Hi @schoolhunting1
I have two boys at RGS Guildford. It is a wonderful school.
RGS was always our first choice (day) and fortunate that both there.
It is a selective academic school (but not a hot house), historically results are on par with Winchester College (our oldest was offered a place for year 9 - however upon deciding to return to the UK, we decided on RGS - in our cohort a few had offers from WC). The school offers a super selection of extracurricular activities, so something for everyone; it is not all academic.
What kind of boy thrives at the RGS? I do not think there is an RGS cookie cutter, though the boys I have come across are bright (curiosity outside the box and ability to learn) kind boys, with spectrum of personalities. (Not all siblings of current students are offered a place).
Town centre school - does this limit their daily sport? Travelling to their beautiful sports grounds - Bradstone Brook for games and training can be limiting if they are stuck in traffic - and there is no swimming pool on site. If you are referring the daily sport as in break time, they seem to get on with the grounds that they have.
There are plus and minus to being in town. Public transport is fantastic for those who live outside Guildford and many do commute; other facilities are on their doorstep as school is on the Upper High Street; and they are very much part of the local community.
In summary, are the fees worth it?
The fees are on the lower scale in comparison to other independent/public schools near by; this is likely to be reflected in the cost of maintaining grounds and facilities. But - this does not reflect on the quality of teaching!
In summary, RGS Guildford is a brilliant boys school which has been standing for over 500 years; offering bright and kind boys from all walks of life the opportunity to grow into great confident young men to face the world and to make a difference.