GUIDE
This publication describes the broad principles on which the School is currently run and does not form any contractual agreement between parents and guardians and this school. The information contained within this publication is current at the time of print; however, the RGS reserves the right to make changes and will inform parents as required.
Welcome
I am delighted formally to welcome both you and your son to the RGS for what is an exciting phase of his education. The cyclical nature of school life is a natural part of evolution: the tinge of sadness felt as a highly accomplished and impressive year group of Upper Sixth Form students prepare to leave is tempered by the excitement of a new, talented intake of individuals on the verge of becoming part of our community. We are very fortunate that each year we have a significant number of students applying to join the RGS; the very fact that your son has been offered a place is testament to his impressive performance in the entrance examinations and the potential that we have seen in him.
Our students enjoy studying in an environment which allows them fully to realise their natural potential, which stretches and challenges them, and which nurtures a lifelong love of learning. We have no doubt that your son will relish the richness of experience and diversity of opportunity which awaits him in September as he puts on his RGS blazer for the first time. Most importantly, however, RGS students are happy. If they are confident in their environment, they will flourish and will take life’s inevitable ups and downs in their stride.
What should be a source of great comfort is that we are genuinely a welcoming community; new students quickly integrate and make friends. Indeed, in our ISI Inspection from earlier this year, the RGS received the rare accolade of two significant strengths, becoming one of just a small handful of schools in the whole country to be acknowledged in this way. The inspectors recognised that, firstly, inclusion and mutual respect, and secondly, breadth of knowledge and enthusiasm for scholarship, as well as academic curiosity and ambition, are embedded and celebrated in absolutely everything we do here at the RGS. This is, undoubtedly, an environment where your sons can develop and flourish as individuals and as young men, and also have the most ambitious of aspirations academically.
I hope this booklet is a helpful source of reference and addresses any questions you may have. I wish you all the very best for a relaxing, restful summer holiday and I look forward to seeing you and your son joining the RGS family in September.
Dr JM Cox HEADMASTER
School Values
The RGS is a kind, inclusive, tolerant community where diverse opportunity, personal development, high achievement and collaborative partnership define who we are, and where our values underpin all we do.
INCLUSIVITY
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Learning Habits
Central to a lifelong love of learning and interwoven throughout each student’s curricular and co-curricular experiences, the RGS Learning Habits are the characteristic behaviours and attributes which students develop in order to thrive as they progress through school, university and beyond.
ORGANISATION
As an RGS learner, I am punctual and well prepared so that I can make the most out of every opportunity. I manage time effectively and meet deadlines. My work is clearly and systematically ordered.
ENGAGEMENT
As an RGS learner, I work in partnership with others, test their ideas, demonstrate empathy and look towards their wellbeing. I am an active listener who is well engaged in learning; I notice and learn from what others do well. I fufill my role within a team or group to the best of my ability.
IMAGINATION
As an RGS learner, I combine my existing knowledge and skills with intellectual curiosity and creativity to successfully plan and achieve things in unfamiliar situations, of which I am proud.
PERSEVERANCE
As an RGS learner, I am tenacious when facing adversity or suffering setbacks. I will understand and learn from both my mistakes and those of others, and resolve to try again.
ASPIRATION
As an RGS learner, I aim to go beyond my current successes. I enjoy making the most of the opportunities presented to me, both inside and outside of the classroom, irrespective of the outcome.
REFLECTION
As an RGS learner, I recognise and celebrate my achievements and those of others. I look back at the progress I have made and seek feedback so that I can refine and improve targets for my future development. I have a sense of perspective, rationally test claims of truth and take responsibility for my own wellbeing.
Term Dates
MICHAELMAS TERM 2025
New Student Familiarisation Day*: Wednesday 3 September
Term begins: Thursday 4 September
Half Term: Monday 20 October - Friday 31 October
Term ends: Friday 12 December
LENT TERM 2026
Term begins: Tuesday 6 January
Half Term: Monday 16 February - Friday 20 February
Term ends: Friday 27 March
TRINITY TERM 2026
Term begins: Tuesday 21 April
Half Term: Monday 25 May - Friday 29 May
Term ends: Wednesday 8 July
The following dates are Inset days when the School is closed to students: Monday 3 November 2025 and Monday 1 June 2026.
*New students should arrive at the entrance of the Main Building between 8.30 and 8.45am. Any changes to these arrangements will be communicated via email.
Key Dates
It may be helpful to note the following dates in the Michaelmas Term which are of particular interest to new parents. In addition, the Forthcoming Events section of the fortnightly newsletter, The Bulletin, highlights those events to which parents are warmly invited.
Wednesday 26 August
Thursday 27 August
Friday 28 August
Saturday 30 August
Monday 1 September
Wednesday 3 September
Saturday 6 September
Thursday 18 September
Monday 22 September
Saturday 27 September
Pre-season rugby training (Third, Fourth & Sixth Form)
Pre-season rugby training (Second, Third, Fourth & Sixth Form)
Pre-season rugby training (Second, Third, Fourth & Sixth Form)
Pre-season fixture for those selected
Pre-season rugby training (First Form)
Pre-season rugby training (Second Form)
Pre-season rugby training (First Form)
New Parents’ Reception Evening Field Day 1
RGS Parents’ Association Autumn Social
RGS Nomenclature
First Form Year 7
Second Form Year 8
Third Form Year 9
Fourth Form Year 10
Fifth Form Year 11
Lower Sixth Form Year 12
Upper Sixth Form Year 13
Michaelmas Term Autumn Term
Lent Term Spring Term
Trinity Term Summer Term
ATWA All Weather Training Area
BB Bradstone Brook (Sports Ground)
FD Field Day
JBB John Brown Building
S01 Deputy Heads’ Office
Contact Details
The following details may be of use for new parents; a full list of contact details is available in each term’s School Calendar and on the RGS website. The School Office is always keen to help and support both parents and students; however, it is extremely busy and as such please may we encourage parents only to use the School Office to deliver messages to students if the message is urgent.
POSTAL ADDRESS
Royal Grammar School High Street Guildford GU1 3BB
TELEPHONE
Accounts Department 01483 880610
Headmaster’s PA (Miss JL McAllister) 01483 880608
School Nurse (Mrs SB Pontin) 01483 880600
School Office (Mrs K Winterburn and Mrs JP Beech) 01483 880600
Emergency Contact (after 5.00pm term-time only) 01483 887134
When emailing a member of staff please use their initials followed by the suffix @rgsg.co.uk, for example: jwp@rgsg.co.uk
Teaching staff and other key contacts are provided at the back of this guide.
STAFF
It may be helpful to be aware of the following members of the Senior Management Team:
Headmaster
Director of Finance and Operations
Senior Deputy Head
Deputy Head
Senior Master
Assistant Head (Curriculum)
Dr JM Cox
Mrs BF Whitham
Mr AU Woodman
Mrs JSR Thorpe
Mr JW Pressley
Mr DSJ Wright
Communications
At the RGS, we greatly value the open and positive lines of communication between the School and the parents. We take pride in keeping parents well informed at all times. The School provides regular correspondence through the weekly electronic letters, the fortnightly newsletter, The Bulletin, and the termly review, The Register. An archive of all school publications can be accessed via the website: www.rgsg.co.uk/news-and-events/news/publications.
CALENDAR
Links to the dynamic online School Calendar are available throughout the website.
EMAILS
The School uses a system called SchoolPost to deliver parental emails. Every Tuesday, all parents are emailed with correspondence relevant to them or their sons. In exceptional circumstances, an email will be sent on another day of the week, usually a Friday.
TEXT & VOICE MESSAGES
You can see how many RGS messages have been sent to you at the top of the email you will receive. To view them you can scroll down or use the ‘View online’ button.
You will receive a summary list of the week’s letters that are relevant to your son.
‘View online’ takes you to the Parent Portal where all e-communications can be viewed.
