A Warm Welcome.
You may already have read our main prospectus which gives a flavour of life at RGS Surrey Hills. This brochure focuses on a very special part of our culture: our boarding community. We are so pleased you would like to find out more.
Boarding at RGS Surrey Hills offers the best of both worlds: the warmth of a close-knit, caring community and the opportunities you’d expect from a leading independent school. We are intentionally smaller, which means every student is known, supported and encouraged to shine, while enjoying all the variety and choice of a much larger school.
We understand that choosing to board is a big decision for parents as much as for pupils. That’s why our approach is rooted in partnership, trust and communication. Our warm, kind and nurturing boarding team works closely with families to ensure that every child feels understood, valued and at home, from their very first day with us.
Set within the beautiful Surrey Hills, our campus combines space and tranquillity with easy connections to London and nearby towns. Our families love that mix of rural calm and accessibility and our boarders love the freedom it gives them to thrive.
Our boarding community truly brings this to life: evenings and weekends full of activities, laughter and shared experiences, balanced with calm, homely spaces to relax and recharge. Day pupils often join in too, and everyone benefits from the sense of family that defines life here.
For every pupil, boarding at RGS Surrey Hills is more than accommodation, it is belonging.
Why Choose RGS Surrey Hills for Boarding?
Home-from-Home Living: Our boarding houses are warm, modern and well-equipped, with shared and single rooms that give students the space to be independent while feeling part of a community.
Friendships for Life: Boarders live and learn alongside students from across the UK and around the world, building friendships that last a lifetime.
Academic Support and Structure: A balance of supervised study, academic guidance and pastoral care ensures every student thrives – both inside and outside the classroom.
Modern Facilities: Enjoy life on our beautiful 26-acre campus with fantastic on-site facilities, including a modern sports hall, fitness suite and social spaces designed for both study and relaxation.
Wrap-around Care: From nutritious meals to weekend trips and evening activities, our caring boarding team provides a safe, structured and supportive environment.
Flexible Options for Modern Families: With flexi, weekly and full boarding available, families can choose an arrangement that fits their lifestyle.
Big Heart.
Boarding at RGS Surrey Hills is founded on care, trust and open communication. House Parents live alongside the pupils, offering round-the-clock support. Families tell us that this level of individual attention makes a real difference to their child’s happiness and growth.
The House Parents are always there for you, they are in their office and you can just come down and talk to them, they will make you a hot chocolate and listen to you.
YEAR 9 WEEKLY BOARDER
It was really easy to settle in, I love all the amazing opportunities available to me especially the weekend trips and evening activities. It was like I was always meant to be here.
YEAR 12 FULL BOARDER
Sending our daughter to RGS Surrey Hills during the week was a big step, but she felt at home from day one. The care, structure and opportunities are exceptional, and we love that weekends are our time together...it gives us the best of both worlds.
PARENT OF YEAR 11
WEEKLY BOARDER
OUR BOARDING PHILOSOPHY
At RGS Surrey Hills, our boarding philosophy is simple: every student should feel known, valued and at home. We nurture ambition, combining high expectations with genuine care, encouraging every student to aim high and feel supported along the way. Our rich curriculum and educational philosophy are shaped by the Round Square traditions, which inspire global awareness, curiosity and character.
Boarding should be:
• Nur turing – warmth, care, and guidance in every aspect of life.
• Empowering – building resilience, independence and confidence.
• Inclusive – friendships across cultures, ages and backgrounds.
• Enriching – a wealth of academic, co-curricular, and cultural opportunities.
• Balanced – a healthy rhythm of study, activity, and downtime.
By blending our 450-pupil school with the opportunities of a global network, we create a boarding experience where students flourish academically, socially and personally.
Flexible Boarding Options
We offer three options for boarding to suit all families:
- Weekly Boarding: perfect for families wanting academic focus during the week, with quality family time at weekends.
- Full Boarding: immerse fully in school life, enjoying a structured, balanced routine with a lively social programme.
- Flexi Boarding: occasional nights available, helping families stay flexible and giving children a gentle introduction to boarding where available.
BOARDING DESIGNED AROUND YOU
Boarding enhances your child’s education in unique ways. Their weeks are richer, their experiences are broader and their opportunities are greater.
