Sixth Form Prospectus

SIXTH FORM

16 -18

Our School Values are at the very heart of our ethos

INCLUSIVITY

SCHOLARSHIP

INTEGRITY

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.

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.

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.

RESPECT

COURAGE

COLLABORATION

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 wellbeing, while establishing lasting friendships in a positive, happy environment.

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.

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 final stage of the school journey; a crucial transition between the support of earlier years and the independence of university. It’s an exciting time that goes by quickly, so it’s important students are in the right environment that enables them to thrive.

At the RGS, our Sixth Form experience is designed to help every student reach their full potential. Alongside academic rigour and opportunities for enrichment, we provide exceptional pastoral care and tailored support throughout the Sixth Form. Being a town-centre school gives our students extra freedom and independence, creating a feel that’s similar to a university campus.

Our individual university and careers guidance is second to

none and students are provided with a wide range of inspiring opportunities in leadership, teamwork, service, charity, and cocurricular activities to further their experience. Our aspirational Learning Habits and Values embed the very skills that employers increasingly look for, whatever career path our students choose.

The Sixth Form at the RGS is dynamic, exciting and inclusive - a place where every individual can flourish.

Today’s students will become tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. With our unique blend of enrichment, inspiration and aspiration, combined with a culture of integrity, humility, and respect, I hope your son or daughter is as excited as I am to welcome them into our Sixth Form community.

DR JON COX

Headmaster

Leadership Leadership is something we value and develop in every student, not just a select few. As they move through the School, our Sixth Formers take on increasingly visible roles and really help shape the community. There are plenty of ways to lead: mentoring younger students, becoming Form or Senior Prefects, running clubs and societies, taking part in

sport, the House system, or the Combined Cadet Force.

Senior students set the tone for the whole school, often through simple acts of kindness in their daily interactions. With staff support, they drive change and take on real responsibility, gaining the confidence and skills to become strong, compassionate and principled leaders of the future.

“

The mentoring, volunteering and leadership opportunities provided have been outstanding.

”

- RGS Parent

Opportunities to lead through...

Mentoring

Prefects

House System

Clubs and Societies

Combined Cadet Force

Sport

Experience The Sixth Form is right at the heart of school life and just moments from Guildford’s vibrant town centre. Whatever subject combinations they choose, our students will enjoy a wonderful blend of dedicated Sixth Form facilities and well-equipped teaching spaces, surrounded by our beautiful Tudor buildings.

This creates an inspiring setting where students can work, relax and catch up with friends.

With the freedom to wear their own business attire and enjoy the

5

independence that comes with being in a town-centre school, the atmosphere feels a lot like a university campus. Students get the best of both worlds: all the support and structure of school life, combined with the autonomy to prepare for what’s next.

Plus, there are plenty of chances to collaborate with Sixth Formers from other local schools, whether through lessons, co-curricular activities, or social events.

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 and societies cater to every interest and passion.

Weekly

co-curricular activities Every Monday afternoon, co-curricular life takes precedence during Period 8 activities and half of 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

DofE Awards

presented over the last 12 months.

Over 150 trips One academic year. Academic, adventurous, cultural, sporting. All year groups. All corners of the globe.

Co-curricular Sport Sport is a big part of life at the RGS, not just for physical fitness, but for mental wellbeing too.

Rugby, hockey, netball and cricket are our main sports, alongside plenty of other sports on offer.

Sixth Form students can get involved in athletics, golf, crosscountry, tennis, badminton, sailing, squash, and more.

We field multiple senior teams in each major sport, with fixtures usually taking place on Saturdays, while other sports happen during the week. Talented athletes are supported in competing at county, regional and national level.

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.

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 All Sixth Form students take part in five annual Field Days and those in the Upper Sixth follow a tailored Life Skills Programme to help them prepare for life beyond school.

Students joining the RGS in the Sixth Form are welcomed into our Monday Period 8 co-curricular programme and get involved in everything from drama, music, journalism, volunteering, and outdoor activities, or extending their experiences with the CCF. Students continuing into the Sixth Form build on their Monday Period 8 experiences from earlier years, whether that’s Outdoor Pursuits, the Combined Cadet Force (Royal Navy, Army, or RAF), or creative and service-based options introduced in the Fifth Form.

