FROM THE HEAD OF FOUNDATION

It is important to recognise, highlight and share our collective success. Our 2025 goal was to raise sufficient and sustainable funds to establish at least 50 fully funded places at Reigate Grammar School, for talented boys and girls from significantly disadvantaged backgrounds. To have achieved this ambitious goal this year, three years earlier than anticipated, is truly overwhelming and creates even greater momentum and desire to do more.

Throughout our history as a school, we have endeavoured to reach out to those in greatest need and to provide life-changing opportunities to talented young people.

The Reigatian community is amazing. The collective response to the Changing Lives social mobility campaign has been outstanding. We have already supported 92 children to date and with the strength of this campaign, we have enough drive and momentum to push forward to the next level of our philanthropic ambitions as we move towards the highly anticipated 350 anniversary of the school.

It is commonplace to have goals. Goals are meaningless without inspiration. I truly believe that the starting point for achievement is having desire, passion, and commitment for something you believe in. For me, social mobility, via the provision of an excellent education and wider opportunity, is the greatest gift we can give to young people. I’m extremely proud and in awe of my team and all the supporters, advocates, and ambassadors for the Changing Lives campaign. It is, and continues to be, a real team effort! True to our Foundation and charitable status, we have a responsibility to our local communities.

Vincent Van Gogh said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together”. This could not be a more accurate sentiment, particularly as we reflect upon our journey. As we have endeavoured to bring our wide and diverse Reigatian community together, the Foundation has evolved and matured, introducing various activities and initiatives that have allowed us to grow together as a community.

Once again, this publication provides a wealth of information, interesting stories, and examples of a community network in action. Post pandemic in-person event, it has been refreshing and exciting to be so active again, hosting events that range from golf days to reunions, and it is reassuring to know that we can find opportunities within these ‘new normal’ moments, to spend quality time together, meet new Reigatians and reinforce relationships.

My sincere thanks go to Mark Elsey who has been a huge support for the Foundation over the years, and not least with the creation and growth of the RGS Professionals network which enjoyed it’s tenth anniversary this year. With Mark having been appointed our Chair of Governors at RGS, it was great to see Matt Lowe receive the captain’s armband as our new RGSP Chairman at our first post-pandemic event, arranged by Michelle

Davey (family plug!) and hosted by Penny Group in the City. We can look forward to many more events and further opportunities to engage and connect with the ongoing support of Matt and the RGS Professionals group.

Thinking of our Reigatian friends around the world, we now have more opportunity to engage and feel part of a globally connected community. It was wonderful to see first-hand the impact of this, with the American Friends of RGS events that brought together many of our Reigatians this year. A special mention should go to Michael Lloyd, who was a founder of the

AFRGS and who continues to inspire me. I wish to also extend a thank you to Andy Paul (front cover and main feature) for his wonderful advocacy and friendship to the Foundation and school.

The school is in rude health and I’m always proud to share the many successes of RGS, its pupils, staff, and community. It is a wonderful and flourishing school, which yet again, received the School of the Year national award. As Andy Paul says, “Education should be the number one priority for governments and communities.”

I wish to pay homage to our amazing Foundation Team who work so selflessly and tirelessly. I would especially like to thank Jodie Lazarus, our brilliant new Reigatian Community Officer, who picked up responsibility for this magazine following the departure of Nikki Burch back in October. I’m sure you would agree that she has done an amazing job. We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Nikki for her great work during her time with us. Joining the expanding team is, Tracey Thornton, who as Foundation

Executive will work alongside Catherine Hutchison – who has been remarkable these past few years in keeping the engagement across our network thriving. Tracey brings great experience, skill, and warmth to her role, and not least as she is a current parent and advocate of all things RGS! It is key I mention that for some time now, the glue of our operation has been Clare Adams, who as Foundation Office Manager, is the vital cog in the machine. Finally, I am thrilled that our very own Jonny Hylton has been promoted to Foundation Director, which is richly deserved. To conclude, I want to thank our Foundation Ambassadors who have done a sterling job in supporting the team. Together, we look forward to the next period with great confidence and excitement as we plan for our RGS 350 campaign and drive forward with our aim to change lives and build futures.

Enjoy the read!

Sean Davey Head of Foundation