DirectoryGuildfordAll ThroughRoyal Grammar School Guildford
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Royal Grammar School Guildford

RGS Guildford is a co-educational independent day school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18, offering Prep, Senior and Sixth Form education.

GuildfordAll ThroughCo Ed, becoming co-educationalAges 3–18Day1,325 pupils
Day fees
£28,080
How competitive entry is
Interview + ObservationCompetitive entry
Pupils
1,325
Founded
1553
Next deadline
Assessment: 10 Oct 2026
Updated 2 months agosource
Houseroom Index 2026
81.9/100· ranked #22 of UK independents
78% data confidence·v2026.4.0
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes81
Destinations & outcomes87
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing95
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add73
Access & breadth90
Parent sentiment70
External consensus95

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Our take

Independent boys all-through school in Surrey for ages 3–18. Selective entry, C of E ethos.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) rather than separate prep + senior.
  • Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son.
  • Families who value a C of E ethos in school life.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
  • The C of E ethos shapes assemblies, holidays and pastoral life. Comfortable for committed families; worth thinking about for those of other or no faith.
  • SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
  • Single-sex (boys). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
AI-generated guidance

Application timeline

No admissions stage dates confirmed yet. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayNot published
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Registration opensNot published
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Registration closesNot published
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Bursary deadlineNot published
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AssessmentNot published
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InterviewNot published
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OffersNot published
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Acceptance deadlineNot published
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Open events

Sixth Form Open4 weeks away
Wed, 16 Sept 2026
10:00 am
Sixth Form Information Evening
Sixth Form Evening4 weeks away
Wed, 16 Sept 2026
7:00 pm
Sixth Form Information Evening
Open Morning6 weeks away
Sat, 26 Sept 2026
Annual Open Morning
Open Day
Fri, 2 Oct 2026
10:00 am
Senior Open Event
Open Day
Sat, 3 Oct 2026
10:00 am
Senior Open Event
Exam
Sat, 7 Nov 2026
11+ Entrance Assessments
Dates to be confirmed
Senior Small Group ToursTrinity Term
Dates TBC
Event2026-06-05
Dates TBC
Event2026-10-03
Dates TBC
EventTrinity Term 2026
Dates TBC
Event2026-09-16
Dates TBC
Event2026-10-02
Dates TBC

Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.

Talks & tasters

Talks, tasters and other dated events
DateEventType
Wed, 16 Sept 2026Sixth Form Information EveningSixth Form Open
Wed, 16 Sept 2026Sixth Form Information EveningSixth Form Evening
Sat, 26 Sept 2026Annual Open MorningOpen Morning

Fees

£14,103 – £28,080per year · Day · 2026-27
By entry point · 2026/2027
Nursery£14,103
16+£28,080

Bursaries & Scholarships

Max award
100%
Means-tested
Yes
Scholarships
8
medium confidence data
Scholarships by category & award sizeView full bursary & scholarship guide

About the head

As Headmaster of RGS Guildford, Jon has been instrumental in driving numerous initiatives aimed at enhancing the academic and extracurricular offerings of the School. His leadership is characterised by a strategic vision that balances tradition with innovation, ensuring that the School remains at the forefront of educational excellence. His passion is to make the RGS accessible to all pupils and, as a consequence, the creation of an enduring bursary fund has been as focus of his leadership. Under his guidance, RGS Guildford has continued to thrive, maintaining its reputation as one of the leading independent schools in the UK, while also emphasising the importance of traditional values and outstanding pastoral care.

We encourage a climate of openness and awareness based on mutual respect, fostering academic boldness and creativity with an insistence on how to think, not what to think.

opennessawarenessmutual respectacademic boldnesscuriositycreativitycollaborationsupportive mindset

Distinctive features

500-year tradition and heritage

strong academic performance

collaborative school culture

broad range of extracurricular activities including sports, art, drama and music

joint activities with local girls’ schools

Activities & co-curricular

sport

Football TeamsFootballSenior Cricket TeamFreestyle FootballCricketSenior Rugby TeamSportSwingdyhop dance classesPowerlifting inspirationPowerlifting and Paralympian Visit

music

Music Singing AssemblyMusicJoint Schools’ Chamber ChoirSinging AssemblyRGS Big BandSenior Musician of the Year Competition (Steynor Prize)

drama

Marvellous Masks (Drama Activity)Marvellous MasksDrama ClubDramaDrama/theatre workshops

academic club

Societies Register (Senior)LegoComputer Science CompetitionsInspire Programme (Prep)Societies' Register (Senior) – 2024/25Societies (50+ clubs and activities at Prep)Chemistry ChallengeBusiness and enterprise initiatives200 Seconds English Speech CompetitionMaths ChallengesScience Ambassadors and Workshops

service

Combined Cadet Force (CCF)

other

Residential Activities Week – Dorset (Year 4)Residential Activities Week – Ironbridge (Year 5)Residential Activities Week – Activity Centre (Year 6)Year 6 France Trip (February – honey farm, chocolate/sweet factories, WWI battlefields Belgium)France trip – Year 6Business and enterprise initiatives (Sixth Form)Leadership opportunities with local girls' schools (Sixth Form)Inspire ProgrammeResidential Activities Week – Sussex (Year 3)Activities Week (residential trips from Year 3)Animal PettingLego MadnessMindfulness colouringAnimal Petting (Pre-Prep)Activities Week residentials (Prep)Swingdyhop Dance Classes50+ clubs and activities (Prep)Cup Cake Mania