For important or urgent communication, the School uses a system through which text messages are sent to individual mobile phones, voice messages can be recorded or emails sent direct to individuals. This has proved to be a very useful tool when there are significant changes to the normal school day but, more importantly, an efficient method of contacting parents quickly in the case of a real school emergency. The School also uses this system to contact parents so that unexplained absences can be followed up by the School Office. A text, as well as an email, will be sent to the primary contact (mother unless otherwise specified) for your son, normally by 10.45am at the latest.
MY SCHOOL PORTAL
Through MySchoolPortal, parents have secure, 24-hour access to personalised data about their son via one user name and password. To access MySchoolPortal, you need to click on the ‘Parents’ link available at the bottom of each page on the RGS website (www.rgsg.co.uk) and enter your email address and request your bespoke password. MySchoolPortal allows you to give parental consent for trips and activities, choose academic and games options, and update both your and your son’s contact details and personal information.
‘Home’ tab All SchoolPost messages and the ‘Parents’ Evening’ booking button.
‘School Information’ tab Finance documents, Exam Timetables & other forms.
‘My Children’ tab Your son’s timetable, Day Planner (including school events, clubs & sports fixtures), school reports, teacher contacts & Evolve (our trip management system.
Parents’ Evening Book Parents’ Evening appointments via this button.
My Account Updating your personal details.
Sports Results & Fixtures For results, fixtures, locations and the Sports Calendar.
STUDENT COMMUNICATION
Email is the primary form of communication within the School and members of staff will regularly contact students on their school email addresses with information, arrangements or opportunities. Each student will be provided with an email address which comprises his candidate number (an individual five-digit number which will be used for identification purposes, including during public examinations) followed by the suffix @rgsg.co.uk, for example 00001@rgsg.co.uk. Although Microsoft Teams provides a messaging option, students should not use this as a routine way of communicating with staff.
Students are expected to check their emails twice a day: once before school and once at the end of the day. Parental support in encouraging this routine would be very much appreciated and will help efficient communication within the School.
Each afternoon during term time a copy of The RGS Today is circulated to all staff and students which is an invaluable source of information for highlighting the following day’s arrangements, including clubs, societies, practices, rehearsals, talks etc. Students should get into the habit of looking at this publication to ensure they do not miss out on opportunities offered.
Daily Routine
TIMETABLE
8.30am School opens
8.45am Registration
8.55am Tutor Groups or Assembly
9.15am Periods 1 and 2
10.30am Morning Break
10.50am Periods 3, 4 and 5
12.45pm Lunch*
1.50pm Registration
2.00pm Periods 6, 7 and 8
4.00pm School ends and clubs, sport and co-curricular activities commence
* First Form students have lunch between 12.05pm and 12.30pm when they go to their Period 5. This lasts from 12.30pm until 1.10pm.
ATTENDANCE & REGISTRATION
The school day begins with form registration at 8.45am; students are allowed to access the School from 8.30am. Students below the Sixth Form are, however, allowed in the building beforehand if they wish to have breakfast in the canteen or if they are studying in the Mallison Library. Afternoon registration takes place at 1.50pm. School ends each day at 4.00pm, although a number of clubs and societies take place after school. Students can usually stay in the Mallison Library each day until 5.00pm when the Library shuts.
BOUNDS
Students in the First, Second and Third Forms who wish to leave the school premises during break or the lunch hour, must obtain permission from their Form Tutor. The staff car park is out of bounds for safety reasons. Retail outlets including Co-op and Sainsbury’s are out of bounds to students in the First, Second and Third Forms during school hours including when going to and from games periods.
Uniform & Clothing Expectations
The appearance of students and staff alike sets the tone for high standards. We expect the students, both while travelling to and from school and also during the school day, to wear full school uniform (or branded sports kit on relevant days) and not a mixed currency of own clothes and uniform/sports kit; to have shirts tucked in and top buttons done up; to have clean formal black shoes; and to be good ambassadors of the School. No jewellery of any kind is allowed at school, with some exceptions in the Sixth Form.
UNIFORM PROVIDER
The official outfitters are Stevensons, which stocks all items of approved school uniform.
Website: www.stevensons.co.uk
Address: 208-210 London Road, Burpham, Guildford GU4 7JS
Telephone: 01483 577835
Students are allowed to come to school wearing items purchased from other suppliers only if each item is identical in style, colour and quality with the item supplied officially. Each item of clothing and equipment must be clearly labelled on the inside of each garment.
FIRST TO FIFTH FORM UNIFORM:
• the official school blazer;
• plain, dark grey, long tailored trousers: belts, if worn, must be black;
• a plain white collared shirt: no vests or t-shirts should be visible;
• an official school tie: including a house tie;
• dark grey, navy blue or black socks;
• plain, formal black leather shoes (not black trainers);
• an official grey or navy v-neck jumper (plain, with no other colours, logos or woven pattern).
SIXTH FORM UNIFORM:
• a black, charcoal grey or navy blue business suit, plain or with subtle, narrow pinstripes or check;
• an official school tie;
• a plain white collared shirt (Lower Sixth Form only);
• a business shirt, light colours and pastel shades only, subtle stripes and checked patterns are permitted (Upper Sixth Form only);
• an official grey or navy v-neck jumper (plain, with no other colours, logos or woven pattern).
• the RGS quarter-zip is available from Stevensons (no other quarter-zip jumpers are permitted);
• dark coloured business socks. White socks are not allowed;
• plain, formal black leather shoes (not black trainers).
Students are advised to refer to the Dress Code on the Parent Portal for full information. It is helpful to note here that students must wear correct school uniform when travelling to and from school. Students must wear either full school uniform or a school tracksuit when leaving sports fixtures and practices.
Students’ hair may be of any length but should be tidy and in keeping with a professional environment. If a student wishes to have short hair all over then this should be no shorter than a grade 2. Hair longer than shoulder length should be tied up with a discreet hair tie while under school discipline. Hair must be its natural colour.
Sixth Form students are permitted to grow any smart facial hair in keeping with a professional environment. Students wishing to grow facial hair must apply in writing to their Head of Year in advance of the start of term, maintaining the style agreed on. Students in lower year groups, who are old enough to shave, should be clean-shaven.
Sixth Form students may wear one ring and one bracelet that fits under the sleeve of the shirt cuff. Necklaces should not be visible. Earrings should be transparent studs. Discreet makeup is acceptable in keeping with a professional environment. All jewellery must be removed for sport and other activities, as required, for health and safety requirements. Lower and Middle School students are not permitted to wear jewellery of any kind at school, unless given specific permission by the Senior Deputy Head.
School shoes must not be worn on the AWTA; students are advised to wear special astro trainers. Trainers should be worn for playground football.
PE & Sports Kit
RGS PE and Sports kit is provided exclusively by Tacklebag and mostly manufactured by Canterbury of New Zealand; the kit is of high quality and is made with comfort, performance and durability in mind. Clothing, as well as selected items of sports equipment, can be purchased online (details below) or at sales days held at Bradstone Brook. Students will not be permitted to do Games or PE in incorrect kit. Certain items are required if they are competing for School teams.
The sale of secondhand uniform and goods (SHUGS) are held regularly - FAQs for which can be found at www.rgsg.co.uk/parents-association/
SPORTS KIT SUPPLIER
Sports kit can be ordered from Tacklebag. There is free delivery on orders over £60.
Website: www.tacklebag.co.uk
Telephone: 020 8740 4850
PE LESSONS:
• school PE polo shirt;
• school white PE shorts;
• short white socks;
• white trainers.
RUBGY KIT:
• school rugby shirt (red and green hoops);
• school rugby shorts;
• school red socks;
• rugby boots;
• gum shield.
CRICKET KIT:
• school cricket shirt;
• school cricket trousers;
• box;
• trainers;
• cricket boots with studs.
SWIMMING KIT:
SPORTS KIT:
• school black tracksuit bottoms;
• school black rain jacket;
• school grey hoodie (optional);red school t-shirt (optional).
