RGS Prep
RGS Prep is a warm, vibrant prep school in Guildford for children aged 3 to 11, and the founding stage of a Royal Grammar School education. As a leading private prep school in Surrey, we combine real academic ambition with the care, encouragement and sense of fun that help young children thrive.
The unique character of our school stems from the warmth of our community and the infectious enthusiasm of our staff and pupils. Explore the school and you will feel the vibrancy and passion for learning around every corner. The diverse personalities of our pupils form a mosaic that celebrates individuality. Each child brings a unique perspective, talent and background, yet we all share the same Values and the same emphasis on kindness and respect.
As an independent prep school in Guildford, we set every child up to flourish: both now, and as they move on through the school.
Welcome from the Head
The unique character of RGS Prep stems from the warmth of our community and the infectious enthusiasm of our staff and pupils. The diverse personalities of our pupils form a vibrant mosaic that celebrates individuality. Each child contributes a unique perspective, talent and background.
Mr Toby Freeman-Day
Head
Our setting and location
RGS Prep is set on its own dedicated site on Maori Road, in the leafy residential streets just half a mile from the Senior School on Guildford High Street. Our pupils enjoy bright, purpose-designed classrooms, their own grounds, and specialist spaces for sport, music, art and outdoor learning. We are proud to maintain a self-contained prep school environment, with all the advantages of belonging to the senior school close by.
A curriculum that grows with your child
Our curriculum is carefully structured to support each stage of childhood. It begins in our Nursery and Reception, where the Early Years Foundation Stage and plenty of outdoor learning build confidence and a love of discovery, and continues through our Years 1 to 6 curriculum, where pupils are stretched and supported across the full range of subjects. Music is a particular strength: our links with Guildford Cathedral give choristers a rewarding opportunity to sing as part of the Cathedral Choir.
A natural path to senior school
For many families, RGS Prep is the first step in a seamless journey through the school. Our Assured Places scheme gives eligible pupils a guaranteed route into RGS Senior, and around 80% of our Year 6 pupils go on to the Senior School each year, moving up with confidence, friendships intact and already at home in the RGS community.
Wellbeing
We believe that children who are happy and confident in their surroundings are able to learn more effectively. It is the excellent individual attention that our dedicated and committed staff give each pupil which offers them the knowledge that they are understood, cared for and valued and that their unique academic and pastoral needs will be met throughout their time with us.
We guide each child on their journey and give them the skills and understanding of how to learn, not just what to learn. At RGS Prep, we strive to create an inclusive, supportive environment that nurtures each child’s unique interests.
Well-rounded pupils
RGS Prep is well known as a centre of academic excellence but success is multi-faceted and goes beyond exam grades. We value characteristics such as confidence and treating others with kindness and respect.
We recognise the benefits of learning both within and outside of the classroom and encourage our pupils to take advantage of our diverse co-curricular activities, as well as the expertise offered in our excellent music, sport, art and drama departments. RGS Prep catalyses and nurtures the interests of every child.
Forward thinking
We are a school that celebrates traditional, academic rigour, while also embracing innovation, modern technology, and forward thinking. RGS Prep prepares its pupils for further education but also acts as a foundation for later life.
Encouraging our pupils to have diverse interests, combined with traditional manners, allows them to grow into confident, caring and successful young people.
FAQS about RGS Prep
Does RGS have a nursery?
Yes. RGS Prep includes a Nursery and Reception in it’s dedicated Pre-Prep setting, so it is a popular nursery school in Guildford for the earliest years. Children join the nursery in Guildford from age 3 and benefit from specialist teaching, wraparound care and a warm, vibrant setting.
Is it a private nursery? What care is available?
RGS Nursery is a private nursery in Guildford within a fully independent day school. RGS Nursery and RGS Prep offer wraparound care from 7.30am to 6.30pm to support family life. Families comparing a Guildford nursery often value that children can stay at the RGS from when they join at 3 years old all the way through to the Sixth Form at 18 years old.
What does RGS Prep offer?
RGS Prep is a warm, vibrant prep school in Guildford for children aged 3 to 11. It offers a broad curriculum, sport, music, drama, and is a choir of Guildford Cathedral. As a leading Guildford prep school, it gives children an outstanding start to their education in preparation for moving to senior school.
Where can families find a prep school or primary school in Surrey?
RGS Prep is a well-regarded prep school in Surrey, offering an independent alternative for families looking at primary schools in Surrey. From September 2028 RGS Guildford offers an assured place scheme giving pupils attending RGS Prep the opportunity to secure a place at RGS Guildford during Year 5, without the requirement of sitting the formal 11+ Entrance Examination in Year 6. This allows children to move seamlessly into the Senior School.
