Current feedback needed urgently on Royal Alexandra and Albert School, Reigate

[Phaithy]

Hi, everyone
An urgent and desperate plea for advice:
My DS has unexpectedly been offered a place at this school for Y7 entry this September 2015. I say unexpectedly, because we were on the WL and are out of the catchment area for the school which I understood to be a 1 mile radius.
Whilst I am really pleased with the offer, some doubt has crept in through reading historical threads about the school which are overall less than positive. Bearing in mind we are not in the catchment area, does it mean that those who fall in the catchment area are not keen on the school? Why not?! My hubby thinks that we should be happy that our DS has the offer of a place and should just go for it, but I am unsure. ????
Can anyone give me current feedback about this school? I would love to hear from you if:
• your child is currently attending the school or has recently left
• you have recently accepted an offer of a place at the school (what persuaded you?)
• you have recently declined an offer of a place at this school (what put you off?)
I am really interested in current tales about the school, especially those that give me a sense of what type of child would thrive at this school. Any advice /comments/feedback would be gratefully accepted.
Thanks in advance!?

Hi, all
I would still love to hear from anyone at all about this school. Royal Alexandra and Albert, a.k.a RAAS in Reigate/Merstham.
Thanks

Phaithy - did your child go? what did you think? I am considering it for boarding for senior school boy. Would be very grateful for your thoughts

Hi there. I am new to Mumsnet (very late in the day as DD is 15 on Sunday!). I was looking up RAAS in my searchbar which is my daughter's school (for her boarding schedule) and came across some discussions re the school so thought I would join Mumsnet to give you my take on the school. DD joined in Sept 2015 in Y7. I had heard mixed reviews myself but then spoke to a Mum whose son was there who was raving about it. I loved the look of the school and its grounds so I took a "gamble". I believe I made the right choice. She is a flexi boarder and stays one day a month. She absolutely loves the school and yes she's had a few hiccups but they have been dealt with efficiently by staff. For example, she self-harmed in Y8 which of course was heartbreaking as it was the school who let me know. She received counselling on the premises and touch wood it's behind us now. There is a real diverse mix of children which I like as it means she gets to know about different cultures, etc. The teaching staff I have met at parents evenings have all been very pleasant and encouraging. She is doing well academically and what I really like is that I can pick her up as late as 8.30pm which means she has had her evening meal and finished her prep. I work late and I did not want her being a latch key kid or walking the streets. The fact she can mix with her friends on the premises means that she is contained but still socialising. The boarding staff are very good and approachable. The school has incentives for good behaviour and hard work. The school has traditional assemblies and they attend Chapel one evening a week. To my mind RAAS was the best option of all our local schools. I hope this helps.

I realise this is an older post, I am looking for up to date feedback and comments on RAAS from parents that have children at the school, particularly the sixth form. i.e. academic, average class size, what the dorms are like, good mix of activities, proportion of kids that stay at weekends, assume a large proportion given that 400 + are full boarders, international mix etc... thanks

I am doubtful that there are 400 full boarders. Most are flexi or weekly.

My DD has been offered a place at RAAS.we werent expecting this as it was our last choice and never really looked into this school or went to see it. i was wandering if there are any parents with children currently there who could share any opinions on this school please.my DD will be going into y7 as flexi border.