Reigate Grammar School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

Expert Reviewed

Expert Reviewed

28th April 2026
6 mins read
Share
WhatsApp
11+ English Papers with Detailed Answers Image
11+ Maths Solved Past Papers Image
11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers Image
11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers Image

Introduction to Reigate Grammar School

Reigate Grammar School is a co-educational selective independent school in Reigate, Surrey. Established in 1675, it provides exceptional education to 1,100+ students aged 11 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Ranked consistently among the best independent schools in the UK, RGS delivers stellar academic results. The school is highly regarded, holding an 'Excellent' rating from the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI).

Named Tatler’s ‘School of the Year’, RGS is the first UK day school to establish a global education brand. Students excel through a High Performance Learning (HPL) philosophy and a pioneering Electives programme, fostering intellectual curiosity beyond the standard syllabus.

In this guide, I leverage my 6-year education consultancy background to simplify Reigate Grammar School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions for every parent.

Comma

Soli Deo Gloria – Glory to God alone

Reigate Grammar School Motto

Reigate Grammar School Key Details

School Details

  • Type of School: Independent School (Co-educational)
  • Boarding Type: No Boarding (Day School)
  • Gender Type: Mixed
  • Religion: None (Non-denominational)
  • Age Range: 11–18
  • Number of Pupils (Total): 1,100+
  • Reigate Grammar School GCSE Results (2025): 74% achieved Grade 9–8 (A*)
  • Reigate Grammar School A-Level Results (2025): 94% achieved A*–B


Admissions Details

  • Admissions Policy: Selective
  • Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 150–160 places
  • Exam Board: School's Own Exam
  • Number of Stages: 2 (Entrance Exam & Interview)
  • School Catchment Area: No
  • Sibling Policy: Yes. (See website for specific criteria regarding sibling priority)
  • Pass Mark: Aim for 90%

Important 11+ Exam Dates

Planning for a Reigate Grammar School open day is a vital step for prospective families. I have compiled the official Reigate Grammar School 11 plus exam dates to guide you through the 2026 admissions cycle. The table below details every milestone, from the registration deadline to the final 11+ Exam date, ensuring you are fully prepared for these crucial 11 plus exam dates.

These dates are arranged chronologically to help you plan the academic year.

Date
Event

Late September / Early October 2025 (TBC)

Open Mornings

Friday 7th November 2025

Application Deadline (Registration Closes)

Friday 7th November 2025

Bursary and Scholarship Application Deadline

Wednesday 7th January 2026

11+ Entrance Examination

Saturday 24th & Saturday 31st January 2026

Interviews (Selected Candidates)

Thursday 12th February 2026

Offers Posted

Wednesday 4th March 2026 (12 Noon)

Acceptance Deadline

Summary Icon

Our Practical Tip for Parents

The entrance exam is in early January, with interviews following shortly after. Practise interview techniques over the Christmas break, as invitations are issued quickly based on written exam performance.

Reigate Grammar School Application Process for 11+ Exam Entry

Reigate Grammar School (RGS) manages its specific 11 plus exam process for Year 7 entry in September 2026. As detailed on the Reigate Grammar School 11+ Admissions Page, families applying to one of the leading independent schools in Surrey must submit their forms approximately one year in advance.


How to Register for the 11+ Exam

  • Complete the online application form and pay the non-refundable registration fee via the school website.
  • Upload digital copies of your child’s birth certificate and passport during the 11 plus exam registration.
  • Indicate any interest in bursaries or scholarships, such as Music or Sport, directly on the form.
  • Provide accurate current school details to facilitate the required confidential Headteacher reference.
Summary Icon

Our Practical Tip for Parents

Notify your child's current Headteacher before applying; the school places significant weight on the confidential reference for the 11+ Exam assessment, particularly when determining progression to the Interview Stage.

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

What exam board does RGS follow?

The papers are set internally by the school.

How long is the 11+ Exam for RGS?

The entrance assessment is divided into three separate sittings. The English paper is the longest at 60 minutes, while the Mathematics and Reasoning papers are 45 minutes each.

