We remain loyal to our founding principles to educate bright local students, irrespective of background or financial circumstances, and we inherently believe in establishing a culture of diversity and acceptance, and in educating our students in a welcoming, tolerant community where each individual is valued and enjoys a deep sense of belonging.
RESPECT
We nurture an atmosphere of mutual respect between all members of our community, and foster self-respect and selfesteem in terms of physical health, emotional maturity and personal well-being, while establishing lasting friendships in a positive, happy environment.
Our School Values are at the very heart of our ethos
SCHOLARSHIP
We encourage the growth of intellectual curiosity, independence, creativity, innovation and habits of learning within a scholarly community through inspirational subject specialists who provoke and stretch the students’ minds and inculcate a lifelong love of learning.
COURAGE
We develop leadership, teamwork, resilience and life skills through a diverse range of activities where all students, regardless of their talents and attributes, are encouraged to challenge themselves, take appropriate risks and work hard to fulfil their potential.
INTEGRITY
We promote the development of self-discipline and responsibility, spirituality and a personal moral code, and cultivate an ethos where enduring qualities of decency, honesty, courtesy, humility and good humour are celebrated.
COLLABORATION
We work closely with others for mutual enrichment, and encourage a spirit of generosity and service, a sense of perspective, and a firm belief that we can work in partnership with others, locally and internationally, to make a difference and have a positive impact on society.
Welcome
The Sixth Form is the culmination of each student’s school experience: an important transitional phase between the support of the lower years and the increased independence of university, and yet this stage flies by. As such, it is vital that your son is in the right environment for him to thrive.
Our Sixth Form experience provides bespoke support to maximise his potential, including exceptional pastoral care. The breadth of experience in the Sixth Form is inspiring; leadership, teamwork, service, charity and co-educational opportunities abound. Our tailored, individual university and careers advice, all underpinned by academic enrichment, is second to none. As a town-centre school – with
the increased freedom this affords – we replicate the feel of a university campus. Finally, our focus on aspirational and demanding Learning Habits and Values embed the very skills which employers increasingly demand in the workplace, irrespective of the pathway chosen.
The Sixth Form at the RGS is a dynamic and exciting, yet also supportive and inclusive, environment where every individual has the potential to flourish. Our students of today will be the leaders, the innovators, the problem-solvers of tomorrow. With our unique blend of enrichment, inspiration and aspiration –coupled with a culture of decency, humility and respect – I hope your son is excited to join our Sixth Form community.
DR JON COX Headmaster
Leadership
Leadership is regarded as a key attribute of all students, not just an elite group, as they take an increasingly high-profile role around the School. As such, opportunities for leadership abound through senior academic and pastoral mentoring, Form Prefects, Senior Prefects, responsibility for running clubs and societies, sport, the house system, and the Combined Cadet Force.
The senior students set the tone for the rest of the School and play an important part in building a cohesive community; this often manifests itself simply through the kindness of the senior students’ daily interaction with younger students. Supported by staff, they facilitate change and take a leading role in running the School, developing the skills to become strong, compassionate and principled leaders of the future.
The mentoring, volunteering and leadership opportunities provided have been outstanding.
- ISI Inspection, 2025
Opportunities to lead through...
Clubs and Societies
Combined Cadet Force Sport
Experience
The Sixth Form Centre is at the heart of daily life: a purposebuilt facility, surrounded by the School’s original Tudor buildings, which provides an inspiring environment where students can socialise and relax as well as work. The opportunity to wear their own business suits and the greater freedom and responsibility which a town-centre school
offers mirrors the feel of a university campus. Our students benefit from all the support and structure of school life while having the autonomy and independence to prepare for life beyond the RGS. Regular collaboration takes place with Sixth Form students from the local girls’ schools: curricular, co-curricular and social opportunities abound.
5 Field Days
On Field Days, the normal teaching timetable is suspended; every single student and teacher is involved in co-curricular pursuits.
Over
70 clubs
The range, number and diversity of our clubs & societies cater to every interest and passion.
187 DofE Awards
During the last 12 months we have presented 91 Bronze, 77 Silver and 19 Gold DofE Awards.
Weekly co-curricular activities
Every Monday afternoon, co-curricular life takes precedence during Period 8 activities; half of the students are involved in the Combined Cadet Force and Outdoor Pursuits.
[The RGS] encourages scholarship for all, growth of intellectual curiosity and the opportunity to
establish important life skills through a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
- ISI Inspection, 2025
Over 100 trips
One academic year. Academic, adventurous, cultural, sporting. All year groups. All corners of the globe.
Co-ed opportunities
with local girls’ schools through the General Studies Programme, joint drama and music productions, joint societies and many more.
Co-curricular
Sport
Rugby, hockey and cricket are the main sports played. Sixth Form students not involved in major sports have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of other sports, including athletics, golf, football, cross-country, tennis, badminton, basketball, sailing and squash.
The School fields multiple senior teams in each major sport, with fixtures typically held on Saturdays, while other sports are played during the week. We place strong emphasis on the importance of sport for physical and mental wellbeing. Talented athletes are supported in pursuing county, regional and national representation.
