At RGS Guildford, we passionately believe that collaboration across borders is essential for preparing our students to shape solutions for today's most pressing global challenges.
With schools in the UAE, Qatar, Oman and China, and four new schools due to open in India from 2028, we are a dynamic and growing global family. Rooted in our values and tradition of learning, we blend the best of RGS Guildford with local cultures to deliver a market-leading international education.
We can only innovate at RGSG by interacting with a wide range of viewpoints and cultures, and are excited about the opportunities for learning that arise from our global RGSG community. We have an ambitious, long-term vision to expand our family of schools across the world, and enrich our programme of collaboration.
In a world where knowledge is increasingly contested, RGS Guildford provides grounding through our values, ethos, and 500 years of academic
+44 01483 880 600
ajm@rgsg.co.uk
excellence. We are ranked as one of the top schools in the UK at both A Level and GCSE. Each year, all our students secure places at the best universities. More than 230 RGSG graduates have gone on to study at Oxford and Cambridge Universities over the last 10 years alone. As in the UK, our international schools deliver an inspiring UK curriculum including STEM, humanities, languages, sports, art, drama, music and a full extra-curricular programme.
This holistic education, infused with global perspectives, equips our students with the skills and confidence they need for what comes next, and beyond, to a lifelong journey of learning, and relearning. If you would like to be part of the RGSG family of future-facing, premium schools please do get in touch – we’d love to hear from you.
DIRECTOR,
DR ALASTAIR MORRISON MANAGING
RGS GUILDFORD INTERNATIONAL
Working with us, we provide:
● A dedicated international team
● Support for both the planning and development of a new school
● Continued collaboration as the school grows and matures
As International Education Director, I am privileged to work with people across diverse cultures, united by a shared commitment to supporting pupils, teachers and leaders in cultivating world-class education. Our mission is not only to inspire excellence in learning but also to foster a vibrant network across our family of schools - one that champions professional growth, teamwork and innovation.
Together, we are building a global community where ideas flourish, expertise is shared and exciting possibilities are explored through meaningful partnerships and collaboration.
MR MIKE ROYDS INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR
500 years of history
RGS Guildford was founded in 1509 when Robert Beckingham, a prosperous London merchant, left money in his will to establish a free school in the historic town of Guildford, UK. In 1552 King Edward VI granted the school a Royal Charter whereby the school acquired the right to call itself the Royal Grammar School. Whilst the school has grown a lot over the years, the original Tudor school building remains the focus of RGS Guildford and is still used daily for teaching. Standing at the top of the High Street it continues to be one of Guildford’s most iconic and instantly recognisable landmarks.
We are proud that, throughout history, our students have gone on to succeed in a wide variety of professions, from politicians and business leaders to elite sportmen musicians and actors.
Our alumni include:
• Rodney Allam MBE, Chemical Engineer and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate;
• New Zealand Premier, Sir George Grey;
• The Rt Hon Lord Justice Philip Sales KC, Justice of the Supreme Court of the UK;
• Dr Maroof Ahmed, MD and co-founder of Pelago Health;
• Olympic medallist, Angus Groom;
• President of New York University, Professor Andy Hamilton.
1509
Robert Beckingham, a prosperous London merchant, left money in his Will to “make a free scole at the Towne of Guildford.”
1552
Edward VI grants a School Charter that there should be “one Grammar School in the said town of Guildford which shall be called the Free Grammar School of King Edward Sixth for the Educational Institution and Instruction of Boys and Youths in Grammar at all future times forever to endure.”
1881
The School falls into disrepair and decay. The Guildford Municipal Charities established a committee which reported that the School had no funds available for repairs and that there were only nine boys “instead of 100”. The committee raised £2,238.15 towards the restoration of the RGS, ensuring its survival. The school reopens in 1890 with 44 boys.
1573
John Parkhurst, Bishop of Norwich, a former pupil, bequeathed books to the School library which is now known as the Chained Library.
Building of Old School is completed.
1586 1608
George Austen drafts first Statutes.
1962
The old RGS building is severely damaged in a fire in December. The building is restored and reopened in 1965 by the Duchess of Gloucester.
2020
RGSG Nanjing opens.
1977
Final Charity Commission scheme is sealed on 20 January and the School becomes independent of the state system in September of that year.
1958
Construction of the New Building on Allen House Field begins.
2016
2021
RGSG Dubai opens.
Opening of the first RGSG International school in Qatar.
Looking to the future
RGS Guildford is rich in history, but is a forward-looking school at the forefront of innovations in education.
All our students will grow up in a fast-paced world where, through travel and technology, they have access to global events more easily than ever.
Our international presence helps our whole community to develop global perspectives on issues which will shape all our students’ futures.
2025
Commitment to open four schools across India, with the first, RGSG Bengaluru, set to open in 2028.
2023
RGSG Muscat opens.
A partnership with us provides strong benefits.
