our new Headmistress and Executive Director – Mrs Sandra Radford
We are delighted to welcome Mrs Sandra Radford as the new Headmistress and Executive Director of Richmond Park School.
Mrs Radford brings a wealth of educational leadership experience, having most recently served as Headteacher of Virtus College, a British sixth form in Madrid. Under her leadership, the school experienced significant growth, achieved NABSS accreditation and supported students in securing places at prestigious universities in Spain, the UK and the USA, including Cambridge, Durham and Duke.
Previously, Mrs Radford was a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Gordon’s School in the UK, where she led Sixth Form education, academic enrichment and whole-school teaching and learning. She also holds an MSc in Learning and Teaching from the University of Oxford, alongside qualifications in education, psychology and school leadership.
Mrs Radford is passionate about academic excellence, student wellbeing and the development of the whole child.She strongly believes in creating an environment where every pupil feels valued, supported and challenged to achieve their full potential.
Recognising Richmond Park School’s strong sense of community and family spirit, she is particularly committed to building positive relationships with pupils, staff and parents. Open communication, collaboration and a shared commitment to continuous improvement will be central to her leadership.
Mrs Radford looks forward to working closely with the entire school community, building on RPS’s strong foundations and creating exciting opportunities for every pupil.
We warmly welcome Mrs Radford to Richmond Park School and look forward to this exciting new chapter in our school’s development.
Outstanding IGCSE results – celebrating academic excellence at RPS
We are delighted to celebrate another year of outstanding IGCSE examination results achieved by our Year 11 students at Richmond Park School. These exceptional achievements reflect the hard work, determination and dedication of our pupils, together with the expertise and commitment of our teaching staff.
This year’s results are particularly impressive, with 52% of all grades awarded at A or A* level, meaning that more than half of all grades achieved were among the highest possible. Furthermore, 99% of all grades were strong passes (C or above), demonstrating consistently high academic standards across the year group.
Individual achievements were equally remarkable. Two students achieved straight A and A* grades in every subject, while a further five students attained A and A* grades in all but one of their examinations. These accomplishments are a testament to their perseverance, ambition and commitment to academic excellence.
We are also extremely pleased that 100% of students who applied to continue their studies in our RPS Sixth Form Centre have been offered places on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. We look forward to welcoming this talented new cohort as they begin the next stage of their educational journey and prepare for university and beyond.
These excellent results continue a strong tradition of academic achievement at Richmond Park School, with consistently impressive Cambridge examination outcomes over the past three years, reinforcing our position among Spain’s leading British schools.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our dedicated teachers, whose professionalism, expertise and continuous support have played such an important role in our students’ success. Their commitment to delivering high-quality education and encouraging every pupil to reach their full potential is reflected in these outstanding achievements.
Above all, we congratulate our Year 11 students on their remarkable success. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and look forward to following their continued progress as they embrace new challenges and opportunities.
Well done to everyone involved in achieving another exceptional set of IGCSE results at RPS!
A successful start of the new academic year 2026/2027 – a glimpse into school life at RPS
The new academic year is well under way at Richmond Park School, and our classrooms, sports facilities and shared spaces are once again filled with energy, enthusiasm and excitement.
From our youngest pupils taking their first steps on their educational journey to our senior students embracing new academic challenges, the school is buzzing with activity. Across all year groups, pupils have been settling into their routines, reconnecting with friends, building new relationships and engaging in a wide range of learning experiences.
Whether exploring new ideas in the classroom, developing skills through sport or enjoying everyday moments with classmates, our pupils are already demonstrating the curiosity, creativity and sense of community that make RPS such a special place.
These snapshots of everyday school life capture the spirit of Richmond Park School – a vibrant, welcoming environment where learning, friendship and personal growth go hand in hand.
We look forward to sharing many more memorable moments, achievements and experiences with our school community throughout the year.
Making our home–school partnership even stronger: Parents’ Information Events
Over the past few weeks, Richmond Park School has hosted a series of Parents’ Information Events, providing valuable opportunities for families to learn more about school life, our educational approach and the exciting opportunities available to their children.
