Reigate Grammar School – A Comprehensive Review
As a Top 5 Independent Co-Ed Day School for Academic Excellence in the Sunday Times 2026 Schools Guide, Reigate Grammar School is firmly at the top of its game. In this review, we take a close look at academic standards, admissions, school life and pastoral care to help you decide whether RGS is the right fit for your child.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Reigate Grammar School
- Boarding: Not offered (Day School)
- Local authority: Surrey
- Established: 1675
- Pupils: 1,197, sixth formers: 319
- Co-ed: Yes
- Fees: From £9,515 per term (inclusive of VAT)
- Results: 90% 9-7 at GCSE, 67% A*/A at A Level
Reigate Grammar School traces its origins to 1675, and more than 350 years later, it has grown into one of the most decorated independent schools in the country. In 2025, the Sunday Times named RGS Independent Secondary School of the Year, recognition that reflects not just academic outcomes but the full breadth of what the school delivers.
The school draws pupils from well beyond its immediate postcode, with coaches running from Guildford, Purley, Cobham, Oxted and Crawley. Underpinning everything at Reigate Grammar is the conviction that happy pupils thrive and do well, and that philosophy runs through every aspect of school life, from the classroom to the sports field. For parents seeking a school that combines genuine academic rigour with warmth and community, RGS makes a compelling case.
Reigate Grammar School Results
Reigate Grammar School delivers consistently strong academic results, and the 2025 figures reflect a school performing at a high level across GCSE, A Level and vocational qualifications alike.
A Level Results 2025
- 30% of papers awarded A*
- 67% awarded A* or A
- 93% awarded A* to B
The three-year average tells an equally consistent story, with 72% of entries achieving A* or A and 94% reaching A* to B over the last three years.
BTEC Results 2025
RGS also offers BTEC qualifications alongside A Levels, and results here are equally impressive. In BTEC Business, 10 students achieved 19 D* grades and 11 D grades. In BTEC Sport, 4 students achieved 11 D* grades and 1 D grade. When combined with A Level results, 71% of all sixth form entries achieved the equivalent of A* or A, and 94% reached A* to B.
GCSE Results 2025
- 45% of papers awarded grade 9
- 74% awarded grades 9 to 8
- 90% awarded grades 9 to 7
Furthermore, the three-year average holds impressively, with 86% of entries consistently achieving grades 9 to 7, reflecting sustained performance rather than a single strong year.
University Destinations
Over 95% of RGS leavers secure places at their first-choice university each year. Pupils regularly go on to Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Imperial, UCL, Durham and Bath, among many others. International universities feature too, reflecting an increasingly global outlook among RGS leavers.
The breadth of subjects is just as notable as the destinations. Courses range from Medicine, Engineering and Law to Psychology, Animation and the Creative Arts, reflecting a school that actively encourages pupils to follow their genuine interests rather than defaulting to a narrow set of prestigious subjects.
Teaching and Learning in Reigate Grammar School
Reigate Grammar School (RGS) approaches education with a clear and consistent conviction: that happy pupils thrive, and that genuine academic achievement follows naturally from genuine engagement. This philosophy shapes everything from how teachers plan their lessons to how the school structures the school day, and it produces something that is immediately noticeable to anyone who visits.
A Curriculum Built for the Whole Person
RGS designs its curriculum to develop independent thinking, creativity and adaptability alongside strong academic foundations. Consequently, girls and boys leave the school equipped not just with excellent grades but with the intellectual confidence to navigate whatever comes next. Furthermore, the school places real emphasis on preparing pupils for adult life, ensuring that the education on offer feels relevant, outward-looking and connected to the real world.