THE RGS GUILDFORD BRAND LINKS TO THE RGS FAMILY
Synonymous with academic excellence and an inspirational all-round education. An exclusive licence to use the brand in your territory.
SUPPORT
From our dedicated international team during the planning, development, and implementation phases of a project. After the school opens we provide genuine ongoing support and advice through regular meetings, visits and quality assurance reviews.
Coverage on the RGS Guildford website along with links to your school. Sharing of events and activities on social media.
A WIDE RANGE OF RESOURCES
A complete set of guidelines, regularly updated, to include school policies, schemes of work, brand guidelines, and photographs of the daily life at the school and the iconic RGSG buildings.
COLLABORATION
Students and staff collaborate both with the UK school and our international schools. Working together on projects, competitions and visits help our students to consider global perspectives on issues shaping their futures. Our staff share best practice and new thinking to benefit the education on offer in all of our schools.
PLANNING
When setting up a new school we provide comprehensive feasibility, business and education planning built on our experience in education.
A UK education is globally recognised and RGS Guildford is one of the top private schools in the UK.
In partnership with you, we will develop a school that will thrive in the context of your country.
RGS Guildford students go on to study some of the best degree courses at the best UK universities
TOP DEGREE COURSES
Economics
Sciences
Maths / Computer Science
Engineering
Business / Management / Finance
Medicine / Dentistry
Classics/Archaeology
Geography
Philosophy / PPE
Politics / International Relations
Architecture
History
Joint or Combined Honours
Law
Modern Languages
English
Music
Our students leave RGS Guildford well equipped for the next stage of their education and future careers.
We are incredibly proud that our students go on to the very best institutions in higher education, including Cambridge, Oxford, leading Russell Group and Ivy League universities and top medical schools.
RGS Guildford schools offer:
● The very best British education
● Over 500 years of academic excellence
● An unrivalled reputation
● An inspiring UK curriculum
● Genuine international collaboration and ongoing involvement
● Being part of a global community of more than 3,600 students
● A partnership with a dedicated team, highly experienced in helping a new school excel in its local area
NANJING
We are built on centuries of heritage, but our students are inspired to embrace the future.
RGS GUILDFORD
1509 FOUNDED
LOCATION
1,300 STUDENTS DR JON COX HEADMASTER
rgsg.co.uk
Set in the heart of Guildford, the RGS was founded in 1509. Though much has changed since then, our pride in our School Values remain constant.
Our students achieve exceptional academic results, and we are delighted to consistently be placed amongst the best schools in the country. In 2025, at GCSE 70% of all grades awarded were the very highest grade 9 and 8. At A Level 75% of all grades awarded were A* or A’.
From those joining the Prep school aged 3, to those leaving the Senior school aged 18, we encourage curiosity and creativity and nurture community and collaboration.
We are immensely proud of both our 500-year-old heritage and our inclusive, forward thinking outlook, and are committed to creating an experience for our students that will not only achieve academic success but, as importantly, will equip them for a constantly changing world.
RGSG QATAR
FOUNDED
1,250 STUDENT CAPACITY
LOCATION WHITE ROCKS HOLDINGS PARTNER whiterocks.qa
12,000m2 SIZE
MS FIONA SCOTT PRINCIPAL
rgsgq.com
Our first international school opened in 2016, the culmination of a partnership between RGSGI and leading Qatari corporation Al Qamra Holdings (AQH), now moved to White Rocks Holdings.
A day school for children from 3–18, the school attracts both Qatari and international families. Since its beginning the school has provided a superior, all-round education which prepares its students for the demands and challenges of today’s fast-paced world.
The school has around 750 students aged from 3–18. In 2021 the school opened a new, dedicated secondary school, allowing it to grow further and continue its success. We are immensely proud each year to see our students graduate and move on to an exciting range of further education and careers.
Collaboration, community and innovation are the key principles that unite RGS Guildford with its international partners.
NANJING
The valuable exchange of experiences and insights through regular visits continue to strengthen the bonds between our schools.
RGSG NANJING
1,500
STUDENT CAPACITY
57,000m2
FOUNDED SIZE
DONGYUSEN EDUCATION
PARTNER
rgsgnj.com
RGSG Nanjing opened in China in 2020. Our partner, Dongysen Education, share our ethos and values: to help our pupils to develop into independent and confident adults with a love of lifelong learning and equipped for the challenges of today.
The school boasts worldclass facilities and offers both day and boarding options. It benefits from strong international teaching staff, many of whom have been with the school since
MR FEI YANG
CHINESE PRINCIPAL
MR MATT FORD NANJING
LOCATION
its inception. 2023 saw the first cohort graduate from the school and, each year, students continue to suceed in securing an impressive set of A Level results enabling them to start university courses in the UK, US and other international destinations. 2020
INTERNATIONAL PRINCIPAL
RGSG DUBAI
2021 FOUNDED
40,000m2
SIZE
2,100 STUDENT CAPACITY
DUBAI
LOCATION
cognita.com
PRINCIPAL COGNITA
MR MATTHEW PEARCE
PARTNER
rgsgd.com
RGSG Dubai has quickly become established as a flagship school in the UAE. Opened in September 2021 in partnership with Cognita, the school has already grown to over 1,900 students. It embodies and reflects the same standards and inspiring ethos of RGS Guildford.
