School Governor
ISI Inspection
Pupils show an acute sense of respect for each other.
ISI Inspection
“ Pupils of all ages have a mature understanding of, and respect for, cultural diversity and tolerance of individual differences.
Thank you for expressing an interest in joining the Board of Governors at the RGS.
This brochure aims to give you a flavour of the School; its achievements, ethos, community and ambitions. By joining the Board you would help to shape that future and, more specifically, the future lives of our pupils.
I joined the Board almost 20 years ago, taking on the role of Chairman in 2013. As a Board, we represent a range of experience and contribute a variety of skills and qualities to the team; it's incredibly rewarding to work alongside colleagues from a diverse background with a shared enthusiasm.
I encourage you to confirm your interest in joining the Board here at the RGS and hope to have the opportunity to discuss the role in person with you soon.
Mrs Sarah Creedy Chairman of Governors, Royal GrammarSchool Guildford
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.
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.
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.
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.
We nurture an atmosphere of mutual respect between all members of our community, and foster self-respect and self-esteem in terms of physical health, emotional maturity and personal well-being, while establishing lasting friendships in a positive, happy environment.
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.
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.
Our governing body is passionate about education and is committed to continuous improvement within the School to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.
Our Governors set the strategic vision and direction of the School, approve the budget and hold the senior leadership team to account. The Governors as a whole, and individually, act as critical friends to the Head and the Senior Management Team; they have a strategic role with three key functions:
Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
Appointing and holding the Head to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils;
Approving the budget and overseeing the financial performance of the School to make sure money is well spent.
We are keen to hear from a wide range of individuals. We strongly encourage expressions of interest from all members of our community regardless of background, gender, ethnicity, disability or age (as long as you're over 18).
No special qualifications or previous governance experience is needed to become a governor; we will offer training, support and development opportunities to help you make the most of this opportunity.
Pupils show an acute sense of respect for each other and were unanimous in their belief that diversity is a normal part of life.
The Board of Governors consists of 21 individuals who meet three times per year. Each Governor is also a member of a sub-committee; each sub-committee also meets a number of times a year. Meetings generally take place in the evening, on the School premises.
As an RGS Governor you will not be involved with the day-to-day running of the school. Your commitment would be to attend board and committee meetings, plus read and comment on reports. It is also important that you take the opportunity to visit the School to see first hand the impact of your contribution. The term of office is for four years at which point Governors may be invited to stand for re-election. You will have a good understanding of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and a commitment to uphold EDI in all Board activities.
As an RGS Governor you would be expected to get to know both RGS Senior and RGS Prep Schools and attend school events such as the carol service, prize giving, music and drama productions. You would also receive invitations to visit during the school day to understand and get a feel for the operational side of the School.
The Board also has oversight for the wider organisation including the international RGS family.
The most important requirement for a Governor is to have a keen interest in the School and be prepared to play an active part in the governing body’s work. You would bring your own personal and professional skills to the overall governing body, although any advice given by a Governor to the School is incidental to their professional expertise and is not given in their professional capacity. Training is provided for all Governors and there is also the opportunity for an existing, experienced Governor to act as a mentor for a new Governor.
Your contribution and commitment to our School could make a massive difference to the future of young people and the local community. You would help the School to continue in its forward-thinking approach and help our students receive the best education possible.
If you would like to join the RGS Board of Governors, you are invited to register your interest in the first instance; you will then be asked to provide a personal statement, addressed to Sarah Creedy, Chairman of Governors, outlining your reasons for standing and what you feel you would contribute to the remit of the Board.
We are particularly interested to hear from people with financial expertise. However, the key requirement is an interest in the School and the desire to become an active member of the Board.
Potential Governors will be invited to the School to meet the Chairman of Governors and Headmaster to discuss their application.
The Royal Grammar School and RGS Prep are the schools within the company and charity Royal Grammar School Guildford, company number 10874615 and charity number 1177353.
A Governor would be a director of the company and a trustee of the charity. In addition, each Governor is a member of the holding company 1509 Group, company number 4104101.
Further information can be found about each of the schools on the website www.rgsg.co.uk. For more specific details about the role of a Governor please contact the Bursar and Clerk to the Governors, Kate Perceval on cmp@rgsg.co.uk
Pupils achieve outstanding results in a wide variety of academic and other areas such as music, sport and drama.
Being an RGS Governor has many benefits both personally and professionally. You will become part of an enthusiastic team providing strategic support and oversight to a large and complex school. You will work alongside like-minded fellow Governors and school leaders who are truly dedicated to the continuous improvement of the School.
