New State-of-the-Art Learning Centre at the heart of RGS
The Peter Harrison Foundation, has confirmed a £4 million donation to support a new state-of-the-art learning centre at the heart of the Reigate Grammar School (RGS) campus.
A new Sixth Form Centre with café, study area and social facilities allowing students to study, learn and relax will be included in the building. The new facilities will enable increased technology-rich learning for students of all ages and will be surrounded by landscaped gardens. Plans for the centre have been created by award winning architect Cindy Walters, from firm Walters and Cohen, who has focused on creating a beautiful, innovative building with an environmentally sustainable design.
RGS Headmaster, Shaun Fenton, said, “This major capital development will be transformational, adding to the superb facilities that help us deliver a first-class education for the children in our care. We are honoured that Sir Peter and his family trustees continue to be so supportive of Reigate Grammar. I am humbled that their support will enable the school’s biggest ever capital building programme over the next few years.”
The Foundation’s Chairman and Founder, local philanthropist Sir Peter Harrison KGCN CBE, commented:
The Trustees have all been very impressed by the vision of the Headmaster and Governors for the further development of Reigate Grammar School and by the quality of the designs chosen for the new centre itself. This new investment complements the Foundation’s longstanding support for the bursary scheme which has so far benefited 51 Harrison Scholars who would not otherwise have enjoyed the educational opportunities which this prestigious school can offer.
The Peter Harrison Foundation has supported local children through RGS since the year 2000 with financial and mentoring support. The original ‘Harrison Scholars’ have now graduated from top UK universities and are well established in their chosen careers.
The Peter Harrison Foundation was founded by Sir Peter Harrison in 1999. As a keen and active sportsman throughout his life, Sir Peter believes that education and sport provide the key stepping stones to self-development, life choices, confidence and self-reliance. Sir Peter and the other family trustees wish to share his success to help provide opportunities that develop young people’s self-potential through education and sport. The world famous Peter Harrison Planetarium at The Royal Observatory, Greenwich, opened by Her Majesty The Queen in 2007, the Scout Lodge for the Scouting Association at Gilwell Park and the Old Reigatians RFC’s new clubhouse in Reigate are prominent examples of national and local projects that have benefited from the support of the Peter Harrison Foundation.
Currently over a third of RGS students are granted financial assistance with fees through bursaries or scholarships. This is enabled through the generous support of the Peter Harrison Foundation and through the 1675 Bursaries scheme supported by alumni and friends of RGS. Reigate Grammar School was founded in 1675 on land purchased by the people of Reigate following a generous gift from Henry Smith. The school, which to this day remains upon its original site, has enjoyed a long history of philanthropic support and continues to provide life-changing opportunities for talented children from this area.
