Located in the centre of the historic town of Guildford, the RGS is an independent day school for around 990 boys aged 11 to 18, some 280 of whom are in the Sixth Form. As a flagship for boys’ education, the School has a national reputation for academic excellence but also prides itself on its traditional values of decency and respect, supported by outstanding pastoral care. RGS boys have the opportunity to experience the widest range of enriching activities providing them with a broad and balanced education. Academic excellence is at the very heart of the School’s philosophy. The RGS aims to encourage the growth of intellectual curiosity and creativity and to inculcate a lifelong love of learning in the boys. The RGS is consistently one of the top five boys’ schools in the country at both A level and GCSE and is extremely proud of its Oxbridge record; in the last decade 251 places have been secured.
Buildings and facilities. The Tudor buildings in Guildford’s High Street have been at the very heart of the RGS for over five centuries. The School was founded by Robert Beckingham in 1509 and established by King Edward VI’s Charter of 1552, which decreed that there should be ‘… one Grammar School in Guildford … for the Education, Institution and Instruction of Boys and Youths in Grammar at all future times for ever to endure’. Among the first in the country to be purpose-built, the original buildings contain a remarkable Chained Library, which is now the Headmaster’s Study. The School enjoys facilities appropriate to education in the 21st century, including a state-of-the-art Music School, Art School, purpose-built Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall and the John Brown Building which houses the innovative Design and Technology centre. The Sports Ground at Bradstone Brook provides 20 acres of pitches, tennis courts and a pavilion overlooking the pitches. The School also benefits from the use of nationally renowned sports facilities in the immediate proximity, including Surrey Sports Park.
Curriculum. The school day is from 8.45 am to 4.00 pm; there are no lessons on Saturdays. Many co-curricular activities and clubs take place after school, however. In the first two years (Years 7 and 8 nationally), all boys follow a common curriculum embodying the programmes of study for Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum. The subjects studied are English, French or Spanish, Geography, History, Latin, Maths, Digital Learning, RE, PE, Art, Music, Drama, Design and Technology, and Integrated Science. In the Second Form, the boys study the separate sciences.
In the Third Form (Year 9) the boys continue to follow a core curriculum of study for Key Stage 3, but also begin to specialise by choosing to study from a pool of options, providing the opportunity to explore subjects in more depth. These optional subjects include additional languages – German and Ancient Greek. In addition, all boys study Computational Thinking.
GCSEs and IGCSEs are offered with boys taking ten subjects out of the 23 available. At GCSE, additional subjects include PE and Computer Science, as well as a range of ancient and modern languages. The opportunity exists to study Arabic, Mandarin, Japanese and Russian off timetable.
All Sixth Form boys take four subjects in the Lower Sixth Form and then three or four at A level. A broad range of subjects are offered, all of which are well regarded by the leading universities. The Sixth Form curriculum also includes a rigorous, in-house research project and a General Studies programme organised in conjunction with Guildford High School and Tormead School.
Religion. The ethos of the RGS is firmly based on traditional Christian principles and the School has strong links with Holy Trinity Church in the centre of the town and Guildford Cathedral; however, as a non-denominational school, boys from all faiths are welcomed. A diverse, stimulating assembly programme provides the opportunity for collective worship and broadens the boys’ horizons while establishing a tolerant set of values. Religious Education lessons, which are an integral part of the School’s curriculum, further contribute to developing each individual’s moral compass.
Pastoral care. Respect, tolerance and understanding of others characterise daily life at the RGS and the very strong rapport between boys and teachers makes for a vibrant environment. The boys establish lasting relationships within the year group; in addition, the house system, mentoring, and role of all senior boys as prefects ensure friendships are forged throughout the School. The outstanding pastoral care on offer from dedicated form tutors, heads of year and personal tutors, all overseen by the Senior Deputy Head, enables the boys to thrive in a mutually supportive environment where every boy can flourish as an individual.
Co-curricular activities. The exceptional range of co-curricular activities offered is one of the greatest strengths of the School; there are currently over 70 societies at the RGS. These range from air rifle, chess, Christian Union, drama, Model United Nations, music, philosophy, squash to Young Enterprise. Boys have the opportunity to take Bronze, Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award through the Combined Cadet Force or Outdoor Pursuits. Over 30% of students learn a musical instrument and they can join a variety of instrumental groups including Big Band, School Orchestra, Choir and a strong Choral Society. There are many opportunities for boys throughout the School to get involved in drama productions, both for the School and their house.