HOCKEY KIT:
• white PE polo shirt and shorts;
• school red socks;
• hockey astro boots;
• shin pads;
• gum shield;
• hockey stick (advised).
CROSS-COUNTRY & ATHLETICS KIT:
• school athletics vest;
• school white PE shorts.
• predominantly blue or black jammers (boardshorts are not permitted);
• optional house shirt.
School Grounds
Sports Ground
Bradstone Brook
Hornhatch Lane
GU4 8AT
Please note: for health and safety reasons, dogs are not allowed on the school grounds.
Wellbeing
PASTORAL SUPPORT
Respect, kindness and understanding of others characterise daily life at the RGS and the very strong rapport between students and teachers delivers a vibrant community.
Treating each student as an individual and providing a supportive, positive environment is at the heart of our philosophy. The students establish lasting relationships within the year group; in addition, the House System, mentoring, and role of all senior students as prefects ensure friendships are forged throughout the School. The outstanding pastoral care on offer from dedicated Form Tutors, Heads of Section, Heads of Year, peer mentors and personal tutors, all overseen by the Assistant Head (Pastoral and DSL) and the Senior Deputy Head, enables the students to thrive in a mutually supportive environment where every student can flourish as an individual in a community which is felt to be secure, sympathetic and supportive. Our School Values of: inclusivity, scholarship, integrity, courage, respect and collaboration, are always at the centre of our expectations and interventions. The presence of the School Nurse, Head of Learning Support, School Counsellors and the Student Wellbeing Practitioner provide further professional, bespoke support as required.
A sense of community is at the centre of RGS life and whole-school assemblies nurture a feeling of belonging and pride. A diverse, stimulating assembly programme provides the opportunity for collective worship and broadens the students’ horizons while reinforcing a tolerant set of values and a strong moral compass. A carefully tailored, and regularly evaluated, tutor and PSHME programme is topical and age-appropriate for students growing up in the twenty-first century.
It is important that the School is kept informed of such things as illness and injury, problems at home, unhappiness, changes of parental circumstances and, of course, changes of address and telephone number.
The School’s policies on student safeguarding, anti-bullying and other relevant policies can be found on the School’s website at rgsg.co.uk.
MENTORING
The Academic and Senior Mentoring schemes provide one-on-one peer support for certain students, as required, in the First to Fifth Forms. Carefully selected and trained Sixth Form Mentors give weekly support during assembly times to students who are struggling with aspects of school life such as organisation or who are finding a particular subject area challenging. Over a period of between six weeks to a term, the mentor and student develop a close rapport, which enables the younger student to speak honestly and openly and, as a result, to find practical solutions to the challenges he is facing. The mentoring is overseen by the Head of Mentoring and the mentoring pairs are chosen in liaison with members of staff and the Heads of Year. Younger students are often more ready to listen and take on board the advice of older students, who have experienced similar issues themselves. The benefits for the Sixth Form students are also significant; the satisfaction of seeing their mentees make progress is extremely rewarding and the life skills they develop throughout the training and programme are useful for later life.
PSHME & TUTOR PERIODS
The School has a bespoke programme to deliver PSHME (Pastoral, Social, Health, and Moral Education). The statutory curriculum is delivered alongside additional topics that the School feels are relevant. In this way, the programme has a solid foundation but adapts to the changing needs of teenagers in a rapidly-moving society. RSE (relationships and sex education) and other key topics are delivered in a spiral curriculum where students come back to topics in an age appropriate way and hear from different voices in different contexts as they move through the RGS. The timetable in the Lower and Middle School provides a Tutor Period where students will consider, in an age-appropriate way, issues affecting their lives. In the Upper School this is done through Religious Education periods and the General Studies programme. These lessons can be led by the Tutor, or another member of the pastoral team or invited experts in the field. Year group assemblies are often used to deliver PSHME topics and occasionally the School will devote a half or full-day for deeper consideration of pertinent topics.
LEARNING SUPPORT & SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
At the RGS, we are committed to helping every student reach their full potential –academically, socially and through our rich co-curricular opportunities. We recognise that some students may need additional support to achieve this, and our Learning Support Department works with students, parents and teachers to develop a student-centred approach which allows all to thrive.
We believe that supporting students’ learning is a whole-school responsibility, and promote adaptive teaching as an essential component of an individualised approach which is sensitive and responsive to needs. Some students may also require additional interventions beyond their lessons, and we deliver both small group and one-to-one support in the Learning Support Department. Interventions are targeted and time-bound, allowing students to develop skills and then put them into practice. Parents are informed if it is felt that an intervention may be supportive for their son. We also receive parental and student requests for intervention support and encourage ongoing open communication so that we can continue to be responsive to needs.
In addition to Learning Support Interventions, the school has excellent additional provision ranging from subject-specific support, to pastoral and academic mentoring, to counselling and drop-ins. We believe this wide range of support allows us to find the best fit for our students. For us, one size does not fit all. In order to ensure the correct provision is in place for students, we ask that any needs which may require additional support are shared with the School, for example, via diagnostic reports, EHCPs, or medical diagnoses. On application, these should be given to the Head of Admissions who will share them with the Head of Learning Support.
Learning support needs may also become apparent during students’ careers at the RGS. These may be initially identified by teachers, students, or parents, or through cohort screening. The Learning Support Department will explore possible learning needs in these circumstances, keeping parents informed throughout.
Some students may need exam access arrangements for school and public exams, and these are overseen by the Head of Learning Support. The School must follow the strict criteria put in place by JCQ in order for access arrangements to be awarded, and these guidelines are followed for entrance exams and from Year 7. If you have any questions or concerns regarding exam access arrangements for your son, please contact the Head of Learning Support (ncs@rgsg.co.uk).
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE (EAL)
At the RGS, we are fortunate to be a community in which many languages are spoken by our students. This contributes to the diversity and richness of our school culture, and we welcome students who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL).
Please let the School know if your son speaks English as an additional language. This will allow teachers and pastoral staff to monitor how they are managing their academic and social life in school, and to provide the support as needed.
We understand that accessing the curriculum may be more challenging when English is not a student’s first language, and we are committed to providing appropriate support for these students, so that they can fulfil their potential. The Learning Support Department therefore works closely with teachers to identify what level of support is necessary. For the majority of students slight adaptations to classroom teaching are sufficient, such as giving students key reading in advance of lessons. Other students may also need small-group or individual interventions in order to support their speaking, listening, reading or writing. These interventions will usually take place in the Learning Support Department and will be delivered in a relaxed and supportive way.
Health & Absence
ABSENCE & SIGNING OUT ILL
If a student is absent from school because of ill health, the School Office should be contacted before 9.00am on the first day of absence either by telephone on 01483 880600 or by email on rgs-office@rgsg.co.uk. Messages may be left on the answerphone. If the absence continues for more than one day, parents are asked to contact their son’s Form Tutor and copy the School Office into the email on each day of absence. The School must be informed at once if a household is suffering from any serious infectious disease.
Any student leaving school early for any reason must seek his Form Tutor’s permission and inform the School Office as well as signing out there when leaving and reporting to the School Office if he returns on the same day. He also needs to sign in with the School Office if he has had a music lesson or sporting activity that coincides with registration time. Leave of absence from school, except for medical reasons, is seldom given. Special requests for leave of absence should be submitted in writing to the Headmaster and the Form Tutor.
If students are feeling unwell, they are expected to see the School Nurse before contacting a parent to collect them or signing out at the School Office as ill. If the School Nurse is not available, they need to seek permission from their Form Tutor, Head of Year or Senior Deputy Head. Students absent for part of a day must sign in or out at the School Office.
Students who intend to miss a lesson for an individual or personal reason such as a music lesson, university visit, or any other reason approved by the Headmaster should inform the teachers of the affected lessons by email or in person at least 24 hours prior to the absence as a courtesy. In the email students should confirm that they know it is their responsibility to catch up on missed work. For lesson absences that are organised by teachers (e.g. school trip, sports competition, or on-site year group event) there is no need for the students to inform individual teachers as this will be done centrally.
