Academic Review 2025 by RGS

RGS ACADEMIC REVIEW 2025

Families do not have to choose between academic ambition and wellbeingat RGS, they get both. The combination of leading academic outcomes alongside genuine pastoral strength is our guiding ethos: that happy kids leads to great results.

I’ve had the absolute privilege of seeing this year group grow from 11-year-olds into the fantastic young people they are today. I am incredibly proud of what they have achieved in their GCSEs – especially after starting secondary school during such challenging times. But more than anything, I am proud of who they have become: kind, thoughtful, supportive of one another and full of promise. The Class of 2025 has a bright future ahead.

Claire Cline, Head of Year

It’s been such a fabulous five-year journey at RGS –full of growth, support and unforgettable moments. Today feels like the perfect conclusion to it all. I couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome, and I’m just so proud of my son. What a morning – emotional, uplifting, and truly memorable.

GCSE RESULTS 2025

RECORD-BREAKING GCSE RESULTS

90% at grade 9-7

3/4 grades at 9 or 8

More grade 9s than ever before, including a 66% increase in students achieving straight 9s

This year marked the school’s most successful results day ever. With a remarkable sweep of top grades, this cohort has set a new benchmark of academic achievement.

An outstanding 90% of all grades awarded were at Grade 7 or above, with nearly three-quarters at the very top grades of 8 or 9. In most subjects, Grade 9 was the most frequently awarded mark, reflecting the depth of achievement across the curriculum.

This year also saw more Grade 9s than ever before and a record number of students achieving straight Grade 9s – a 66% increase on last year – an extraordinary accomplishment that places them among the highestperforming students nationally.

These results are astonishing – but what makes them truly special is that they come from a community of young people who are kind, creative, resilient and inspirational. They have balanced their studies with music, sport, drama, thousands of hours of volunteering, supporting charities, Duke of Edinburgh, Model United Nations and developing as global citizens – and in the process they have become remarkable young people ready to take on the world.

Headmaster, Shaun Fenton

Key Stage 4: Three-year GCSE programme

Reigate Grammar School students benefit from a three-year GCSE programme, a system which has proven results for enhanced academic attainment and increased depth of learning.

RGS students are already working at a level ahead of national expectations. For those students who join us in the First Form (Year 7), we help them work quickly through the important foundation stage in the first two years. This allows us to support students to begin working at the higher level of GCSE study from the start of the Third Form (Year 9), a full

Electives Programme

The extra time available in the Upper School means that we are able to offer an electives programme. This innovative programme of modular options is a key component of our Upper School curriculum and contains a wide range of studies and life skills that are valuable and form part of a great education. Students in the Third and Fourth Forms will spend a double lesson each week in their chosen elective which rotates every half term. Students may choose to try something new, such as film studies or stand-up comedy, alternatively they may prefer to develop further an existing interest

year earlier than at most other schools.

Having three years to work at GCSE level means students have three years to do what other schools rush through in just two years. The extra time supports higher attainment and higher GCSE grades that will open up additional opportunities as students apply to top universities.

The extended three-year GCSE course also enables RGS students to enjoy significantly greater breadth and depth in their learning.

e.g. website design or photography. The elective courses give students the ability to choose what they learn without the pressure of an examined course. A small number of elective choices offer accreditation for the work undertaken.

Whilst the electives available will vary over time, examples might include starting a new language, an art related elective in clay modelling or special effects prosthetics, a programme of enterprise and entrepreneurship, linguistic challenges, stop frame animation, film appreciation or forensic psychology.

Model United Nations (MUN)

All students have the opportunity to participate in MUN , which gives a platform to engage further in areas of interest. First to Third Formers join the Junior Committee, where they are mentored by Sixth Formers and staff, and Fourth to Upper Sixth Formers make up the Senior Committee.

MUN allows students to explore a diverse range of issues: from History and Politics, to Geography, Science and Technology. During meetings students simulate United Nations by debating and discussing a number of different issues, allowing them to be exposed to and engage in a worldwide view of relevant events. MUN helps students grasp complex issues from multiple perspectives and promotes consensus building, a key diplomatic skill.

Students attend MUN conferences, where our delegations meet with other students from a variety of schools to try to solve real world issues through the lens of their designated country. They also prepare for, and host, our highly anticipated annual ReiMUN and Junior ReiMUN conferences.

In addition to the academic gains, MUN provides valuable experience for university applications and employment, and serves as a stepping stone towards qualifications like the Extended Project Qualification.

The electives programme also encompasses the RGS Outreach and Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural (SMSC) provision encouraging and enabling students to be involved with and create benefits for the local community. Every student will undertake a rotation of Physical, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) as one of their elective choices. Upper School students will also continue with PE and games lessons each week alongside their academic studies and electives choices.

