Royal Alexandra and Albert school . RAAS Reigate - recent experiences?

[Headofthehousehold]

Hi my DS wants this school as his first choice for year 7 entry boarding in Sept 2014. He is an outgoing sporty participative active child and I think he would love it BUT I am a bit worried about the academic side.

What's the teaching like? Do they push the children?

The school has mixed reviews some are a bit old so I would love to hear from parents of children there or have just left. Thanks

[Headofthehousehold]

Any views please ?

[Headofthehousehold]

Sorry to bump but DS has an interview there next week. Surely there are some mumsnetters out there who know the school?

[LIZS]

Locally it is not perceived as particularly academic, more all rounded with a range of facilities and activities , with extensive grounds.

[Ladymuck]

It isn't academically selective, and in particular takes boarders from difficult backgrounds. The Headmaster is a bit marmite - you love him or hate him. He tries to pitch it as a "value for money" boarding option (saw him delivering the pitch together with Caterham and Woldingham, and he was at least entertaining in the midst of the opposition). I thought mumoverseas had a dd there? From my impression she started off impressed but certainly wasn't by the time her dd left.

Um, I don't want to put you off as such, but it probably does depend on what your other options are?