There is an expectation that students will take the initiative to catch up on work missed due to absence; the Form Tutor can provide support in this regard.
HEALTH AT THE RGS
The Medical Room is staffed by the School Nurse Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm. When the Nurse is not on site, first aid will be provided by trained staff. The Nurse is responsible for the daily medical care of students and the maintenance of first aid supplies in school. Whilst advice on injuries and illness can be given and treatment of symptoms offered, the Nurse is not able to make definitive diagnoses. Health issues should be managed in the usual way via the student’s general practitioner or NHS111/A&E if appropriate.
GENERAL GUIDANCE
Parents are asked not to send their son to school if they are unwell, especially if they have had a fever of 38°C or above. In this instance we ask that they remain at home until fever-free for 24 hours without the need for medication. Any student who has experienced an episode of diarrhoea and/or vomiting should not be in school until they have been symptom free for 48 hours. Whilst we understand that this may mean a student has work to catch up on, an ill student will not be happy in school and their ability to learn will be impaired; it is also possible that they will infect others. If a student is too unwell to stay at school during the day their parent will be asked to collect them as soon as possible.
If your son has a minor illness (coughs, cold or sore throat) but is generally well, please send them to school with adequate hydration, tissues, and lozenges to help them manage their symptoms throughout the school day. If your son is going to be absent due to illness or injury, please email the School Office (rgs-office@rgsg.co.uk) copying in their Form Tutor.
MINOR INJURY
In the case of minor injury, the School Nurse will assess and treat as required. If the School Nurse recommends further assessment or treatment, the student’s parent will be contacted and advised on the recommended course of action.
MINOR ILLNESS
In the case of minor illness such as headache, sore throat, raised temperature or minor injury, the School Nurse may administer the following, if parental consent has been given on the medical form:
1. Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen – tablet or liquid form
2. Strepsils
3. Proprietary (available without prescription) indigestion remedies e.g. Gaviscon oral suspension, Rennies
4. Proprietary antihistamine tablet/syrup (Certirizine)
5. Proprietary bite andsting relief cream e.g. Anthisan bite and sting
The School Nurse will always contact a parent if there are concerns before giving the medication. All administered medication is documented and a student advised of the appropriate time interval between doses.
MEDICATION
If a student requires regular medication for an injury or illness, it may be beneficial for them to bring in their own supply to take at the appropriate intervals throughout the day. This is only possible if the parents have deemed them competent to do so. A self-administration assessment will need to be completed by the School Nurse in this instance, as soon as they return to school with the medication. All medication must be in its original packaging and if prescribed, the prescription label must be present and intact.
If a student needs to take medication on a school trip, parents will be asked to complete an online trip consent form regarding their son’s competence to safely take and store any medication that they may need.
If a student requires medication classed as a ‘controlled drug’ during the school day, this must be discussed with the School Nurse. For trips, a parent is responsible for finding out and providing the appropriate documentation for carriage of controlled drugs.
If a parent has indicated on the medical form that their son carries an inhaler and/or EpiPen®, they will be expected to have this for all trips and fixtures and may be denied participation if this is not the case. This is to protect the safety of both students and staff.
SERIOUS INJURY/ILLNESS
In the event of serious injury or illness arising during the school day, the School Nurse will make every effort to contact a parent. If unable to do so, the School Nurse will arrange for the student to be taken to the Royal Surrey County Hospital and the School Nurse or School Office will notify the parent. The School Nurse or another staff member will wait with the student until their parent arrives. If transfer to hospital is not required, parents will be contacted and expected to collect the student from school as soon as possible.
HEAD INJURIES/SUSPECTED CONCUSSION
All parents are given the option of Medical Membership to the School’s concussion management programme – Return2Play, when their son joins the School and this membership will continue unless we are advised otherwise. As a school, we will always take a cautious approach to head injuries.
If a concussion is suspected, a student will be added to Return2Play. Parents who have opted into the programme as Medical Members can make an appointment with specialists to review their son and any subsequent appointments as required to meet the return to activity guidelines. Those who have not opted in will receive information from the School Nurse as to what is required. Parents will receive an email advising of a suspected concussion and the guide for parents concerning signs and symptoms. The School Nurse will only contact parents if the student needs to go home or to hospital or if there are significant concerns. Parents will be required to collect their son from school in cases of symptomatic concussion.
CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Students with chronic medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, anaphylaxis) may need to take medication during the school day. At the RGS, students are encouraged to take responsibility for their own medication, providing they are competent to do so. If this is not the case, parents should contact the School Nurse to discuss the matter. Parents of students with long-term medical needs should give the School Nurse a copy of their son’s latest individual health care plan (IHCP). Parents are also required to provide spare medication needed for these conditions to be stored in the Medical Room.
STUDENTS WITH SEVERE ALLERGIES
Those students who require Adrenaline Auto-Injectors (AAIs) e.g. EpiPen® are expected to ALWAYS carry two on their person at all times, including to lunch, where bags are not permitted, and to sports lessons or fixtures and school trips. The School can now keep AAIs for use in an emergency and parental consent for these will be sought via the medical form on entry to the School. If consent is given and a student carries two AAIs, a spare is not required. If consent is not given, a named AAI will be required in the Medical Room as well as the student always carrying two. Any accompanying medication to be given in an emergency also needs to be supplied to the Medical Room; this now needs to be prescribed for the specific student concerned and can no longer be generic non-prescription medication. Students who do not carry their AAIs to off site activities will be denied participation in these activities for their own safety.
It is important that those students with allergies are aware that the School is NOT a nut-free environment and therefore it is essential that they carry their emergency medication with them at all times.
Food
Food is served in the canteen in Great Hall. Breakfast as well as hot and cold snacks at morning break are available to purchase each day. The First Form students have an early lunch at 12.05pm; the rest of the School has lunch at 12.45pm. There is always a salad bar, a pasta option, a meat and vegetarian option. If a student has a special diet, arrangements can be made.
ALLERGIES AND DIETARY PREFERENCES
Upon completion of the catering form, students with food allergies and preferences have various options available to them. If your son has a cultural or religious food requirement, please use the free text box on the catering form to note this and ask them to attend the special diets counter for their meal. If your son has an allergy or intolerance, please provide as much detail as possible with regards to how this may present, including if your son carries an adrenaline injector. Students with severe allergies are offered a plated meal option at lunch but we are aware that many students find this option very restrictive. We therefore provide a special diet counter for all those with dietary restrictions and religious preferences. If a student has an allergy, they must use this counter for meal service, here they will be given a copy of the allergen list for the meals on offer and can choose those which are safe for them. They will not be told by staff what they can have but staff are available to answer any questions. It is essential that students with allergies use this counter for their own safety. At breakfast and break this service is not offered, therefore those with severe allergies need to be mindful when purchasing food at these times.
We believe that giving students a choice promotes independence in allergy management in line with advice from Allergy UK® and the Anaphylaxis Campaign®. Although we do not have nuts in our kitchens and they are discouraged, we are NOT a nut free school as older students have the privilege of going offsite to purchase food. Some products in our kitchen are also classed as those which ‘may contain’ nuts or other allergens, please indicate on the allergy form if your son can have ‘may contain’ products. If you would like to discuss these options further, please contact Mrs Riches, Catering Manager (KRI@rgsg.co.uk) or Mrs Pontin, School Nurse (sbp@rgsg.co.uk).
Curriculum
The RGS remains loyal to its rigorous, traditional grammar school roots and provides a robust set of academic subjects. The combination of breadth and depth is at the heart of the School’s philosophy, as well as ensuring that students experience the full breadth of academic opportunity and challenge before making key decisions when selecting their GCSE and A Level options.
The curriculum offers access to all the aesthetic, human and social, linguistic, mathematical, creative and literary, scientific and technological, physical and moral and spiritual areas of learning.
