A Tradition of Happy Kids and Great Results!
The Grammar School tradition that has shaped RGS continues to underpin our approach today, but with a distinctly modern ethos. At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: happy kids get great results. Academic success remains a key aim, but it is never pursued in isolation. We foster aspiration, discipline and a deep sense of personal growth, while ensuring our pupils feel supported, confident and joyful in their learning.
Guided by a passionate and dedicated teaching staff, our students are prepared for entry to leading universities and for life beyond, nurtured in an environment that values their moral, social and cultural development just as highly as their grades.
Our Foundations
The first foundation of Reigate Grammar School is recorded in 1675, when Henry Smith, an alderman of London, bequeathed £150 towards the purchase of land for a “free school.” The remainder of the money was raised locally, and in 1684 the vicar of Reigate, the Rev. John Williamson, was appointed Master.
At that time, the school was very small – records suggest just “four poor boys” were enrolled, though others likely attended on a fee-paying basis and boarded with the Master.
Historic Roots
For many years, the school remained closely linked to the parish church of St Mary’s, with successive Headmasters also serving as vicars. In 1862, RGS was re-formed as a grammar school with a board of governors, new buildings, and a growing pupil roll – rising from 36 pupils to a significantly larger cohort in the years that followed.
Under the Education Act of 1944, the school came under Surrey County Council’s control before reverting to independent status in 1976. Girls were first admitted to the Sixth Form in 1976, and to the whole school in 1993.
Though RGS is non-denominational today and welcomes pupils of all faiths and none, our Christian heritage and our connection to St Mary’s Church remain valued aspects of school life, with traditional Christian assemblies continuing to take place there.
A Growing Family of Schools
Our community has grown in recent years through a series of strategic partnerships:
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Each of these schools shares the RGS ethos and high standards, while continuing to flourish as a distinctive school in its own right — with a unique personality, strong parent community, and individual strengths. As part of the wider RGS family, they also benefit from the collective expertise and support of a successful, values-driven group, creating lasting opportunities for every pupil.
The Andy Paul Sport and Activity Centre
We are now looking ahead to our most ambitious development to date:
The Andy Paul Sport and Activity Centre, due to open in 2027.
Thanks to a generous gift from former pupil Andy Paul, and the support of our RGS International partnerships, this cutting-edge facility will include:
- A competition-standard Sports Hall
- A fitness and conditioning suite
- A dance and multipurpose studio
- Outdoor all-weather Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) for sport and play
Construction begins in April 2026. This project builds on the success of the Harrison Centre and reflects our ongoing commitment to wellbeing, excellence, and future generations of RGS students.