Reigate Grammar School 11+ Test Format

In this section, we explore what is in the 11 Plus exam at Reigate Grammar School. The admissions process for Year 7 entry in September 2026 is designed to identify academic potential and broad interests. Students entering in 2026 will sit their entrance examinations in January 2026.

As stated in the Reigate Grammar School Admissions Policy, the school assesses candidates through a written examination and a group interview. All registered applicants are invited to sit these formal papers to demonstrate their suitability for the school.


11+ Mathematics

The 11+ Mathematics paper lasts 45 minutes and is based on the National Curriculum Level 5 topics. It aims to test numerical fluency and the ability to apply logic to solve multi-step problems.

  • The paper is non-calculator and focuses on core arithmetic skills.
  • 11+ exam questions cover topics such as number, shape, space, measures, and data handling.
  • Candidates must show their working out to demonstrate their logical thinking process.
  • The questions are designed to stretch students beyond standard rote learning.


11+ English

The 11+ English assessment is a 60-minute paper that evaluates reading, understanding, and writing skills. It is designed to see how well a child can engage with a text and express their own ideas.

  • The paper typically includes a reading comprehension section based on a fiction or non-fiction passage.
  • Students must answer questions that test their ability to infer meaning and analyse language.
  • The second part is a creative writing task where students respond to a prompt.
    Markers look for accurate spelling, varied punctuation, and a sophisticated range of vocabulary.


Reasoning

The Reasoning component of the Reigate Grammar School 11 Plus Test takes 45 minutes to complete. This paper assesses a candidate's potential to learn and process new information rather than just curriculum knowledge.

  • This paper covers Verbal Reasoning, testing vocabulary and word associations.
  • It also includes Non-Verbal Reasoning to assess spatial awareness and pattern recognition.
  • This section helps the school identify potential beyond the standard curriculum.


The Group Interview

Candidates who perform well in the written papers (and the exam-day activity session) are invited back for the interview stage. This session is crucial for assessing social skills, teamwork, and communication.

  • The interview features an individual conversation about hobbies and interests, alongside a relaxed group interview with the Headmaster.
  • Staff observe how children interact with peers, listen, and contribute to group discussions.
  • Parents should review 11+ interview questions to help their child feel comfortable and reflective during this process.
Summary Icon

Our Practical Tip for Parents

RGS places significant weight on the "Group Interview" to assess social dynamics. Encourage your child to practice collaborative games at home; the school looks for students who encourage others and listen well, not just those who dominate the conversation.

Reigate Grammar School 11 Plus Pass Mark

Reigate Grammar School (RGS) does not publish a specific pass mark for the eleven plus exam. Student selection relies on overall performance relative to the cohort rather than a fixed threshold.

While the school does not have an official pass mark, if the child is able to achieve 95%+ score in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers, they will be able to ace the Reigate Grammar School 11 plus exam.

Which are Best Alternatives to Reigate Grammar School?

Reigate Grammar School is widely considered the premier co-educational independent school in Surrey. However, with hundreds of applicants vying for limited spots, the competition is intense. Relying solely on RGS is a risky strategy for even the brightest students.

I have guided families through the Surrey independent school system for over 18 years. I frequently see parents caught out by the sheer volume of applicants at Reigate. To mitigate this risk, I strongly advise a balanced portfolio of 3 Grammar schools and 2 Independent schools.


Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

When families apply to Reigate Grammar, they often target the Sutton selective grammars for state options and Caterham or Epsom for private backups. Here is how the top alternatives compare:

School Detail

Reigate Grammar School (RGS)

Caterham School

Epsom College

St John’s School, Leatherhead

Sutton Grammar School

Nonsuch High School

School Type

Independent (Co-Ed)

Independent (Co-Ed)

Independent (Co-Ed)

Independent (Co-Ed)

State Grammar (Boys)

State Grammar (Girls)

Est. Year

1675

1811

1855

1851

1899

1938

Oversubscription

High (Exam/Interview)

High (Exam/Interview)

Very High

Moderate to High

~10:1 (SET Score)

~12:1 (SET Score)

Exam Board

School’s Own

ISEB / Own

ISEB / Own

ISEB / Own

Sutton SET (GL)

Sutton SET (GL)

Stage 1 Format

Maths, English, Reasoning

ISEB Pre-Test (Online)