All students in the Third Form and above take part in the ExAd programme, an outdoor and expedition training programme which takes place in a single period each week. The training covers a variety of practical skills and provide the opportunity to gain numerous accredited awards. It will also cover the requirements of the expedition section of the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
The Third Form curriculum introduces a degree of optionality, allowing students to begin to narrow their focus on fewer subjects. Students choose 6 subjects from the two Options Pools, including a minimum of 3 subjects from Option Pool A and a minimum of 2 subjects from Option Pool B.
Assessment & Reporting
Partnership between parents and the School is vital to the success of the student’s education. For this reason, the School provides regular feedback on each student’s progress.
COMMON ASSESSMENTS (LOWER SCHOOL)
Formal end-of-year examinations are taken, in each year, in each subject (except Core PE), in the latter half of the Trinity Term.
COMMON ASSESSMENTS (MIDDLE SCHOOL)
Fourth Form end-of-year examinations are taken, in each GCSE subject, in the latter half of the Trinity Term. Fifth Form mock examinations are taken at the start of the Lent Term.
COMMON ASSESSMENTS (UPPER SCHOOL)
Lower Sixth Form examinations are taken, in each A Level subject, at the start of the Trinity Term. Upper Sixth Form mock examinations are taken in the latter half of the Lent Term.
PARENTS’ EVENING
There is at least one formal Parents’ Evening for each year group each academic year: once per year for the First, Second, Third, Fifth and Lower Sixth Form, and twice per year for the Fourth and Upper Sixth Form. They are mixture of ‘in-person’ and online events, where parents have the opportunity to meet with relevant subject teachers. These predominantly take place remotely allowing you to access the appointments efficiently and in private from the comfort of your own homes. These usually occur during the Michaelmas and Lent Terms and take place between approximately 6.00pm and 8.30pm.
LEARNING HABIT GRADES (ALL YEAR GROUPS)
Each term, subject teachers will issue two Learning Habit Grades. These are based on organisation and engagement, and both judged on a five-point scale (5 being the top of the scale). As with all feedback, teachers consider all known additional needs of a student when assigning these grades.
ATTAINMENT GRADE (LOWER SCHOOL)
Each term, subject teachers will issue an Attainment Grade, using a five-point scale (5 being the top of the scale). This represents a holistic reflection of the term’s attainment. Attainment may be demonstrated by written, practical and verbal contributions in class, quality of homework, assessment performance, and subject specific co-curricular performance. These grades will only be given by subjects that have an endof-year assessment.
ATTAINMENT GRADE (MIDDLE/UPPER SCHOOL)
Each term, subject teachers will issue a Working at Grade. This indicates how a student is performing against the GCSE/A Level criteria for the specific unit(s) they have covered in the time period since the start of course. It is normal for this grade to fluctuate and initially be lower than the predicted grade (below).
FORECAST GRADE
Post Fourth Form/Lower Sixth Form exams, a Forecast Grade is issued each term. This is a positive, but realistic, forecast of what a student should achieve at the end of the course. It is an estimate, based on professional judgement and a range of data (it is not a guarantee of outcomes).
ACADEMIC COMMENTS (ALL YEAR GROUPS)
Once per year*, each subject teacher will issue Academic comments. These consist of two comments per subject: one comment on a student’s progress and another comment on how they may improve.
* In the Sixth Form, both sets of Academic comments are issued in the Lower Sixth Form.
TUTOR REPORT (ALL YEAR GROUPS)
There will be one Tutor report issued, for each student, at the end of the Trinity Term, or directly before study leave for the Fifth Form and Upper Sixth Form. The focus of these will be a holistic view of the student and be written by their Form Tutor.
CO-CURRICULAR REPORT (ALL YEAR GROUPS)
A Co-curricular report will be sent home, at the end of the year, alongside the Tutor report. This will include a summary of attendance at co-curricular clubs and any necessary additional comments from staff.
Homework
Students in the First to Fifth Forms will be set three to four pieces of homework on each day of the school week. The details of which subjects will be set is outlined in the homework timetable, a copy of which will be provided for the students at the beginning of the Michaelmas Term by their Form Tutor. Details of each night’s homework, by subject, is also posted on Microsoft Teams. The amount set will occupy the average RGS student as follows:
First Form 20 minutes per subject
Second Form 30 minutes per subject
Third & Fourth Form 35 minutes per subject
Fifth Form 40 minutes per subject
Sixth Form an amount equivalent to 3 hours’ work on each school day
Each student is responsible for adhering to deadlines and taking pride in the quality of their work. The nature of the homework will vary between year groups, different classes and topics of study. Homework is not set for school holidays in the lower years, except in exceptional circumstances.
Sport
The School has a full and diverse programme of sporting fixtures during the school week and at weekends which are all posted on the sports website (www.rgsgsport.co.uk) and the School Calendar. The School expects those students selected for fixtures to represent the School and wholeheartedly welcomes the support of parents at these matches.
Traditionally, the RGS has expected all new students to take part in a range of sports which includes rugby, hockey and cricket and/ or athletics in their respective seasons. In the later years at RGS, more choices are on offer from which students can select (with the exception of the top players in our major sports). This arrangement is both to offer students experience of a broad range of sports and to develop their wider sporting skills. Parents should note that the School does not plan to change this policy and that students joining the School should do so in the expectation that they will be required to play compulsory sports unless they have an overriding medical condition that precludes them from doing so. Upon selection, attendance at school fixtures is compulsory and should take priority over any out of school sporting commitments. Requests for absence from fixtures must be made to the Director of Sport with at least two weeks’ notice.
As part of the First Form weekly timetabled Physical Education lessons, the students have a half-termly rotation of swimming and a general sports programme.
Cricket and rugby fixtures predominantly take place at the School’s Sports Ground, Bradstone Brook, Hornhatch Lane, Chilworth GU4 8AT. Please note that for Health and Safety reasons, dogs are not allowed on the School grounds.
Hockey matches are played at Guildford Hockey Club at Broadwater School, Summers Road, Godalming GU7 3BW.
Athletics meetings are held at Guildford Spectrum, Parkway, Guildford GU1 1UP.
Sports practices take place during lunch-times and after school and are usually finished by 6.00pm at the very latest. If the practice occurs off-site, transport will be provided.
SPORTS CANCELLATIONS
The unreliability of British weather can result in weekend sports fixtures being cancelled. We make every effort to keep the matches on each Saturday; however, in the event of games being cancelled we aim to notify parents quickly and efficiently. The hosting school is responsible for cancelling away fixtures but the aim is to make a decision on cancellation prior to our coach or minibus leaving the RGS. If the weather is poor on a Saturday, please do the following before you leave home:
1. Check the RGS sports website which is updated regularly: www.rgsgsport.co.uk
2. In the event of a number of cancellations an alert will appear on the Home page of the main school website www.rgsg.co.uk.
3. The same information will also be posted on @RGSGCricket, @RGSGHockey or @RGSGRugby X, and then reposted on the main @RGSGuildford X account.
4. If you are dropping off your son at School or at G Live for an away fixture, please wait for the coach to travel before you leave.
SPORTS PRACTICES
In addition to the timetabled Games slot, each year group will have an additional after-school training slot each week. This traditionally takes place from 4.00 – 6.00pm, at the latest; confirmation of the day and location are printed in the termly calendar. Additional training can also take place before school as the students progress through the year groups.
OFF-GAMES PROCEDURE
If your son is feeling unwell or has an injury, or if they have an appointment that will cause them to miss their Games or PE class, you are required to send an email to the Director of Sport, Mr Cover, (rgs-sports@rgsg.co.uk) in advance, requesting permission. Kindly ensure that you also copy your son’s Form Tutor into the email. This email should detail what the injury or illness is and how long you are requesting your son to be off Games or PE. Only those in Upper Sixth are allowed to sign out of school if they are off-Games. A parental email must still be sent, in advance, to the Sports Department, excusing their absence. All other year groups must register at the PE Office at the beginning of their PE or Games session before being directed where to go for their off-Games period. All students must remain on school premises unless they have permission to attend an appointment outside of school. Please be aware, for PE lessons, most students will attend the session to observe or to be given a non-physical role.