Games. The School’s principal games are rugby, hockey and cricket, although as boys move up the School their sporting options widen considerably. Sports available include athletics, badminton, basketball, cross-country running, fencing, football, golf, sailing, shooting, swimming and tennis. Professional coaching and outstanding facilities develop the skill levels of boys of all abilities; the School takes pride in providing competitive sport and opportunities for all while also nurturing the very best of sporting talent. The School currently has a significant number of boys who are competing for county, national and international honours.
Admission. Boys may be considered for entry to the RGS at any age between 11 and 16. The usual ages of entry, however, are at 11+ and 16+ into the Sixth Form. All applicants wanting a place at 11+ take the entrance examinations in the November of Year 6 and new boys are admitted in September of each year. The Headmaster is pleased to meet parents in small groups, arrange for them to see the School, and discuss the possibility of their son’s entry to the School. Small group appointments are made through the Head of Admissions (Registrar and Marketing), who can supply a hard copy of the School’s prospectus; it is also available on the RGS website.
Fees per term (2024-2025). £7,902–£8,136 (plus £345 for lunches, which are compulsory for First and Second Forms), inclusive of all tuition, stationery and loan of necessary books.
Scholarships. Scholarships are awarded in recognition of outstanding academic merit. For boys entering the First Form at 11 there is a competitive examination in English and Mathematics, held in January. There are also 11+ Scholarships for Art, Drama, Music and Sport. In addition, at 16+, there are Scholarships for Academic, Art, Drama, Music and Sport.
Full details of scholarships and Fee Assistance (bursaries) are available from the Head of Admissions (Registrar and Marketing).
Charitable status. Royal Grammar School Guildford is a Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England, Company Number: 10874615. Registered Office: High Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3BB. Registered Charity Number 1177353.
Governors & Staff:
Governing Body:
Chairman: Mrs S K Creedy, MA Cantab
Vice-Chairman: Mr T E Lingard, BSc, MInstP [OG]
Vice-Chairman: Mrs H Styche-Patel, BSc, MBA
Mrs K T Atkinson, BDS
Reverend Canon S Butler
Mrs F E Carter, BA
The Earl of Onslow, High Steward of Guildford
Mr S G S Gimson, MSc Def Tech
Professor M Humphreys, MBE, PhD, LLB, PFHEA
Dr L S K Linton, MA, MB ChB, MRCP
Mrs M-L Logue, MA Cantab
Mr S J Meredith, BA, FCA, ChA
Mr M More-Molyneux, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey
Mrs N Nelson-Smith, BA
Mr C W Ngwena, BA [OG]
Ms K Spasić, ACMA, CGMA
Professor H E Treharne, BSc, MSc, PhD, SFHEA, FBCS
Mr N E J Vineall, KC, MA Cantab and Pittsburgh [OG]
Mr R N Waterhouse, BEng, IMC [OG]
Mr M J Windsor, BA, MA
[OG] Old Guildfordian
Chief Strategy Officer: Mr S T Maiden, BA
Bursar and Clerk to the Governors: Mrs C M Perceval, BA
Chief Executive of RGSG International: Mr R A Ukiah, MA
Headmaster: Dr J M Cox, BSc, PhD (Biology)
