FROM THE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

As I enter my second year as Chair of RGS, it seemed an opportune time to reflect on where the school stands and what lies ahead.

Despite obvious challenges, there are many positives. In particular, it is great to see school life largely back to normal after the disruptions caused by the pandemic, with students able to enjoy the whole range of activities that so enrich their education. It was also great to see the enormous efforts of the school leadership team and staff, to provide the very best possible education throughout the different phases of the pandemic pay dividend, as the school achieved its best ever results at A Level in 2022 and a really strong performance at GCSE level. With pupil numbers at their highest ever and strong demand at each entry level, we have a robust platform from which to build for the future.

The Foundation continues to go from strength to strength, with the return of in-person reunions, regional gatherings, RGS Professionals meetings and a Henry Smith Club dinner. Thanks to the generosity of our community, our 2025

Changing Lives fundraising targets were achieved three years early and Changing Lives now supports more than 50 pupils with literally life-changing RGS bursaries. On the international front, we continue to expand our footprint both in Asia and the Middle East, providing an increasing cultural and ethnic dimension to the RGS education as well as a foundation for additional economic resilience in the face of a number of existing and potential headwinds.

As regards those headwinds, we face the same increasing costs as the rest of our community and, as governors, have to strike a difficult balance between fees, salaries and investment. These challenges now also include political threats to our charitable and tax status. Sadly, the wrong decisions here will inevitably put pressure on our ability to invest in the local community.

Throughout all the challenges, our priority is to maintain the all-round educational excellence that marks out RGS as one of the top co-ed schools in the country. Indeed, the governors’ challenge to our senior leadership team is to set a strategy that will see the school continue its upwards trajectory across all areas of activity. This is certainly no time to be resting on our laurels.

As well as our traditional educational activities, key areas of focus include continuing our investment in the wellbeing and safety of our students, as schools increasingly see themselves on the frontline of student welfare, driving a sustainability agenda across all aspects of the school, increasing our diversity and inclusivity and building ever stronger links with our wider community.

In the latter context, I very much hope you enjoy this edition of The Reigatian. The importance of education and supportive relationships has never been greater. Despite the many challenges, with a high quality and motivated staff team and an engaged and supportive Reigatian community, I know that we can face a future of delivering educational excellence and building relationships with optimism and confidence.

Mark Elsey (RGS 1974-1978) Chair of the Board of Governors

Launched January 2014