Nursery & Reception in Guildford, Surrey
RGS Nursery is a warm, welcoming nursery school in Guildford for children from the age of three, and the very first step of a Royal Grammar School education. As a private nursery in Guildford, part of RGS Prep, in the heart of the town we combine the care and encouragement young children need with all the reassurance of belonging to a much larger school. Here, every child feels happy, secure and known. Time in our Nursery sees children flourish and thrive, growing in confidence, making their first friendships and building the learning habits that will guide them throughout their education.
From September 2027, RGS becomes fully co-educational, and our Nursery and Reception (Shell) will welcome girls and boys together from the very start.
For families joining us in the early years, it means your child will grow up as part of an inclusive, forward-looking school community from their very first day, with the same warm welcome, high expectations and sense of belonging that have defined RGS for more than 500 years.
We welcome families from across Guildford and the surrounding Surrey towns and villages, including Godalming, Cranleigh, Woking, Cobham, Farnham and Shalford.
Our curriculum
From the moment a pupil joins RGS Prep, they embark on a journey towards becoming tenacious, imaginative, and self-aware individuals. Our curriculum is designed to instil positive habits and attitudes, and to develop our pupils as eager and resilient learners with a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
Nursery
In our Nursery school in Guildford, the timetable is predominantly driven by the children’s interests, featuring child-led learning and outdoor activities in our dedicated outdoor classroom.
Reception (Shell)
Reception, known at RGS Prep as Shell, builds naturally on the Nursery year and marks the start of a child’s more structured learning journey. As one of the leading independent primary schools in Surrey, we blend plenty of play-based discovery with the first, gentle steps into formal learning.
Building friendships and collaboration
Our buddy system ensures that our youngest pupils form friendships with those in Years 1 and 2 and encourages independence and peer learning, enhancing language development and interpersonal skills.
A pupils join one of four Houses when they join RGS Prep, and many activities are organised throughout the year to ensure pupils form friendships and collaborate throughout the year groups.
Throughout our community, a strong emphasis is placed on our School Values of inclusivity, scholarship, integrity, respect, courage and collaboration.
Our Nursery offers a nurturing, well-resourced environment with dedicated Nursery teachers and teaching assistants . Our Nursery day begins at 9.00am (with drop off from 8.00am) and runs on a school day, although early pick up is possible from 2.00pm.
We accept the Surrey Early Years funding entitlement for eligible families, click here for more details, and wraparound care is available before and after the school day.
A typical day balances child-led discovery in our dedicated outdoor classroom with focused activities across the seven areas of learning, plus specialist input in music, PE and Spanish. The best way to see it for yourself is to come along to one of our Toddler Time sessions — an informal chance for you and your child to explore the Nursery together.
Visiting our Nursery in Guildford
Our Pre-Prep and Prep Schools in Guildford
Our younger children are based at our dedicated Pre-Prep department on Aldersey Road from Nursery to Year 2. This is a small and nurturing setting. When they reach Year 3 children move across the road into the larger and well-equipped RGS Prep site on Maori Road, Guildford, GU1 2EL. Both RGS Pre-Prep and Prep schools are within easy reach of central Guildford and the A3.
“A balanced, big-hearted school where enjoyment of learning is evident; you would be hard pressed to match the education on offer here.” Good Schools Guide
“Leaders prioritise and support pupils’ physical, mental and emotional health well.” ISI Report 2025
“A robust safeguarding culture across all parts of the school.” ISI Report 2025
Nursery FAQs
What ages does the RGS Nursery take?
Children can join our Nursery in the September after their third birthday, and Reception (Shell) in the September after their fourth birthday.
Where is the Nursery based?
Our Nursery is part of RGS Prep in Guildford, Surrey, welcoming families from across Guildford and the surrounding area.
What are the Nursery hours?
The Nursery day runs from 8.25am to 3.10pm, with wraparound care available from 7.30am through to 6.30pm.
Do you offer funded or free childcare hours?
Yes. All 3 and 4 year olds are eligible for 15 hours a week of free childcare (Universal Funding) which is credited to your school bill. Some parents may also be eligible for Working Parent Entitlement. This is an extra 15 hours a week on top of your 15 hours a week Universal Funding. Please enquire with our Admissions team to find out about eligibility.
How much are Nursery fees?
The registration fee is £120 for UK families. Current termly fees are shown on our Fees page.
How do I register my child?
Simply complete the online registration form on our Register Now page and pay the registration fee.
Do you offer wraparound care?
Yes. We run a Breakfast Club from 7.30am and After School Care until 6.30pm, Monday to Friday.
When are your open days?
We hold Open Mornings in March, June and September, plus Toddler Time sessions in the Spring. For more information and to book go to our Visit Us page.