Academic Review 2023

RGS ACADEMIC REVIEW 2023

86% OF GCSE GRADES AT LEVEL 9-7 (GRADES A-A*)

OVER 75% OF A LEVEL GRADES ACHIEVED AT A*/A

100% OF BTEC GRADES AWARDED AT THE TOP GRADE OF STARRED DISTINCTION

RECORD 98% OF UNIVERSITY APPLICATIONS RECEIVED OFFERS FROM RUSSELL GROUP, TOP 20, OXBRIDGE OR MEDICAL SCHOOL

My daughter has thrived at RGS. As a parent it has been amazing to watch her grow, and her confidence explode, especially in Sixth Form! And to top it off she is going to Cambridge!

Mother of Head Girl on A Level results day

I joined RGS in Sixth Form and I loved the feeling of freedom combined with consistent support. It has made my time here successful and enjoyable.

JL, joined RGS in the Sixth Form in 2022 and secured three A* grades at A Level

Being recognized for my hard work feels amazing. Huge thanks to the teachers and everyone at RGS for the incredible support. It has been an unforgettable journey. CS,

The school gives a really good foundation. It provides an all-round education which is character building for the future.

Parent of GCSE student

Our students are not just well-qualified: they are well-educated individuals who actively engage in charity work, environmental initiatives, sport, the arts, DofE and so much more. They leave us ready to flourish and well prepared for life beyond RGS.

Shaun Fenton, Headmaster

GCSE RESULTS 2023

EXCEPTIONAL EXAM RESULTS ACROSS THE BOARD

Over two thirds of all GCSE grades at levels 8 and 9 (grades A*) 9s made up nearly 40% of all grades (grade A**) 86% of grades are level 9-7 (grades A-A*)

As grading returns to 2019 pre-pandemic protocols, Reigate Grammar School’s 2023 GCSE results are better than ever. These results will enable students to access a wide range of A Level and BTEC courses at RGS and elsewhere. Students achieved top grades in a wonderful variety of over 25 subjects including Art, Classical Civilisation, Food & Nutrition, German, Latin, Music and Spanish.

I am so proud of these young people, and their wonderful qualities of character, achievements outside the classroom and now exceptional GCSE grades, they are truly remarkable.

Headmaster, Shaun Fenton

KEY STAGE 4: THREE-YEAR GCSE PROGRAMME

Reigate Grammar School students benefit from a three-year GCSE programme, a system which has proven results for enhanced academic attainment and increased depth of learning. RGS students are already working at a level ahead of national expectations and for those students who join us in the First Form (Year 7), RGS helps students to work quickly through the important foundation stage in the first two years. This allows RGS to support students to work at the higher level of GCSE study a year earlier than at most other schools.

Students’ higher level of ability and the support framework provided by the school sees RGS students working at GCSE level from the start of the Third Form (Year 9) rather than waiting until the Fourth Form (Year 10), as in most other schools. Having three years to work at

ELECTIVES PROGRAMME

GCSE level means students have three years to do what other schools rush through in just two years. The extra time supports higher attainment and higher GCSE grades that will open up additional opportunities as students apply to top universities.

The extended three-year GCSE course also enables RGS students to enjoy significantly greater breadth and depth in their learning.

The extra time available in the Upper School means that we are able to offer an electives programme. This innovative programme of modular options is a key component of our Upper School curriculum and contains a wide range of studies and life skills that are valuable and form part of a great education. Students in the Third and Fourth Forms will spend a double lesson each week in their chosen elective which rotates every half term.

Students may choose to try something new, such as film studies or stand-up comedy, alternatively they may prefer to develop further an existing interest e.g. website design or photography. The elective courses give students the ability to choose what they learn without the pressure of an examined course. A small number of elective choices offer accreditation for the work undertaken. Whilst the electives available will vary over time, examples might include a new language started ab initio, an art related elective in clay modelling or special effects prosthetics, a programme of enterprise and entrepreneurship, linguistic challenges, stop frame animation, film appreciation or forensic psychology.

The electives programme also encompasses the RGS Outreach and Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural (SMSC) provision encouraging and enabling students to be involved with and create benefits for the local community. Every student will undertake a rotation of Physical, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) as one of their elective choices. Upper School students will also continue with PE and games lessons each week alongside their academic studies and electives choices.