A school for children from 3-18, we are proud of the world-leading facilities enjoyed by its students: RGSG Dubai was awarded Energy Project of the Year in the Big Project Middle East Awards 2021 and won Best Architecture Environment, Design and Sustainability in a UAE School 2021-22.
We are incredibly proud that RGSG Dubai was rated 'Very Good' by the KHDA. This is the highest rating ever awarded to a school at its inaugural inspection.
The strong partnership established between RGS Guildford and Cognita throughout the development and opening of the school has flourished, and we are enjoying witnessing our students and teachers collaborating in many ways throughout the year.
An RGSG education prepares our students for the opportunities and challenges of our rapidly changing and complex world.
RGS Guildford schools deliver a world-class British curriculum, adapted to reflect the culture and educational landscape of each region.
RGSG MUSCAT
2023
FOUNDED
17,000m2 SIZE
MUSCAT
LOCATION
rgsgm.com
RGSG Muscat is our fourth international school. It opened in 2023 and provides an education for boys and girls from 3 to 18. It offers state of the art laboratories, libraries, art and activity rooms, as well as first-class sports facilities.
The school, developed in partnership with Sama Educational Company: a top provider of education in the region, provides a premium education which will equip students for the future by developing skills, sparking imaginations and inspiring young minds.
1,900
STUDENT CAPACITY
MISS LAURA GRIFFITHS
HEAD OF SCHOOL
SAMA EDUCATIONAL COMPANY
PARTNER
Working closely with the school’s interior designers, we ran a competition for RGS Guildford students to design an item of furniture that highlighted the links between all of our schools and reflected both RGS Guildford’s history and the culture and natural beauty of Oman. The winners have had their designs installed in the school.
RGSG BENGALURU
2028
OPENING
50,000m2
SIZE
ryangroup.org
2,100 STUDENT CAPACITY RYAN GROUP PARTNER
Through a landmark partnership with Ryan Group, India’s leading network of over 150 schools, we are establishing four new schools across the country, beginning with RGSG Bengaluru, set to open in September 2028.
This new co-educational school will be located on a 14-acre campus in Bengaluru, India’s technology hub, and will offer an inspiring British curriculum enriched by local culture and context. Students will benefit from a broad and balanced education, including STEM, sport, music, drama, art and a vibrant co-curricular programme.
RGSG Bengaluru will reflect our values, ethos and academic standards, and will be closely connected to our UK campus and international network. This global collaboration will offer students unique opportunities to engage across borders, preparing them to thrive as confident, compassionate global citizens.
Our desire is to see our family of RGS Guildford schools continue to grow and provide a first-class education internationally.
Get in touch
If you have any questions or would like to discuss opportunities, then please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Alastair Morrison
Managing Director ajm@rgsg.co.uk
Alastair is Managing Director of RGS Guildford International. He is responsible for originating, developing and supporting our overseas partnerships. Alastair has worked in international partnerships for more than 20 years and has driven strategy for growth across a range of education and research partnerships, including the delivery of UK degree programmes overseas, international education programmes and international research collaboration.
Chris Lee
International Operations Director cjl@rgsg.co.uk
Chris will work with you to develop the relationship with RGS Guildford and ensure a strong and successful partnership. Chris will introduce you and your teams to RGS Guildford and our wider family of schools. This will ensure that you are able to access all of the resources to enable your school to offer an experience that is true to RGS Guildford’s heritage and ethos in the context of your own region.
Mike Royds
International Education Director mrfr@rgsg.co.uk
Mike brings a wealth of experience in working across diverse cultural contexts, united by a shared commitment to educational excellence. He plays a pivotal role in supporting pupils, teachers and school leaders in cultivating worldclass learning environments.
Rebecca Golding
Executive Assistant
Rebecca ensures seamless coordination across our global family of schools. From arranging visits to our founding school in Guildford to managing international trips and meetings, she brings clarity and organisation. Rebecca is a trusted point of contact for staff and partners alike, helping to keep projects running smoothly and relationships thriving.
Nina McCoy
Marketing and Communications Manager
Nina is an experienced marketer and has worked in both commercial and educational settings. Nina and her team will provide you with a comprehensive set of brand guidelines during the set up of the school. They will support you by providing examples of how the UK school is marketed and regular content and up to date images of school life in Guildford.
Steph Peacock
Marketing Designer and Communications Co-ordinator
Steph ensures our brand guidelines are up to date, updates our international website and supports the marketing team in keeping our RGSG schools on brand. Steph also shares images and publications from RGS Guildford UK, creates content for our international social media channels and helps keep parents informed about RGSG school news and opportunities to get involved.