Beyond the Classroom

RGS students enjoy numerous opportunities to extend their academic studies, delving more deeply into favourite subjects and exploring beyond their GCSE choices.

Weekly clubs in school include fascinating science talks by staff and Sixth Form students, opportunities to strengthen language skills through discussion and film analysis, advanced programming workshops and enterprise projects.

There are also frequent visits outside of school, with day trips ranging from STEM lecture days in London and Brighton to walking tours to explore cultures and evolution of places. Students also enjoy opportunities to head overseas to expand their understanding, from investigating glacial and volcanic forces in Iceland and to exploring the ancient sites of Greece.

I’m really happy – I got nine 9s and a 7, so I couldn’t ask for more. Sport has been a huge part of my life at RGS; it’s helped me make great friends and shaped my whole experience.

I’m excited to step up into Sixth Form – to become more independent, build a different kind of relationship with my teachers and really focus on the subjects I enjoy. It feels amazing to see all the hard work pay off.

I was honestly shocked when I opened my results – but I’m so happy! It really shows that hard work pays off.

Since joining RGS, I’ve made so many friends, learned new skills like playing the clarinet and loved being part of the hockey team and drama.

Sixth Form feels like the next step in becoming more independent and I’m excited to explore new subjects and find out more about myself.

I‘m so happy with my GCSE results – it honestly feels like all the hard work has paid off.

I’ve made so many amazing friends here, and being part of drama and shows like Anything Goes made school life even better.

I’m really excited for Sixth Form – more time with friends, more opportunities and so much to look forward to.

Sharon L

I was nervous this morning, but when I opened my GCSE results, I felt so relieved and happy.

I only joined RGS in Third Form, but it’s been such a brilliant experience – from taking part in drama shows and music to winning BBC Young Chorister of the Year. The support from my teachers, especially in music, has been amazing. I’m now really looking forward to A Levels – especially diving deeper into subjects I’ve grown to love like physics, maths, and of course, music.

Sam B Elliot D

Naomi B

A LEVEL & BTEC RESULTS 2025

OUTSTANDING EXAM RESULTS FOR A LEVEL AND BTEC

94% of grades at A*- B

70% A*- A

98% of students holding offers from world-class universities

100% success for Oxbridge offer holders

Prestigious apprenticeships and scholarships

These results are the product of our students’ hard work and the exceptional care, teaching, and guidance they receive here. Beyond the grades, each young person leaves RGS having developed confidence, character, and curiosity - qualities that will serve them well in life.

Our leavers’ destinations speak to their ambition and breadth of talent - from Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, LSE, Durham, Warwick, and Bristol to top medical schools including Cambridge, UCL, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, and St George’s. Students have also secured international places and will study everything from Economics, Engineering, and Law to Biomedical Sciences, Computer Science, and the Arts.

Headmaster, Shaun Fenton

Watch our A Level Results Day video

BTECs at RGS: Bespoke Routes to University

As part of our commitment to offer bespoke learning pathways which enable students to thrive, RGS offers the BTEC extended diploma in Business and Sports.

This highly regarded qualification is equivalent to three A Levels, and students typically complete a BTEC and an A Level, allowing them to explore a second subject of interest.

BTECs open the door to a diverse range of highly competitive subjects at university, including Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, Business & Management, Finance, Sport Management and Computer Science.

Students achieved exceptional outcomes in 2025, with an average grade profile of D*D*D (D=Distinction). These results enabled every student to continue onto their chosen universities, with world-class destinations including Bristol, Exeter, Nottingham, Bath, Manchester, Newcastle and Loughborough.

Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the BTEC pathway, sharing that they are thrilled that their child had the opportunity to study courses that resulted in excellent outcomes and that offer brilliant preparation for both further study and the world of work.

Alex C is celebrating a place at the University of Oxford, where she will read Ancient and Modern History after achieving an impressive 3 A*s in her A Levels.

A familiar face to many at RGS, Alex made her mark not only in the classroom but also on stage. Last year she starred in the school’s production of Shakespeare in Love, playing the lead role in a performance that wowed audiences and gave her a welcome break from revision. She described the experience as “the perfect counterbalance” to the pressures of exam season.

Throughout her time at RGS, Alex immersed herself in school life. She was a Senior Prefect, a mentor, and the editor of the school newspaper The Castle. She also found her voice at debate club and was a regular at the history and politics society. Her ability to juggle academic work with co-curricular life, while taking the lead in so many areas, reflects her curiosity and creativity.

Alex’s journey through RGS has been one of breadth and balance and now she takes the next step at one of the world’s top universities.

Alex C Matty O Elise W Matthew T

Matty O is heading to the University of Cambridge to study Music, after achieving an exceptional A*A*AA in his A Levels.

A gifted pianist, cellist and composer, he completed his Music

A Level early at RGS and studied at the Royal College of Music Junior Department from a young age, all while contributing widely to music at RGS.