ANTHROPOS

Anthropos is a student-led forum open to members of the Fifth and Sixth Forms, which gives a platform to engage further in areas of interest.

It is a combination of Social Sciences: Philosophy, Psychology and Economics. Each session sees a student give a short presentation on an academic issue. The presentation is followed by an open discussion on the day’s topic encouraging debate, knowledge sharing and a chance to dig deeper into a range of crosscurricular subjects.

In addition to the immediate academic gains and enjoyment, Anthropos also provides students with the opportunity to practise giving presentations in an informal setting. The forum provides valuable experience for university applications and employment and as a stepping stone to qualifications such as the Extended Project Qualification.

TSI FRIDAY!

RGS’s popular series of talks Thank Science It’s Friday covers topics as varied as snowflake formation and the blue blooded horseshoe crab. From the physics of auroras to mercury poisoning, eukaryotic cells to the inner workings of personal computers.

Talks are given by students, Reigatians and staff and offer a chance to go beyond the syllabus and take a deeper dive into scientific topics.

TSI Friday talks are open to students in the Fifth and Sixth Forms.

GCSE SUCCESS STORIES

The individual profiles presented here provide just a glimpse into the remarkable achievements of the entire year group, and we take immense pride in their impressive array of academic and extracurricular accomplishments.

“I am so happy because I have actively participated in sport, drama, numerous extracurricular activities, and clubs. These past five years have been truly wonderful, and the outstanding results are the icing on the cake.”

Billy R

Tyra L

Tyra’s commitment to her charity work and the wider community is remarkable. She joined RGS from Reigate St Mary’s Preparatory and Choir School in First Form and begun her charity work immediately. She fundraises tirelessly for her brother’s school (Woodfield, Merstham) and has raised over £7000 since starting and has received special recognition from the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead.

Tyra’s charity work does not just stay at home. This summer, after working to raise the funds necessary, she travelled to Costa Rica to volunteer at a turtle sanctuary, and she was thrilled to return home and find that she had achieved a string of top grades in her GCSEs.

“I joined in the First Form and I have had a wonderful time throughout my time here. The whole school, the facilities, the teachers, it is all amazing! Everyone is inclusive and open to new ideas and supports my charity work. It is just an amazing school to be in. I am looking forward to developing my work further in the Sixth Form.”

Matty O

Matty has balanced his GCSE programme brilliantly alongside countless musical commitments and accomplishments. He has performed in the BBC Proms as part of the National Youth Orchestra, was shortlisted along with his recorder quartet as a finalist for the 2021 NCEM Young Composers award, and was a finalist for the BBC Young Composer competition which resulted in his piece, Emergence, being broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

Matty joined RGS from Micklefield School in the First Form and has loved his five years here, grateful for all the opportunities that being a Reigatian has afforded him both in and out of school. He now moves on to Sixth Fom here to study Music Tech, Double Maths and French after securing straight 9s in his GCSEs and an A* in his Music A Level which he took two years early at the same time.

“I was lucky to sit A Level Music at school at the same time as my GCSEs. I have talked to lots of people at other schools and they have not been able to do that, so I am grateful to RGS for the opportunity. Getting an A* was the cherry on top!”

Fazeeha F

Fazeeha joined RGS from Seymour Primary School in the First Form and immediately threw herself into her studies and extra-curricular activities including Duke of Edinburgh award at bronze level.

Fazeeha secured eight grade 9s and two grade 8s in her GCSEs. What a superb set of GCSE results!

She has thoroughly enjoyed her five years and is greatly looking forward to her A Level studies as she will be focusing on her passions – English, History, Psychology and Theology and Philosophy.

Fazeeha spoke positively about her time at RGS and about continuing into the Sixth Form.

“I am feeling really happy and thankful that all my hard work has paid off. One of my favourite things about being at RGS is how lovely the teachers are. I feel like I can be my natural self, the school, my friends and the teachers allow that. They really encourage your personal values and your individual traits.”

