What Is a Senior School?
For parents of children approaching the end of their prep school years, the term ‘senior school’ comes up a lot. But what does it actually mean, and how does it differ from a secondary school or a secondary school with sixth form?
A senior school is typically a school that educates pupils from around age 11 through to 18, covering the transition from the end of primary or prep education through GCSEs and into A Levels or the International Baccalaureate. In the independent sector, senior schools are usually standalone institutions with their own distinct ethos, facilities, and approach, though many are also part of wider school groups.
At RGS Surrey Hills, our senior school serves pupils aged 11 to 18, encompassing the full journey from Year 7 entry through to Sixth Form leavers. We are an independent day and boarding school set in the Surrey Hills, and we offer both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB) at Sixth Form. This gives students a genuine choice about how they want to finish their secondary education.
What Age Do Pupils Join a Senior School?
Most pupils in the independent sector join a senior school at age 11, having completed Year 6 at their prep or primary school. Entry at 11+ is the main intake point at RGS Surrey Hills, and our admissions process is designed to be welcoming and straightforward. The process is focused on understanding each child as an individual, not just their academic results.
We also welcome pupils joining at 13+ and 16+. International students are also welcome. If you are considering joining at 13+ or joining at 16+ for the Sixth Form, our admissions team can walk you through what that process looks like and what to expect.
What Does Senior School Life Look Like at RGS Surrey Hills?
RGS Surrey Hills is a small school with around 450 pupils from Year 7 to Year 13. That size is deliberate. Small class sizes mean our teachers know every pupil well: their strengths, their interests, the areas where they need more support, and the things that make them come alive in the classroom. You can read more about our approach on our school life pages.
Our senior school curriculum is carefully designed to stretch and support pupils through Years 7 to 11, building strong academic foundations across a broad range of subjects before pupils choose their GCSE options. We place a high value on intellectual curiosity and a genuine love of learning, not just the pursuit of grades.
Outside the classroom, our co-curricular programme is extensive. Sport, music, creative arts, Duke of Edinburgh, and enrichment activities all play an important role in the development of every pupil. These activities build resilience, confidence, and the kinds of skills that university admissions tutors and employers are looking for.
What Makes RGS Surrey Hills Different as a Senior School in Surrey?
There are a number of independent senior schools in Surrey, and families in this area are fortunate to have real choice. So what makes RGS Surrey Hills stand out?
A few things consistently resonate with the families who choose us:
- Our size: small enough that every pupil is known as an individual, large enough to offer a genuinely broad education
- Our location: set in 110 acres within the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, near Mickleham and Dorking
- Our flexibility: day and boarding options, including weekly and flexible boarding, that fit modern family life
- Our breadth at Sixth Form: the choice between A Levels and the IB Diploma means students can pursue the pathway that suits them best
- Our international community: students from over 30 countries bring a global perspective that enriches every aspect of school life
- Our place in the RGS Group: the backing of a respected group of schools brings resources, expertise, and wider opportunity
What Is the Pastoral Care Like at RGS Surrey Hills?
Pastoral care is one of our most consistently praised strengths. It is something we take seriously at every level of the school. From the moment a new pupil joins in Year 7, they are supported by a form tutor, a house system, and a wider network of staff who genuinely invest in their wellbeing. You can read more on our pastoral care and wellbeing page.
We are guided by the Round Square philosophy, which places leadership, service, adventure, international understanding, and democratic values at the heart of education. This shapes not just what we teach, but how we live and work together as a school community.
How Do I Find Out More About RGS Surrey Hills?
If you are exploring senior schools in Surrey for your child, we would love to hear from you. Come and see us at one of our open events, or arrange a private visit at a time that suits your family. You are also very welcome to contact our admissions team with any questions. We are always happy to talk.
