We were honoured to welcome His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester on a very special morning as part of our 350th anniversary celebrations. During his visit, the Duke spent time engaging with students and staff gaining an insight into life at RGS today. Greeted by Headmaster Shaun Fenton, alongside the Mayor and Mayoress of Reigate, the Chair of Surrey County Council, and members of the Governing Body, His Royal Highness was guided through a showcase of the school’s values-led anniversary programme. The visit was shaped by the six core values underpinning our 350th celebrations: #BeKind, #BeGiving, #BePartners, #BeGreen, #BeGlobal, and #BeInspired. Through musical performances, art displays and conversations with students, the Duke saw how these values are shaping a generation of young people committed to making a positive difference.
A special moment for students to enjoy was the planting of a commemorative tree by the Duke, symbolising the 3,500 trees being planted through our #BeGreen pledge, a commitment to sustainability and future generations. His Royal Highness was accompanied throughout the visit by Mrs Joosje Hamilton DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, and Sofia McLean, RGS student and Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet. This visit marked the Duke’s second to RGS - his first in 2001, when he officially opened the Peter Masefield Hall, now the school’s dining hall.
Headmaster Shaun Fenton said:
It was an honour to welcome His Royal Highness to Reigate Grammar School. Today was a celebration of our proud 350-year history and, most importantly, of the people who make RGS such a special place. I am incredibly proud of how our students rose to the occasion, showing enthusiasm and pride in every interaction.
The Duke also learned about our plans for the future, including a new state-of-the-art Sports and Activity Centre, made possible by the generosity of Reigatian Andy Paul and our supporters through the Changing Lives, Building Futures campaign, part of our wider 350 Decade of Difference initiative.