A LEVEL & BTEC RESULTS 2023

RECORD BREAKING EXAM RESULTS, 96% OF GRADES AT A*-B

75% of grades awarded at grade A* or A 96% of grades within the A* to B range Record number of offers from word-class universities

These students overcame so much to do so well. This is an exceptional moment for Reigate Grammar School as we delight in the triumph of our students’ dedication and hard work. The hurdles posed by Covid-19 did not define these students: instead, they served as a launchpad, propelling them to evolve into remarkable young adults poised to contribute positively to the world.

I could not be prouder of them, their families, teachers, and the entire RGS community. Their academic success goes hand in hand with their excellence in various extracurricular pursuits such as charity work, community engagement, sports, arts and more.

WHY DO WE USE THE MEASURE OF A*-B GRADES?

Our students hold university places where the grade requirements are almost exclusively all A*-B grades. Therefore A*, A and B grades create life chances and secure university places that are aligned with the aspirations of RGS students. It is also the same as national benchmark tables.

Headmaster, Shaun Fenton

SIXTH FORM SUCCESS STORIES

The achievements of RGS students transcend not just academic success but encompass a diverse range of other pursuits. Their holistic development speaks volumes about their character and the comprehensive education they receive at Reigate Grammar School.

Reflecting on my journey here at RGS, I have genuinely relished every moment. Both my A-levels and my GCSEs, despite the challenges posed by COVID, have been incredibly enjoyable. I have absolutely loved the whole seven years.

Gabriel B

Kanika is passionate about learning and received top grades in English Literature, Biology and Chemistry. Her dedication has led her to regularly attend MIT lectures, TED talks, and UCL lectures to further her studies. There is no doubt Kanika will thrive on the academic rigor demanded by a career in medicine. Outside the classroom, Kanika has spent the last year teaching a Bronze DofE group how to plan and execute expeditions, as well as completing her own Gold DofE. She is also one of the leaders of our Charity Committee, always sharing ideas on community outreach and engagement.

“I am thankful for the bursary that enabled me to attend RGS. This opportunity has truly transformed my life in ways I could never have imagined elsewhere. I now venture to Imperial College to pursue my dream of studying medicine. I will forever hold fond memories of my time at RGS and will always be grateful for the bursary that made it possible.”

Kanika is going to Imperial College, London to study Medicine.

Nathan is an enthusiastic student with a strong interest in Computer Science. He has thrived at RGS, making the most of all the opportunities available in addition to academic learning. Nathaniel studied Mandarin during Sixth Form and completed his Gold DofE.

Nathan has been a committed member of the school’s Academic Committee, helping to develop the school’s Digital Project. He has also volunteered at one of our school’s maths clubs, teaching First to Third Formers mathematics outside of their curriculum. He also enjoys running, swimming, and playing the violin.

“I am very happy. I achieved four A*s which earnt me a place at Imperial College for computing. I would like to thank my computing teachers especially for getting me through all the hard coursework, there has been a lot of coursework!”

Nathan is going to Imperial College, London to study Computing.

Catherine is not just an outstanding academic, she has also been an active member of the school communityrepresenting RGS in hockey matches and as a percussionist in concerts. She has been an active member of the Charities Committee in the Sixth Form and undertaken her Gold DofE.

“Reflecting on my time at RGS, there have been numerous highlights. Among these, participating in the first team at hockey was particularly memorable. This experience not only provided great enjoyment but also afforded me the chance to connect with students outside of my usual circles. Same for my involvement in music, being part of the percussion added another dimension to my journey here. I will miss the sense of community that RGS has offered. The camaraderie within the school, having friendships across various year groups, fostered a sense of belonging. Especially in sixth form but all throughout the school you feel part of a welcoming, thriving community”

Catherine is going to Cambridge University to study Natural Sciences.

Kanika K

Nathaniel V

Catherine T

LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS AND CAREERS

BEST EVER UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS: 98% RECEIVED RUSSELL GROUP, TOP 20, OXBRIDGE OR MEDICAL SCHOOL OFFERS

Record offers from world-class universities

89% of students secured their first choice university place

Excellent blue chip degree apprenticeship places

Growing numbers of international places including USA, Holland and Canada

POPULAR UNIVERSITY COURSES

ECONOMICS

ENGINEERING

POLITICS

PSYCHOLOGY

POPULAR UNIVERSITY DESTINATIONS

HISTORY

BIOLOGY/BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

MEDICINE

GEOGRAPHY

NATURAL SCIENCES

COMPUTER SCIENCE

CAREERS

Every member of the Fifth Form and their parents have a meeting with a senior member of staff to discuss their individual progress, A Level choices, university and career options. Careers and Higher Education profiling is available, including interviews from external experts for our Fifth Form and Sixth Form students.