Sarah Creedy - CHAIRMAN
Heather Styche-Patel – VICE CHAIRMAN
Karen Atkinson
Faye Carter
John Fairley
Simon Gimson
Matthew Humphreys
Tom Lingard
Lorraine Linton
RGS Governor since 2003
Mun-Ling Logue
Stephen Meredith
Michael More-Molyneux (Lord Lieutenant of Surrey)
Nikki Nelson-Smith
Rupert Onslow (The Earl of Onslow)
Kristina Spasic
Helen Treharne
Nick Vineall
Michael Windsor
Professional background: Solicitor, Borough Councillor
What do you enjoy most about being an RGS Governor?
Observing and being a small part of the energy and sheer verve for life displayed by the boys and those who work with them.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Walking, sailing and travelling - anywhere, but preferably somewhere with limited mobile reception.
RGS Governor since 2021
Professional background: Headteacher
What was your reason for joining the board?
Earlier in my career I served as Deputy Head at the RGS and I have very happy memories of my time there. I believe it is an extraordinary school... I think highly of the Head and the staff at the school and I am keen to be able to provide them with some support.
If you could give one bit of advice to your younger self what would it be? Have a go - don't be afraid to fail.
RGS Governor since 2021
Professional background: Chartered Management Accountant across multiple industries and countries
What do you enjoy most about being an RGS Governor? The rewarding nature of supporting the students and faculty of RGS, and enjoying the support and experience of my fellow governors.
If you could give one bit of advice to your younger self what would it be? Be open to new growth opportunities and the chance to learn - the only boundaries are the ones that exist in your head.
RGS Governor since 2019
Professional background: Academic and senior leadership team in higher education
What was your reason for joining the Board? I was interested in being a part of an educationally excellent school provider.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Gardening and activity sports from skiing in winter to sea kayaking and paddle boarding in summer.
RGS Governor since 2019
Professional background: Law
What do you enjoy most about being an RGS Governor? Watching the pupils flourish.
If you could give one bit of advice to your younger self what would it be? Be more open to opportunities, especially the unexpected ones.
RGS Governor since 2015
Professional background: Army and the Rail Industry
What do you enjoy most about being an RGS Governor? I enjoy being part of a great school and helping it to improve and grow for the future.
If you could give one bit of advice to your younger self what would it be? Join a choir!
The RGS is a kind, inclusive, tolerant community where diverse opportunity, personal development, high achievement and collaborative partnership define who we are.
Our values of inclusivity, scholarship, integrity, respect, courage and collaboration underpin all we do.
Boys come to the RGS from around 140 different schools in Surrey and the neighbouring home counties and this number is growing each year. We regularly receive four applications for every place.
The RGS curriculum aims to combine breadth with balance. In the first three years all boys study a broad range of subjects, choosing options at the end of their third year which sees them sitting ten GCSE subjects including English Language, English Literature, a Modern Foreign Language, Mathematics, three separate sciences and a humanities subject. From the Third Form, a Tutor Period is introduced during which boys study Information Technology, Problem Solving, First Aid, Health Education and Study Skills. It is also during this time that initial careers and higher education guidance is given which then continues throughout the boys’ time at the School.
The RGS boasts a thriving Sixth Form with all boys studying four subjects in the Lower Sixth and then continuing with three or four subjects to A Level in the Upper Sixth. This is complemented by a range of General Studies courses which are co-educational, organised jointly with Guildford High School.
All boys are encouraged to engage in independent research and activities throughout their time in the School via our Scholarship for all programme.
All members of the teaching staff help with co- and extra-curricular activities, of which there is an impressively wide range. Music, Art and Drama all flourish with performances, exhibitions and workshops. There is a well-equipped auditorium, a large Art School and a purpose built Music Department. We have a very active clubs and societies programme that takes place before, during and after school each day. All the Third Form take part in our curricular, weekly expedition and adventure programme, EXAD. We have five Field Days per year and also offer overseas expeditions, a large Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme and numerous sports tours.
The setting:
The Surrey Hills
North Downs
South Downs
Picturesque villages
The south coast
Travel by rail:
Clapham Junction 29 minutes
London Waterloo 39 minutes
Portsmouth Harbour 60 minutes
Gatwick Airport 45 minutes
Travel by road:
London 32 miles via the A3; Heathrow 22 miles; Gatwick 34 miles via A3 and M25; Portsmouth 44 miles; Brighton 59 miles
The North Downs