Anyone know Reigate Grammar in Surrey

[ellsworth]

DS has an offer and they will also take younger DS turned down by CLFS.

Worries:

Further into Surrey than intended with dd at Sutton High

Bus service from Epsom but is it any good

Collect him ourselves after sports/after school clubs

But it seems like a nice down to earth school

Is this for 11+ ? dh's take on it was it was very traditional in its teaching(reminded him of his state grammar 25 years ago !) and demanding academically across all subjects(so potentially less flexible towards individual strengths and weaknesses). Playing fields are further south of Reigate which may be an issue for you living the other way especially as traffic in Reigate can be horrid anyway. Those I know of who are/have attended are generally happy and well balanced.

Hi there can't help much on the school as my dc are much younger but I just wanted to mention that we live in Reigate about half way between the main school and the playing fields and there are a few short cuts you can take to avoid traffic in the town centre. It can get busy but I have never found it horrendous apart from when there is a problem on the motorway when it can back up.

I went there for 6th form and both my brothers were there right through. This was in the 80s and 90s. We did live in Reigate though so it was close at hand. I also have a friend who's DSS is there currently.

I know of loads of people that used the bus service and I never remember there being problems.

Definitely a more traditional school but good for those who are high flyers academically and also a v good sports tradition.

Could DD transfer there from Sutton High?? (Guess she may not want to or may be in the middle of GCSE courses...)

Thanks, that's very useful. Actually dd will be going to Sutton High (a gdst transfer) and we want to live somewhere in the middle (possibly....)

I notice your younger ds is actually 8 so are you actually looking at RStM rather than the grammar for him now or just looking ahead ? There was a thread running recently and it seems you cannot presume he would automatically progress to the grammar from there even though they are linked.

I have friends with children there. It is from age 11 and you can't presume automatic entry from Reigate St Mary's but probably a v good chance - if child is bright. Traditional, v good academic results, pastoral care maybe slightly lacking - lots of confident etc children so, to some extent, get on with it and I wouldn't send a child there if in bottom 30% of their year. V competitive. But great results.

Thanks all, I think younger ds should be alright by 11 as he seems about the same as middle ds at the same age pre coaching etc for entry. Even if he isn't the alternatives/ state options seem better than in London. Just worried that the various journeys will be as stressful as the ones we do now and that my dd in year 8 will be unhappy at leaving her friends and moving to Sutton High.