Senior Deputy Head: Mr A U Woodman, BSc, MA (Biology)
Deputy Head: Mrs J S R Thorpe, BSc (Biology)
Senior Master: Mr J W Pressley, MA (Classics)
Assistant Head (Pastoral DSL): Mr N W Gough, BSc, MSc (Economics)
Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning): Miss N S Goul-Wheeker, MA (Classics)
Assistant Head (Partnerships): Mr T W Shimell, MChem (Chemistry)
Assistant Head (Curriculum): Mr D S J Wright, BA (Economics)
Assistant Head (Co-curricular): Mr S J H Yetman, BSc
* Head of Department
Art:
*Mrs R F Shepherd, BA
Mrs F Khan-Evans, BA, MA
Mrs A A Wood, BSc, MPhil
Biology:
*Mr S Burns, MBiochem
Ms M Bajwa, BSc
Mrs A Battersby, MA
Mr M Chamberlain, BSc, MSc
Miss E L Cuthbertson, BA
Miss R G Millais, HE Diploma
Mr I P Rossiter, BSc
Chemistry:
*Mr W-S Lau, MChem, MRSC
Mrs M Ambridge, MChem
Dr J S Braithwaite, BSc, PhD
Miss N G Dann, MChem
Dr C C McGeady, BSc, MRes, PhD
Dr L A Whall, BA, PhD
Classics:
*Mr E K D Bush, MA
Mr B J Callaghan, BA
Dr G I Fanti-Byrne, MA, MA, PhD
Mr P G Nathan, BA, LIB
Miss V Paterson, BA, MA, MSc
Design & Technology:
*Mr J B Kelly, BA, MA, MA RCA
Mr M Bailey, BSc [OG]
Mr A J Colebrook, BSc
Drama:
*Ms N C McClean, BA, MA
Miss S J Cox, BA
Economics:
*Mr J D Stratford, BSc
Mrs G S Bownes, BA
Mr D T Chapman, BSc
Mr R E Presley, MA
English:
*Ms T T Wijesinghe, MA
Mr D Amis, BA
Mrs H M Curtis, BA
Dr E A McEwan, BA, MA, PhD
Mrs C E Moon, BA, MA
Mr J G Muchmore, BA
Mr N M Patel, BA, MSt
Geography:
*Mrs R G Waters, MA
Mr W D Cowx, BSc, MSc
Mr T E Fishpool, BA
Mrs G M Richards, BA
Mrs H E Tarasewicz, MA
Mrs A L Woodman, BSc, MSc
Mr J C Witts, BSc
History:
*Mr J M Davies, MA
Mr A C Dodd, BA, MA [OG]
Mr F C B Evans, BA
Mr T J J Owens, BA (*Politics)
Mr W H N Spouge, BA, MA
Miss A M H Williams, BA
Mathematics:
*Mr S G Black, MMath
Mrs I E Busby, BA
Mr J A Casale, BSc, MBA
Mr R D Crew, BTech
Mr P J Dunscombe, BSc
Mr A R Gyford, MSc
Mr A W J Hadley, MMath
Mr M Hanak-Hammerl, MSc
Dr D J Jackson, MSc, PhD
Mr M R Jenkins, BSc
Mr A B Kirkland, BSc
Mr S H Ling-Winston, BSc, MSc, MPhil COS
Mr K Patel, MEng
Mr N C Pinhey, BSc
Miss H M Record, BSc
Dr J P Varney, MSc, PhD
Mr C H Wakeling, BSc
Mrs D B Webster, BA
Modern Languages:
*Mr W Dugdale, BA, MA
Mr S J Baker, BA
Mrs E J Kenyon, MA
Mr R J A Lemaire, BA
Mrs V Lewis, BEd
Mr A R Lowe, BA
Mr J Marchiafava, Lic
Mrs R J Rathmell, BA
Miss G E Spencer, BA
Mrs N Wilson, BA
Music:
*Mr S J Orchard, BMus, MMus (Director of Music)
Mr D H Chambers, BMus, PCASS
Mrs L Dupont, BA
Miss J E Newman, AGSM, CRD
Dr P V Shahov, BMus, PhD
Mr P H White, MA
Physical Education:
* Mr G D G Cover, BSc (Director of Sport)
Mr M F Baggs, BA
Mr D J Bartram, BSc (Hockey)
Mr R C Black, BSc (Cricket)
Mr B Dudley, BSc (Rugby)
Mr S D Gaynor, BSc
Mr J D N Lythgoe, BSc
Mr B J D Rogers, BSc
Mr I Wilkes, BEd
Physics:
*Mr J P Hood, MA, MSci
Mr M A Burbidge, BSc, BA
Mr J J H Holland, BEng
Mr L M Holland, BSc
Mrs N L Odhams, MA, MEng
Mr M R F Royds, BSc
Dr R Sisca, NSc, MSc, PhD
Religion and Philosophy:
*Mr R B Meadowcroft, BA, MA
Mr T F Foster, BA [OG]
Mr J E Gamble, BA [OG]
Mr B J K Turvill, MA
Head of Admissions (Registrar and Marketing): Mrs K L Sweet, BA, MCIPD