Issuu

FROM THE HEADMASTER

An abbreviated version of the Headmaster’s address to the whole school community at this year’s Commemoration Service in Guildford Cathedral.

A school is more than buildings and timetables. It is a living community, built on shared experiences: of enjoyment, of enrichment, of challenges overcome, and of the many moments of growth that happen every day. It is in the laughter and enthusiasm of students, the dedication and energy of teachers, and the love and support of families that we find its true spirit.

It may come as a surprise to some you, but I was your age once. I went to school in the 80s, which probably seems like the Dark Ages to you. The world was a very different place then, and some would say it was a much simpler time in which to grow up. There were just three channels on the TV, and you changed the channel, not with a remote control, but by getting up and pressing the channel button with your finger. Smart phones hadn’t been invented; if you were away from home, you used to have to find a phone box. There was no internet; if you needed information, you looked it up in a library. The Government paid me to go to university by way of a grant, which I didn’t need to repay. And talking of payments, cash was used to pay for things; I haven’t used cash for years. It was a simpler time.

These days young people are faced with a raft of challenges and complications. Everything is now at your fingertips but the choice facing you is so huge that it is, on occasions, overwhelming. The ubiquitous presence of mobile phones is your greatest asset but also your greatest distraction. The internet is now such an insidious part of our everyday lives that it has truly become indispensable: a scaffold on which we build our whole lives. My existence today compared to my existence growing up and starting my teaching career is so different that the two are almost unrecognisable. The first line of L P Hartley’s novel, The Go Between, sums up this disconnect very succinctly. He wrote, “The past is a different country – they do things differently there.”

Things change all the time, but the rate of change over the past ten years has been faster than at any time in our human existence. Change is often feared by those who are experiencing it; it is seen as dangerous, as unnatural, as unnecessary. In spite of this, our school has faced all manner of change throughout its rich history and has evolved successfully while remaining true to its values and ethos: from free school to fee paying, from day to boarding, from grammar to independent school. And this theme of change is as applicable for the young people of today as it was for my generation growing up. You are living in an exhilarating world today and you are going to be the change makers of tomorrow. Embrace the possibilities afforded to you through the changes which are happening in your lives right now.

“ ”

Let’s celebrate the past, embrace the present, and work together to shape a future for the world and for our school that is rich in experience, excitement and purpose.

I firmly believe that the Values and Learning Habits of the RGS mean that we are nurturing young people who are able to face the challenges of change and, indeed, are drivers of change themselves. You will make a difference by your actions in the future, and the change you initiate will be a positive thing, because you have a conscience and an awareness of your responsibility as citizens to make a difference. You are capable of listening and collaborating, and of taking an appropriate risk when the situation demands.

Celebrate the opportunities you have at the RGS, seize the moment, be courageous and make a difference. The values and ethos which make the RGS so special give me great confidence in the young people we see before us and make me immensely proud to be a part of what is such an extraordinary institution. Let’s celebrate the past, embrace the present, and work together to shape a future for the world and for our school that is rich in experience, excitement and purpose.

Our Values

INCLUSIVITY SCHOLARSHIP INTEGRITY

RESPECT COURAGE COLLABORATION

Our Vision

A high-performing and inclusive independent day school, which provides a great education so that students can lead happy, successful lives and have a positive impact on society.

Our Strategic Priorities

Integrate our pastoral and wellbeing offer, and tailor this to meet the needs of a modern-day student community.

Develop a more focused co-curricular offer, organised around a character development framework based on our school values.

Enhance our academic strength, in terms of exam results, developing minds and preparing students for higher education.

Maintain a healthy future pipeline of students in the face of increasing demographic, market and regulatory challenges.

NOTICES

Sports Fixtures

We very much welcome parental support this term at weekend sports fixtures including rugby at Bradstone Brook. May we politely remind you that dogs are, regrettably, strictly not allowed. To support the School’s sustainability drive, please also bring your own re-usable mugs for coffee etc. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

May we also remind you that with unpredictable weather this term, it is all the more important to check our sports cancellation policy and social media platforms prior to leaving home to ensure there have been no cancellations or changes to the published arrangements.

Forthcoming events

Thursday 9 October

Sixth Form Information Evening in the Main Building for Fifth Form families.

Tuesday 14 October

Careers in Medicine seminar in the Auditorium.

Wednesday 15 October

RGS Giving Day starts.

Thursday 16 October

RGS Giving Day continues.

Upper Sixth Form Parents’ Evening online.

Friday 17 October

RGS Giving Day concludes.

LATEST NEWS

CHARITY

Thanks to the incredible engagement of our whole community in nominating and then voting for this year’s school-nominated charities, we will be supporting the following great causes for 2025-26: Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice (local); Macmillan Cancer Support (national); and UNICEF (international). We look forward to raising significant profile and funds to support these very worthwhile charities.

