RGS Guildford - How clever do you need to be

[Doingthingsdifferently]

We are considering RGS for our DS (currently Yr 5) but don't really have a point of reference for how clever he needs to be to not only get in but to also the fit in and do well. Does anyone with knowledge of RGS have a view on if top set is enough (non selective prep) or if boys need to be exceptional. Any guidance is really appreciated.

I don't have a son, myself, but know quite a few boys who went to RGS. I would say that most of them (all but one) were 'normal' bright rather than exceptional.

A few years ago three boys in my daughter's year at primary school year got into RGS, though that was unusual.

My understanding is bright, but not exceptional. So say in the top 10% ability wise, but no need to be in the top 2%.

They’re using ISEB for this year; if you don’t have CAT scores or something similar, might be worth getting your DS to do some ATOM tests (you would need to pay to access these though). You could use that to have an idea of where he is currently.

My DS sat ISEB for RGS last year and secured a place, and I know several boys who go there. I’d describe them as very bright, a mix of sporty and not so sporty, but not exceptional/super bright. We didn’t accept our place as DS preferred another option but it’s a lovely school.

Does your prep do CATS scores, OP? We were told that for RGS you’d be looking at average CAT scores of around 125+ to be comfortable about getting in (this is compared to super selective grammars like Tiffin which look for 135+) which gives you a reasonable idea.

It’s hard to tell how good a guideline the ‘top set in a non selective prep’ would be, because like a state school a non selective prep will have a range of ability and cohorts can vary a lot each year. Top set one year might consist of more able children than another year. Will your prep head give you a steer on where he/she thinks DS should aim? We have done state so far but my understanding is that prep schools should offer comprehensive advice about which schools DC should sit for.

In terms of ISEB prep, we used Planet BOFA (similar to AToM) for DS on the recommendation of his tutor. He seemed to like the format and it was good preparation- he only sat for RGS and Hampton but secured offers for both.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

My DS is there. Came from a state primary. No CAT scores available. Would suggest your DS needs to be very near the top of the class in maths and above average in English. The onus does seem to be on a strong aptitude for maths and the subject is taught at a high level and at a fast pace. All boys (including bottom set for GCSE) are expected to get a 7, 8 or 9. Is your school sitting SATs? You could ask what forecast scores they expect him to get? The school would only offer you a place if they thought your DS would cope, so definitely worth a shot. Good luck! My DS is v happy there.
P.S my son is bright but most definitely not exceptional!

Thank you all, this is really helpful, I really appreciate your help and guidance. We do have CAT scores in the region of 125, but English is lower than maths, I think we will focus on practising and look for a good back up option.

@Oldtimer2020 if you don't mind me asking what state primary did your DS go to?

Are there many children that go to state primary's and then get into the independent schools in Guildford?

c. 30-40% of my son’s intake at 11 were from state schools. The school is aiming to offer bursaries to c 1 in 5 boys so that every boy who is offered a place can go, whatever their financial circumstances.

@Oldtimer2020 thank you for your reply. I'm pleasantly surprised by the intake, I really expected it to be in the single digits. Looks like the independent schools have moved on a bit from when I was a child.

Both my DC went to RGS, younger one left last year. Agree on 30/40% from state schools. I think there are a couple of schools e.g. Holy Trinity that send a few boys, but there is a huge range as there is such a wide 'catchment'. Mine were the only ones from their state primary. Our neighbour is at RGS now - the only one from a different state primary.

Really glad to see this thread, as we're considering RGS in a few years...

How are those attending finding the single sex environment? Any regrets about not going to a mixed school?

Following as we will be considering when the time comes.

