Caterham v Reigate Grammar

Can anybody give me their impression of the general feeling at either school? The kids who showed us around RGS were adamant that any bullying is dealt with & that the atmosphere is good. We didn’t get the chance to ask Caterham kids the same question. There’s an old Mumsnet thread suggesting bullying at Caterham prep wasn’t dealt with. TIA

We looked at both but decided on Dunottar

RGS felt a bit like.a sales pitch. We liked Caterham but we were looking for a all rounder school rather than just high academia. Good luck

I’ve got a DS at RGS and know friends at C. The main difference pointed out so far is the volume of homework is significantly higher at C with what seems like more pressure - though that may be child dependent. Also my non sporty boy is under no pressure to take part in anything on a Saturday but attendance seems to be obligatory at C. My DS is loving school and is being challenged in a great way. The subjects he is enjoying most are surprising and it just shows how important the individual teachers are.
I’m sure your DD would enjoy both, though I would consider the journey over current friendships. They make their own decisions on those!

Yes, also happy to answer any questions by PM - I know lots of families at both.

Had dc go through one of them. Very different feel, C is far more diverse, RGS has a more suburban/local feel. Sport main difference for girls is focus on Lacrosse at C, hockey still relatively new for girls, and RGS pitches are off site. Happy to answer q by pm.

Thanks for that Dorking. What you said actually rings true - we felt there was a bit of a ‘sales pitch’ at RGS. Plus entering those awards involve a load of work by the school, which made me question where resources go/priorities.

Both good schools and she will probably do well at either - very similar in terms of results etc.

RGS gets some mixed reviews - especially about the current Head, SF. He has made some changes which are not universally popular in order to improve the school's exam results and ranking. Has become a bit obsessed with his personal profile in the media and seems to be all about awards and opening schools in China and Morocco, rather than focusing on the day job, the kids and the parents.
Lots of focus on sport (although this can be a bit alpha male and toxic). Very strong on music and drama.

Caterham has become a bit less high profile since its previous head left, but it is a quietly confident school with consistently good results. Obviously the boarding adds a different dynamic and a somewhat more international mix of students.

Where do you live? Is it easier to get to one rather than the other? Caterham isn't as easiy accessible as RGS, although the Reigate roads are a nightmare in the morning!

If you're undecided, but your daughter has a strong preference for one - why not let her go to the school she prefers?

Bumping as I have the same decision for my DD! My impression is that they are both great schools. Caterham seems a bit ‘posher’ and sporty. RGS more ‘townie’ (as in posh Surrey townie ) and more about the music. I have looked at old Mumsnet threads about the two schools, but they’re all quite old....