These sessions offered parents insights into the curriculum, academic expectations and the various ways in which we support pupils’ learning, personal development and wellbeing throughout their educational journey.
It was a pleasure to welcome so many parents and to engage in meaningful conversations about our shared commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for every child.
At RPS, we firmly believe that a strong partnership between home and school is essential to every pupil’s success.Open communication, mutual trust and collaboration help us create a supportive environment in which children can thrive both academically and personally.
We would like to thank all parents who attended and contributed to these events. Your involvement and feedback are greatly valued, and we encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts and suggestions as we work together to strengthen our school community.
Meet Millie, our school therapy dog
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN EYFS?
A wonderful start for our youngest learners!
Our new Pre-Nursery children have made a wonderful start to their learning journey at Richmond Park School! Over the past few weeks, they have been settling beautifully into their new environment, gradually becoming familiar with daily routines, building new friendships and growing in confidence. It has been lovely to see their smiles, curiosity and enthusiasm as they discover the exciting opportunities that school life has to offer.
Through a wide variety of engaging, play-based activities, our youngest learners have been developing their communication, social and gross motor skills. Creative activities, sensory play, construction games and outdoor adventures are all part of their daily experiences. They are also learning important social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, expressing their feelings and helping one another. Simple everyday routines, including tidying up, washing hands and enjoying snack time together, are encouraging independence and a growing sense of responsibility.
A particularly special moment was the arrival of a new furry friend! Each child received a cuddly deer as a welcome gift from RPS, symbolising their place in our warm and caring school community. These adorable little companions were welcomed with great excitement and will hopefully become treasured keepsakes of their very first school experiences.
We are incredibly proud of how well our youngest pupils are adapting to this important new chapter. Every little achievement, from a first friendship to a new word or a confidently completed activity, is a milestone worth celebrating. We look forward to watching them continue to grow, explore and flourish throughout the year, creating many happy memories along the way!
Strengthening our early years provision
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ms Sophie Pritchard as EYFS Director and ALN Support Teacher, reinforcing our commitment to providing the highest standards of education and support for our youngest learners.
In her new role, Ms Pritchard will focus on enhancing teaching and learning across Pre-Nursery, Nursery and Reception, with particular emphasis on supporting children with Additional Learning Needs (ALN). Through early identification, personalised interventions and targeted support, we aim to ensure that every child receives the guidance and encouragement they need to develop confidence, independence and a strong foundation for future learning.
Ms Pritchard will also work closely with our EYFS teachers and teaching assistants, providing coaching, mentoring and classroom support to promote best practice and further strengthen the quality of education throughout the department.
This appointment reflects Richmond Park School’s wider commitment to continuous improvement and educational excellence. Alongside the many activities and achievements visible to our families, important developments take place behind the scenes, including staff training, curriculum reviews, specialist support programmes and the ongoing refinement of teaching strategies.
By investing in our staff and continually evaluating our educational provision, we strive to create an inclusive, stimulating and nurturing learning environment in which every child can thrive.
We look forward to the positive impact this new role will have on our Early Years community and the continued development of our youngest pupils.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN PRIMARY
Year 6 visit to Rainfer Monkey Sanctuary
Our Year 6 pupils enjoyed a fascinating and educational visit to Rainfer Monkey Sanctuary, where they had the opportunity to learn about different species of primates and the importance of animal welfare and wildlife conservation.
During their visit, the children discovered the stories of monkeys and other primates that had been rescued from private homes, circuses and tourist attractions. Learning about the animals’ experiences helped pupils understand the challenges faced by primates in captivity and the vital role that rescue centres play in providing them with a safe and caring environment.
Throughout the day, pupils showed great curiosity and enthusiasm, asking thoughtful questions and engaging actively with the information shared by the sanctuary staff. They also explored how individuals can contribute to protecting wildlife, from making responsible choices when travelling to supporting conservation initiatives and raising awareness about animal welfare.
The visit provided a valuable opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world environmental issues, encouraging empathy, responsibility and respect for living creatures.