Careers specific information evenings include: Art and Design, Health, Accounting and Finance, Engineering, Law and Green careers. We also hold a careers convention and higher education evening and include apprenticeships and

degree apprenticeships

Students from the Second Form upwards are invited to careers talks, academic extension societies and careers evenings, all featuring external experts in their field.

There are careers lessons within the PSHEE programme for every year group, with Fourth Form and Lower Sixth students attending a compulsory careers course with the head of Careers.

All year groups have access to Unifrog and numerous careers activities.

Careers/UCAS lessons are provided in the Sixth Form, as well as a Q&A with an expert in university admissions. Former students come in to take questions from Lower Sixth Form students about their chosen paths.

Dedicated members of staff advise on alternatives to university, applications overseas, interview preparation and Oxbridge applications.

THE GLOBAL REIGATIAN NETWORK

The RGS Professionals network is run by the RGS Foundation in partnership with the Careers department. Our aim is to help RGS students with their career choices whilst at school and beyond, and to encourage networking between Reigatians.

RGS PROFESSIONALS GROUP

The primary purpose of the RGS Professionals group is to foster meaningful relationships for professional networking. It supports the school by introducing students to a pool of experienced professionals who are willing to provide guidance and potential contact opportunities within relevant industry sectors. This group enjoys face-to-face events – to meet and network with new and existing friends and colleagues – as well as informative online webinars.

With over 2,000 members, the group offers a vital source of advice, encouragement, mentorship and, in some cases, work experience and potential job opportunities.

Past events include Make your money a force for good delivered by FLM Wealth Management and hosted at M Restaurant in London, and Inspiring Minds to Think Big! which was held in the Harrison Centre and brought a distinguished panel to discuss equality and diversity in the workplace. Online webinars have included Workplace Wellness, The Future of the Workspace and most recently an enlightening session on NFT’s and Crypto-currency.

We invite you to join our group on LinkedIn. Simply search:

Reigate Grammar School Professionals

As part of the RGS Professionals group, parents and former students also provide invaluable support through participation in the school’s annual Careers Convention and the popular lunchtime careers speakers programme which runs throughout the year. Would you like to get involved? Please email foundation@reigategrammar.org

UNIVERSITY LINKS

The RGS Foundation, in partnership with the Careers department, draws on its relationships with the wider Reigatian community to help students with their career choices whilst at school and beyond.

In addition, each summer, Reigatians return from university to RGS for a UCAS day, organised by the Careers department. This provides Lower Sixth Form students the opportunity to ask questions about their experience of university, their course and their recommendations for a successful UCAS application and transition to university.

OVERSEAS NETWORK

The Reigatian community spreads far and wide. From New York to New Zealand, we have ambassadors around the globe who are happy to help. They can offer advice, be a point of contact or even provide job opportunities for recent RGS leavers that are taking a gap year or moving abroad.

Please contact us if you think we may be able to help:

foundation@reigategrammar.org

The Foundation Office was a huge help in connecting me with relevant RGS Professionals… it should be everyone’s starting point when it comes to networking, seeking introductions and advice.”

Matt Taylor (Former student)

Inspiring Minds To Think Big - discussing equality and diversty in the workplace

ACADEMIC MATTERS

We are delighted that RGS has once again been awarded the highest judgement possible: Excellent for Education Quality by the ISI (Independent Schools Inspectorate) at the inspection in February 2023. This includes the academic achievement and personal development of students.

The school aims to support every individual pupil, nurture their talents and abilities, and prepare them for a happy and successful adult life. It strives to enable academic outcomes and extracurricular experiences so that pupils have the confidence to recognise and grasp opportunities successfully. It aims to ensure that a strong moral purpose helps pupils to contribute to wider society, aware of their advantages and a sense of their responsibility.

