Non academically selective prep schools in Reigate

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We are hoping to move to Reigate and are looking for a friendly all-rounder type prep school for my DC who loves art, drama and music. My DC is not sporty so the less emphasis on this and an A team like culture the better!

My DC we suspect has dyslexia although is too young for a diagnosis, a school with good SEN support is also a prerequisite.

Any help would be amazing!

What year group are you interested in? Hawthorns is worth looking at and I've heard good things about their product. Reigate is dominated by the RGS feeder schools of which RSM seems to be the most academic. Out of those Chinthurst has good SEN reports and has a family atmosphere but it is in tadworth.

Given the traffic in the area I would suggest looking closer to home otherwise you'll sit in a lot of traffic jams! There are a lot of great schools in the area

Have a look at Micklefield School. It is one of the feeders to Reigate grammar and is situated in Reigate, close to the station. But its main selling point for us was its emphasis on values and relationships (particularly amongst the children and the school and the parents and the school). It has very good reviews from parents in the area.

All the close to Reigate preps have been mentioned above, so RSM, Micklefield, or Chinthust (RGS group schools) or Hawthorns (Caterham group school)

There is then an outer group that you could consider if you want to live in that general direction but not in actual Reigate. So places like Hazelwood, Caterham prep, Banstead, Aberdour or south to Copthorne or Ardingly.

What are you thinking long term for secondary (it will come round faster than you think!)?

RGS? Then stick with one of the feeder schools.

Dunottar or Box Hill? Avoid Reigate St Mary’s and focus on the other three

Caterham? Then Hawthorns.

State? Maybe Royal Alexandra and Albert? Then focus on getting a house in catchment and consider your commute to whichever school.

RSM is the more musical in the RGS group, but it is academically selective from year 3. Chinthurst and Micklefield are less academically selective, but place a higher value on sport. You would need to look around to weigh up what balance is right for your child.

How old is dc? In Reigate itself you have RSt Marys or Micklefield, both of which feed RGS directly although there is a range of secondary destinations. Neither are particularly sporty whereas Hawthorns has become more so in recent years. Aberdour is a good all rounder just up A217.

I forgot to mention that Micklefield were finalists in 2023 for 'Independent School of the Year for Performing Arts/Music/Drama'. It is very strong in these areas. From what you’ve said, it could suit your DC very well.
But I'd advise visiting all the schools, even more than once, to get a feel for them before making any final decisions.

All of those schools are non-selective at standard reception entry.

Before Mickefiekd joinedd RGS and Hawthorns joined Caterham, both sent lots to RGS/CATERHAM but similar numbers to Dunnottar too. It doesn’t have its own prep and will often be an option for those not suited to the more selective schools.

Yes, have your eye on seemingly ideal secondary, but know lots can change and what seemed ideal might not be best for your actual child. Living in Reigate gives pretty good options for Prep and Secondary. Think about travel times and convenience too. Whichever Prep you go to, there should be a good secondary option and you don’t have to go to connected senior schools or know your final destination at this point: so don’t worry too much if you aren’t sure about seniors.