There are 990 pupils in school between the ages of 2 and 18. Approximately 10% of the current school population are boarders.
Premises and Facilities. Founded in 1788, the School came to Rickmansworth in 1934. Purpose-built, the school stands in over 300 acres of parkland on an elevated site overlooking the valley of the River Chess. The buildings are spacious and well-appointed. They include excellent ICT facilities, a dedicated Science building, a Planetarium, an Observatory, Chapel and Library.
The Sports Hall is equipped to the highest international standards and includes a gym and fitness suite. There is a heated indoor swimming pool, 12 tennis courts, four squash courts, superb playing fields and an All-Weather pitch. The School has been awarded Sportsmark status. The state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre includes a recording studio and green room facilitating learning about production, as well as performance.
Location. Central London is 15 miles to the south and Amersham is just north of the town. The M25 is one mile from the school and links it to London (Heathrow) – 30 minutes, London (Gatwick) – 50 minutes, and Luton Airport – 30 minutes. London Underground services (Metropolitan Line) and British Rail from Marylebone enable Central London to be reached by train in 30 minutes.
General Curriculum and Aims. The first three years of Senior School provide a broad general education that fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum and reaches far beyond it. Students cover a wide range of subjects including English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Philosophy, Ethics and Religion, Design Technology, Computer Science, Food and Nutrition, Art, Drama, Physical Education and Life Skills. Language Studies begin with French, Spanish, German, and Mandarin, Latin and Ancient Greek are also offered. The academic curriculum is supported by a vast range of co-curricular opportunities and Sixth Form Studies are enhanced with the RMS Edge programme designed to provide a bespoke timetable for each student.
GCSE options are chosen from among all the subjects taught in Years 7 to 9 and new possibilities, such as Business, Economics, Creative Media and Astronomy. Most pupils take nine or ten GCSE subjects and girls are guided in their choices by subject teachers, in full consultation with parents. Triple Science is available.
The Sixth Form. The School offers 29 subjects in flexible combinations. Politics, Classical Civilisation, Photography, Sociology, and Psychology are all new additions to the curriculum at this stage. Virtually all Sixth Formers go on to higher education.
Religion. Girls of all faiths and none are welcome.
Health. The School Doctor attends the Health Centre regularly. There are three nurses on duty every day.
Admission. Please contact the Admissions Department admissions@rmsforgirls.com or visit the school website for further information. The main entry points are 3+, 4+, 11+, 13+, and 16+, although students may join in other year groups subject to assessment and space being available. Families can book private tours at any time. Scholarships and Bursaries. Scholarships are offered by the School to encourage and reward excellence. Scholarships are awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement, or promise in a particular area. Scholarship awards do not exceed 25% of the annual fee but may be supported with a means-tested bursary.
At 11+: Awards are given in recognition of excellence with regard to academic achievement in the entrance examination, Sport, All-Rounder potential, Art, Drama, and Music.
At 16+: Awards are given for academic excellence, Music, Visual Arts, Sport, and Performing Arts.
A number of means-tested, fully funded bursaries are available each year to candidates who are successful in the entrance assessment and where the family is eligible for financial assistance. Priority is given to applicants for whom the bursary will be most transformational.
Fees per term (2023-2024). Senior School: Full Boarders £13,140; Weekly Boarders £12,115; Day Pupils £7,315–£7,490.
Cadogan House Prep School: Full Boarders: £9,095 (Years 3–6); Weekly Boarders: £8,625 (Years 3–6); Day Pupils: £4,530–£5,670. Ruspini House Nursery School (boys and girls aged 2–4): ££1,660–£ 5,840. Please see the website for the full range of nursery fees.
Charitable status. The Royal Masonic School Limited is a Registered Charity, number 276784. Its aims are the advancement of education.
Governors & Staff:
Board of Governors:
Mr Simon Staite (Chair)
Mr K S Carmichael, CBE (Honorary Life President)
Mr S Brew
Mrs C Shorten Conn
Mr R Garvey
Mr B Saini
Mrs S Shackell
Mr A Wauchope
Mr I Williams
Mrs H Wilson
Clerk to the Governors: Mrs D Robinson BSc Bristol, ACA
Head Teacher: Mr K Carson, BA Liverpool, MPhil Cantab, PGCE
Head of Senior School: Ms R Bailey, BSc York, PGCE
Head of Sixth Form: Mrs C Freeman BSc Durham, PGCE
Head of Prep School: Mrs M Horn, BEd
Head of Nursery School: Mrs V Greig, BA
Director of Finance and Operations: Mrs E Gosht
Director of Marketing and Admissions: Mrs A Nicoll
Deputy Head, Academic: Mrs S Hardy, BA
Deputy Head, Pastoral: Mrs A Davies, BA
Assistant Head, Academic: Mrs H Roberts, BA Durham, PGCE
Assistant Head, Co-Curricular: Mr D Cox, BEng Brunel, MEd Cantab, PGCE
Head of Admissions: Mr M Carter
Head’s PA: Mrs S Clifford