Facilities

sports

Playing FieldsAstro pitchSports HallAstro Turf Pitch

arts

Drama Studio/Performance SpaceMusic Rehearsal Rooms and Performance Venues

academic

Design Technology Workshops/LabsLibraryScience LabsDining Hall

wellbeing

Gieve Room

Latest exam results

Outcomes

RGS Guildford is consistently one of the top schools in the country at both A Level and GCSE, with strong academic culture supporting critical thinking and intellectual curiosity.

93%
A-level A*–A
77%
GCSE 9–7

Data from 2025 results

Where leavers go

6%
to Oxbridge (2025)
202520242023
Cohort148148
Oxbridge9226
US Ivy000
Top universities (2025)
Durham20
Bath15
Exeter14
Bristol12
Oxford9
Nottingham9
Warwick8
Southampton8

Recent coverage

In December 2025, RGS Guildford announced a historic move to co-education after 500 years as a boys-only school. Girls will be admitted to Prep nursery, Reception and Year 3 and to the Senior Lower Sixth from September 2027, with Year 7 following in 2028. Headmaster Dr Jon Cox cited equity and equal opportunity as the driving rationale. In summer 2025, 75 percent of A-level grades were A*/A (36 percent A*) and 95 percent were A*-B.

Good Schools Guide
Country and Town House

Notable alumni

Sir David Attenborough (broadcaster and natural historian)Sir Anthony Seldon (historian and political commentator)Sir Peter Bottomley (politician)Sir Richard Jolly (development economist)Sir John Stuttard (former Lord Mayor of London)Sir Michael Caine (actor)Sir Roger Norrington (conductor)Sir Peter Hall (theatre director)
Recommended next step

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Fit for your child

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House system

Pupils are organised into houses for pastoral and competitive life.

Wellbeing

CounsellingMental health supportMindfulness

The school promotes pupil wellbeing through a house system led by House Captains fostering inclusion and community. Wellbeing is integrated into daily life with activities like mindfulness, creative arts, and support from dedicated counsellors to encourage emotional resilience and mental health awareness.

Inspection

Isi 1 Jan 2025

One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.

Excellent

Term dates 2025-26

spring5 Jan 202625 Mar 2026Half-term 16 Feb 2026–20 Feb 2026
summer21 Apr 20268 Jul 2026Half-term 25 May 2026–29 May 2026
autumn3 Sept 202611 Dec 2026Half-term 19 Oct 2026–30 Oct 2026
spring5 Jan 202725 Mar 2027Half-term 15 Feb 2027–19 Feb 2027
summer20 Apr 20279 Jul 2027Half-term 31 May 2027–4 Jun 2027

Schools like Royal Grammar School Guildford

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

74%

Reigate Grammar School

Reigate and Banstead · All Through · Ages 11–18
£15,750 – £28,545
74%

Guildford High School

Guildford · All Through · Ages 4–18
£16,203 – £25,989
67%

Al-Khair School

Croydon · Prep · Ages 4–16
£2,400 – £3,600
66%

King's House School

Richmond upon Thames · Prep · Ages 2–13
£10,590 – £26,340
65%

The Old Vicarage School

Richmond upon Thames · Prep · Ages 3–11
£9,900 – £20,970
65%

Winchester College

Winchester · Senior · Ages 11–18
£44,400 – £45,954

Questions parents ask

Common questions about Royal Grammar School Guildford, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is Royal Grammar School Guildford best for?+

Royal Grammar School Guildford suits: Families wanting one school across the whole journey (ages 3–18) rather than separate prep + senior; Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son; Families who value a C of E ethos in school life; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees section on this page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

Some SEND provision is documented in our profile, but specific conditions supported aren't itemised. Contact admissions for details before applying.

Are there open days?+

11 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

email at rgs-office@rgsg.co.uk or phone on 01483880600. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to Royal Grammar School Guildford — see the "Schools like Royal Grammar School Guildford" grid on this page. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 26 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

Reviews

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Data
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Frequently asked questions

How much are the fees at Royal Grammar School Guildford?
Day fees at Royal Grammar School Guildford range from £14,103 to £28,080 per year.
When is the next open day at Royal Grammar School Guildford?
The next open day at Royal Grammar School Guildford is on 2 October 2026.
What ages does Royal Grammar School Guildford take?
Royal Grammar School Guildford takes pupils from age 3 to 18.
Is Royal Grammar School Guildford a day or boarding school?
Royal Grammar School Guildford is a day school.
Is Royal Grammar School Guildford co-educational or single-sex?
Royal Grammar School Guildford is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is Royal Grammar School Guildford?
Royal Grammar School Guildford is in Guildford, GU1 3BB.

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