SPORTS PORTAL
The Sports Portal links to our sports website which provides details of fixtures and sports team sheets. This is an open-access area; you will only require the password to access the team sheets. To access this, use www.rgsgsport.co.uk; the website is powered by the SOCS school event management system and links directly to our calendar found on the main school website, or directly at www.rgsgcalendar.co.uk. We recommend filtering to RGS only or you will also see all RGS Prep information. The sports website is, we hope, clear and intuitive; the team sheet password, when required, is rgsguild
Clubs & Societies
A full programme of clubs and societies meet at various times throughout the week, mostly at lunchtimes and after school, usually between 4.00pm – 5.30pm. The Societies Fair, held each year in early September, showcases the diverse options available and provides the opportunity for students to join those societies in which they are interested. A list of clubs and societies which are currently taking place are listed below for your interest:
• Air Rifle Club
• Aquinas
• Asian Heritage Society
• Athletics Club
• BAAO Astro Challenge
• Badminton
• Barbershop Ensemble
• Basketball
• Big Band
• Board Games Club
• Brass Ensemble
• Ceramics Club
• Critique and Create Club
• Chamber Choir
• Chamber Music
• Chess Club
• Choir
• Christian Union
• Codebreaking Club
• Coding Club
• Concert Band & Intermediate Strings
• Concerto Consort
• Cross Country
• Debating Club
• Dissection Club
• DT Club
• Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
• EcoSoc
• English Society
• Fencing Club
• Flight Simulator Club
• Guitar Ensemble
• Intermediate Strings
• Islamic Society
• Japanese Manga Club
• Jigsaw Puzzle Club
• Joint Rikkyo/RGS Manufacturing Club
• Judo Club
• Junior Astro Challenge
• Junior Classics Society
• Junior Drama Club
• Junior History Society
• Junior Philosophy Society
• Junior Physics Challenge
• Junior Science Club
• Junior Wind Quintet
• Lego Club
• Lego Robotic Sumo Club
• Lit Quiz
• Lower School Choir
• Medical Society
• MFL Drama Society
• Model United Nations Society
• Monday Mentoring
• Music Theory Club
• Noether Maths
• Percussion Ensemble
• Photography Society
• Physics Olympiad
• Pride
• Quest
• Ramanujan Maths
• Rock Band
• Sailing Club
• Sailing Race Tema Training
• Saxophone Quartet
• Schola Cantorum
• Senior Physics Challenge
• Senior Quintet
• Ski Race Team
• Squash Club
• Student Robotics
• Swing Band
• Table Tennis
• Tabletop and Wargaming
• Tech Club
• Technical Theatre Club
• Tennis Club
• The 1509
• Touch Typing
• Turing Maths Club
• Ultimate Frisbee
Co-curricular
FIELD DAYS
The exceptional range of co-curricular activities offered is one of the greatest strengths of the School; such activities are central in developing the character of the students and in nurturing teamwork, leadership and self-reliance. The value of these activities is highlighted by the fact that curricular time, as well as five Field Days throughout the year, is devoted to these enrichment activities. On these days, the curriculum is suspended and a large range of year group activities and, as the students progress through the School, activities related to the Monday Period 8 options take place. Attendance on Field Days, just as any other school day, is compulsory.
The first Field Day will take place on Monday 22 September 2025.
LAMDA
LAMDA (The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) Speech and Drama lessons are offered as a co-curricular option to supplement the School’s dynamic Drama Department; these are taught in small groups or individually and are organised on a rotational basis during lesson time by arrangement with subject teachers. Students will only miss each academic subject once, as a maximum, within any one term. It is not advisable for students to combine LAMDA lessons with learning more than one musical instrument due to the time commitment out of curriculum classes. Lessons are geared towards graded examinations in a choice of six disciplines: Public Speaking, Verse and Prose, Reading for Performance, Acting, Devising Drama and Mime. These qualifications are recognised by Ofqual and are accredited to the QCF, as well as the higher grades being included in the UCAS tariff.
Further details were provided in the information accessed in May.
LANGUAGES
RGS offers students the opportunity to learn Arabic, Chinese (spoken Mandarin), Japanese and Russian as extra-curricular languages. Lessons are taught by subject specialists before school, at lunchtimes and after school. Further details, including the cost, will be provided via electronic correspondence at the end of this academic year, in readiness to start lessons at the beginning of the Michaelmas Term. Many past RGS students have benefited from extra-curricular languages as part of their Duke of Edinburgh awards and UCAS applications. We offer the opportunity for all students to take GCSE, HSK and A Level qualifications and many have taken these languages onto university and into their careers where proficiency in languages is highly valued by employers.
MONDAY PERIOD 8 ACTIVITIES
On Monday afternoons (for Fourth Form students and above), starting at 3.20pm, and on five Field Days throughout the school year, the RGS provides activities which develop the capacity for leadership, service and personal responsibility. All students, at the beginning of the Fourth Form, opt to join either the Combined Cadet Force (Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force) or Outdoor Pursuits, our non-uniformed activity group. As the students progress through the School, the options expand and include Art Appreciation, Bridge, Climbing, Drama, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Music Scholars, Lifesaving and Surfing, Primary and Secondary School Tutoring Projects, Road Cycling, Rock Music, Set Construction, Sports Leadership and Volunteering. On Mondays, Period 8 activities usually finish no later than 4.45pm.
MUSIC
The School boasts an extensive range of orchestras, choirs, bands, and other ensembles and has an extremely high reputation for the quality of its music-making. There is a full and wide-ranging programme of concerts every term including monthly public concerts in Holy Trinity Church, Guildford in addition to a busy schedule of rehearsals and performances within school.
Many students take instrumental lessons at the School and there is a team of over 30 visiting teachers who offer expert tuition on a range of instruments. Lessons usually take place within the normal school day on a rotational basis so that boys do not miss the same academic lesson more than once per half-term.
House System
At the RGS there are six houses, named after important benefactors of the School: John Austen, Robert Beckingham, William Hamonde, Joseph Nettles, three generations of the Powell family; and Canon Arthur Valpy. Each student is allocated to a house which has a tie and colour associated with it; students will be presented with a house tie at their first House Assembly. Points are awarded for various competitions throughout the year which contribute to the Hardy Cup, the long-standing inter-house competition.
Nettles Mr KP Tayar Light
Powell Mr SE Beever
Valpy Mr SJ Baker White
House Housemaster House Colour
Austen Dr JO Varney Yellow
Beckingham Mr IP Rossiter Red Hamonde Sra N González Dark Blue
Blue
Maroon
The highest standards in collective and self-discipline are nurtured at the RGS. The ethos of the School promotes appropriate attitudes and values which are further encouraged through a system of rewards and sanctions.
Rewards include Tutor Commendations, which will be countersigned by the student’s Tutor and contribute to Headmaster’s Commendations; these may be given to students in recognition of outstanding performance or for receiving five Tutor Commendations.
Formal sanctions are used rarely and only when deemed strictly necessary. These include detentions which take place at lunchtime, after school or, exceptionally, on Saturday mornings.
Rewards & Sanctions Resources
POSSESSIONS
The School does not accept responsibility for the personal property and effects of students. Students are strongly discouraged from bringing valuable items to school. All items, including clothing, must be clearly and indelibly marked and students should report the loss of any such item immediately to their Form Tutor. Theft, borrowing without the express permission of the owner, or otherwise interfering with the property of others are always treated very seriously.
Students are provided with a lockable locker for storage of their possessions. Money and valuables should not be left unattended; during Games periods they must be deposited in the School Office or as instructed by a member of the PE staff. Bags should not be left in corridors or outside of the school buildings.
A list of all named items of lost property is circulated electronically to parents on a weekly basis. Lost valuables and kit are kept in the Lost Property Store.
