WHAT? WHERE?

If you’re looking for a school that values character as much as exam results, RGS Surrey Hills is one to watch.

Formerly Box Hill School, RGS Surrey Hills is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 11 to 18, set on a leafy 26-acre campus near Dorking. The setting is wonderfully wholesome and outdoorsy, surrounded by rolling countryside. Now part of the Reigate Grammar School family – a move that’s created a real buzz at the school – it has around 380 pupils on roll, most of whom live within 10 miles of the school. Around 140 pupils board, and the school also welcomes abut 90 international pupils, adding to the friendly and diverse community.

Entry is gently selective and the school caters to a range of academic abilities. It has long been known for its strong pastoral care – but don’t mistake that for lowered academic expectations. Quite the opposite. A value-added score of +2 reflects high aspirations, excellent teaching and support, with most pupils progressing to their first-choice universities.

What really sets RGS Surrey Hills apart from the more traditional crowd is its holistic outlook. Academic learning sits comfortably alongside sport, creativity, adventure and the arts, encouraging students to explore their interests and discover what makes them tick.

The school is also a founding member of Round Square, a worldwide network of around 200 schools (15 in the UK) built around the educational philosophy of Kurt Hahn. The Round Square IDEALS – Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership and Service – encourage pupils to learn through experience and think beyond the classroom. At RGS Surrey Hills, there’s a focus on preparing pupils for the world beyond education.

FACILITIES

If your head is turned by a quintessential English boarding school with echoes of Hogwarts, you’ll love RGS Surrey Hills. Set on a bucolic 26-acre campus in Mickleham, near Dorking, the centrepiece is Dalewood House, a former manor built in 1883 in Gothic Revival and mock-Tudor style. It’s instantly impressive.

The school itself though is much younger, founded in 1959 by Roy McComish, a former house master at Gordonstoun School in Scotland, where the late Prince Philip and King Charles were educated. Gordonstoun was also a founding member of Round Square – a link that RGS Surrey Hills proudly maintains today.

There’s also a fabulous Sixth Form Centre, a bright, modern hub designed specifically for older students, with space for both study and socialising, as well as a dedicated careers department.

Music and the arts get serious love here too. A dedicated music block includes six practice rooms, a recital room, a podcast suite, and a recording studio. Five science labs, a languages ICT suite, drama and dance studios, DT workshops, and textiles and arts rooms ensure every interest has space to flourish.

Outside, the grounds include grass and astro pitches, a rooftop netball/tennis court, plus adventure features such as a high ropes course, caving tunnels, zip wire, and rock climbing walls.

Boarding is across six houses – three for girls and three for boys – scattered around the campus.

SPORT

Sport at RGS Surrey Hills is about more than just winning – it’s a way to build fitness, resilience, teamwork, and confidence. There’s a strong, inclusive sport-for-all vibe, but keen sporties should not be deterred. If your child thrives on competition, there’s plenty of that too, including an elite athletes performance pathway with around 45 pupils.

The school’s growing culture of sporting excellence is reflected in its partnership with Chelsea Football Club. Pupils gain access to high-performance coaching, leadership programmes, and Chelsea’s top-notch facilities – and there’s a particular push to develop football for girls.

Almost all of RGS Surrey Hills’ coaches come from ex-professional or semi-professional backgrounds, so the kids are learning from people who’ve actually been there, done that, and got the kit. Most recently, England cricketer Jason Roy has joined as cricket consultant, bringing top-level know-how, a sprinkle of stardust, and plenty of stories that make the lessons stick.

Fixtures run weekly in football, netball, rugby, hockey, basketball, cricket, athletics, and tennis, with pupils also representing the school in cross country, athletics, and golf. A new Saturday Sport programme, launched in September 2025, adds extra chances for training, matches, and competitive play.

Swimming is off-site at Dorking Leisure Centre, and pupils also make use of the Reigate Grammar pool. On campus, a small open-air pool comes into its own during summer months for fun and recreational laps.

THE ARTS

Creativity buzzes at RGS Surrey Hills and the school hums with activity, whether students are sketching, designing or experimenting with textiles, belting out tunes on stage, or sharpening their thespian skills.

In the visual arts, there’s plenty on offer – from 3D design, textiles, fashion, mixed media, fine art, photography and architecture – all the way up to GCSE and Sixth Form (at both A Levels and the IB). The corridors are peppered with striking student artwork – and they’re a talented bunch.

Music has a strong presence, too. Around 50 individual lessons happen each week, and over a quarter of pupils play at least one instrument – many play two – from violin and piano to guitar, trumpet, singing, and drums. Opportunities to perform are frequent, with live music nights, piano recitals, carol services, competitions, and the end-of-year summer concert ensuring that pupils get plenty of chances to showcase their talents.

Drama and performing arts thrive alongside this. Three major productions take place annually – a musical, a play, and a variety show – and there’s a role for everyone, whether on stage, running lighting, managing props, or handling wardrobe. Collaboration, inclusivity, and the chance to find a personal niche are at the heart of it all.

