Epsom College V Reigate Grammar (v St John)

[Cheam1]

We are in the lucky position of our daughter being offered Y7 places at Epsom College, Reigate Grammar (with sport and academic scholarships) and St John’s. Whilst we love the facilities at St John’s we are leaning very firmly towards Epsom in that two way choice, it’s also just around the corner. However, Reigate Grammar is a different offering and we just wonder are we wrong to give up a top grammar with fabulous results. But then if we do go for Reigate Grammar will we regret not opening that opportunity of a fabulous school and grounds like Epsom College, the sort of which seems another world to the comprehensives we went to. Any views? Anyone in a similar position? Nice problem to have of course

@Cheam1 , you could try posting in secondary education too. I'm not sure there is much of an Epsom / Reigate grammar cross over. The dc I know at Epsom live towards Richmond, Esher, Oxshott etc. There will be a big difference in fees if you take into account the scholarship / 20% vat on fees if that is a consideration. I would visit both again and take into account the feeling you get from the parents / pupils visiting at the event with you. (An open day for offers put me right off St John's a few years ago due to the extremely wealthy parents and lack of diversity).

Reigate grammar is not a grammar school in the traditional sense it is an independent the same as Epsom and St John's.
St John's and Epsom have all facilities on site whereas Reigate Grammar is town based and students have to travel via minibus/coach to sports grounds which takes time out of lunch/lessons/evenings.
Epsom have Saturday school from year 9 (not just sports),
Epsom and St John's have boarders whereas Reigate Grammar is Day only. This changes the culture of the school and also attracts more international,
It depends on location for me if it was for day pupil as well as commutes etc take a toll and also where friends will be based as parties etc will mean as a parent you end up spending a lot of evenings driving!

We are in a similar position, trying to choose between Kingston Grammar School and Epsom College. It looks like Reigate and Kingston have a lot in common. So, I will be carefully watching this thread. As suggested, if you can move the thread to "Secondary education", it might get more attention.

@Cheam1 , that's a great choice to have and a difficult one as well. Our DS is going to secondary next year, so been doing the rounds of schools recently. No first hand experience, but it seems both schools are great. It will really depend on your child's inclinations - RGS is great with sports, but feel Epsom have an edge on that front. Academically and for all round development, we felt RGS might edge higher. But again, a lot of it is dependent on your what your child is into and where they feel more comfortable during the open days! Out of curiosity, if you don't mind sharing, has your child been offered both an academic and a sports scholarship - roughly how much does that shave off the fees?

The new headmaster for Epsom comes from Dauntsey's in Wiltshire. He is outstanding. He joins in September and will be very missed by Dauntsey's children and parents.

@Cheam1 we are choosing secondary school for our twin girls this year. I am interested to know which school you have gone for in the end? And how did you make your final decision? Are you happy with it? Many thanks.

Hello. DS is in Year 9 at Epsom (joined this year) He is loving it. Was worried about Saturday school but he does not mind. House system seems very good and he made lots of friends. All homework is done before coming home and they also have some fun before school ends at 6pm. He is very sporty though and I think it is important when you pick the school to understand whether it's a good fit. My older DS is in KGS but we are thinking of moving him to Epsom.