EQUIPMENT
All necessary stationery and textbooks are provided by the School; however, some parents may prefer their sons to have their own atlas. If you wish to provide this for your son, the atlas should be the Oxford Student Atlas. For English, students are not expected to have a dictionary or thesaurus with them in school but they will need access to these, or an online equivalent, at home. Students are not allowed to use calculators in Mathematics until the Lent Term of the Second Form when they will require a scientific calculator. The Casio ClassWiz FX-83GTCW or FX-85GTCW range is recommended as a suitable model for all subjects up to GCSE level; however, A Level Mathematics requires the additional functionality offered by the Casio ClassWiz FX-991CW and this calculator can be used at GCSE as well (where some of its additional features can prove useful). Calculators are, however, required in First Form in Science lessons.
The Mallison Library is an integral part of the School and all students are encouraged to make full use of its resources and the skills of its staff.
LIBRARY AIMS
The Library supports fully the School’s stated aims by:
• teaching and reinforcing necessary skills in information handling and understanding;
• encouraging extension of academic study by reading and independent research using a wide range of resources;
• promoting reading as a pleasurable leisure activity, and as a means to challenge our able students;
• providing a wide choice of material offering diverse views of cultures and experiences to expand students’ knowledge and understanding of the wider world.
DAILY OPERATION
The Library is open from 8.00am until 5.00pm each day during term time and all students may use it during breaks and free periods (subject to space). The Librarian and the Library Assistant work full time and one or both is always available to give assistance during opening hours. Students can consult the Library’s online catalogue and manage their accounts at any time via the internet; they can also access digital resources via Sharepoint and borrow from a collection of ebooks and audiobooks.
Students can generally borrow up to eight books at a time; the Librarian has discretion to allow more to be borrowed, or to restrict the number of loans where they consider it appropriate. There is no need for a Library card. Details of lending periods and the procedure for late returns are given below.
Reference copies of school textbooks are kept in the Library for students to use for homework. A colour printer/ photocopier/ scanner is also provided.
A full induction is given into Library practices and procedures shortly after students join the School.
STOCK & LENDING POLICY
Books are chosen for the Library by the Librarian based upon their value in meeting the aims set out above. This means that books which include challenging material will not be excluded from stock simply because of that material; however, the Librarian may at their discretion restrict the borrowing of some books to students above a certain age. Parents may override such restrictions in specific cases, by written confirmation to the Librarian.
PRIVACY
The borrowing records of Library users of all ages and levels are generally treated as confidential, and details of loans will not be shared with others. However, this principle is subject to:
• the provisions of the School’s Students’ Privacy Notice and the RGS Student IT Acceptable Use Policy;
• the overdue loans procedure set out overleaf;
• access needed in order for trained Student Librarians to carry out their duties.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOANS
Students are expected to take responsibility for items borrowed from the Library, as part of their personal and social development.
• The initial loan period is usually three weeks for books.
• Items can be renewed in person, online via the library management system or by email request to the Librarian. Renewals will usually be granted unless the item has been reserved by another user or there is another cause for the Librarian to be concerned about the loan.
• Students are reminded about overdue loans each Tuesday in term time, initially by email to the student, then to his tutor and finally to parents if earlier reminders are ignored.
If these steps are fruitless, the replacement cost of the missing item is added to the next school bill; a statement of the costs to be added is emailed to parents beforehand.
Digital
All RGS students are required to bring a Microsoft Surface to school each day to support their learning. The Surface is used across the curriculum and is a requirement for many school functions such as homework submissions and access to learning resources. All students are expected to take responsibility for charging their Surfaces sufficiently for the whole day, having headphones/earphones with them for each lesson, and for taking care over the security and safe keeping of their equipment.
We fully appreciate the dangers of extended screen time and, as such, regular advice is provided on maintaining physical and emotional wellbeing. In addition, as most public examinations continue to be on paper, the expectation is that handwriting remains the normal means of working. Written work, therefore, continues to be an established part of the students’ daily experience. This is in line with research around the benefits of handwriting on learning and cognition. The Learning Support Department, along with subject teachers, will advise and support those for whom Surfaces form a more integral part of their learning.
MOBILE DEVICES
RGS is a mobile phone free site for students between 8.40am and 4.00pm. There are some exceptions for Sixth Form students who can use mobile phones in certain areas like the Sixth Form Centre and the Breakout Area. Consequently, any communication that needs to occur during the school day between parents and students should be done through the School Office.
Students in the Lower School (i.e. First, Second and Third Forms) must lock away their mobile phones on arrival at school and are not permitted to use them during the school day. Smart watches are also considered mobile phones within the School’s policy and should either not be worn or locked away alongside mobile phones. Failure to comply with these rules may result in sanctions and the confiscation of the mobile telephone until the end of the school day. Form Tutors will brief their tutees on both the rules and the use of mobile telephones, relevant to their year group.
We believe that it is not necessary for a First or Second Form student to have a smart phone in order to thrive at the RGS. However, they will need access to some smart technology at home to be able to use multifactor authentication to access school platforms at home; this is unavoidable to make sure school data is kept safe and secure. We would recommend that, in addition to the School’s regular programme of education on online safety and security, parents reiterate to their sons the importance of e-safety and ensure that the relevant parental controls are in place on devices used at home. Parents should regularly and actively monitor student’s online behaviour when they are not in school. The School has systems in place to monitor the use of student Surfaces, and other devices using the school wifi during school hours.
SOCIAL MEDIA
The School has official Instagram, X and Facebook accounts. These social media platforms provide an opportunity for parents to gain an insight into daily life at the RGS and an indication of the wealth of activities and successes achieved by RGS students. Regular updates and photographs provide a colourful and diverse view of the School. By following one of the social media channels you will keep updated with regular news from the School.
Parents
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parents’ presence at school functions of all kinds is warmly encouraged and, indeed, the strong sense of community at the RGS is one of the School’s great strengths.
The RGS Parents’ Association provides a number of opportunities for parents to meet formally and informally and to become actively involved in the life of the School.
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION
The RGS Parents’ Association (RGSPA) is an important part of the school community and aims to provide opportunities for everyone at the RGS to come together socially and at the same time raise funds to benefit the students. Membership of the Association is free and is automatically extended to all parents.
WHAT DOES THE RGSPA DO?
• Arranges socials for parents, staff, and students. At the beginning of each academic year, the RGSPA organises informal welcome events to help them meet fellow parents and integrate into the school community. Other social events are also organised annually.
• Helps at various events run by the School.
• Runs the sale of secondhand uniform and goods (SHUGS). Sales of good quality uniform, sports kit and other goods are regularly held.
• Over the past few years, the RGSPA has raised tens of thousands of pounds which has been spent on a wide variety of equipment: some large, like a new boat for the Sailing Club or a new electronic double bass for the Music Department, a 3D printer for Technology, a new electronic scoreboard for Bradstone Brook, and some small, like a digital camera for photography club and board games for Lower School tutor groups.
• Money raised is also used to help provide sponsorship of students undertaking projects outside normal school life which have a charitable purpose or promote the School.
• In the lower year groups, there is also a network of class contacts, which do not necessarily need to be on the RGSPA committee. Intended to operate on an informal basis, the RGSPA endeavour to find a volunteer from each class who keeps their class up to date with what the RGSPA is doing and helps with planning and organising class social events.
HOW DOES THE RGSPA WORK?
• The RGSPA has a committee of parent members, plus a senior member of the teaching staff. It usually meets once each half term to organise forthcoming events and agree use of funds.
• The meetings take place at the RGS at 7.30pm. Observers are welcome: please feel free to attend and maybe even join the committee.
• Any amount of support is appreciated, and no-one will be asked to give more time than they can spare.
If you’d like to find out more about how the School works and what life is like in upper years, think about joining the PA Committee. For more information on becoming an RGSPA committee member or a class contact, Chair of RGSPA, Peta-Anne Barrow via email p.barrow@rgsg.co.uk.
