Royal Alexandra and Albert school . RAAS Reigate - recent experiences?

[Headofthehousehold]

Hi my DS wants this school as his first choice for year 7 entry boarding in Sept 2014. He is an outgoing sporty participative active child and I think he would love it BUT I am a bit worried about the academic side.

What's the teaching like? Do they push the children?

The school has mixed reviews some are a bit old so I would love to hear from parents of children there or have just left. Thanks

Any views please ?

Sorry to bump but DS has an interview there next week. Surely there are some mumsnetters out there who know the school?

Locally it is not perceived as particularly academic, more all rounded with a range of facilities and activities , with extensive grounds.

It isn't academically selective, and in particular takes boarders from difficult backgrounds. The Headmaster is a bit marmite - you love him or hate him. He tries to pitch it as a "value for money" boarding option (saw him delivering the pitch together with Caterham and Woldingham, and he was at least entertaining in the midst of the opposition). I thought mumoverseas had a dd there? From my impression she started off impressed but certainly wasn't by the time her dd left.

Um, I don't want to put you off as such, but it probably does depend on what your other options are?