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FROM THE HEADMASTER

There’s arguably nothing people in the UK like talking about more than the weather. British weather has long been a subject of fascination for generations of inhabitants of this isle, and the subtext has always been that it is just not quite right. In an echo of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, it’s either too hot or too cold, too wet or too dry: rarely – if ever – are the weather conditions regarded as optimal. This obsession comes into its own during the British summer but this year has been taken to new heights as new phraseology has entered common parlance: unprecedented conditions; red weather warnings, extreme heat have all dominated the news headlines.

So, against the backdrop of a record-breaking summer – relaxed dress code, earlier finishes, a succession of mitigations for each and every event, and a number of lightly perspiring students – this term’s The Register, our photographic record of this historic Trinity Term, provides a formal way of capturing for posterity many of the magic moments which have taken place. As I reflect on this memorable academic year, so many highlights stand out: students flourishing simply by being the very best versions of themselves that they can be, whether that is in their progress and achievements or in terms of their moral compass and encapsulating the School Values which define who we are. These successes simply would not be possible without students pushing themselves out of their comfort zones, challenging themselves, embracing fear head on – the fear of failure, the fear of mistakes, the fear of others’ opinions.

Highlights are many and varied. The sheer exuberance, enthusiasm and innate talent of our actors in drama productions such as Guys & Dolls or A Christmas Carol. The technical ability of our musicians at Musician of the Year, or the various concerts at Holy Trinity Church, or the rock gigs. The diverse artwork on display at the annual Art Exhibition where, through different media, our artists had the self-belief to express themselves in such innovative ways. The charitable and volunteering initiatives and partnership opportunities where students selflessly and altruistically threw themselves into activities simply for the benefit of others, with the Lower Sixth Form Pilgrims’ Challenge being a particular highlight. The sports fields where our teams showed such dedication, determination and teamwork, at times against superior opposition. The academic spheres with outstanding public examination results and university offers, success in science Olympiads, in the Independent Learning Assignments, or in the 200 Seconds competition. The cocurricular life of the School and the richness of opportunity during Period 8 and Field Days. The passionate focus of the community on the environment and sustainability. And so I could go on.

As well as these headline successes, it is, however, the more mundane, ordinary moments which always come to mind as I reflect on the year. These are the moments which, for me, have equal – if not more significant – meaning. The kindness showed to a friend who is going through a tough period personally. The time spent helping one of your

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” …students flourishing simply by being the very best versions of themselves that they can be.

peers who is struggling with one topic academically. The thoughtfulness picking up a lost bag and returning it to a fellow student. The words of consolation to a teammate after a defeat. None of these moments are captured within The Register, none of these aspects are worthy of photographic record, none of these actions grab the headlines or receive widespread appreciation or acknowledgement, and yet they are at the very heart of a community such as ours and are where we really show our true colours as a community.

And so, as we break-up for a very well-deserved rest, I would like to thank you, the parents, as well as the staff, the governors and all those who have contributed so much to our community. Schooldays are, indeed, the best days of our lives and, as such, I would urge every student to reflect on – and store away – those moments which have contributed to your own personal photo album of the year, those moments where you have overcome your fears and anxieties resulting in individual successes and memories. You should all be rightly proud of how much you have achieved over the last twelve months in so many areas of school life.

I wish you all a restful, relaxing and enjoyable summer – come wind, come weather as our School Hymn cites – and I look forward, with anticipation, to September and another memorable year at the RGS.

Our Vision

A high-performing and inclusive independent day school, which provides a great education so that students can lead happy, successful lives and have a positive impact on society.

Our Strategic Priorities

Integrate our pastoral and wellbeing offer, and tailor this to meet the needs of a modern-day student community.

Develop a more focused co-curricular offer, organised around a character development framework based on our school values.

Enhance our academic strength, in terms of exam results, developing minds and preparing students for higher education.

Maintain a healthy future pipeline of students in the face of increasing demographic, market and regulatory challenges.

NOTICES

July Trips

Engineering Trip to Chester

Tennis and Surfing Trip to Cornwall

Choir and Orchestra Tour to Tuscany

RGS and Tormead International Expedition to Nepal

Senior Rugby Tour to South Africa

Arrangements for beginning of Michaelmas Term 2026

Please note that new First Form and new Third Form students are expected at school by 8.30am for an 8.45am start on Thursday 3 September, for a Familiarisation Day.

All students in Lower Sixth Form are expected at school by 8.45am for an induction morning, also on Thursday 3 September in the Auditorium.

The afternoon will start with Tutor periods or assemblies, dependent on year group, followed by lessons for Third Form and Lower Sixth Form.

All remaining students to be in School for 1.45pm to their Tutor rooms.

Students in First Form will depart at 3.00pm following an afternoon assembly. Students in the Third Form, Lower Sixth Form and all remaining students will depart at 4.00pm.

LATEST NEWS

Biology Chemistry

15,337 students took part in the national Cambridge Chemistry Challenge this year, and the RGS once again achieved an excellent set of results. In total, RGS students secured 9 Gold, 15 Silver, and 7 Copper Awards; Toby Douglas, Jack Thomson, Eric Lee-Mather, and Will Marshall were our top-scoring students.

SPORTS NEWS

Cricket

The final block fixture of the term saw RGS sides dominating their counterparts from St George’s College, Weybridge. The 1st XI set the tone by producing one of their finest batting performances of the season to secure an excellent win by 172 runs. The RGS amassed an outstanding 325 for 6 from their 40 overs. Luke Golding provided a blistering start with 46 from just 32 balls, while Oliver Pickup continued the momentum with a superb 73 from 56 deliveries. Harry Griffiths anchored the innings magnificently with 81 from 76 balls before George Mellor provided the perfect finish with a rapid 40 from 22 balls, including two enormous sixes.

RGS Lower Sixth Form Biologists took part in the Intermediate Biology Olympiad competition, which consisted of two 35-minute papers focusing on core curriculum combined with unfamiliar biological concepts that require data interpretation and logical problem solving. Over 16,000 students took part in the competition nationally; Thomas Fish and Oscar Crabbe both achieved Gold which is presented only to the top 5%. A further four students were awarded Silver.