Royal Alexandra and Albert Prospectus

“The greatest school ever” A pupil quoted by Ofsted

“ It’s great here, there is something for everyone whatever you are interested in.”

A pupil quoted by Ofsted

“ The Royal Alexandra and Albert School is committed to providing an environment in which all will achieve their full academic, social and spiritual potential in order to become valued members of society.”

When families come to look around this school they are offered a tour with our own pupils as ‘tour guides’.

I believe that this is by far the best way to provide a glimpse of what it is like being a pupil here, and invariably the parents and the prospective pupil come back impressed. They see a confident, happy youngster who is proud of the school and who appreciates the opportunities available. The School’s caring, happy and friendly atmosphere stands out. We are a non-selective school, and whatever his/her abilities, your tour guide is likely to have achieved success, for example by completing a Duke of Edinburgh Award, being part of a musical ensemble, achieving A* grades or being a member of one of our many sports teams.

When you come to visit this school, don’t just look at the extensive sporting facilities, the 260 acres of parkland, the stately home, the outstanding academic results and the vibrant boarding houses. Simply imagine how your child would thrive in this environment.

I look forward to welcoming you to our school.

Paul D Spencer Ellis, Headmaster

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Curriculum With a rich heritage and royal patronage, this school is the only state school to offer boarding for boys and girls from the age of 7 to 18.

The support of the School’s Foundation means we have excellent staffing levels so pupils benefit from classes that are typically smaller than average.

Junior children are taught mainly by their class teachers but have the benefit of specialist teaching for Science, Design and Technology, Music, Physical Education, ICT, French and Religious Education.

Wherever possible, junior pupils are divided into ability groups for English and Mathematics and this has enabled the achievement of consistently high SATS results.

At secondary level, each pupil has personalised targets to ensure they are stretched to the maximum of their ability. There is a high standard of teaching across all subjects and this has led to more pupils achieving the highest grades in public examinations.

At GCSE, pupils can choose from the traditional academic subjects as well as more vocational options e.g. BTEC in Countryside and Environment.

In the Sixth Form there is an emphasis on academic achievement whilst developing well-rounded individuals. Our Sixth Form students are role models for the rest of the school.

“thank you…

…You have provided us with peace of mind that our daughter is receiving the best education to reach her full potential along with invaluable life skills.” Parent

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“ My daughter has had an exceptionally happy time at RAA.” parent

Specialisms We have a strong academic record and this was recognised when we were designated a High Performing Specialist School.

We are a specialist Sports College and were recently awarded the specialism of Maths and Computing. We have also become the Lead School in the area for Gifted and Talented.

Our most recent Ofsted inspection rated the School as ‘Outstanding’ in every category.

This means pupils have unrivalled opportunities throughout the curriculum and beyond. We have invested heavily in sporting facilities, building new all-weather floodlit pitches, a dance studio, indoor riding school and refurbished swimming pool. We have also built new science laboratories, a Sixth Form Centre and upgraded our computers.

As well as excellent facilities we have highly qualified, dedicated teachers. Their enthusiasm and commitment to teaching is infectious and inspires pupils to achieve their best. They regularly go beyond the call of duty to ensure pupils get the most out of their time at school.

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“The school is brilliant and the children are really happy here.� parent

Beyond the classroom When the bell goes for the end of the school day, instead of going home our pupils go to their boarding houses for a drink and snack before they go to activities.

We have a comprehensive range of activities on offer from 4–5pm and also later during the evening. All pupils participate in the activities which include music, choirs, rugby, netball, lacrosse, hockey, dance, badminton, cricket, table tennis, karate, trampoline, aerobics, Cubs/Scouts, Cadets, Duke of Edinburgh Award, ICT, homework support, art, photography, lace making, cooking, riding, archery, swimming, fishing and many others.

Boarding houses have extensive computer facilities so pupils can do their homework or ‘prep’ and these are utilised by both boarders and flexi boarders. Most of our teaching staff live on site and help in boarding houses so they get to know pupils in the classroom and also at leisure.

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“ It’s like a big sleepover every night.” pupil

boarding With up to 450 boarding pupils, we are one of the largest boarding schools in the country.

All children, including those who are not full boarders, enjoy an extended day at the school which includes all meals, activities and support in the boarding houses.

We have maintained the atmosphere and traditions of a boarding school, but have kept pace with the changing needs and expectations of young people and their parents.

“ The staff are very caring, and there’s a nice sense of community.” pupil

Staffing levels in our nine boarding houses are high, with an average of six staff in each house.

Study bedrooms for two, three or four pupils provide a comfortable, modern home-from-home atmosphere for our older pupils. We have recently completed extensions to two of our senior boarding houses to add 42 new study bedrooms with en suite facilities for our Sixth Form students.

Our purpose-built Health Centre staffed by qualified nurses provides round the clock high quality medical care for pupils.

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“ I don’t think I would get the same level of support anywhere else…

Post sixteen The strong ethos of the secondary school is carried through to the Sixth Form.

Many of our Sixth Formers choose to board and there are 42 brand new study bedrooms with en suite shower rooms providing university standard accommodation.

The new purpose-built Sixth Form Centre has a spacious common room, café, study and resource rooms together with a fully equipped computer suite.

Advice on academic work, pastoral matters and careers is provided by a tutor. The tutor will also monitor the student’s progress during their two years in the Sixth Form.

Sixth Form students are very much part of the whole school and are expected to mentor younger pupils, help run clubs and activities and lead school projects.

Whatever career path is chosen after the Sixth Form, it is important to be able to stand on your own two feet. Our Sixth Form will help that transition from pupil to adult.

…the staff at RAAS know me very well and help me to achieve my potential.” pupil

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“ The Royal Alexandra and Albert is an exceptional school.” ofsted

“ You get to find your true self.�

pupil

The School Community For over 250 years this school has been transforming the lives of young people and we are proud of our heritage.

The world has moved on since 1758 but we still aim to nurture and develop the children who come to this school so they enter the adult world fully prepared to meet any challenge.

We are a church school and are committed to fostering Christian principles within a caring community, where people of all faiths and beliefs are made welcome. Whilst we encourage pupils to strive to do their best we also expect them to be tolerant and sensitive to the needs of others.

Please note that as a state school we are only able to admit children from UK or EU families.

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CONTACT us Gatton Park Reigate Surrey RH2 0TD 01737 649000 admissions@gatton-park.org.uk Registered Charity No: 311945

www.raa-school.co.uk Founded: 1758 Patron: Her Majesty The Queen President: Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester July 2010