General Studies
The General Studies programme offers students the chance to explore new interests, develop practical skills, and engage in activities beyond the academic curriculum. Run in collaboration with local girls’ schools, it provides a mixed environment that encourages broader perspectives and shared experiences.
Students choose from a diverse range of short courses each half term, with options such as:
• learning new languages;
• volunteering;
• ballroom dancing;
• cookery;
• sign language;
• knitting;
• yoga;
• cryptic crosswords;
• robotics;
• gardening;
• leathercraft;
• board games.
The programme allows students to try something different each term, and concludes with summer social events for the Lower Sixth to mark the end of the year.
Monday Activities and Field Days
Students continuing into the Sixth Form build on their Monday Period 8 experiences from earlier years— whether through the Combined Cadet Force (Royal Navy, Army, or RAF), Outdoor Pursuits, or creative and service-based options introduced in the Fifth Form.
New Sixth Form entrants are equally welcomed into the programme, with opportunities to explore drama, music, journalism, volunteering and outdoor activities.
All students take part in five annual Field Days, with Upper Sixth following a tailored Life Skills Programme designed to support their transition beyond school.
Pastoral Support and Wellbeing
The outstanding pastoral care is appropriate and specific to the needs of students in the Sixth Form. Close attention is given to the personal and social development of every individual; a secure environment allows them to develop a balanced moral compass, their sense of responsibility, and the confidence to meet the challenges of life at university and beyond. Each student maintains the same Tutor throughout the two years; the Senior Deputy Head oversees the
wealth of other support mechanisms which include the Heads of Year, Heads of Section, Housemasters, School Nurse, School Counsellors and the Learning Support team. The structured, challenging and thoughtprovoking PSHME programme (Personal, Social, Health and Moral Education) aims to give students understanding of some of the challenges facing them and the selfassurance to tackle future challenges from a position of strength and knowledge.
Students are supported by...
Form Tutor
Head of Year
Head of Section
Housemaster
School Counsellors
School Nurse
Learning Support Team
Assistant Head Pastoral
Senior Deputy Head
RGS Sixth Form is a continuation of the excellent education and pastoral care we have enjoyed over the last few years.
- RGS Parent
Enrichment
The RGS curriculum is challenging, dynamic and flexible, providing individual pathways to students’ chosen degree courses. Small teaching groups provide the forum for personal attention and support; however, the classroom is only one aspect of the learning experience. Independent study characterises our ethos, one example of which is the Independent Learning Assignment, the School’s in-house approach to the skills inculcated by the EPQ
(Extended Project Qualification). Through such independent initiatives, our students have made an impact nationally and internationally in a diverse range of competitions from national science Olympiads, to national essay writing competitions, to the British Science Association CREST Awards. Our annual, prestigious Scholarship Conference is just one illustration of how the School embraces its Scholarship for All culture.
ILA (Independent Learning Assignment)
• Develops research, analysis, and writing skills
• Fosters independent thinking through self-designed projects
• Strengthens personal statements and interview preparation
• Provides guidance from an assigned supervisor
• Opportunity to present work and win recognition
Pupils develop a breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm for scholarship. - ISI Inspection, 2025 “ ” This is a significant strength of the school.
ORIS (Original Research in STEM)
• Hands-on research experience
• Communication skills through report writing and presentations
• Original scientific research
• Opportunity for publication
Well equipped for his future professionally and personally.
- RGS Parent “ ”
Aspiration
The School’s approach is underpinned by a deep commitment to providing the students with foundations for the future, preparing them not only for university but for life. RGS students, almost without exception, go on to study at the very best institutions in higher education: Cambridge, Oxford, other leading Russell Group universities, the top medical schools, and Ivy League institutions in the United States.
Comprehensive, individually tailored advice supports the students through each stage of the university application process. A structured programme is designed to allow them to make informed, objective choices as to the
right university and degree and to maximise their potential for higher education study. A regular newsletter and presentation evenings to parents on matters pertaining to life after the RGS, as well as the annual Careers’ Convention, underline the collaborative approach which sees the School, the students and the parents working together closely.
The RGS maintains close links with the students after they leave the School through the Development and Alumni Relations Office, the Old Guildfordians, RGS Connect and the regular undergraduate events and reunions. The School also continues to provide support and advice and to act as referees as required to all students.
95% RUSSELL GROUP
95% of all offers held to UK institutions were to a Russell Group or Times Top 20 Institutions; 36% were to a university ranked in the global top 50.
250 boys have received
We can’t ask more from a school! You have set him up well for the future.
- RGS Parent
BATH, CAMBRIDGE
AND
DURHAM
have been in the OXBRIDGE OFFERS
in the last 10 years.
TOP 5 DESTINATIONS
for RGS students for the last nine years.
FIRST CHOICE UNIVERSITY
123 students went to their first-choice institutions: securing places on the most competitive courses at the leading universities in the country.
University Destinations:
Bath Birmingham Bristol
Cambridge Durham Edinburgh
Exeter Imperial College Leeds
London School of Economics
Loughborough Manchester
Newcastle Nottingham Oxford
Queen Mary University London
St Andrew’s Sheffield
Southampton Surrey University College London Warwick York
Students go on to study top degree courses including...