Here are a handful of reasons why families choose to board with us:
• Encourages independence and life skills within a safe, supportive environment
• Provides superb facilities right on their doorstep
• Ensures caring staff are always close by for guidance and support
• Removes the need for daily travel, giving more time for learning and fun
• Strengthens study habits through structure and routine
• Exp ands friendship groups beyond the classroom and year group
• Opens up weekend trips, activities and cultural experiences
• Prepares pupils with the confidence and independence needed for university life and beyond
Big Community.
Our six boarding houses: Dalewood, Constantine, Atwood, Old Cottage, Burmester and Ralph, each have their own distinctive character, from historic cottages to contemporary purpose-built homes. All provide comfort, community and care, with shared spaces for meals, study and relaxing together.
Daily routines combine:
• Academic focus – supervised prep sessions and easy access to staff support.
• Enrichment – evening sport, music, drama and clubs.
• Downtime – shared meals, games nights and time with friends.
Our boarding community welcomes every kind of learner, from highfliers to late developers, from confident learners to those still discovering how they learn best. Some thrive across everything they do, while others benefit from a little more tailored support to help them flourish.
Boarding helps pupils to balance study with play, independence with support and structure with freedom.
150 boarders 1 - 3 beds per room
Boaders’ trip every Sunday included in fees
WHERE FRIENDSHIPS FLOURISH
Our UK and international boarders live, learn and grow together. Friendships span cultures and last a lifetime, creating confident, outward-looking young adults.
Some of my best memories are from boarding. I played football on the fields after lessons, went on weekend trips with my friends, and even visited my roommate’s family in France during the holidays
YEAR 12 FULL BOARDER
When I joined I was a bit nervous but everyone was really open and I made friends really quickly, we are like a big family.
YEAR 13 FULL BOARDER
The friendships you make are so special, all the socials bring you together and it’s just so much fun to be part of this community that we all have.
YEAR 7 WEEKLY BOARDER
Big Opportunities.
Boarding at RGS Surrey Hills offers much more than structured routines. Our community is alive with opportunities to grow, discover and enjoy:
• Boarders’ Life Skills Programme – running weekly throughout the year, led by House Staff and Senior Students, helping pupils develop independence, leadership and practical skills. All contributions count towards our annual Boarding Award.
• Friday Evening Activity Programme – a mix of whole-boarding, inter-house and house-based events to celebrate community and build friendships.
• Evening and Weekend Access – boarders have access to the Sports Hall, Music Rooms and other facilities during boarding time, ensuring there’s always something to enjoy.
• Weekend Trips – full boarders take part in an exciting programme of trips and experiences, from exploring the Surrey Hills to days out in London, while also enjoying campus facilities at weekends.
There’s structured study time when you need to focus, but also plenty of opportunities to relax with friends. It makes the busy Sixth Form years feel manageable and fun. I’m loving it!
YEAR 13 FULL BOARDER
WEEKENDS TO REMEMBER
Examples of weekend trips include:
• London Dungeons and Covent Garden shopping
• Ice skating at Hampton Court
• Day trip to Lille, France
• London Tower Bridge experience
• Windsor Ca stle
• Oxford Street, London shopping
• Harr y Potter World
• Canterbury
• Oxford walking tour and shopping
• Brighton 360 degree experience
• Christmas shopping at Westfield shopping centre
• Historic Dock, Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth
• Cinema trips to see the latest movie releases
• Bicester Village Shopping trip
• Go Karting
• Indoor sky diving
• B owling
• Paintballing
• Laser Quest
• Theme Parks including Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures
We also offer non-compulsory sport at weekends. Please do let us know if you are interested and we can let you know what’s coming up!
Some of the most memorable moments happen outside the classroom, whether it’s learning a new skill in our Life Skills programme, joining in Friday evening activities, or simply enjoying time together in the houses. These shared experiences are what make boarding such a rich and rewarding journey.
HOUSE PARENT
There’s always something going on like clubs, sport, music, or just time with friends. There’s also space to relax when you need it. Boarding life keeps me busy in the best way.