Our Year 6 pupils demonstrated excellent behaviour and a genuine interest in animal welfare, representing Richmond Park School with pride.
It was a memorable experience that not only broadened their knowledge of primates but also inspired them to reflect on how their own actions can make a positive difference in protecting wildlife and our natural world.
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SECONDARY
Visiting the contemporary art at ESTAMPA art fair
On 24th September, our Year 10 and Year 11 Art students, together with Year 13 IB Visual Arts students, enjoyed an inspiring visit to the ESTAMPA Contemporary Art Fair at IFEMA Madrid, one of Spain’s most prominent events dedicated to contemporary art.
The fair brought together 83 art galleries, showcasing their latest collections and offering students a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of artistic styles, techniques and creative approaches. From traditional forms of artistic expression to innovative contemporary works, the exhibition provided valuable insights into the constantly evolving world of art.
One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity to attend personalised presentations by representatives of two galleries, who shared their expertise and introduced students to selected artworks and the ideas behind them. Our students also had the privilege of interviewing artists attending the fair, gaining first-hand insights into their creative processes, inspirations and professional experiences.
These interactions encouraged students to ask questions, develop their critical thinking skills and reflect on how artists communicate ideas through their work. The experience was particularly valuable in helping them connect their classroom learning with the professional art world, while broadening their understanding of contemporary artistic practices.
At Richmond Park School, we believe that experiencing art beyond the classroom is an essential part of creative education. Visits such as this inspire curiosity, encourage independent thinking and provide fresh perspectives that students can incorporate into their own artistic development.
It was a fantastic opportunity for our young artists to discover new ideas, engage with creative professionals and return to school feeling inspired to explore their own artistic potential.
Year 8 explore ecosystems in the Sierra de Gredos
From 28th to 30th September, our Year 8 students took part in an exciting three-day educational trip to the Sierra de Gredos, combining classroom learning with practical experiences in one of Spain’s most beautiful natural environments.
An important part of the Year 8 curriculum, the trip was closely linked to the study of ecosystems in Science and key topics in Geography. It offered students a valuable opportunity to explore the natural world first-hand, deepen their understanding of environmental processes and discover the importance of biodiversity and conservation.
Learning alongside experts in a real-world setting allowed students to connect scientific and geographical concepts with their surroundings, making their educational experience both engaging and meaningful. Field trips such as this have been a valued tradition at Richmond Park School for many years, reflecting the importance of experiential learning within the British curriculum.
Beyond its academic benefits, the residential trip also provided an excellent opportunity for students to develop independence, resilience, teamwork and communication skills. Spending time together outside the classroom encouraged pupils to strengthen friendships, build confidence and create lasting memories with their peers.
At Richmond Park School, we believe that some of the most valuable learning experiences take place beyond the classroom. The Year 8 Gredos Trip is a wonderful example of how outdoor education can inspire curiosity, encourage personal growth and help students develop a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
Strong Science education at RPS – welcoming our new Laboratory Technician
At Richmond Park School, we are delighted to welcome a new full-time Science Laboratory Technician, further strengthening our Science Department and enhancing opportunities for practical learning across Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
Bringing extensive experience from UK schools and a strong understanding of the British National Curriculum, our new colleague will support teachers by preparing specialist equipment, materials and resources for engaging experiments and investigations. Her expertise will also help maintain high standards of laboratory health and safety, following recognised UK guidance, including CLEAPSS recommendations.
This appointment will enable students to enjoy more hands-on scientific experiences, developing their curiosity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in a safe and stimulating environment.
Beyond supporting daily laboratory activities, our new technician will also contribute to the ongoing development of the Science Department by introducing fresh ideas, sharing best practices and helping teachers explore new approaches to practical science education. Her professional experience and knowledge of UK educational standards will be valuable assets in ensuring that our students benefit from engaging, relevant and high-quality scientific learning experiences.
By investing in specialist staff and resources, RPS continues to enhance the quality of teaching and learning, inspiring our pupils to explore, experiment and discover.
We warmly welcome our new colleague and look forward to the positive contribution she will make to Science education at RPS!
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE IB CENTRE
Science comes to life at Richmond Park School
At Richmond Park School, science comes to life through curiosity, collaboration and hands-on learning. Over two days in September, our Science Department organised an engaging project involving our Year 13 IB students, offering them an opportunity to explore scientific concepts, carry out practical investigations and develop their problem-solving skills in a stimulating and collaborative environment.
Throughout the project, students were encouraged to think critically, investigate ideas, conduct experiments and work together to overcome challenges. By applying their scientific knowledge to practical situations, they gained valuable experience in analysing results, evaluating evidence and developing logical explanations. The activities also highlighted the importance of teamwork, communication and creativity in the scientific process.
Beyond the experiments themselves, the project aimed to inspire students to approach science with an open and inquisitive mind. Asking meaningful questions, challenging assumptions and exploring different possibilities are essential elements of scientific discovery. These experiences help students develop not only their scientific understanding but also important transferable skills that will support them throughout their academic journeys and beyond.
At RPS, we believe that science is much more than learning facts and theories. It is about encouraging curiosity, fostering independent thinking and empowering students to seek their own answers through exploration and discovery.
After all, every great discovery begins with the courage to ask: “What if?”
Learning about careers in medicine and healthcare
As part of our ongoing commitment to providing outstanding careers guidance, Richmond Park School was delighted to welcome a visiting doctor from the United Kingdom to lead an engaging and informative medical workshop for our Year 10, Year 11 and Sixth Form students.
The workshop offered students a valuable opportunity to explore the fascinating world of medicine and healthcare, introducing them to a wide range of career pathways, including medicine, veterinary science, physiotherapy and other healthcare professions.
Throughout the session, students gained insights into the skills, knowledge and dedication required to pursue careers in these fields. The workshop encouraged curiosity, inspired thoughtful questions and helped students develop a greater understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with working in healthcare.
At RPS, we believe that connecting classroom learning with real-world professional experiences is an essential part of preparing students for their futures. Through our careers programme, we aim to broaden their horizons, inspire ambition and support them in making informed decisions about their academic and professional pathways.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our visiting doctor for sharing their time, expertise and enthusiasm with our students, making this such a valuable and inspiring experience.
SPORTS
Meet our PE team – inspiring a lifelong love of sport
At Richmond Park School, Physical Education is about much more than developing sporting skills. It encourages teamwork, builds confidence, promotes healthy lifestyles and inspires pupils to enjoy being physically active. Behind this commitment is our enthusiastic and experienced PE Department, a dedicated team bringing a wealth of sporting knowledge, international experience and personal achievements to our school community.
Our PE team consists of Mr Rea, Mr Brougham, Miss Young, Mr Novo and Mr Ballesteros, each contributing their own expertise, sporting interests and passion for teaching.
Originally from Cork, Ireland, our Director of PE & Healthy Lifestyle Mr Rea has over ten years of teaching experience in Ireland and Spain. A keen sports enthusiast, he particularly enjoys football, tag rugby and athletics.
Mr Brougham, from Scotland, brings nine years of PE teaching experience and a strong football background, including coaching young players and captaining Queen’s Park FC at youth level. His sporting interests also include rugby, basketball and gymnastics.
Miss Young, from England, has taught PE for five years in the UK and Spain. Her sporting achievements include competing in swimming at county and regional level, playing club netball and completing the London Marathon. She is passionate about helping pupils develop their physical abilities, social skills and self-confidence.
With 17 years of teaching experience across the UK, Portugal and Spain, Mr Novo brings extensive expertise to the department. A former high jump and triple jump athlete who won Portuguese national titles at under-18 level, he also enjoys surfing, volleyball, skating and gymnastics. He believes strongly in the role of sport in developing resilience, teamwork and leadership.
Mr Ballesteros, from Spain, contributes his enthusiasm for water polo, badminton and athletics. Having played competitive water polo, he understands the importance of dedication, perseverance and teamwork, and encourages pupils to develop healthy habits and positive values through sport.
Despite their different backgrounds and specialisms, our PE teachers share a common philosophy: sport is an essential part of a well-rounded education. Through engaging and inclusive activities, they encourage pupils to challenge themselves, celebrate progress, learn from setbacks and appreciate the importance of working together.