This year, Matty was named RGS Young Musician of the Year, just one of many highlights in a school career full of standout performances. He has played in a range of ensembles, led the junior string group and regularly arranged and conducted music across the school.

Beyond RGS, Matty’s compositions have been performed by the BBC Concert Orchestra and other professional ensembles. He was named BBC Young Composer in 2020, has won multiple national competitions and performed a solo piano piece at the Royal Albert Hall.

As Deputy Head of School, Matty has been a true allrounder - combining musical excellence with leadership and a passion for the wider life of the school.

His time at RGS has been the perfect launchpad for what promises to be a brilliant future in music.

Elise W is off to the University of Cambridge to study Engineering, after securing an outstanding A*A*A*A* in her A Levels.

A leading STEM student at RGS, Elise’s passion for engineering is matched by her drive to use innovation to improve people’s lives. She co-founded the school’s engineering society, ran a Royal Institution Maths Masterclass, and regularly tutored younger students.

Outside the classroom, Elise was part of the school’s first team hockey squad, helping her team to national victory, and played an active role in charity work, supporting the St Catherine’s Hospice Young Enterprise scheme. Her ability to combine high-level academic study with sport, leadership and service reflects a drive to make a difference in many areas of life.

Elise describes herself as “excited by the chance to solve real-world problems with creative, human-centred solutions” and her time at RGS has laid the perfect foundation for just that.

Matthew T achieved a top Distinction*** in BTEC Business, alongside strong A Level results. He prepares to take up his place to study Computer Science at Lancaster University who have awarded him a scholarship.

Matthew’s success is a brilliant example of the power of combining academic and vocational pathways.

At RGS, Matthew made the most of every opportunity. As a Senior Prefect and member of the school’s marketing committee, he has taken on leadership roles and supported students across the school. A keen technologist, he helped launch RGS’s first-ever entry into the FIRST Tech Robotics Competition, designing, coding and testing robots in a national arena.

Alongside his studies, Matthew completed the CIISec CyberEPQ with an A grade and wrote AI-driven computer science coursework using C#.

He is also a talented pianist, and enjoys the balance of creativity and logic in both music and coding.

Matthew’s route to success shows the value of combining academic rigour with practical application and Lancaster will no doubt benefit from everything he brings.

LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS AND CAREERS

SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF RECORD-BREAKING RESULTS

98% of students holding offers from world-class universities

100% success for Oxbridge offer holders

Prestigious apprenticeships and scholarships

Careers

POPULAR UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS

Every member of the Fifth Form (and their parents) has a meeting with a senior member of staff to discuss their individual progress, A Level choices, university and career options. Careers and Higher Education profiling is available, including interviews from external experts for our Fifth Form and Sixth Form students.

Careers specific information evenings include: Art and Design, Health, Accounting and Finance, Engineering, Law and Green careers.

RGS FOUNDATION

Reigate Grammar School has always been about forging strong bonds, and the RGS Foundation continues to build and develop these connections through the Reigatian Hub, an innovative online platform. Designed to support RGS students in their career choices and foster networking among Reigatians worldwide, the Reigatian Hub offers opportunities for all Reigatians to reconnect, grow professionally, and stay engaged with the RGS community.

The Professionals Hub

Central to the Reigatian Hub is the Professionals Hub, a space dedicated to helping Reigatians navigate their professional journeys with the support of our global community. The Professionals Hub includes:

• Mentor/Mentee Platform: Whether offering guidance as a mentor or seeking advice as a mentee, these connections provide invaluable support through every career stage.

• Work Experience and Jobs Board: Whether entering the workforce or considering a career change, the Professionals Hub platform is a valuable resource to gain experience, share skills and find employment.

• Business Directory: Listing Reigatian-owned businesses across various industries enables those looking to hire, collaborate, or support fellow Reigatians in their professional ventures.

• Resources: The Professionals Hub also shares a variety of professional development materials, to help you stay informed and advance in your career.

The Community Hub

Beyond professional development, the Reigatian Hub nurtures the personal connections that make the Reigatian community unique. Over time, the Community Hub will offer spaces for Reigatians to connect based on shared experiences, interests, and passions, from sports and the arts to volunteering and travel. In celebration of 350 Years of Reigate Grammar School, we have launched an online archive where you can find photos and publications throughout the school’s history.

Global Reigatian Network

From New York to New Zealand, we have ambassadors around the globe who are happy to be a point of contact, offer advice or even provide job opportunities for recent RGS leavers that are taking a gap year or moving abroad.

Please contact us if you think we may be able to help: foundation@reigategrammar.org RGS Foundation events are held all over the world and offer opportunities to network, reconnect, and simply have fun with fellow Reigatians. Always well-attended, these gatherings are not just social events but also chances to create meaningful opportunities. Registering with the Reigatian Hub will enable online booking for events, such as reunions, golf days, sport, music and drama.

