Reigate Grammar School

[Magicmum2]

My DS has been offered a place for 11+ entry in Sept. We were impressed by the open day and the academics seem strong plus the school has won numerous awards. Just wanting to hear from any current parents who have a DC at the school on their experience of it - how intense is it, is it seen as a hot house (read a bad review to this effect) and how nurturing are they (they look and sound the part) but think this is more down to excellent marketing. Any insights would be hugely appreciated

[sazzy5]

I know some that go to Reigate and started last year. Definitely not a hot house, one DS is actually finding it very easy (he was at prep school and found that environment much tougher). So don't be put off by the odd comment, your gut feel is generally right. I had the same fears about RGS Guildford from all I had heard, it is no where near the way it was portrayed.

[Magicmum2]

Thanks sazzy5. Yes agree, my gut feeling is that it ticks all the right boxes so think I'm going to accept the offer. Sometimes its just the fear of the unknown!. Glad to hear your DS is thriving at RGS Guildford, despite being our closest school we just felt it wasnt right for our DS but we know many friends whose DS are loving it despite the myths.

[WombatChocolate]

We know people there. They seem very happy and mention lots of sport, drama, other clubs and sound like they are getting on with their work and doing well but tend to mention the other stuff, not lessons....but don’t all kids. One friend has a kid choosing GCSEs at moment and they said they like the fact that after all the standard subjects there is free choice and flexibility to change minds rather than very rigid system. So far their kids haven’t found the work stressful but these things ramp up once on exam courses in all schools. It sounds like it’s harder to get into each year but perhaps that’s marketing.
What are your alternative options? Are you local? Sounds like some travel quite a long way to get there. In terms of exam results I think you’d be hard pressed to find better locally, but St Bede’s is a great Comp and lots are happy with that too and it seems to do well for its big intake of able students, as well as the others too.

[SurreyMum117]

Hi Magic Mum,
Would love to hear about your experience now your DC has started at Reigate? Our DD loves it based on one visit but I am worrying about the "exam factory" reputation. She hates homework and would rather be playing sport 24/7!
TIA x

[Magicmum2]

Hi SurreyMum117
He loves it! The school really does make an effort to make them feel they're part of a family. They are given a buddy and a six form Mentor whom he meets once a week to help get to grips with everything. The school is very nurturing, so far I am very impressed although it is still early days. The new starters have only just started to get homework this week so it will be interesting to see if he is still fond of the school by Friday 😆 (he also hates homework!). Lots of focus on sports and sporting clubs from the onset though if you daughter does decide it's the right school.

[SurreyMum117]

Thank you! DD got a place! She is excited but DH prefers caterham! Visiting both again to make final decision.

[tulipsandcognac]

As a parent with children at the school I’d be very aware that this “nurturing” they give the children in the first form wears off very very quickly, and does eventually become a rather rigid ‘hothouse’. I think they need to spend more time and money on pastoral care itself than publicising it. But if you want your children to have good exam results then it’s brilliant!

[J33nco]

If anyone has further comment now time has passed on this @Magicmum2it would be helpful! @tulipsandcognactulipsandcognac how does that manifest itself?
DS1 is at an academic prep in SWLondon, above average there but is dyspraxic. I had a LONG one on one with the head at Reigate grammar and I liked his attitude - which was supportive, dynamic but also I felt real i.e. he conceded the pace is fast so whilst they're super flexible and have a great SEN provision, we have to know he can keep up! My gut is his prep is so punchy (currently 1.5h homework every night and 3-4hrs at the weekend) Reigate will feel like a breeze....

[wordlymama]

Hi All, My family and I are moving from California to Surrey area. We are looking to get our children into Reigate St Mary's, but thinking ahead before we make that decision.

I actually came across another question (which I did not know about at RGS): Is it true that even if your child gets into RGS after the 11+ exams, they need to perform at a very high level and meet certain criteria to be able to continue on at RGS from GCSE to A Levels?

[J33nco]

Yes there’s is a minimum requirement - you’ll find this with many (all?) of the academically selective schools

[wordlymama]

@J33nco Thank You. It's just so difficult to know which way our kids will go academically when they're barely 5 years old. But having your information is very helpful for us to make our decision.

[J33nco]

Very difficult ! As a parent who moved her son at 7 (now 10) and has a 2y old I get it! Also schools change and there are other considerations . Keep your options open (ie we are making sure we move somewhere where there isn’t just 1 senior option for the 2y old) and make decisions on what you currently know! With our 2y old we will try and start him off in the state sector probably for the very reason we want to see what he’s like

[wordlymama]

@J33nco - i feel comforted knowing that I am not the only mother stressing about this too. The last thing i'd want to do is place my children in a school that was not well suited to them, and puts them at a disadvantage. So many things to think about at such an early stage in their lives!!

[Arisaig1]

How is the SEN provision for kids mildly on a Spectrum (not sure but Could be) at Reigate Grammar. They sound academically supportive but are they kind and concerned with the individual? Will they stick with them if the start to dip in performance. My child has the intellect but I want to make sure the pastoral care is really there.

[Arisaig1]

Does anyone know if St Johns Leatherhead will take kids out of year (he happens to be v bright- out if year for different reasons).