HOW DOES THE RGSPA COMMUNICATE?
The RGSPA uses Classlist for contacting Tutor Groups, year groups and the parent body. Classlist.com is a private and secure website, which is fully GDPR compliant. There is also a Classlist app (see icon).
As well as providing mobile-friendly Tutor Group lists and contact details for your year group, it will enable you to communicate easily with your year group and will facilitate the organisation of social events, such as meeting informally with your son’s Tutor Group prior to starting in September. Parents can share as much as or as little contact information with other parents as they like, and can even keep their own email address private whilst still receiving messages. The RGSPA use Classlist for all communication to parents. We are able to email all parents and send emails using details which you have already agreed for us to share. You can choose which contact details to share with your year group and enter them securely on the site. Classlist does not share contact details with third parties. You should have already received an email about this providing further information.
Policies & Procedures
The following policies and procedures are available on the School’s website and MySchoolPortal for the interest of parents:
• Anti-bullying
• Accessibility
• Attendance
• Behaviour (Rewards & Sanctions)
• Complaints
• Curriculum
• Disability
• EAL
• Exclusions
• First Aid
• Health & Safety
• Reasonable Adjustments for Disabled Students
• Relationships and Sex Education
• Safeguarding
• School Rules
• SEN
FIRE PROCEDURE
Students must familiarise themselves with fire evacuation procedures and assembly points which are clearly advertised in each classroom and corridor and around the school. In the event of a fire or practice, students will be directed by staff to the nearest exit and will muster on the AWTA.
Students must remain silent during a fire evacuation. Fire practices will take place each term. In addition, lockdown practices will be conducted periodically in the event of needing to secure the school site.
TEACHING STAFF
To email a member of staff, please use their initials followed by the suffix @rgsg.co.uk, for example jwp@rgsg.co.uk.
* An asterisk denotes Head of Department
Art
Ms F Khan-Evans
Mrs RF Shepherd *
Mrs AA Wood
Biology
Ms M Bajwa
Mrs A Battersby (ABA)
Mr S Burns * (SBU)
Mr MA Chamberlain
Dr JM Cox
Ms EL Cuthbertson
Mrs JSR Thorpe
Mr AU Woodman
Chemistry
Mrs M Ambridge (MA)
Dr JS Braithwaite
Ms NG Dann
Mr W-S Lau *
Dr CC McGeady
Mr TW Shimell
Dr LA Whall
Classics
Mr EKD Bush *
Mr BJ Callaghan
Dr G Fanti-Byrne (GIF)
Miss NS Goul-Wheeker
Mr PG Nathan
Miss VCF Paterson
Mr JW Pressley
Design and Technology
Mr M Bailey (MBA)
Mr AJ Colebrook
Mr JB Kelly *
Drama
Miss SJ Cox (maternity leave)
Ms NC McClean *
Miss A Tamblyn (maternity cover)
Economics
Mrs GS Bownes
Mr DT Chapman
Mr NW Gough
Mr RE Presley
Mr JD Stratford *
Mr DSJ Wright
English
Mr D Amis (DA)
Mrs HM Curtis
Dr EA McEwan
Mrs CG Moon
Mr JG Muchmore
Mr NM Patel
Ms TT Wijesinghe *
Geography
Mr WD Cowx
Mr TE Fishpool *
Mrs HE Tarasewicz
Mrs RG Waters
Mr JC Witts
Mrs A Woodman (AWO)
History
Mr JM Davies *
Mr AC Dodd
Mr FCB Evans
Mr WHN Spouge
Miss AMH Williams
Learning Support
Ms NC Strivens *
Mrs JUD McMillan
Mrs CS Wilson
Mathematics
Mr SE Beever
Mrs IE Busby
Mr JA Casale
Mr RD Crew
Mr PJ Dunscombe
Mr AR Gyford
Mr AWJ Hadley *
Mr M Hanak-Hammerl
Dr DJ Jackson
Mr MR Jenkins
Mr AB Kirkland
Miss J Medlicott
Mr K Patel (KPA)
Mr NC Pinhey
Miss HM Record
Dr JO Varney
Mr CH Wakeling
Mrs DB Webster
Modern Languages
Mr SJ Baker
Mr WJ Dugdale *
Sra N González
Mr RJA Lemaire
Mrs V Lewis (VLE)
Mr AR Lowe
Mr J Marchiafava (JM)
Mrs RJ Rathmell
Miss GE Spencer
Music
Mr DH Chambers
Miss JE Newman
Mr SJ Orchard *
Mrs LF Dupont
Mr PH White
Physics
Mr MA Burbidge
Mr JJ Holland
Mr LM Holland
Mr JP Hood *
Mr A Lake
Mrs NL Odhams
Dr R Sisca
Politics
Mr TJJ Owens *
Religious Studies
Mr T Foster (TFO)
Mr JE Gamble
Mr RB Meadowcroft *
Mr KP Tayar
Physical Education
Mr MF Baggs
Mr DJ Bartram
Mr RC Black
Mr GDG Cover *
Mr B Dudley (BDU)
Mr SD Gaynor
Mr JDN Lythgoe
Mr BJD Rogers
Mr I Wilkes (IW)
SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM
Dr JM Cox
Mr AU Woodman
Mrs JSR Thorpe
Mr JW Pressley
Mrs BF Whitham
Mr ST Maiden
Mr NW Gough
Miss NS Goul-Wheeker
Mr TW Shimell
Mr DSJ Wright
Mr SJH Yetman
SUPPORT STAFF
Administration
Mrs JP Beech
Mrs SM Doyle
Ms SL Foster
Mrs SL Kidgell
Mrs GT Newman
Mrs K Winterburn
Examinations
Miss S Morley (SMO)
Expeditions and Activities
Mr CP Scampton
Finance
Mr PB Channing
Mrs SE Lucas
Headmaster's Office
Miss JL McAllister
Health and Welfare
Mrs EK Jeffery
Mrs R Jones (RJO)
Mrs EC Mason
Mrs SB Pontin
Headmaster
Senior Deputy Head
Deputy Head Senior Master
Director of Finance and Operations Chief Strategy Officer
Assistant Head (Pastoral and DSL)
Assistant Head (Teaching and Learning)
Assistant Head (Parternships)
Assistant Head (Curriculum)
Assistant Head (Co-curricular)
IT Services & Data Management
Mr JK Rivers
Library
Mrs TF Farthing
Governors
School Officer Administrator
Music Administrator
PE Administrator
PA to Senior Deputy Head and Heads of Year
Administrative Assistant to Deputy and Assistant Heads
Attendance Officer
Examinations Officer
Head of Outdoor Education
Head of Finance
Accounts Assistant (Billing Ledger)
Headmaster’s PA
School Counsellor
School Counsellor
Student Wellbeing Practitioner
School Nurse
Director of IT
Librarian
The Chairman of Governors is Sarah Creedy (email: governors@rgsg.co.uk) For a full list of Governors, please visit www.rgsg.co.uk/about-us/governors
Index
RGS Nomenclature
Absence
Allergies Assessment
Attendance
Bounds
Clubs & Societies
Co-curricular
Communication
Contact Details
Curriculum
Daily Routine
Dates
Digital Equipment
Field Days
Fire Procedure
Food Governors
Health at the RGS
Homework
House System
Injury
Illness
LAMDA
Languages
Learning Support & Educational Needs
Library
Mentoring
Mobile Devices
Monday Period 8 Activities
Music
Parental Involvement
Parents’ Association
Parents’ Evening
Pastoral Support
PE & Sports Kit
Policies & Procedures
Possessions
PSHME & Tutor Periods
Reporting Resources
Rewards & Sanctions
School Grounds
Social Media
Sport
Sports Cancellations
Sports Ground
Sports Practices
Staff
Uniform Values
rgsg.co.uk
Royal Grammar School
High Street, Guildford GU1 3BB
Telephone: 01483 880600