YEAR 10 FULL BOARDER
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BOARDER
Typical boarding week (Monday – Friday)
Students can arrive Sunday evening or Monday morning but must be at school by 8.15am
Wake up 7am
Breakfast 7.20am - 7.50am Break 10.35am - 10.55am Lunch 12.55pm - 1:45pm
Start of the school day 8.15am
Morning : 7am Wake up · 7.20am – 7.50am Breakfast in the Dining Hall (choice of hot and cold food available) · 7.50am After breakfast students return to houses and continue getting ready for school · 8.15am Start of the school day, Registration in Tutor Rooms · 8.35am – 10.30am Lessons · 10.35am – 10.55am Break · 10.55am – 12.55pm Lessons
Lessons 10.55am - 12.55pm
Afternoon : 12.40pm Lunch in the Dining Hall (choice of hot and cold food available) · 1.45pm Registration · 1.45pm – 4.30pm Lessons · 4.30pm School finishes, boarders can return to houses to get changed · 4.30pm All boarders to the dining hall for Tea (snack and drink) · 4.30pm onwards various daily activities, visit friends in other boarding houses, go to the Sports Centre, Gym, Music Room and Dance Studio to practise or simply enjoy quiet time
Lessons 1.45pm - 4.30pm
End of the school day 4.30pm
Evening : 6.30pm Evening meal in the Dining Hall · 7.00pm Prep in House (Years 7-11) · 7.30pm Prep in House (Sixth Form)
· 9.15pm Registration in houses (Years 7 – 11) · 9.30pm Registration in houses (Sixth Form) · 9.30pm Bedtime, quiet time and reading (Years 7-9) · 9.45pm Bedtime, quiet time and reading (Years 10-11) · 10.30pm Bedtime, quiet time and reading (Sixth Form)
Bedtime 9.30pm - 10.30pm
Prep
7pm - 9pm Yrs 7-11
7.30pm - 9.15pm Yrs 12-13 Evening Meal 6.30pm Free Time 4.30pm - 6.30pm
A WEEKEND IN THE LIFE OF A BOARDER
Breakfast
9am - 10am
Prep or Quiet Time
10am - 12pm
Saturday : 9am Breakfast in the Dining Hall (optional with choice of hot and cold food available) · 10am – 12pm Prep and quiet time in Houses · 12.30pm – 6.30pm free time, opportunity for boarding students to: check out and go off-site with friends to explore the local area and enjoy local attractions, enjoy quiet time, visit friends in other boarding houses · 6.30pm Evening meal in the Dining Hall · 7pm Evening activities in houses · 10pm – 11.30pm Bedtime, quiet time and reading (bedtime staggered based on age of students)
Trips, Activities and Enrichment
12.30pm - 6.30pm
Sunday : 9am Breakfast in the Dining Hall (optional with choice of hot and cold food available) · 9am – 12pm Free time/quiet time · 12.30pm – 6.30pm free time, opportunity for boarding students to: enjoy one of the arranged weekly boarding trips, check out and go off-site with friends to explore the local area and enjoy local attractions, go to the Sports Centre, Gym, Music Room and Dance Studio to practise, enjoy quiet time, visit friends in other boarding houses · 6.30pm Evening meal in the Dining Hall · 7pm Free time / Evening activities in houses · 10pm – 11.30pm Bedtime, quiet time and reading (bedtime staggered based on age of students)
6.30pm Evening and Social Activities
7.30pm - 9pm
Bedtime and Quiet Time 10pm - 11.30pm
Our son boards during the week and comes home at weekends. It’s the perfect balance. He enjoys the independence of boarding life while we keep our family weekends together.
PARENT OF YEAR 8
WEEKLY BOARDER
LOCATION & CONNECTIONS
• 50 minutes by train from London to Leatherhead, with a direct bus link for weekly boarders.
• Easy access from the M25, with Heathrow and Gatwick airports both within 40 minutes.
• Nestled in 26 acres of Surrey Hills countryside, combining peace and space with superb transport links.
Next Steps.
We warmly invite you to visit and see boarding life in action. Taster stays are available for pupils considering weekly or full boarding. Whether you are seeking the structure of full boarding or the flexibility of weekly boarding, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Please get in touch with our Registrar on admissions@rgs-surreyhills.org or call 01372 384 240 for an informal, no strings attached chat.
Dalewood House
Ralph House
Atwood House
Burmester House
Larg Cottage
Old Cottage
Constantine House
Reception, Library and Reading Room
Psychology
Winthrop Young - Mathematics, English, Careers, Computer Science and Sixth Form Common Room
Academic Quad – Science
Academic Quad - History, Geography and Business Studies
Art Block
Weatherall Cottage – Learning Support
Jubilee Block – International Study Centre
Languages Block, Student Reception and Exams Office
Centre
Hall
Block
Studio
Centre
Studio
Workshop
Pavilion
SWANWORTH
Dorking
Leatherhead M25(J9)
OLD LONDON ROAD