ACADEMICS

While academics are strong at RGS Surrey Hills, they’re not the full story. The school puts real emphasis on balance, encouraging pupils to immerse themselves in co-curricular life alongside their studies so they leave as well-rounded young people, ready for life beyond the classroom. That said, expectations are high and pupils are well supported – and gently pushed – to achieve their best.

Teaching takes a refreshingly bespoke approach. Every pupil, across all year groups, has a spare period built into their timetable each week. It’s used flexibly for extra support or added challenge, depending on what’s needed.

The school prides itself on getting the best out of every student, regardless of ability. Pupils are encouraged to develop a growth mindset, embracing curiosity, resilience and a genuine love of learning. Trying new things – and taking the occasional risk – is very much part of the culture.

Alongside an intensive one-year pre-Sixth Form GCSE programme, RGS Surrey Hills also offers a three-year GCSE pathway. In 2025 the school recorded its best-ever GCSE results: 75 per cent of grades were between 9 and 5, with 23 per cent in the top 7–9 bracket.

The school offers both A Levels (alongside some BTECs) and the International Baccalaureate in the Sixth Form, with the cohort usually split evenly between the two.

In 2025, the IB pass rate was 94 per cent, with an average score of 31.3 points (45 is the maximum, while the global average typically sits around 30). At A Level, the pass rate was 91 per cent, with 41 per cent of grades at A*–C.

Most sixth formers go on to university. Recent destinations include Exeter, Leeds, Warwick, King’s College London, UCL, Cardiff, Bath, Bristol, York and Royal Holloway, with a handful heading further afield to universities in the United States, Australia and Germany.

ANYTHING ELSE?

It’s one thing for schools to talk about preparing pupils for the “real world” or offering “real-world opportunities.” At RGS Surrey Hills, it actually happens. Take the new sports tea hut: instead of hiring a contractor, the school has tasked Year 9 pupils with designing and building it themselves, alongside staff and the grounds team. It’s needed for summer 2026, so watch this space. Now that’s a real-world project if ever there was one.

PASTORAL CARE

Pastoral care is one of RGS Surrey Hills’ calling cards – and rightly so. It’s woven into everyday school life through a genuinely holistic approach that values emotional, social and physical wellbeing just as much as academic progress.

There’s a warm, collegiate feel across the campus and a strong sense of community. Relationships sit at the heart of the school’s approach, with the child firmly at the centre of everything. Students I spoke to said they loved the welcoming community.

Every pupil is assigned a personal tutor who supports both their academic and personal development, while boarders also have the added guidance of their houseparent.

In a school of this size, all staff know pupils properly as individuals – nobody slips quietly under the radar. Students also said they felt listened to, and heard, by teachers.

Practical support is also strong. A dedicated Wellbeing Centre is open to all pupils, alongside “The Snug”, a calm space where students can retreat if things feel a little overwhelming. Families aren’t left out either – the school also runs wellbeing talks for parents.

Behind the scenes, systems track pupils’ wellbeing to make sure support is offered early when needed. Older students also play their part through a peer mentoring scheme, where trained Sixth Form volunteers help support younger pupils.

SEND provision is strong, with a dedicated Learning Development Department offering personalised support for pupils who need it. This includes specialist in-class help, one-to-one teaching and exam access arrangements such as extra time. The department is led by the Head of Learning Support (SENCO) and Deputy, supported by learning assistants and specialist teachers, with a part-time speech and language therapist also on hand. It operates from its own self-contained building.

Healthcare is well covered too, with two registered nurses based in the school’s medical centre.

SIXTH FORM

RGS Surrey Hills has its own Sixth Form Centre – a contemporary space with a common room for socialising, dedicated study areas, a Learning Resource Suite and classrooms. There’s also a careers department offering specialist UCAS guidance and careers advice. It gives older students a space of their own and brings a slightly university-style feel to the final years, with a bit more independence.

Being part of the Reigate Grammar School family brings a few extra perks too. Sixth formers can tap into the Reigatian Hub, an online platform that connects the wider RGS community. In practice, that means access to a ready-made network of alumni and professionals who offer mentoring, advice and the occasional career nudge in the right direction.

Leadership is also very much part of the Sixth Form experience. Head Boy and Girl – known here as Guardians – sit at the top of the student leadership tree, alongside sports captains and pupils who help run clubs and societies. Many sixth formers also take on mentoring roles with younger pupils, receiving training before stepping into the role.

BOARDING

Around 140 pupils board at RGS Surrey Hills – roughly a third of the school. Boarding is flexible too, with options ranging from flexi (two or three nights) to weekly or full boarding.

Boarders live across six houses – three for girls and three for boys – each run by residential house parents who live alongside the pupils and keep a close eye on things. Rooms are usually shared between two or three students, while younger boarders tend to start out in a larger dormitory of up to six.

