Royal Grammar School / RGS Guildford

RGS Guildford

Royal Grammar School Guildford is one of the most established and respected independent schools in the country. A grammar school in Guildford with more than 500 years of history and a reputation for academic excellence that reaches well beyond the South East of England.

Our Senior School occupies a distinctive site at the top of Guildford High Street, just half a mile from RGS Prep. Students join us in Year 7 and progress through to Year 13, moving from the broad foundation of the lower years into GCSE study and then on to A Levels in the Sixth Form.

Teaching is delivered by specialist departments across the full range of academic subjects: English, mathematics, the sciences, languages, the humanities and the creative and performing arts. This is supported by excellent facilities including dedicated science laboratories, art and design studios, music spaces, a well-stocked library and extensive sport both on site and at our nearby grounds.

At the RGS strong results and broad horizons go together. Our students achieve highly, contribute fully to school life and leave well prepared for the very best universities and for the world beyond.

From September 2027 we will become co-educational, welcoming girls alongside boys for the first time – an exciting next chapter for a school that has always looked forward while honouring its history.

Welcome from the Headmaster

Welcome to RGS Guildford, a dynamic and happy independent day school for students aged from 11 to 18.  We are proud to be a part of the local community.

Located in the heart of Guildford, the senior school is central to the vibrant life in the town, with our prep school located just half a mile away in the leafy residential streets.

I am often asked what it is that makes the RGS so special. For me it is the fact that we are such a supportive, inclusive and close-knit community, that we celebrate our 500 years of history while looking firmly to the future, that our students are unfailingly sparky, enthusiastic and inquisitive, that they come from all walks of life and are grounded, humble and unassuming.

Dr JM Cox
Headmaster

Our Values

Every student is valued for their own sake, given the space and the encouragement to fulfil their potential in an environment where there are no stereotypes and each achievement, however small, is noticed.

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A culture of integrity, mutual respect and tolerance allows our students to develop at their own pace and to be confident in themselves. Our focus on wellbeing and pastoral care are paramount. Kindness and compassion, good humour and enjoyment characterise daily life.  We take what we do seriously but we don’t take ourselves too seriously.

Read more about our Values

Academic Excellence

The RGS is a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC) and is consistently recognised among the leading academic schools in the region. Our most recent ISI inspection rated the school as having two significant strengths, one of only a handful of schools in the country to be given this recognition.

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We are proud of our long-standing association with the Trinity Group of academically selective schools. Year after year our students achieve outstanding results at GCSE and A Level – in 2025 71% of all GCSEs were grade 8 or 9 and 75% of A Levels were awarded A* or A. Students go on to study at Oxford, Cambridge, Russell Group and leading international universities. You can see the latest figures on our Exam Results page.

Yet, this is only part of the RGS experience. Our extensive array of co-curricular activities ensures a well-rounded education, offering countless opportunities for personal growth and achievement.  The way we prepare our students for life ensures they will leave the RGS ready to make a difference to others.

Read more in The Review

70+ CLubs and Societies

A full and varied co-curricular programme runs alongside academic life, with more than 70 clubs and societies spanning sport, music, drama, debating, community service and outdoor pursuits. Dedicated co-curricular time on Monday afternoons, together with five Field Days each year, ensures every student can explore new interests, take on responsibility and build the confidence and resilience an RGS education is known for.

FAQs about RGS Senior School

What does RGS Senior offer?

RGS Senior educates students aged 11 to 18 with inspiring teaching, excellent facilities and a rich co-curricular programme. As one of the leading secondary schools in Guildford and in the country, it combines strong academic performance with the confidence, collaboration and creativity students need for future success.

Is RGS one of the top independent schools in Guildford and Surrey?

RGS is consistently regarded as one of the best independent schools in Guildford. Families comparing the best independent schools in Surrey value its exceptional academic record, breadth of opportunity and pastoral care, which place it among the leading independent schools in Surrey.

Is RGS a good choice among private schools in and near Guildford?

Many families think so. As a private day school in Guildford, RGS is frequently shortlisted when parents research private schools in Guildford, private schools near Guildford, or simply the best Guildford schools. It is also a strong option among private schools in Surrey more widely.

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