FIELD DAY

A really enjoyable Field Day was accompanied by glorious sunshine as our students were involved in a range of activities locally and further afield. These included: the Art in Context group visiting the National Portrait Gallery; the new cadets from the CCF Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force sections had an exciting tri-service introduction at Brunswick Camp; older CCF Army/RAF cadets underwent a specialist Military Leadership course; RN Cadets travelled to Gosport to undertake afloat training in Portsmouth Harbour basin and The Solent aboard large training craft; the Climbing group embarked upon free climbing and challenges at the Bouldering Centre in East Grinstead; the Drama and Tech Theatre group had an outdoor mission to solve in London, while others were involved in painting flats for this term’s drama production; the Lifesaving and Surfing group enjoyed the best of the weather in Cornwall; the Hiking and Mountain Biking groups took to the Surrey Hills; the Outdoor Pursuits group went to Big Hat Bushcamp in Chertsey and also braved the cold and the rain for the Nuts Challenge, a mud run which fully lived up to its name; there were also plenty of music, volunteering, sports coaching and enterprise sessions too! The First Form went on their annual Bushcraft Residential Adventure, while the Second Form visited the fascinating Bletchley Park and the Third Form were at High Ashurst in Dorking for a day of high ropes and Team Building Activities.

SPORTS NEWS

GOLF

The RGS golf team was hosted by George Abbot School at Guildford Golf Club; the format was handicapped singles matchplay over 18 holes. There were some encouraging individual performances notably from George Atkinson who capped a fine round with a victory.

CHESS

The RGS hosted the annual Russell Trophy Chess Tournament, a high-quality competition containing many national finalists and the current holders of the National Schools Chess Championship, Hampton School. The competition serves as a ‘kick-off’ for the Surrey Schools Chess League and comprised 16 teams, 96 players, from nine different schools. The RGS 1st VI and 2nd VI both played well, finishing in second place in both of their respective sections. Debutants Lucas Liu and Will Quayle performed well, with Will winning both of his games and Lucas winning 1 of 2. Umun Atara, Can Görgüner, Arnav Nambiar and Ben Thain won all their games.

FOOTBALL

In the English Independent Schools FA Cup Round 1, the 1st XI narrowly lost 3 – 4 against Trinity School, Croydon, despite goals from Fi Adeoshun (2) and Harry Griffiths. Despite leading with 8 minutes to go, two penalties in the final moments swung the game in favour of Trinity. The RGS then returned to winning ways as they recorded a 3 – 1 victory in the English Schools' FA Cup Round 1 against St Crispin’s School with goals from Sam Seddon and a brace from Harry Griffiths.

SHOOTING

The RGS shooting team took on St John’s School, Leatherhead in their first smallbore match of the term. The 10-Bull IV consisted of captain Josh Jacobs, vice-captain Ayaan Bhagat, Steven Dimov and Luke Elliott. The RGS won 376 – 331; Ayaan was top scorer with 97. Shooting on 5-Bull our IV comprised Stephen Bannister, Joey Corr, James Grimshaw and George Smith; James was top scorer with 98. This was a tight competition, but the RGS pulled through to win 376 – 375.

SPORTS NEWS

RUGBY

RGS teams were out in force as 20 teams across the age groups took to the fields against KCS Wimbledon. Highlights included a convincing 43 – 5 win for the all-conquering 2nd XV, a 22 – 5 score in favour of the Under 16As, and a thumping 46 – 0 victory for the Under 16Bs; the 1st XV narrowly lost 13 – 19. An excellent block against Hurstpierpoint College again, frustratingly, saw the 1st XI emerge on the wrong side of a narrow 19 – 22 scoreline, despite a spirited performance. The senior teams in each age group, however, did well with the Under 16A, Under 15A and Under 14A teams all recording victories.

SKI RACING

The RGS ski team participated in the qualifying round of the English Schools' Ski Race Championships. Our Under 13 team comprising Jamie Courts, Charlie Gooch, Freddie Lueken and Ryan Xu was placed first; our Under 15 team (Charlie Courts, Max Locke, Elliott Schafer and William Hall) third and our Under 18 team (Will Gossage, Jago Halliwell, Freddie Judd and Will Judd) second in their respective age groups. To have three of our teams in the top six out of 16 at the event is a phenomenal achievement. Lewis Lynch and Eddie Power both impressed in their first race event. All teams now progress to the English Finals and British qualifiers in Norwich later this month.

CROSS-COUNTRY

17 schools competed in the annual Junior Haskell Cup race at Bradstone Brook, totalling 180 competitors. Running conditions were perfect, with each person completing two laps (2.3k). The RGS entered 3 teams and our A Team came in 1st place out of 26 teams: an impressive achievement.