Reigate Grammar School
Reigate Road, Reigate, RH2 0QS
Reigate Road, Reigate, RH2 0QS
Pupils
846
Ages
11 - 18
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Secondary
Head Teacher
Mr S Fenton
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£7,510 to £7,665
ISC Associations
HMC, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Available
Reigate Grammar School, located in the heart of Surrey, is a co-educational day school that has established itself as a leading educational institution in the UK. With a rich history dating back to the 17th century, the school seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, offering a comprehensive education to students aged 11 to 18. The school prides itself on its all-faiths ethos, fostering an inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds can thrive.
The admissions process is highly competitive, with only 150 places available for Year 7, attracting around 350 applications annually. The school draws 20% of its intake from its junior schools, Reigate St Mary’s and Chinthurst, while the remainder come from state primaries and preps. The selection process is holistic, considering teacher feedback and reports alongside tests in Maths, English, and reasoning. The school’s philosophy is to understand children, not just measure them, ensuring that each student is assessed on their individual merits.
Academically, the school is impressive, with 86% of GCSE results in 2023 achieving grades 9-7, and 75% of A-level results at A*/A. The school’s commitment to academic excellence is evident in its ranking within the top two per cent of UK co-educational schools by the Sutton Trust. The majority of students progress to the sixth form, with over 95% of leavers attending Russell Group universities, including popular choices such as Durham, Bath, and Exeter. The school also supports students with extra sessions, including Saturday mornings, for those needing assistance with deferred entry post-A-level.
Teaching and learning at the school are characterised by a balance of academic rigour and pastoral care. The school is not a hothouse but maintains high academic standards through a supportive environment. The emphasis in Years 7 and 8 is on discovering subjects that inspire students, leading to an extended three-year GCSE programme. This approach allows students to delve deeper into their chosen subjects, maintaining their enthusiasm and interest. The school offers a wide range of subjects, including Mandarin, French, German, Spanish, and Latin, with students encouraged to explore their interests.
The sixth form serves as a bridge between school and university, with a focus on seminar-like learning and opportunities for independent research through the Henry Smith Studies Project. The school offers 23 A-level subjects, including less traditional options like Psychology and Computer Science, alongside three BTECs. The introduction of High Performance Learning aims to develop enterprising learners and global citizens, with students embracing educational jargon and concepts such as growth mindset and metalearning.
The school’s extra-curricular programme is extensive, with a wide range of clubs and activities available. Music, drama, and sport are integral to the school’s culture, with every student participating in at least one choral or drama event annually. The school’s commitment to the arts is evident in its numerous performances and productions, while its sporting ethos emphasises values such as punctuality and teamwork. The school’s facilities include a swimming pool, sports hall, and pitches, with additional coaching at Hartswood sports ground.
Pastoral care is at the heart of the school’s ethos, with a focus on student happiness and wellbeing. The school’s approach to pastoral care is innovative, with heads of year and form tutors progressing with students through the school, fostering strong relationships. The school’s commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its scholarship programme, with awards available for students who bring value to the school community. Means-tested bursaries are also available, with the aim of becoming needs-blind.
Reigate Grammar School is a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to excel academically and personally. The school’s commitment to pastoral care, coupled with its strong academic performance and extensive extra-curricular programme, ensures that students leave well-prepared for the future. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please book mark it using the button at the end of this review.
Reigate Grammar School, founded in 1675, is an independent co-educational day school located in Surrey, England. It operates as a charitable trust governed by a board of governors. The school has made significant developments since its last inspection, including the establishment of a wellbeing facility and the addition of teaching rooms. The current chair of governors assumed office in September 2022. The school aims to support each pupil individually, nurturing their talents and preparing them for successful adult lives. It emphasizes academic achievement and extracurricular experiences, fostering confidence and a strong moral purpose among students.
The pupil demographic primarily consists of local families with professional backgrounds, residing within a 15-mile radius of the school. Standardized test data indicates that the overall ability profile of the pupils is well above average compared to national standards. The school has identified 49 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, providing them with additional support. Additionally, four pupils are classified as having English as an additional language, receiving tailored language lessons. The curriculum is adapted for students with particular talents, especially in sports, music, and drama.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a focused compliance inspection in February 2023, assessing the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards. The inspection confirmed that the school meets all regulatory standards, with no further action required. The quality of education provided is commendable, with effective teaching enabling pupils to make good progress. The school's GCSE and A-level results from 2019 to 2022 further affirm this, showcasing strong academic performance.
The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans, ensuring a breadth of material that promotes good progress. The school provides relationships and sex education, adhering to statutory guidance and consulting parents on its policy. The standards related to the quality of education are met, with pupils receiving a well-rounded education that includes spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development. The school actively promotes principles and values that foster responsible citizenship among pupils.
In terms of welfare, health, and safety, the school has established robust arrangements to safeguard pupils, promote good behavior, and prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, and first aid provisions are in place. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance records. A disability access plan is also in place, ensuring inclusivity.
The school conducts appropriate checks to ensure the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors, maintaining a register as required. The premises are well-maintained, providing suitable facilities for pupils' medical and therapy needs, as well as adequate outdoor space for physical education. The school publishes a range of information for parents, including details about the curriculum, admissions, behavior policies, and academic performance.
Parental complaints are handled effectively through a structured three-stage process, ensuring transparency and accountability. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting pupil wellbeing.
The educational quality inspection highlighted the excellent academic achievements of pupils, who display high levels of knowledge, skills, and understanding across the curriculum. Pupils are excellent communicators, demonstrating strong listening skills and creative thinking abilities. Their attitudes towards learning are outstanding, with high motivation and diligence evident in their academic pursuits.
Pupils' personal development is equally impressive, characterized by confidence, self-understanding, and moral integrity. They collaborate effectively and are committed to contributing positively to their communities. The school encourages pupils to deepen their understanding of diverse faiths, beliefs, and cultures, fostering an inclusive environment.
The quality of pupils' academic achievements is exceptional, with excellent examination results across all subjects. The majority of pupils achieve top grades at both GCSE and A-level, reflecting their strong progress and high aspirations. Pupils with special educational needs and those for whom English is an additional language also perform comparably to their peers, demonstrating the school's commitment to meeting individual needs.
Beyond academics, pupils engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities, showcasing their diverse talents. Many participate in national orchestras, sports teams, and competitions, achieving notable success. The school promotes a culture of high expectations, encouraging pupils to take responsibility for their learning and personal development.
Pupils exhibit excellent study skills, utilizing a variety of resources to enhance their learning. They demonstrate strong analytical abilities and are adept at synthesizing information from multiple sources. The school's emphasis on creativity and independent thinking is evident in pupils' work across subjects, including art, music, and technology.
The school fosters a supportive and respectful environment, where pupils feel comfortable expressing themselves and exploring their interests. They are encouraged to reflect on their experiences and develop resilience through various extracurricular activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme and the Combined Cadet Force.
Pupils' spiritual understanding is nurtured through various activities, although some may struggle to articulate its significance in their lives. The school provides opportunities for quiet reflection and encourages participation in activities that promote personal growth and appreciation for the non-material aspects of life.
Overall, Reigate Grammar School is committed to providing a high-quality education that supports the academic and personal development of its pupils. The school's strong leadership, dedicated staff, and comprehensive curriculum contribute to an environment where pupils thrive academically and socially, preparing them for future success. The positive relationships fostered within the school community, combined with a focus on moral and ethical values, ensure that pupils are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.
Last Updated: 8 October 2024
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