Reigate Grammar School: Admissions, Fees and Scholarships
Reigate Grammar School (RGS) is a co-educational independent school in Reigate, Surrey, educating pupils from early years through to Sixth Form. It is a popular option for families seeking an academically ambitious education with a broad range of extracurricular opportunities.
The school is academically selective and charges tuition fees. However, scholarships and means-tested bursaries may help eligible pupils access an RGS education.
For parents considering Reigate Grammar School, the key questions are how admissions work, what the entrance assessments involve, how much fees cost and what financial support is available.
This guide explains the main entry points, application process, 2026–27 fees, scholarships and bursaries to help families decide whether RGS is right for their child.
Page Contents
Is Reigate Grammar School a Grammar School?
Despite its name, Reigate Grammar School is an independent fee-paying school, rather than a state-funded grammar school. It selects pupils through its own admissions process and charges tuition fees.
This distinction is important when comparing schools. State grammar schools generally admit pupils through local authority selection arrangements, whereas Reigate Grammar School manages applications directly.
RGS has three main entry points:
11+ (Year 7): The main entry point into the Senior School.
13+ (Year 9): Entry through a pre-test route or an assessment closer to the year of entry.
16+ (Sixth Form): Entry for pupils moving on to A-level or other Sixth Form study.
Occasional vacancies may be available in other year groups, subject to the school’s admissions arrangements.
Parents comparing independent and state selective schools can also read our guide to grammar schools versus independent schools.
Reigate Grammar School Admissions: How to Apply
Applications to Reigate Grammar School are made directly to the school. Families can register online and should check the relevant entry point for its deadlines, assessment requirements and interview arrangements.
The school recommends visiting before applying, giving families an opportunity to explore the facilities, meet staff and understand the wider school environment.
11+ Admissions: Year 7 Entry
Year 7 is the school’s most common entry point, with approximately 160 pupils joining each year.
For September 2027 entry, the published admissions timetable is:
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 6 November 2026 |
| Entrance assessment | 6 January 2027 |
| Interviews | 23 and 30 January 2027 |
| Offers issued | 11 February 2027 |
| Acceptance deadline | 3 March 2027 |
These dates are for September 2027 entry and should not be assumed to apply to later years.
Applicants who do not already attend one of the school’s junior schools sit entrance assessments in English, Mathematics and Reasoning, covering verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
Candidates also take part in an informal activity session on assessment day. Shortlisted applicants are invited to interviews, including an individual conversation with a member of staff and a group interview with the Headmaster.
The school provides sample papers to help children understand the assessment format.
For the latest arrangements, visit the official Reigate Grammar School admissions page.
13+ Admissions: Year 9 Entry
RGS offers two routes for pupils joining Year 9.
13+ pre-test route: Pupils currently in Year 6 can apply for a pre-test, with successful candidates potentially receiving a guaranteed offer for Year 9, subject to continued academic progress and a positive reference from their current school.
13+ entrance assessment route: Pupils applying during Year 8 take entrance assessments closer to their intended entry date. These assess English, Mathematics and Reasoning, followed by an interview for suitable candidates.
The application timetable differs between the routes, so parents should check the relevant dates and requirements before registering.
16+ Admissions: Sixth Form Entry
Reigate Grammar School also admits pupils into Sixth Form. Applicants should review the school’s current entry requirements, subject availability and academic expectations.
Families should contact admissions directly to confirm the application deadline, assessment process and any requirements for the subjects their child wishes to study.
Reigate Grammar School Entrance Exam: What to Expect
Reigate Grammar School uses its own entrance assessments rather than the standardised test used by many state grammar schools.
For 11+ entry, applicants sit papers in three areas:
| Assessment | Skills assessed |
|---|---|
| English | Reading comprehension, written communication and language skills |
| Mathematics | Numerical understanding, calculations and problem-solving |
| Reasoning | Verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills |
The school provides sample papers, including mathematics, English and reasoning examples, to help applicants become familiar with the assessment style.
How Should Children Prepare for the RGS 11+?
Preparation should focus on building secure underlying skills, understanding question formats and becoming comfortable working under time pressure.
Useful preparation strategies include:
English: Practise comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and structured writing.
Mathematics: Review arithmetic, number relationships and multi-step problems.
Verbal reasoning: Practise word relationships, codes, sequences and logical patterns.
Non-verbal reasoning: Develop confidence with visual patterns, shapes and spatial relationships.
Timed practice: Introduce timed exercises gradually after the relevant skills are understood.
Children should also practise explaining their answers and reviewing mistakes, rather than completing large numbers of questions without understanding them.
Think Academy’s 11+ practice questions can support practice in relevant English, maths and reasoning skills. Use the school’s sample papers as the main reference for its own assessment format.
Reigate Grammar School Fees for 2026–27
School fees are an important consideration when choosing an independent school. Reigate Grammar School’s published fees from September 2026 include VAT at 20%.
| Year group | Fee per term | Approximate annual fee |
|---|---|---|
| Years 7–8 | £9,635 | £28,905 |
| Years 9–13 | £9,900 | £29,700 |
Annual figures are calculated using three terms at the published 2026–27 rates. They do not include additional charges.
What Is Included in the Fees?
The school’s fees cover tuition, most clubs and co-curricular activities, and day trips.
Some costs are charged separately, including:
- Public examination entry fees.
- Residential trips.
- Individual music lessons.
- Coach transport.
- Certain insurance or other additional services.
School lunches are purchased separately through the school’s cashless catering system.
Parents should budget for these extra costs alongside tuition fees to understand the full financial commitment.
For the current breakdown, visit the official Reigate Grammar School fees page.
Can Parents Pay Fees Monthly?
RGS offers several payment arrangements to help families manage the cost of tuition.
Options include termly direct debit, a monthly instalment facility through the School Fee Plan (subject to approval), and a Fees in Advance Scheme for families making a lump-sum payment.
Parents should contact the school’s Finance team to understand the conditions, charges and any discount associated with each option.
Are There Sibling Discounts?
The school publishes sibling discounts for families with more than one child at RGS or its partner schools, Reigate St Mary’s, Chinthurst and Micklefield.
The published discount is 5% off fees for the second child and 10% for subsequent children. Parents should confirm eligibility and how the discount is applied with the school.
Reigate Grammar School Scholarships
Reigate Grammar School offers scholarships to recognise exceptional ability or potential. These awards can provide enrichment, mentoring and opportunities to develop a pupil’s strengths.
Scholarships are available at the 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry points, with options in several areas.
Academic Scholarships
Academic scholarships recognise strong academic performance. At 11+, candidates are considered automatically based on their entrance examination performance, so a separate academic scholarship application is not required.
At other entry points, eligibility and assessment arrangements depend on the relevant admissions route.
Music, Sport and Creative Scholarships
The school also offers scholarships for pupils demonstrating exceptional ability or potential in areas such as:
- Music.
- Sport.
- Art.
- Drama and performing arts.
- Dance.
- Chess and other specialist disciplines covered by the school’s scholarship programme.
Applicants for non-academic scholarships generally need to indicate their interest on the admissions application and complete a separate form. Depending on the discipline, they may need to provide a reference, attend an assessment or submit evidence of their achievements.
Do Scholarships Reduce School Fees?
Not all scholarships provide a fee reduction. Many offer enrichment and mentoring, while some include a fixed financial award or, in exceptional circumstances, a percentage reduction.
Parents should check the school’s current scholarship terms rather than assuming that receiving an award will significantly reduce tuition fees.
Read the official Reigate Grammar School scholarships guidance for the available categories and application requirements.
Reigate Grammar School Bursaries and Fee Assistance
Scholarships and bursaries serve different purposes. Scholarships recognise talent or potential, while bursaries are means-tested and designed to help families who need financial support.
Reigate Grammar School’s Fee Assistance Programme includes bursaries that may cover up to 100% of tuition fees. Additional support may also be available for costs such as uniform, meals, IT equipment and travel, depending on the family’s circumstances and the award.
Who Can Apply for a Bursary?
Bursaries are available to eligible applicants for 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry. Awards depend on financial need and the child’s performance in the entrance assessments.
The school states that families with a total gross annual income below £140,000 may apply, although eligibility and the amount awarded depend on the full financial assessment. Families above that guideline can contact the school to discuss their circumstances.
Bursary funds are limited, so meeting the indicative income guideline does not guarantee support.
How to Apply for Fee Assistance
Parents should indicate their interest in a bursary when completing the online admissions application. The school then provides a separate bursary application form through its admissions portal.
Families may be asked to provide information about income, assets and outgoings. The school reviews applications confidentially.
Parents should submit the required information by the published bursary deadline for their child’s entry year. It is sensible to investigate assistance early rather than waiting until after an offer has been made.
For full details, visit the official Reigate Grammar School bursaries and fee assistance page.
Can a Pupil Receive Both a Scholarship and a Bursary?
Yes. The school allows eligible pupils to hold a scholarship alongside a bursary. The total support available depends on the awards made and the school’s terms.
This can be important for families whose children demonstrate strong academic or specialist ability but who would also need financial assistance to attend.
Does Reigate Grammar School Have a Catchment Area?
Reigate Grammar School is an independent school, so it does not use the local-authority grammar school catchment model associated with state selective schools.
Instead, families apply directly to the school and must meet the relevant admissions and assessment requirements. Living close to the school does not guarantee a place.
Travel is still an important practical consideration. Parents should check the journey from home, available transport and whether the daily commute would be manageable throughout the school year.
For families comparing RGS with state grammar schools, it is important to assess the different admissions routes and financial commitments rather than treating them as equivalent options.
Is Reigate Grammar School the Right Choice for Your Child?
Choosing a school involves more than entrance exam performance or league tables. Parents should consider whether the school’s educational approach, wider opportunities and costs suit their child’s needs.
When comparing Reigate Grammar School with other options, consider:
- Academic environment: Does your child enjoy academic challenge and feel comfortable with selective assessments?
- Teaching and curriculum: Are the subjects, learning approach and future pathways suitable for your child?
- Pastoral support: What support is available for wellbeing and the transition between year groups?
- Extracurricular opportunities: Are there suitable options in sport, music, drama, art and other interests?
- Financial affordability: Can your family manage the tuition fees and additional charges, or might a bursary be available?
- Travel: Is the journey to and from school practical?
- Admissions route: Have you checked the deadlines, entrance assessments and any interview requirements?
A school visit can help families assess these factors in person. RGS offers open events and individual tours, which are useful opportunities to ask questions and understand the school community.
Parents can also read our guide to grammar schools versus independent schools to compare differences in fees, admissions and school provision.
Reigate Grammar School Admissions: Key Takeaways
Reigate Grammar School is a selective independent school in Surrey, with main entry points at 11+, 13+ and 16+. Applicants apply directly to the school and may need to complete entrance assessments and interviews, depending on their entry route.
The main points for parents are:
- Admissions: The school manages applications directly, with different processes for 11+, 13+ and 16+ entry.
- 11+ assessments: Candidates are assessed in English, Mathematics and Reasoning.
- Fees: From September 2026, fees are £9,635 per term for Years 7–8 and £9,900 for Years 9–13.
- Scholarships: Awards recognise academic ability and strengths in music, sport and creative disciplines.
- Bursaries: Means-tested support can cover up to 100% of fees for eligible families, subject to assessment and funding.
- Catchment: There is no state grammar school-style catchment area, although travel remains an important consideration.
For September 2027 Year 7 entry, the published application deadline is 6 November 2026. Families considering later entry should check the school’s admissions page for the correct timetable.
Help your child prepare for selective school assessments: Explore Think Academy’s 11+ practice questions to support structured practice in English, maths and reasoning.
Admissions requirements, fees, scholarship awards and bursary policies can change. Always confirm the latest details with Reigate Grammar School before applying.