Each house has its own character, but all include a comfortable social space and a kitchen where boarders can make snacks and hang out together. Meals are taken in the main dining hall, which tends to be a lively gathering point.

House parents play a big role in day-to-day life, offering support, encouragement and the occasional reality check when needed. The result is a close-knit community where friendships form quickly – and, according to many former pupils, tend to last well beyond school.

Evenings and weekends rarely feel quiet. The school organises a steady stream of activities to keep boarders busy, from relaxed social events to trips and outings further afield.

THE HEAD

Hayley Robinson, head teacher at Box Hill School in Surrey.

Hayley Robinson became the school’s first female head in April 2024, having previously stepped in as acting head. Before joining RGS Surrey Hills, she was Deputy Head (Pastoral) at The Royal School Haslemere and earlier held the role of Head of Personalised Learning and Academic Enrichment at Reigate Grammar School.

Well regarded by pupils and parents alike, Hayley brings a modern outlook and clear enthusiasm for giving pupils the very best opportunities during their time at the school – academically and beyond.

A strong advocate of holistic education, Hayley firmly believes that happy children are successful children. She talks about the school’s responsibility to help pupils flourish by nurturing their individual abilities and interests. At the same time, she keeps a keen eye on the future, focusing on the skills young people will need when they leave school – all while making learning enjoyable along the way.

She’s also keen to put sport firmly on the map at RGS Surrey Hills, particularly when it comes to opportunities for girls. That push is already visible in the growing interest in girls’ football. Hayley is a keen sportsperson herself and happiest outdoors, with cycling, padel and hockey among her favourites.

Having spent several years within the Reigate Grammar family, she knows both schools inside out. That puts her in a strong position to steer RGS Surrey Hills forward while drawing on the wider strength of the group.

WRAP AROUND CARE

There’s a big co-curricular programme at RGS Surrey Hills, which reflects the school’s commitment to a genuinely well-rounded education. It’s not treated as an optional extra either; activities are built into the weekly timetable, giving pupils proper time to explore interests beyond the classroom.

And there’s plenty to choose from. With more than 50 activities on offer, the list is impressively varied – from archery and robotics to kickboxing, mountain biking and yoga. The idea is simple: give pupils the chance to try new things, discover what they enjoy and spend time doing it alongside their classmates, which only adds to the school’s strong sense of community.

ISI REPORT

The most recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection was in May 2024, for a re-inspection. You can read the full report here. A full inspection was carried out in November 2023. Read that report here.

Mobile phones aren’t allowed for pupils in Years 7–11. They hand them in to their form tutors each morning and pick them up at the end of the day. Sixth Formers, however, can use their phones in the common room.

TRANSPORT

Most day pupils at RGS Surrey Hills live within 10 miles of the school. From 2026–27, mini-bus services run to and from Guildford, Godalming, Cranleigh, Horsham, Crawley, Redhill, Kingswood, Chipstead, Banstead, Tadworth, Epsom, Sutton, Raynes Park, Thames Ditton, Esher, Brooklands, Byfleet and Cobham. Seats are booked for the whole term, either one way or both, and are charged termly.

FEES – 2025/26

Day-pupil fees (inclusive of VAT) start at £9,054 per term for Years 7–8, £9,754 for Years 9–11, and £10,178 for the Sixth Form. Flexi-boarding for Years 7–8 is £12,117 per term for three nights, £13,270 for weekly boarding, and £15,068 for full boarding.

In Years 9–11, the rates are £13,059, £14,296, and £17,628 respectively, while in the Sixth Form flexi-boarding costs £13,499 per term for three nights, £14,919 for weekly, and £18,377 for full boarding.

WORD ON THE GROUND

Parents I spoke to are unanimous on one thing: they love RGS Surrey Hills for its genuinely holistic approach. “It’s not just about exam results,” one said, while another praised the small class sizes — “teachers actually know our children.” Several highlighted the 26-acre campus and top-notch facilities, with one noting the lively community adds a really interesting mix. The Reigate Grammar connection also gets a nod, giving children extra opportunities. But what came up again and again was the close-knit, welcoming feel. “You can tell the school really knows every child,” one parent said. “And you feel part of it too.”

THE MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: Families who want a classic English day school or boarding experience in a welcoming, close-knit community. Children mix with peers from a variety of backgrounds, explore a huge range of subjects and activities, and benefit from small classes, strong pastoral care, and plenty of hands-on opportunities. If you like the idea of kids learning inside and outside the classroom – from music and drama to sport and “real-world” projects – this is a place that delivers.

Not for: Parents chasing a cut-and-thrust, results-at-all-costs environment. Pupils who prefer a highly competitive atmosphere may also find the inclusive, broad-based approach less suited to them.

Dare to disagree? Go see the school yourself. Open events are on Wed 22 April, Tues 9 June, Wed 24 June and Fri 26 June (16+). Book here.

RGS Surrey Hills, London Road, Mickleham, Dorking RH5 6EA. Tel: 01372 373382

RGS Surrey Hills, Mickleham

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