Reigate Grammar School and Caterham School are two highly regarded independent schools in Surrey. Both are co-educational and educate pupils aged 11–18, offering strong academic results alongside a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Despite these similarities, the schools differ in their structure, academic profile and overall school atmosphere.

Official school websites
https://www.reigategrammar.org/
https://www.caterhamschool.co.uk/

Admissions and entry

Both schools are selective independent schools and require pupils to pass entrance assessments before being offered a place.

Reigate Grammar School admits pupils mainly at 11+ and sixth form. The admissions process normally includes entrance examinations, interviews and references from the pupil’s current school.

Caterham School also admits pupils primarily at 11+ and sometimes at 13+ or sixth form. Pupils typically sit entrance assessments and attend interviews or assessment days as part of the admissions process.

Both schools are competitive to enter and attract pupils from across Surrey and south London.

Academic results

Both schools achieve very strong academic outcomes, although Reigate Grammar School is often considered slightly more academically selective.

Reigate Grammar School regularly achieves very high exam results, with the majority of A-level grades typically between A* and B. It often appears among the top performing independent schools in the South East.

Caterham School also performs strongly academically, with a large proportion of A-level grades at A*–B and strong GCSE results.

Students from both schools regularly progress to Russell Group universities, and a number gain places at Oxford and Cambridge each year.

School environment

The atmosphere of the two schools can feel slightly different.

Reigate Grammar School is located in the centre of Reigate and has the feel of a busy academic day school. It is known for high expectations, strong academic performance and a lively school community.

Caterham School has a more traditional campus setting just outside the town of Caterham. The school emphasises innovation in teaching, technology and entrepreneurship alongside academic achievement.

Facilities and extracurricular life

Both schools provide extensive opportunities beyond the classroom.

Reigate Grammar School offers sport, music, drama, debating and many other clubs and societies. The school has a strong reputation for encouraging pupils to balance academic work with extracurricular interests.

Caterham School is set on a large campus and offers facilities for sport, performing arts and academic enrichment. The school has invested heavily in technology and digital learning, reflecting its focus on innovation.

Fees

Both schools charge independent school tuition fees.

Reigate Grammar School fees are typically just over £9,000 per term depending on the year group.

Caterham School fees are broadly similar to other Surrey independent schools and fall within a comparable range.

Location

The two schools are located relatively close to each other in Surrey.

Reigate Grammar School is located in the town of Reigate in east Surrey.

Caterham School is located about ten miles away in Caterham in the Tandridge district of Surrey.

Both schools draw pupils from across Surrey, south London and neighbouring counties.

Overall

Reigate Grammar School and Caterham School are both respected independent schools with strong academic reputations and excellent extracurricular programmes.

Reigate Grammar School is often chosen by families seeking a highly academic day school with very strong exam results and a long tradition.

Caterham School appeals to families looking for a modern co-educational school with strong academic outcomes and a forward-looking approach to education.

For many families the choice between the two comes down to the preferred school environment, location and whether they favour the more traditional academic feel of Reigate Grammar or the campus-style and innovative approach associated with Caterham School.