The Bond 11+ guide for Parents has some good assessments in the middle, which can give you more clues about whether your DS will be on track for the entrance exam and give you a sense of how good 'top set in a non selective prep' really is. @FlyingPandas is spot on about the CAT scores, although I've known boys with 125 that haven't got in. The interviews and Headteacher reference will have a big part to play, as they are looking for boys who have potential and have curiosity to learn. My DS is at RGS and had a great year despite COVID. He's an academic boy who likes sport, music, drama... quiet until he feels comfortable... He's got a lovely group of friends. The co-curricular activities cover everything from debating to Classics to chess to photography to all the sports. Something for everyone... everyone will find their tribe

@PoshWatchShitShoes, originally I wanted co-ed, however I do see positives in all-boys, as subjects don't get gendered. Everyone does everything to the best of their ability. No subject is seen as something a boy shouldn't be good at.

The female teachers help to show that women/girls achieve and are valuable to listen to and learn from.

Does anyone know if the same goes for the girls schools? From what I've read GHS is very selective in terms of academia so I suspect that would be harder and there probably less of an intake from yr7.

Both my DSs went there from a state primary. Most but by no means all of their friends were bright, enjoyed academic work and were naturally hard working. But it's nothing like Guildford High for Girls which is a really tough hot house environment. It seemed pretty laid back in comparison with how hard the girls they mixed with had to work.

I loved the school. I thought it was fun as well as scholarly and had the most outstanding pastoral care of any school I've ever come across, which made for a happy environment with very low bullying issues and boys all happily mixing without cliques.

@leavesthataregreen, as this thread is about RGS rather than GHS, I’d prefer not to get into a long debate. But I do wonder what your comments about GHS being a “really tough hot house environment” are based on? I have DC currently at GHS and this is very much not my experience of the school.

Indeed, because there are 3 good girls’ schools to choose from in the area versus only one strong academic boys school, while I don’t know for sure the ratio of applicants to offers at each, I suspect it is rather higher for GHS than RGS.

Lots of families have DC at both schools, and my impression is that overall the ability level is similar (if anything, with a wider spread at GHS due to the automatic entry for Junior school girls).

@11Plus2022 - I didn't mean to be critical of the school. Just the boys at RGS took a maximum of 9 GCSEs and were in awe of GHS girls taking up to thirteen I think. They just seemed to operate at a much more intense level.

Hi the boys at RGS take 10 GCSEs, and I understand if they are in the top maths group there is an additional ‘further maths’ qualification too.

@ @leavesthataregreen, the girls at GHS do a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 11 GCSEs (plus a further maths module taught in normal maths lessons to the top maths sets). Most girls do 10, a smaller number do 9 (often with double rather than triple science) and a few choose to do 11.

I actually like that there is this flexibility over number of GCSEs.

When you say your son is Year 5 do you mean going into Year 5 in September'21 or will he be starting Year 6?

My son is in year 6 and has recently got CAT score of 121 for VR and 113 for non VR.
Can anyone advise on whether these scores seem ok to consider applying to RGS?

@Miraclebabiesmama it would probably be worth talking to your Prep school headteacher (if your DS is in private school) or the Tutor/Educational Psychologist that did the CAT tests with your DS, to get advice on which schools would be best to apply to. With the move to ISEB online exams, last year, a lot of the historic knowledge is obsolete. In the past, CAT scores of >125 were a sort of baseline to indicate a DS would thrive at RGS. Its one thing to pass the entrance exam, but its really about the long term and how your DS will manage the work, pace of teaching and feel good about life.

Good luck!

@Pyrfwondering many thanks for your response. Our prep headteacher has said it'll be a stretch but hasn't advised against applying. I guess I'm a little unsure as these CAT scores are without really doing any extra work outside of school hours and having a fairly difficult home environment over the last 18 months due to my ill health.
If we implement some sort of structured studying at home over the next few weeks leading up to the exam is there likely to be much improvement?
I realise no one can really answer that for me but I guess I'm clearing my thoughts.
Also can you help me clarify/ understand the ISEB and PRE-ISEB tests please, we are visiting the school next week so hopefully they will clarify aswell. The RGS exam date on website is 21st November, is that an online ISEB test? What would the next step be then?
Thanks in advance.