The ISI key findings include:

• Pupils display excellent levels of knowledge, skills and understanding across and beyond the curriculum.

in the academic curriculum and other experiences. They are highly motivated, diligent and keen to learn. Even from the high starting point, at both GCSE and A Level the majority of pupils achieve higher examination grades than expected. This includes pupils with SEND and EAL. The school successfully manages and adapts their learning so that their performance is comparable to their peers.

Pupils’ achievements are extensive, and they speak with pride about what they have accomplished and how the school facilitates this - pupils appreciate that all learning is valuable, whether or not it leads to an examination qualification.

The ISI reports pupils regularly work to levels beyond those normally expected for pupils of the same age.

Pupils have excellent communication skills, they are erudite, articulate and command extensive vocabulary.

Pupils write with precision and flair and develop extremely strong numeracy skills, regardless of their starting point.

ISI Report, February 2023

• Pupils of all ages are excellent communicators and demonstrate highly developed listening skills.

• Pupils have excellent and wideranging study skills. They are creative and adept thinkers with strong powers of analysis.

• Pupils display oustanding attitudes to all aspects of their learning, both

The school has successfully initiated a personal device initiative enabling all pupils easy access to the virtual learning platform and other educational resources. Pupils are highly capable users of ICT.

Pupils’ success is strongly augmented by their highly mature collaborative skills and their excellent ability to listen to each other.

‘Universally, pupils feel comfortable being their true self. Pupils are capable, high order thinkers, revelling in the widest possible range of concepts. Pupils’ academic and other achievements are overwhelmingly excellent.’

‘Pupils are highly motivated, diligent and keen to learn so they make rapid progress.’

BEYOND THE GRADES WELLBEING wellbeing

TATLER SCHOOL AWARDS

WINNER - School of the Year

The Tatler Schools Guide is one of the most prestigious school reviewers operating across the sector and we are proud to have been listed in their 2020-2021 Schools Guide and named as the top school in the country.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS PARENT AWARDS

WINNER - School of the Year for Community Outreach

These highly-regarded awards recognise and celebrate the amazing experiences and opportunities for students in independent schools across the UK

TES AWARDS

WINNER - Wellbeing initiative of the year

The Times Education Supplement (TES) awards celebrate the achievements of staff and schools across the UK

UK SOCIAL MOBILITY AWARDS

WINNER - School of the Year

We are delighted to be named School of the Year at the latest UK Social Mobility Awards. The awards were set up to recognise the people and institutions dedicated to leading the way in advancing social mobility in the UK.

TES AWARDS

FINALIST - Independent Senior School of the Year

The Times Education Supplement (TES) awards celebrate the achievements of staff and schools across the UK.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS PARENT AWARDS

SHORTLISTED - Co-Educational Independent School of the Year, Independent School of the Year for Performing Arts (Music & Drama), Independent School of the Year for Sporting Achievement, Independent School of the Year for Community Outreach.

SCHOOL HOUSE MAGAZINE AWARDS

FINALIST - Pastoral Care

The School House Magazine celebrates the less tangible benefits that independent schools are developing and recognises those who have gone beyond the standard and focused on the most important one of all: happiness.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS PARENT AWARDS

FINALIST - School of the Year for Contribution to Social Mobility

These Awards celebrate the life-affirming, life-enhancing benefits which an independent education delivers to its students, and to highlight the enormous contribution schools make to the wider community.

noun: the state of feeling healthy and happy.

Reigate Grammar School’s groundbreaking Wellbeing Programme was recognised as the best in the country by the Times Education Supplement (TES) Independent School Awards.

The judges were impressed by RGS’s whole-school approach to wellbeing for staff and students, based upon a belief that happy and healthy children go on to become high achievers.

The school’s focus on relationships rather than rules enables RGS students to achieve far beyond expectations while exploring and understanding their own physical and mental health and wellbeing during their years at the school.

RGS wants every student to have an emotional toolkit to help them take on the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.

Each student has a personalised support network of form tutors, mentors and buddies. There is a Wellbeing Centre where students can take time out, Mindfulness forms part of the curriculum, and a dedicated wellbeing festival features external speakers, exercise and nutrition advice and volunteering and fundraising activities.

“Wellbeing is at the core of everything we do at Reigate Grammar School. Children need to feel valued and understood, secure amongst friends and looked after by adults.”

Shaun Fenton , Headmaster