Dunottar/ Reigate Grammar - Merger, or what?

[quandry]

Got the letter today, and I have to say I don't really understand what is going on?
Is RGS bailing out Dunottar to save it going under?
I can't see the advantages for RGS at all?

Someone suggested that perhaps they'd make it co-ed, less academic school in the future (like a Box Hill in Reigate?) and share facilities more? (Sports fields closer than Hartswood?)

Can't see them making RGS less academic to be honest, I think people would start looking elsewhere. Making Dunottar less academic, I don't think it's that academic anyway. Like you at the moment I am struggling to see what's in it for RGS apart from the buildings and grounds at Dunottar, maybe they are playing the long game. The sports field at. Dunottar is closer but it's not that large and fairly impractical.

I meant make Dunottar co-ed, and therefore the 'less academic' option for those (boys) who don't fit RGS but currently end up going out of town to Box Hill etc.

I heard today that the RGS is planning to make RGS more academic in the future, and change the entrance exam to reflect that?

Ah I see, I think that would make more sense actually, they wouldn't then lose the less academic boys. I hadn't heard about RGS upping their standards to be honest, interesting times ahead I think!

Heard today that most of the junior school is closing (R to Y3 ?) and pupils (who want to) transferring to RSM.
D will then become a senior school only. Sounds sensible. Opportunities for RGS to use facilities etc

RGS is heading towards the more academic, hence why the Oxbridge candidates are being paraded in the local press this week and the new head came form a well respected state grammar, introducing retesting of new entrants at the beginning of Autumn term etc. Dunottar have recently spent a large sum on local advertising for open days , bill boards and so on but presumably to little effect. Its funding is endowed so shouldn't be precarious but I think what it offers is old fashioned and not sure their facilities are that great. It loses many girls at 6th form so maybe it could address that? RSM is linked to RGS but not exclusively.

Slight thread highjack, but wondered what the entry requirements to RGS are at 13+ and when ds would have to be registered for 2015 entry. Unfortunately he didn't pass RGS Guildford entry and will be sitting a test at Reeds in September, just wondering if Reigate is also another option? Ds currently in Yr 6 predicted 5a in NC levels and classed as G&T

Level 5s in Year 6 is what they look for at 11+, so he sounds about right, but 13+ is more competitive as only about 20 places (most come in a 11+).

It's definitely rising in popularity though with the new Head who started last Sept. It had more applicants for Sept 2013 than it has had for over a decade, and many were turned away before interview stage.

labro you would usually need to register for 13+ admission in the October of the preceding year, keep an eye on the website nearer the time for the exact date. I would echo what quandry says though, they will add 1 form so 20-22 places, so will be more competitive.

Currently level 5/6 is what we were advised was required at 11+. At 13+ they currently test on English, Maths and Reasoning, if the Head is keen to up the academic requirements though they may change that.

There isn't a large intake at 13+ as there are relatively few local preps which go through to 13, vast majority join at 11. I've a feeling the exams take place quite early, certainly well before Christmas, so registrations close and offers are made earlier than many others - which is helpful to know of you need Plan B.

With all existing Dunottar children being offered a place at RStM, does anybody know how RStM will be able to accommodate these extra pupils? I assume that the school would have had all existing places taken before this, so they must be doing something (e.g. creating extra forms) to ensure the children from Dunottar can be included without a detrimental effect on current pupils.

We are in the difficult position of having our DD been accepted at Dunottar for Yr 3 entry in September 2013, but are now being told it is unlikely that the place will now materialise. However, we have not been offered a substitute place at RStM, so we are left a bit adrift! Going to speak to the local schools tomorrow, but wondered if anything had been said to existing parents of either Dunottar or RStM.

I think girls who are in years reception to three have places at RSM. Girls currently in years four and five will remain at Dunottar - becoming years five and six. Am confused as to how that will work as there will only be a small number of girls in the junior school building. I would contact the head of junior to find out more.

You might want to hit the phone for potential alternatives , before others do the same and definitely before LA allocations are made. Not all will want to transfer to co-ed (after all that is often why they are at D in the first place) but realistically there are very few local single sex alternatives.

Also I'm not sure you are talking about a significant number of children to transfer. Have heard it can be as few as 10-15 per year.

The number transferring is 25 in total, I think. If the parents choose to move their girls to RSM. Some classes are very small, in fact year 3 (what will be year 4) only had one pupil so was taught with year 4, another very small class.

Just being nosey, as have no girls, but what is happening with the Seniors?

Thanks for the replies. Spoken to Micklefield who have a waiting list of 16 for Yr 3 entry in Sept 13, so not holding out much hope for that option. Waiting to hear from RStM. Feel really upset that something we thought had been settled a year ago has now fallen through, and left us with very few options. Not bothered about single sex schools (in fact, quite happy to go co-ed until senior school), but am worried that we'll now be too late to get a place at a school that would suit DD, despite having done all our homework well in time.

Hawthorn's or Lingfield ND? Sorry, not sure where you live but are they possible at all?

We're looking into Lingfield ND, but don't really know much about this school. Anybody have any thoughts as to how this compares to RStM and Micklefield?

RSM and M very 11+ driven. Lingfield isn't as academically selective but know some in junior and senior happy there. If you live that way also look at Bury's Court and Copthorne.

Many outstanding schools in the area, my son attends Chinthurst School (Co-Ed) in Tadworth which has just extended its bus service to Riegate and surrounding areas, my son bounces into school every day! ages 2-13 if this helps?
www.chinthurstschool.co.uk

I thought it also might be useful know Chinthurst are now co-ed and very successful any girls that don't wish to go the RGS route it provides a choice to stay to 13 and go to Epsom or St Johns!

I thought it also might be useful know Chinthurst are now co-ed and very successful any girls that don't wish to go the RGS route it provides a choice to stay to 13 and go to Epsom or St Johns!

Looks like a lot of Dunottar girls will be heading off to Bramley in Walton-on-the-Hill, particularly the current Year 2.

Chinthurst has an amazing Year 1& Year 2 teachers you'd be mad to not just take a look,they have taster day on Monday 11th Feb and it's just down the road from Bramley,its about choice and I know they have limited spaces left as they are committed to 16 in a class.

Hope this doesn't out me (!)

Currently it is a consultation process for Dunottar to become part of the RGS group of schools. It will continue to run as a separate entitity within the group, as RSM does at the moment, but will benefit from shared processes and purchasing power. The deal has not been signed yet and any agreement will not come into force until September of this year.

Yes, it is proposed to close up to year 4 (current year 3 iyswim) and whilst obvioulsy nothing is signed they have decided to tell everyone this early so that there is an opportunity for them either to transfer automatically to RSM or to find other schools for their girls.

The plan is that Dunottar will continue as single sex from years 5 upwards as of September.

MrsStoat - I really do feel for you, as you had obviously made a choice that you were happy with. I don't think RSM have any spaces in year 3 now, but there was also talk of adding an extra class if necessary so may be worth asking them that?