Beyond the Traditional Classroom
RGS takes a broad view of what learning looks like. The school’s extended curriculum includes:
- A strong focus on critical thinking and problem-solving across all subjects
- Debating, public speaking and oracy woven into school life from an early age
- A dedicated careers and university preparation programme supporting pupils from Year 9 onwards
- Regular visiting speakers, industry partnerships and external competitions enriching the academic experience
- An internationally minded outlook, with exchange programmes and global partnerships through RGS International
Extracurricular Activities in Reigate Grammar School
At Reigate Grammar School, the co-curricular programme sits at the heart of student life, ensuring every pupil feels known, valued and empowered to be themselves from day one. Furthermore, the breadth of what is on offer is genuinely striking, with over 70 weekly clubs and more than 30 sports available to all pupils.
Sport
Sport at RGS is built around one central goal: developing great people. The programme caters for every level of participation, from national-level competitors to those trying a sport for the first time. Core sports including swimming, hockey, netball, cricket, football and rugby each attract over 150 students in weekly co-curricular clubs. Additionally, a flagship partnership with Chelsea FC brings high-level performance coaching directly to the school, alongside opportunities to train at Cobham and visit Stamford Bridge.
Performing Arts
Drama is a particular strength. The school typically stages three or four major productions each year, in addition to evening performances, competitions and examination showcases. The Concert Hall seats approximately 220 and hosts large-scale musicals, while two black box drama studios provide flexible rehearsal and performance spaces. Music and drama collaborate regularly, with joint productions a fixture of the annual calendar.
Clubs and Societies
The range of clubs on offer is as diverse as the student body, spanning robotics, photography, philosophy, debating and even Dungeons and Dragons. Many of the most popular clubs are student-led, launched on the initiative of pupils themselves. Other highlights include:
- Combined Cadet Force with Royal Navy, Army and RAF sections
- Duke of Edinburgh Award at all levels
- Model United Nations
- Community volunteering, with pupils contributing over 15,000 hours of volunteer time each year
- Trips, expeditions and exchanges both domestically and internationally
Programmes Built on Character
Whether navigating the Brecon Beacons on a Duke of Edinburgh expedition or leading a Model United Nations debate, the co-curricular programme at RGS builds confidence, resilience and lifelong friendships. Consequently, pupils leave the school with far more than strong exam results. They leave as well-rounded, socially aware young people ready for whatever comes next.
Admissions Process: Entering Reigate Grammar School
Most pupils join RGS at one of three main entry points: 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9) or 16+ (Sixth Form). Occasional places do arise in other year groups, so it is worth contacting the admissions team directly if you are looking outside these standard entry points.
Year 7 Entry (11+)
This is the most popular entry point. Candidates sit three papers covering Mathematics, English and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning in early January. All candidates are automatically considered for academic scholarships, with no separate application required.
The process also includes an Activity Day, giving prospective pupils a genuine taste of co-curricular life at RGS, as well as individual interviews and a group interview with the Headmaster. The registration fee is £180 for UK applications. The closing date for applications is typically early November, so early registration is strongly advised.
Year 9 Entry (13+)
Pupils can also join at 13+, sitting entrance assessments in English, Maths and Reasoning. This is a less common entry point but a well-established one, particularly for families moving into the area or transitioning from prep schools.
Sixth Form Entry (16+)
Applications for Sixth Form entry should be made during the academic year before proposed entry. Additionally, RGS offers the Gershon Scholarship at Sixth Form level, providing significant financial assistance to pupils pursuing science, mathematics or engineering, alongside mentoring and networking support.
Scholarships
RGS awards scholarships across a range of disciplines. Academic scholarships go automatically to high-performing candidates in the entrance exam, while separate applications are required for Music, Sport and the Headmaster’s Scholarship, which covers Art, Drama, Performing Arts, Dance, Golf and Chess.
Tips for Applicants
- Attend an open morning or book a personal tour to get a genuine feel for the school before applying
- Register early. The November deadline comes quickly and late applications carry a higher fee
- Prepare thoroughly for the three-paper entrance assessment, and make use of the sample papers available on the school’s website
- If your child has a particular talent in music, sport or the arts, a scholarship application is well worth pursuing alongside the standard academic route
Reigate Grammar is selective but not narrowly so. Every applicant is assessed on their potential and character, regardless of age or background, and the school’s balanced 50/50 intake of boys and girls reflects a genuine commitment to co-education in its truest sense.
