In the early 1900s RGS Headmaster Arthur Green was a fervent believer in the value of education for its own sake, as a basis for life, not just for a career. One of a school's first duties, in his view, was to instil the values of co-operation, loyalty, and service. He worked hard to ensure that, according to the School History, “the RGS equipped students with those qualities which mattered in life: readiness to accept responsibility, the spirit of willing service to the community, the determination to increase their efficiency in whatever branch of life they were called to work, courage to face life with a grave heart and a cheerful face all blows that adverse fortune might bring on them.” He believed that the values inherent within the work of the School should be a constant in a changing world.
Change has always been part of the RGS fabric, part of our history: our move to the independent sector in the 1970s being just one such example. And yet our School Values have remained largely unchanged over the last century or so; inclusivity, scholarship, integrity, respect, courage, and collaboration all continue to underpin our culture. As I mentioned at this year’s Commemoration Service: “The ethos which makes the RGS so special gives 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 recent announcement of our move to co-education is part of that ‘shaping’, just another evolution of this great school which will ensure that we remain a forward-looking, innovative and progressive community, while staying true to our principles and what we stand for. The world has changed rapidly in recent years and we have a duty to ensure the RGS remains relevant to the new educational and cultural/social landscape that we see before us, but without losing the essence of an RGS education. This term, indeed, has only served to reinforce what makes this wonderful school so special.
The term got off to a memorable start as our students celebrated excellent results in public examinations, in particular for our departing Upper Sixth Form students securing offers onto some of the most competitive courses at the leading universities in the country. This performance at GCSE and A Level cemented our reputation as one of the leading schools academically in the country according to the Sunday Times Parent Power rankings. Those who were fortunate enough to see the recent drama production of A Christmas Carol could not help but be swept along by the sheer infectious enthusiasm and energy of the actors. That same joie de vivre has epitomised so many events this term: from the charitable initiatives such as the Christmas Fair, to our dynamic partnerships and links with local school children such as the Masterclasses or weekly Primary School Project, to the House competitions where students have competed against their peers with no little commitment and entertaining rivalry! Our students have flourished in the co-curricular life of the School. On the sports fields, our rugby teams celebrated a
the values inherent within thework of the School should be a constant in a changing world . “ ”
succession of excellent results against some of the strongest schools in the area, while our swimmers and cross-country runners achieved national recognition. In music we have enjoyed such inspiring and uplifting concerts as the Orchestral Concert, the Ensembles Concert, the Advent Service and RGS Rock at The Boileroom, to name but a few. In every area of school life, I continually see RGS students who strive for ever-higher standards through their diligence and yet achieve this with cohesion and togetherness, kindness and support, a lightness of touch, humility, and – most importantly – a sense of humour and fun. These are the qualities which make an RGS education.
So, as term finishes today, I would like to personally offer my sincere thanks to all the staff and governors who give of their time so generously and willingly to support and inspire the students; to you, the parents, who are supportive of the School in so many ways; and most of all to the students whose good humour, enthusiasm and diligence make this such a wonderful community of which to be a part.
I wish you all a very relaxing, enjoyable and happy break and offer you and your families the very best wishes for the new year. I look forward to seeing you in 2026!
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.
