Ages 
Educational standards are exceptionally high but it’s the pastoral strengths and grounded feel that set RGS apart. The focus on humility, gratitude and decency exceeds what we’ve seen in many other schools, as does the support boys receive in making choices about their future. Pupils recommended their own school without hesitation, telling us, ‘If you get in, then it’s right for you. Come here if you’re ready for a challenge.’
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 995 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 279 ·
- Religion
- Christian
- Fees
- £26,370 pa
- Local authority
- Surrey County Council
- Area guides
- Linked schools
Headteacher
Headmaster
Dr J Cox
Since 2007, Dr Jon Cox, previously second master and deputy head in charge of pupil wellbeing at Whitgift School, Croydon. Educated at Saint Mary’s College, Southampton (now closed), read physiology and pharmacology at the University of Southampton,
Entrance
Candidates from around 140 different schools sit the entrance exam hoping for one of 150 places (around three applicants per place). Around half join from the state sector and boys from RGS Prep undergo the same testing as everybody else; ISEB common
- Open days
- September/October
Exit
Parents say career advice is a highlight. Staff are ‘exceptionally generous with their time’, researching the market, producing briefing sheets and offering specialist lectures. The director of higher education (whom one parent described as being
Latest results
In 2025, 89 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 75 per cent A*/A at A level (95 per cent A*-B). In 2024, 86 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 76 per cent A*/A at A level (93 per cent A*-B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
A highly academic school with a long-standing track record of success, but no longer an exam factory. One OG (old Guildfordian) parent told us, ‘The school used to be strongly focused on academics and other things fitted around that. Now it has a
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Anyone with a learning need ‘can expect kindness’, the head of learning support told us. Over 200 students identified with SEN or disability, of which around 140 on the SEN register; none with EHCPs at the time of our visit.
Holistic approach
Arts & extracurricular
An extremely musical school. Senior choristers from Guildford Cathedral attend with scholarships in years 7-8, later supported by the cathedral’s ‘changed voices’ programme when voices break; some boys go on to gain choral scholarships at Oxbridge.
Sport
School is keen to dispel old notions that ‘RGS boys aren’t sporty’ and their impressive facilities and sporting success support this. Onsite sports facilities are good: four floodlit all-weather courts, a sports hall, cricket nets, a shooting range
Ethos & heritage
Founded on the back of a wealthy merchant’s will in 1509, the school’s Tudor ‘old building’ is on the High Street. Our guides showed us through a courtyard into Big School – the room where all teaching once took place and which is still in use daily.
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Pastoral staff have bi-weekly meetings to plan their approach to student support. School-based independent counsellors have praised the effectiveness of the school’s internal referral systems. Boys can self-refer, and drop-in sessions are available.
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review RGS Guildford is a mobile phone free site for students during the school day. Students in the lower school (years 7-9) must lock away their mobile phones on arrival at school and are not permitted to use them during the school day. There are some exceptions for sixth form students who can use mobile phones in certain areas. Staff model this behaviour by adhering to the guidelines and not using phones in corridors or public places in the school.
Pupils & parents
Parents have ‘high expectations for their children’, staff told us. They are ‘responsive and engaged’ and ‘supportive, reasonable and open to discussion’. Pupils come from all over, gaining entrance not through privilege but hard work and capability;
Money matters
Fees slightly lower than other local independent schools and up to 100 per cent financial assistance is available. One in 14 pupils receive financial support and the school aims to further increase bursary provision, keeping alive this former grammar
- Fee information
- £26,370 pa
The last word
Educational standards are exceptionally high but it’s the pastoral strengths and grounded feel that set RGS apart. The focus on humility, gratitude and decency exceeds what we’ve seen in many other schools, as does the support boys receive in making