After connecting with a recently retired Reigatian through the Reigatian community, I received invaluable advice and guidance ahead of my interviews, which played a key role in securing a position at his previous firm. It really reinforced how powerful the Reigatian network can benot only in offering support and mentorship, but also in fostering a strong sense of connection. Staying involved with the Reigatian community after leaving RGS is a fantastic way to stay connected, give back, and be part of a network of alumni who genuinely want to see each other succeed.

Jack Grant (Former student)

Johnny Hylton, Foundation Director with Reigatian Hub members

ACADEMIC MATTERS

THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE 2024

The Good Schools Guide delivers a glowing review, highlighting Reigate Grammar School as “a school with a kind heart where happy pupils thrive .” Written by Susannah Cannell, the review captures the school’s warm ethos and dedication to student wellbeing.

TALK EDUCATION 2025

The most recent Talk Education review praised RGS for combining academic rigour with joy, inclusivity and global perspective. It highlights the school’s ambitious yet nurturing approach, celebrating its strong leadership, outstanding teaching and breadth of opportunity, both in and beyond the classroom.

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A school with a kind heart where happy pupils thrive.

The Headmaster is “a great captain of the ship: an innovator, dynamic, personable, terribly impressive with a constant flow of ideas.”

You can’t have real excellence without diversity of thinking,” reflecting the school’s proactive approach to neurodiversity.

Tangible happiness in and out of the classroom, exciting lessons, phenomenal extracurricular offerings, and fantastic relationships between students, staff and parents.

Highly competitive, serious sport is there for many, but fully inclusive sport engagement is there for all.

Pastoral care is prioritised and is top notch. It is magnificently good.

Underpinning everything is the conviction that happy pupils thrive and do well.

Relationships, not rules, dominate the behaviour code, illustrating the school’s emphasis on community and mutual respect.

Academically ambitious but without pressure, happiness is the RGS way.

We’d never visited a school that sets up a Christmas ice rink and an outdoor cinema in the summer, and marks the start of study leave with a fairground in the playground.

The standard of pupils’ work is staggering.

About 98 per cent of pupils get offers from Russell Group universities, with medicine, veterinary science, economics, finance, politics and international relations all popular subject choices. SEN support is excellent – staff are sent a diagnosis snapshot of every pupil with a special need.

The Head plays football with pupils in the playground, drives the minibus, lets older years use his study, and hosts every pupil’s 13th-birthday party in his garden.

Shaun Fenton is one of the most committed heads we’ve met, and his aim for every pupil to do well and have fun is clear.

Happy kids do well –and have fun doing it.

The school...goes out of its way to make sure every one of its pupils feel that they belong.

GCSEs are taught for the love of learning not just for an exam.

An education with no compromises.

BEYOND THE GRADES

THE SUNDAY TIMES

SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2025 WINNER

EDUCATION TODAY

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2024 WINNER

Wellbeing

Reigate Grammar School’s groundbreaking Wellbeing Programme was recognised as the best in the country by the Times Education Supplement (TES) Independent School Awards.

EDUCATION TODAY

HEADMASTER OF THE YEAR 2024 FINALIST

TALK EDUCATION AWARDS

EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION WINNER

TES SCHOOL AWARDS

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2025 SHORTLISTED

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS OF THE YEAR

DIVERSITY, EQUALITY, INCLUSION & JUSTICE FINALIST

SCHOOL HOUSE MAGAZINE MIND & MENTAL HEALTH FINALIST

The judges were impressed by RGS’s whole-school approach to wellbeing for staff and students, based upon a belief that happy and healthy children go on to become high achievers.

The school’s focus on relationships rather than rules enables RGS students to achieve far beyond expectations while exploring and understanding their own physical and mental health and wellbeing during their years at the school.

RGS wants every student to have an emotional toolkit to help them take on the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.

Each student has a personalised support network of form tutors, mentors and buddies. There is a Wellbeing Centre where students can take time out, Mindfulness forms part of the curriculum, and a dedicated wellbeing festival features external speakers, exercise and nutrition advice and volunteering and fundraising activities.

“Wellbeing is at the core of everything we do at Reigate Grammar School. Children need to feel valued and understood, secure amongst friends and looked after by adults.”

Shaun Fenton , Headmaster

SCHOOL HOUSE MAGAZINE CHARITABLE WORK FINALIST

MUDDY’S BEST SCHOOLS AWARDS

AWESOME SIXTH FORM HIGHLY COMMENDED

Reigate

Grammar is the sort of school that will pause lessons for snowman-building and install a fairground in the summer term to ease exam-season anxieties.

Reigate Grammar School, Reigate Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2

01737 222231 admissions@reigategrammar.org

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