RGS ISI REPORT 2026
The RGS curriculum is ambitious, broad, interesting, rich, dynamic, very flexible; very responsive to pupil feedback and meets the needs of the pupils.
The school’s values are reflected by pupils in a supportive environment of mutual respect and trust.
There is an embedded coherent programme of leadership development across all year groups; ensuring pupils develop a secure foundation to make informed decisions about their future pathways.
From the HEADMASTER
I am delighted with our outstanding ISI report. The students were incredible, they showed such pride in their school, confidence in themselves and joy in their learning.
One of our students said: “There are two types of leader, one who is all about themselves and then the other leader who is about integrity and helping others – that is the Reigate Way”. I love that understanding of leadership, character and personal growth.
The excellent ISI report is testament to the amazing students, incredible staff and supportive community that makes RGS not a big school but a big family.
Best wishes,
Shaun Fenton Headmaster
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR ISI INSPECTION
Reigate Grammar School was inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), the body appointed by the Department for Education to evaluate whether independent schools meet all statutory Independent School Standards. Under the current framework, inspections do not give graded judgements; instead, they determine whether each standard is met. The report confirms that Reigate Grammar School meets all relevant Standards across leadership and management, the quality of education, pupils’ wellbeing, social and economic education, and safeguarding.
Leaders
Inspectors highlighted the school’s leadership development programme as a significant strength , noting that it is carefully structured across all year groups and enables pupils to gain confidence, act with integrity and make a positive contribution to the school community.
The report also commends RGS’s broad and ambitious curriculum, high‑quality teaching, effective assessment practices, strong pastoral support, and the wide range of enrichment opportunities that allow pupils to develop new skills and interests. Pupils were reported to feel well cared for and to benefit from effective PSHE and RSE programmes that support their wellbeing and personal development.
place the development of pupils’ leadership skills at the centre of their ambitious vision.
They
have created a carefully structured programme that develops such skills systematically across all year groups.
The programme teaches pupils that leadership has a moral purpose and is about service, responsibility and making a positive difference to others…
This is a significant strength of the school.
STRONG LEADERSHIP & A CULTURE OF SAFETY
The ISI reports that Reigate Grammar School meets all Standards relating to leadership, management and safeguarding, noting that leaders place pupils’ development and wellbeing at the centre of school life. The report highlights a carefully structured leadership programme that builds confidence, integrity and responsibility across all year groups. Leaders ensure that safeguarding procedures are robust, consistently implemented, and aligned with statutory guidance, creating an environment where pupils feel well supported and secure.
Leaders place the development of pupils’ leadership skills at the centre of their ambitious vision.
EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT FOR EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
The ISI reports that pupils are well supported in their emotional wellbeing and personal development. Pupils know how to seek help from adults, specialist pastoral staff and trained peer mentors, and the school’s health and wellbeing centre further strengthens this network of care. Effective PSHE and RSE programmes help pupils develop self confidence , resilience and self-esteem, enabling them to flourish personally as well as academically.
Pupils know how to seek help from adults when they require it… As a result, they feel well cared for.
A COMMUNITY BUILT ON RESPECT AND INCLUSION
The ISI reports that pupils develop a clear understanding of identity, diversity and respect for others. The curriculum provides meaningful opportunities for pupils to learn about a wide range of cultural and religious traditions and to explore themes such as neurodiversity, prejudice, discrimination and global faith festivals. As a result, pupils recognise difference, value one another and contribute to a respectful, inclusive school community.
The curriculum teaches pupils to respect and value people’s different backgrounds and identities.
LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AT THE HEART OF SCHOOL LIFE
The ISI reports that leadership development and contribution to others are central features of life at RGS. Pupils progress from managing their own learning to taking on responsibilities in clubs, societies, school council and house roles. The report notes that pupils contribute widely to the local community through music performances, reading with younger children in local primary schools and coaching sport, developing empathy, initiative and responsibility.
Pupils contribute responsibly to the local community.
A BROAD, AMBITIOUS AND HIGH PERFORMING CURRICULUM
The ISI reports that RGS provides a broad, challenging and ambitious curriculum that promotes academic, aesthetic and creative development. Teachers demonstrate high levels of subject expertise and design stimulating lessons that nurture independence of thought. Pupils receive precise, personalised feedback, make strong progress from their starting points and achieve high grades in GCSE, A Level and BTEC examinations.
Teachers demonstrate high levels of subject knowledge… and develop pupils’ independence of thought.
RICH OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
A rich programme of enrichment activities enables pupils to develop new skills and extend their interests.
The ISI reports that pupils benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities that extend their skills, interests and leadership capabilities. Activities include CCF, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Model United Nations, music, dance, art, competitive gaming, chess and numerous academic societies. Through these experiences, pupils learn to collaborate, discover new talents and grow in confidence.
KEY FINDINGS
The recent ISI inspection and accompanying parent, pupil, and staff surveys highlight a consistently high level of confidence in the quality of education, leadership, wellbeing support, and day-to - day experience at Reigate Grammar School. The findings reflect extremely strong outcomes across all stakeholder groups.
INSPECTION HIGHLIGHTS
All Independent School Standards met across leadership and management, quality of education, pupils’ wellbeing, social and economic education, and safeguarding.
Leadership development identified as a significant strength, with a carefully structured programme helping pupils build confidence, integrity and responsibility.
Broad, ambitious curriculum and high - quality teaching, supported by effective assessment and enrichment opportunities.
Strong pastoral care, with pupils knowing how to access support and benefiting from effective PSHE and RSE programmes.
SURVEY RESULTS
The parent, pupil and staff surveys show exceptionally high levels of satisfaction with life at Reigate Grammar School. Across all three groups, the positive responses demonstrate the strength of relationships, the quality of teaching and support, and the safety and wellbeing culture within the school.
PARENTS
• 99% say their child is happy at school
• 99% say their child makes good progress
• 98% of parents of children with SEND say the school supports them well
• 99% say their child is prepared well for higher education
• 100% say the school provides a wide range of extra‑curricular activities
PUPILS
• 98% say their teachers give them the help they need to learn
• 95% say there is an adult to speak to about wellbeing
• 96% feel teachers treat them fairly and with respect
STAFF
• 100% of staff agree that pupils make good progress and meet the needs of pupils including those with special education needs
RGS has given me great friends, great results and great times.
Mr Fenton is a kind, compassionate and relatable headmaster. RGS feels like a big family.
Behaviour is authentic – very good but relaxed and happy.
The School feels like a second home.
Behaviour is authentic – very good but relaxed and happy.
The leadership at RGS is so positive and compassionate.
Happy children are always the priority.
The RGS vision is to form great people through sport; to develop who they are, values and healthy choices.
The PSHE and RSE programme is effective and well-planned, teaching pupils about life and healthy relationships.
Pupil voice shapes RGS.
Pupil learning is a happy journey, with very strong pupil progress.
The school’s values are reflected by pupils in a supportive environment of mutual respect and trust.
Spiritual awareness for pupils is strong through Thought of the Week assembly themes; remembrance; reflection time; learning about different faith practices and more.
Choosing
RGS
for my child was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Reigate Grammar School, Reigate Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 0QS 01737 222231 info@reigategrammar.org reigategrammar.org