We are proud of our dedicated PE team, whose passion and commitment help pupils develop not only their sporting abilities but also the confidence, resilience and positive attitudes that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Richmond Sport Centre: a fantastic start to our new journey!
This academic year has marked an exciting new chapter at Richmond Park School with the launch of Richmond Sport Centre. After just a few weeks, we are delighted with the enthusiastic response from our school community and the positive atmosphere that is already taking shape.
Our aim is to create a welcoming environment where children, adults and families can enjoy sport, develop healthy habits and improve their wellbeing. It has been wonderful to see our facilities coming to life, with participants of all ages embracing the opportunities on offer.
Our children’s swimming lessons have been a particular highlight, helping young swimmers build confidence, develop their skills and enjoy the water through age-appropriate activities. Adult swimming sessions are also proving popular, offering opportunities to learn, improve technique or simply enjoy regular exercise. Beyond the pool, our CrossFit and Hybrid training programmes have made an excellent start, encouraging participants to improve their strength, endurance and overall fitness in a motivating and supportive environment.
More than just a sports facility, Richmond Sport Centre aims to become a meeting point for our community, bringing people together through a shared passion for physical activity, personal development and healthy living.
We are excited about the journey ahead and look forward to expanding our programmes and welcoming even more participants. A heartfelt thank you to all the families and individuals who have already joined us and contributed to such a successful start.
If you haven’t visited us yet, we warmly invite you to discover Richmond Sport Centre and explore the activities available for you and your family.
This is only the beginning of an exciting sporting journey at RPS!
Golf programme – success continues
We are delighted to report that our extracurricular Golf Programme was a great success during the 2025/26 academic year. Under the guidance of Mr McGarry, the majority of the programme’s objectives were successfully achieved, leading to excellent progress among participants. As a result of this success, the number of pupils enrolled for 2026/27 has doubled.
This growing interest reflects both the quality of the programme and the enthusiasm shown by our young golfers.
To support this expansion, the school has invested in additional golf equipment and training resources. These improvements will provide pupils with even greater opportunities to develop their skills.
We look forward to helping our golfers take their game to the next level throughout the coming year.
We also hope these enhancements will be reflected in strong results and achievements in this exciting sporting discipline.
RichMOVE – move and go: starting the day with energy!
At Richmond Park School, we believe that physical activity plays an essential role in promoting wellbeing, concentration and a positive attitude towards learning. With this in mind, our PE Department launched the first RichMOVE initiative of the academic year, “Move and Go”, on Tuesday 29th September, bringing together pupils and teachers from Year 1 to Year 12 for an energetic start to the school day.
The initiative encouraged everyone to get moving during morning registration and tutor time, dedicating just three minutes to physical exercise before lessons began. Each year group was given a different challenge, ensuring that the activities were engaging and appropriate for pupils of different ages.
Our youngest participants in Years 1 and 2 enjoyed hopping, while Years 3 and 4 took on star jumps. Years 5 and 6 completed squats, and Years 7 and 8 challenged themselves with mountain climbers. Meanwhile, Years 9 and 10 tackled burpees, and our oldest participants in Years 11 and 12 worked together on a plank high-five challenge, combining strength, coordination and teamwork.
It was wonderful to see classrooms filled with movement, enthusiasm and laughter as pupils and teachers embraced the opportunity to be active together. The initiative demonstrated how even a few minutes of exercise can help energise the body, refresh the mind and create a positive atmosphere for the day ahead.
RichMOVE is about much more than physical exercise. It aims to encourage healthy habits, strengthen our sense of community and remind pupils of the importance of incorporating movement into their daily routines. By making physical activity enjoyable and accessible to everyone, we hope to inspire a lifelong appreciation of an active and balanced lifestyle.
A big thank you to Miss Young and the PE Department for organising this fantastic initiative, and to all pupils and staff who participated with such enthusiasm.
We look forward to the next RichMOVE event in October and to continuing to promote our motto:
“Wake the body, wake the mind!”
