Caterham v Reigate Grammar

[SurreyMum117]

Hi, guys.
Currently deciding between these two schools for our DD. Any and all feedback VERY gratefully received as our house is currently divided and have 2 weeks to choose.
(We naively thought the exam process and offers would give us a golden answer but she has similar offers from both. She is outgoing, and is into sport, drama etc so know she would make friends but a bunch of her friends are going to one and she naturally wants to go there - would this hinder or help her?!)
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE! x

That's good to hear that things are changing. I don't for a minute think lacrosse is second rate, rather the member of sports staff that we asked about opportunities for girls to play hockey was very condescending as said that it was a boys only sport at C. Let's hope they have moved on, as the attitude was out of the dark ages.

@WombatChocolate Your post about RGS GCSE and A Level exams at Sixth Form was very helpful to read about.

Does this mean that even if your child gets into RGS after 11+ exams, they may not be able to continue on to finish senior school there if they don't meet certain high level academic criteria?

@WannabeGilmoreGirl can I ask how you are finding Dunottar? Any feedback would be most welcome :)

Hi @SurreyMum117, just wondered which way you decided to go and how you have found it, pandemic aside!

Would be interested to hear from anyone with current views on Reigate vs. Caterham (vs. Woldingham)?

Our child has got offers from all these (and one other but we'll reject that). Reigate vs. Caterham seems a fairly close match. Reigate and Caterham both seem reasonable academically, with Reigate perhaps edging it. Woldingham is posher than either but weak academically. Reigate can be painful in terms of transport since roads around it can be fouled up.

We have no idea how to choose to be honest

@AnotherSurreyMum21 we went to RGS and very happy. Through the whole process we just felt more at home at RGS. And our daughter had a clear favourite!

Thanks @SurreyMum117

Do you see the relatively high ratio of non-local students at Caterham a plus or otherwise ?

What do you mean by non local? C community is more diverse and international but it can be a logistical issue to meet friends out of school. RGS pupils tend to live within a smaller geographical area.

@Mamaof123 Really pleased with Dunottar. My DD is quite shy not sporty and academic, her best friend is sporty outgoing and not as strong academically and suits them both really well. Their online learning has been outstanding and my DD is looking forward to going on to sixth form. Pastoral support is great. Very even mix of girls and boys. Very family feel.

Interestingly I am looking at Caterham for DD2. She wants to board and is very sporty so watching this thread with interest. Would like a similar school for DD2 as Dunottar only boarding if anyone has any ideas?

love Caterham, pastorally excellent, children are delightful and supportive of each other - attempted bullying is reported by them, in my experience and will get sorted.

Some key difference between RGS and Caterham High School.

1. The offer deposit from RGS is 1750£ versus 1000£ for Caterham ..There is 75% increase in the offer deposit.
2. Caterham fees is consistent from Y7 till sixth form but RGS fees shoots up after Y8.