Pastoral Support and Wellbeing Outstanding pastoral care is at the heart of our Sixth Form and is tailored to meet the specific needs of every student. We pay close attention to each individual’s personal and social development, creating a secure environment where they can build confidence, develop a strong sense of responsibility, and prepare for the challenges of university and beyond.

Every student keeps the same Tutor throughout their two years, ensuring continuity and support. Alongside this, there’s a whole network of

expertise and assistance available; from the Senior Deputy Head and Heads of Year to Housemasters, the School Nurse, Counsellors and our Learning Support team.

Our structured, thought-provoking and challenging PSHME programme (Personal, Social, Health and Moral Education) is designed to give students the knowledge and selfassurance they need to tackle life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.

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, giving students the chance to follow individual pathways toward their chosen degree courses. Small teaching groups mean plenty of personal attention and support; however, the classroom is just one part of the learning experience.

Independent study is a big part of our ethos. One example is the Independent Learning Assignment, our in-house approach to the skills developed through the EPQ (Extended Project

Qualification). These independent projects have led our students to make an impact nationally and internationally, from science Olympiads and essay competitions to British Science Association CREST Awards.

Our annual, prestigious Scholarship Conference is another example of how we embrace our ‘Scholarship for All’ culture, celebrating curiosity, ambition and academic excellence across the School.

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.

This is a significant strength of the school.

”

- ISI Inspection, 2025

ORIS (Original Research in STEM) • • • •

Hands-on research experience Communication skills through report writing and presentations Original scientific research Opportunity for publication

“

“

Pupils develop social skills, confidence and self-esteem, ensuring they are well prepared for life.

”

- ISI Inspection, 2025

Alex’s final ORIS report is, in my opinion, on the level of an initial report from most of our first-year PhD students.

”

- Academic Supervisor, Southampton University

Aspiration We are committed to giving students the strongest possible foundations for the future, preparing them not just for university, but for life. Almost all of our students go on to study at the very best institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge, other leading Russell Group universities, top medical schools and Ivy League colleges in the United States.

We provide comprehensive, individually tailored advice to guide students through every stage of the university application process. Our structured programme helps them make informed, confident choices about the right university and

degree, while maximising their potential for success. A regular newsletter and presentation evenings to parents about life after the RGS, as well as the annual Careers Convention, underline our collaborative approach which sees the School, students and parents all working together closely.

The RGS maintains close links with students after they leave through our Development and Alumni Relations Office, Old Guildfordians network, RGS Connect, and regular undergraduate events and reunions.

We’re always here to offer advice, provide references and celebrate the ongoing achievements of our former students.

“

We can’t ask more from a school! You have set my child up well for the future.

- RGS Parent

93%

RUSSELL GROUP 93% of all offers held to UK institutions were to a Russell Group or Times Top 20 Institutions; 68% were to a university ranked in the global top 100.

230

51%

OF STUDENTS

students have received

have taken up places at

OXBRIDGE OFFERS

OXBRIDGE, DURHAM, BATH, EXETER AND BRISTOL

in the last 10 years.

in the last 10 years.

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

”

FIRST CHOICE UNIVERSITY 113 students went to their first-choice institutions: securing places on the most competitive courses at the leading universities in the country.

Students go on to study top degree courses including...

“

“ ”

Excellent support for future plans.

- RGS Parent

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

Careers Convention 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 child 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

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.

Regular Talks 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, it’s about independence, personal growth, and being part of a strong, supportive community. And who better to describe that experience than the students themselves?

Here, our current Sixth Formers and recent Old Guildfordians share what makes RGS special, 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 experiences that help students thrive well beyond their school years.

What our Sixth Formers say:

Spandan “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.”

Alex “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.”

“

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. 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 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 the 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 children, ensuring the RGS legacy continues to grow.

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.

”

- RGS Teacher

This brochure contains a small number of ai generated images.

Printed March 2026. All information correct at the time of printing.

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 children will emerge from our Sixth Form having fulfilled their potential, challenged themselves 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.

MR JAIME LYTHGOE Head of Upper School

Royal Grammar School High Street Guildford Surrey GU1 3BB rgsg.co.uk General Enquiries rgs-office@rgsg.co.uk +44(0)1483 880600 Admissions rgs-admissions@rgsg.co.uk +44(0)1483 880600

Sixth Form Admissions: