This school in Surrey is having a very successful year. Not only has Reigate Grammar School got an ex-pupil in Number 10, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, it has also been named Sunday Times School of the Year 2025.

As part of the annual Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide, the school was listed as Independent Secondary School of the Year 2025 as well as School of the Year South East 2025. The timings of the award could not be better, as it coincides with an important anniversary for Reigate Grammar School (RGS).

Headmaster Shaun Fenton said: “This recognition celebrates the extraordinary support of our staff, students, and families in making RGS such a special place. For our students, it strengthens the profile of their RGS education for university applications, to employers, and for attracting and retaining the very best teachers.

“I am so proud of our students and staff and so honoured to be part of the RGS family. I am delighted that this award is based not on only our record-breaking academic outcomes and how students progress to world class universities but it celebrates all aspects of our school, from pastoral care, extracurricular opportunities, and community partnerships.

"Our 350th anniversary in 2025 is a time for reflection and celebration, and these awards are a fantastic way to start such a momentous year for RGS.”

First founded in 1675, the school was taken over by Surrey County Council in 1944 before reverting to being an independent 1976. Having been originally set up as a boys only school, girls were admitted to the sixth form in 1976 and throughout the rest of the school in 1993.

Keir Starmer studied at the school after passing his 11- plus exam, the school was a voluntary aided selective grammar school at the time but became an independent while he was a pupil there. Existing pupils, like Starmer, had their fees paid by the local council until they were 16. He was not the only notable pupil, as he studied alongside Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, as well as politician Andrew Cooper, who would later become a Conservative peer.

The school recently received a glowing report from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in 2023, which praised the academic achievement and personal development of students. This year 77% of grades were A* or A at A-level and 90% of all grades were 9 – 7 at GCSE.

The report found that the secondary school prepared its pupils for a “happy and successful adult life” while achieving some spectacular extra curricular success. Recently a fifth form pupil, Sharon, was named BBC Young Chorister of the Year 2024, and the pupils frequently represent the school at national and county level across a variety of schools.

Inspectors found that “pupils are tolerant and kind” and also display "extremely high levels of moral integrity". They regularly work to levels beyond those normally expected for pupils of the same age, and were also found to have excellent communication skills, and an extensive vocabulary.

On its website the school says there is no one type of Reigatian, with students actively encouraged to pursue their own interests. The ISI found that 99% of parents agreed that "the school helps my child develop strong teamwork and social skills".

Reigate Grammar School has a lower and upper school. Pupils begin working at GCSE level from the start of the Third Form (Year 9) rather than waiting until the Fourth Form (Year 10) as in most other schools.