Reigate Grammar School SEN Support
Reigate Grammar School takes a notably thoughtful and well-resourced approach to learning support, and it stands out in this respect compared to many schools of similar academic standing. The school believes that everyone thinks differently, and it sees this as a strength rather than a challenge.
What Support Is Available
The Learning Support team works with pupils across a wide range of needs including dyslexia, autism, ADHD and sensory processing differences. Provision is tailored and flexible, based on what works best for each individual student. Furthermore, all staff receive ongoing training in neurodiverse teaching strategies, and whole-school INSET days are dedicated to improving provision for pupils with SEND.
The dedicated Wellbeing Centre houses the Learning Support department alongside pastoral staff, and includes the Snug, a quiet room with sofas and bean bags where pupils can find moments of calm when they need them. Additionally, the Learning Support base includes IT-equipped rooms, reading pens, spelling and typing programmes, colour overlays and voice-to-text software.
Support is available across different formats depending on individual need:
- In-class support for routines, transitions and lesson content
- Small group sessions targeting specific areas of difficulty
- One-to-one support where appropriate
- Strategies for managing attention, organisation and anxiety
Things to Bear in Mind
Inclusivity is described by the school as being in its DNA, consistent with a broader ethos of tolerance and acceptance. That said, RGS remains a selective academic school and the pace of learning is fast. Consequently, pupils with more complex or significant needs should be discussed openly with the admissions team before applying.
Reigate Grammar School Testimonials and Reviews
We have had an amazing experience pastorally and academically (son currently in the middle of his GCSEs) and really can’t fault it.
My son has only just started and loves it! The pace and level of work is perfect for him, he’s middle of the road academic wise, not the brightest at his previous school but not bottom either. Reigate is selective but I wouldn’t say they take just the cream, I know of one child who struggled at his previous school (not academic) and got into Reigate, now he’s thriving. They work hard but are valued highly as part of one large family with support all the way.
RGS has supportive teaching – the pastoral care is very strong in all aspects in our experience. They do have expectations of each child achieving to their best ability, but they have amazing teachers who go above and beyond. We can’t fault it and are nearly through now with 2 very different children, both who have enjoyed school. Which is the most important thing as far as we’re concerned!
Frequently Asked Questions about Reigate Grammar School
RGS is selective but considers the whole child rather than exam performance alone. At 11+, candidates sit three papers covering Mathematics, English and Reasoning in January, followed by an Activity Day and interview. Early registration is strongly advised as places are competitive and the November deadline is firm. The school also admits at 13+ and 16+, giving families more than one opportunity to apply.
RGS operates a well-established coach service, helping students travel safely and comfortably from surrounding areas, with an online transport booking system that allows families to view routes, check availability, and manage bookings with ease.
There are seven coach routes serving areas including Banstead, Coulsdon, and Caterham, and two late coaches run Monday to Thursday for students staying for extra-curricular activities (one northbound and one southbound). RGS also offers Reigate and Redhill station shuttle services, making it a great option for older students arriving by train from places like Guildford, Dorking, and East Croydon.
Bursaries at RGS are means-tested and can offer up to 100% fee remission, along with help covering costs such as uniform, meals, IT equipment, and travel, based on both financial need and entrance assessment performance. Families can apply for both a scholarship and a bursary simultaneously, with the two awards combinable up to a total of 100% fee remission.
Over 95% of RGS leavers secure places at their first-choice university each year. Destinations include Oxford, Cambridge, the LSE, Imperial, UCL, Durham and Bath, among many others. The range of subjects is equally broad, spanning Medicine, Engineering, Law, Psychology, Animation and the Creative Arts, reflecting a school that encourages pupils to pursue their genuine interests.
Apply To A UK Day School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help.
Apply To Your Favourite Day School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!