Excellent support for future plans. “ ”
- RGS Parent
Careers Convention
“ ”
Careers advice is a highlight.
Staff are exceptionally generous with their time researching the market, producing briefing sheets and offering specialist lectures.
- Good Schools Guide
We hold an annual Careers Convention with over 100 professionals and representatives from companies (many of whom are our alumni) across industries including finance, law, insurance, engineering, the creative industries, sustainability, public services, management consultancy, real estate, data analytics, architecture, entrepreneurs, aviation and the medical sector.
My son will leave school well equipped for his future professionally and personally. “ ”
- RGS Parent
Our Director of Higher Education is available for individual, tailored meetings with students and their parents to discuss their options for life after the RGS. These are arranged at times that are suitable for parents, often in the evening outside of the school day.
Bulletins
Regular Talks
Fortnightly Careers and Higher Education Bulletins ensure students and parents are kept up-to-date with key application deadlines, university open days, scholarship opportunities and academic competitions.
We host regular speakers from a variety of careers. In recent years, we welcomed Dr Nick Wilson-Jones (OG 1990) who spoke on paediatric plastic surgery, and a lecture from Professor Mullan championed the skills that studying English at post-16 level and beyond can develop in young people, to name just a few.
Testimonials
Life in the Sixth Form at RGS is shaped not only by academic challenge and opportunity, but also by independence, personal growth and a strong sense of community. Who better to capture this experience than those who have lived it? Here, current Sixth Formers and recent Old Guildfordians share their reflections on what makes
the RGS distinctive, from the vibrant day-to-day atmosphere to the lasting impact of the guidance they received. Whether it’s university placements, career paths, or essential life skills, RGS provides the support, advice and experience that help students thrive well beyond their school years.
What our Sixth Formers say:
“Sixth Form lessons really push you to think critically and question ideas, not just learn facts. We are treated like adults - with a mix of lectures, discussions and debates that make learning genuinely engaging.”
“RGS has a real campus feel –you get a lot of independence, and it’s easy to move between buildings or head into town during breaks. It feels like a step towards university life, but with all the support you still need.”
“
Spandan
Alex
What our Old Guildfordians say:
Christian – University of Bath,
BSc
Management
“As I moved to University, being resilient, motivated to develop and capable of purposeful reflection has been a real asset to me in my academic, sporting and professional life, and I am so grateful to the RGS for fostering these traits in me.”
Abhay – London School of Economics (LSE), BSc Economics and Economic History
“The advice provided to me regarding university applications and career opportunities during my time in the Sixth Form was critical in enabling me to choose a path in Finance.”
Henry – University of Leeds, MNatSc BSc Natural Sciences
“The critical thinking and independent problem-solving skills I developed at the RGS have been fundamental to my success in the world of management consulting.”
Jamie – University of Exeter, BSc Business Economics
“The RGS was pivotal in helping me choose not only my university course but also an industrial placement year, something which has led to me securing a full time graduate role with the same company. I can’t thank the RGS enough for starting me on this exciting path!”
Jake – University of Exeter, BSc Economics with Geography
“With advice from the School, I pursued an industrial placement abroad. That year gave me invaluable experience which shaped my career direction and opened doors I wouldn’t have otherwise considered.”
Always a part of the RGS
The RGS journey doesn’t end when you leave school; it marks the start of a lifelong connection. Our enduring community brings together current students, staff, alumni and families, united by shared experiences and a lasting sense of belonging.
Many Old Guildfordians return to offer careers advice, speak to students and share their experiences of life beyond RGS. Each year, former students and staff enjoy informal socials in Guildford, while reunions include school tours, dinners
and opportunities to reconnect and celebrate successes. The popular annual Headmaster’s Cricket Match brings together students, alumni and staff for a day of friendly competition and community spirit. Through our bursary programme, former students and families also help to support future generations of bright local boys, ensuring the RGS legacy continues to grow.
- RGS Teacher “ ”
It’s wonderful when Old Guildfordians come back to visit. The conversations pick up where they left off, and you can see how much the RGS community still means to them.
Final Word
Our Sixth Form is more than just a stepping stone to higher education. It’s an enriching, formative phase in shaping confident, happy, compassionate, and capable young adults.
Our values-driven approach encourages students to be reflective, empathetic, and purposeful in all that they do.
A typical RGS student excels in their own right while inspiring and serving those around them. They learn to lead with integrity and to contribute meaningfully to their community; service and altruism define what we stand for.
While there is much that unites our students - decency, honesty and integrity remain our hallmarks - we never lose sight of the individual. Each young person brings their
own strengths, ambitions, and story, and we take great pride in guiding them as they discover their purpose and prepare for life beyond school.
We see this phase as a three-way partnership between each student, their family and the School. By working closely together and communicating openly, and by all pulling in the same direction, we can ensure that each individual’s pathway is bespoke, focused and rewarding. We have every confidence that your son will emerge from our Sixth Form having fulfilled his potential, challenged himself in many areas of school life, forged life-long passions and friendships, and able to have the most ambitious aspirations for the next phase of their education, and beyond.
