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What it's like

Founded in 1675 as a free school for ten poor boys and endowed through a bequest of Henry Smith, Alderman of the City of London. The buildings are situated in pleasant surroundings to the east of Reigate town centre within easy reach of local public transport. Recent additions include a sixth-form centre, a maths building and a new music school. There are 33 acres of playing fields, including an all-weather surface, two miles away at Hartswood. The school has been fully co-educational since 1993 (girls first joined the sixth form in 1976). The merger in 2003 with Reigate St Mary's Prep and Choir School means that it now provides continuous education from 2-18. The school seeks to provide an education based on sound Christian principles and all pupils are expected to attend school services and religious education lessons unless exempted. A sound, general education is provided and academic standards are high examination results are very good. Music and drama are very strongly supported and large numbers of pupils take part. There is much strength in sports and games and the school has a long record of success in district, county and national competitions. A wide variety of clubs and societies is available and a flourishing CCF contingent. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme has always been well supported and the school has gained over 200 gold awards (social and community service is a major feature of this scheme at Reigate).

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 2-18, 1170 day pupils (720 boys, 450 girls). Senior department 880 pupils (525 boys, 355 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 5, 11, 13 and 16. Own exam used. 40% of main intake (plus 15% to sixth form) from state schools (eg Reigate Priory, Sandcross and many others). Other feeder schools include Micklefield, The Hawthorns, Aberdour prep schools, and own prep (enquiries to Reigate St Mary's Prep and Choir School, Chart Lane, Reigate RH2 7RN, tel 01737 221540, email ffice@reigatestmarys.org ).

Scholarships & bursaries

Number of scholarships - academic, music and all-rounder - awarded at 11, 13 and 16; value £1000 pa (plus additional fee remission if needed). Also means-tested school assisted places. Bursary help to cope with temporary financial hardship. Sibling discounts.

Head & staff

Headmaster: David Thomas, in post from 2001. Educated at Magdalen College School, Oxford, and Oxford University (music). Previously Deputy Headmaster at Trinity School, Croydon, and taught at The Leys, King's School Canterbury, and Fettes.

Exam results

GCSE: 133 pupils in fifth, all passing in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 116 in upper sixth, passing on average 3.2 subjects.

Pupils' destinations

95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (26% after a gap year). 6% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 34% in science and engineering, 58% in humanities and social sciences, 2% in art and design.

Curriculum

GCSE, AS and A-levels. 25 subjects offered. Sixth form: all study 4 subjects to AS and A-level. No exams in lower sixth; to allow serious study and extra teaching time, all modules taken in upper sixth. Key skills integrated into sixth-form courses; record of evidence optional. Vocational: Work experience available. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered to GCSE and A-level; Italian GCSE and AS-level offered in sixth form. Regular exchanges. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, (eg internet used for research in most subjects). Many computers for pupil use, all networked and with email and internet access. All pupils take certificates of competence for IT in Year 9 and 30% take GCSE in Year 11.

The arts

Music: Large numbers learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Various musical groups including 2 orchestras, concert band, 4 choirs, various ensembles. Concert programme. Some pupils in National Children's Orchestra and National Youth Orchestra. Drama: Drama offered and A-level theatre studies may be taken. Many pupils involved in school productions (eg Henry V and Cabaret). Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 12 A-level. Design, pottery, photography also offered. Separate sixth-form studio area.

Sports & activities

Sport: Hockey, netball and rounders for girls, rugby, hockey and cricket for boys. Optional: cross-country, cricket, swimming, athletics, tennis, football, badminton, gymnastics, dance, basketball, golf and table tennis. GCSE and A-level sports studies may be taken. Pupils regularly in county, regional and national teams. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF optional; community service in all year groups (sponsored run, appeals, no uniform day etc). Up to 30 clubs, eg debating, Christian Union, history, Model United Nations, science, sports.

School life

Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses. Head boy and head girl - appointed by the Headmaster after vote by pupils and staff. Religion: Non-denominational. Pupils attend church assembly once a week. Social: Rotary public-speaking competition with other local schools. Numerous visits abroad eg to Spain, Ireland, France, Czech Republic, South Africa, Canada. Meals self-service.

Discipline

There are published school policies on behaviour, bullying and the disciplining of students who may become involved with drugs.

Former pupils

Bill Frindall (cricket statistician); Simon Virley (DG Department of Energy); Trevor Kavanagh (Political Editor of The Sun); Ray Mears (survival expert); Susan Gritton (opera singer), Keir Starmer QC (human rights lawyer).