ISEB Pre-Test (Online)

ISEB Pre-Test (Online)

Maths & English MCQ

Maths & English MCQ

Stage 2 Format

Interview & Group Task

Written Papers & Interview

Written Papers & Interview

Interview & Activities

Maths & English Written

Maths & English Written

GCSE (9-7)*

~88.0%

~85.0%

~83.0%

~79.4%

~81.5%

~89.2%

A-Level (A*-B)*

~95.0%

~92.0%

~91.0%

~88.0%

~87.0%

~84.0%

Oxbridge Offers

~15–20

~10–12

~10–15

~3–5

~8–12

~8–12

*Results are based on recent 2024-2025 academic trends.

Why these schools are the top alternatives to Reigate Grammar School

  • Caterham School: The closest direct competitor to RGS in terms of geography and co-educational ethos. It offers a similarly vibrant environment but places a heavier emphasis on digital learning, operating as a highly integrated iPad school.
  • Epsom College: A top choice for families seeking a prestigious "all-rounder" education. Renowned for its medical heritage and exceptional pastoral care, it serves as a robust alternative for high achievers.
  • Sutton Grammar & Nonsuch High School: The "Gold Standard" state alternatives. They are completely free and deliver academic results that rival top independent schools. Entry is strictly academic, determined solely by the Sutton Eligibility Test (SET).
  • St John’s Leatherhead: An excellent option for children who might find the sheer academic pressure of RGS or Epsom too intense. It focuses heavily on community and pastoral support while maintaining highly competitive academic standards (nearly 80% of GCSEs graded 9-7).
Summary Icon

Our Practical Tip for Parents

Prioritise social confidence for the RGS group interview. Unlike state grammars, where entry is a pure numbers game, a high test score alone will fail if your child does not demonstrate the school's 'holistic' values and collaborative skills during group interaction tasks.

What are the topics for the 11+ Exam of Reigate Grammar School?

Reigate Grammar School utilizes its own bespoke written papers for its assessment. This 11+ exam evaluates candidates across core subjects to identify academic potential.


Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths topics

Our analysis of independent school 11+ maths papers reveals a distinct topic weighting. This breakdown clearly shows that Numbers and Geometry account for the majority of core foundational questions.

11 Plus Maths Topics

Estimated % of Questions

Numbers

35%

Geometry

23%

Statistics

15%

Ratio & Proportions

12%

Algebra

10%

Probability

5%

Try our 11 Plus Maths topics-wise Questions with more than 15,000+ Questions. Used by 20,000+ Students. It includes the complete 11+ Maths Past Papers planner, 11+ Worksheets, and Formula Sheets.


Analysis of 11+ Exam English topics

Based on our analysis, Reading Comprehension and Grammar topics are critical for the 11+ english test. The format focuses heavily on testing core understanding and vocabulary.

English Topic

Estimated % of Questions

Reading Comprehension

45%

Vocabulary

35%

(SPAG) Grammar & Punctuation

20%


Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning topics

Analysis of verbal reasoning 11 plus exam past papers shows that Letter Codes, Word Meanings, and Analogies are primary focus areas. These topics collectively account for approximately 75% of the total marks.

11 Plus VR Topics

Estimated % of Questions

11+ VR Codes

35%

11+ VR Word Meaning

20%

11+ VR Analogies

20%

11+ VR Making words

15%

11+ VR Missing Words

10%

Elevate your score with our 11+ Verbal Reasoning resources, featuring over 1,400+ topic-wise questions. Trusted by 20,000+ students, this pack includes a complete VR exam planner.


Analysis of 11+ Exam Non - Verbal Reasoning topics

Analysis of Non Verbal Reasoning 11 plus exam past papers shows that Odd One Out, Analogies, and 2D Shapes are critical focus areas. These topics carry significant weightage in spatial assessments.

11 Plus NVR Topics

Estimated % of Questions

Odd One Out

30%

Analogies

28%

Spatial Reasoning: 2D Views

22%

Block Counting

20%

Prepare for NVR success with 1,900+ targeted questions across 95+ expert-designed practice papers. Our NVR pack provides instant access to structured exam planners to master logical patterns.


Which are the Best (11 plus) 11+ Practice Papers for Reigate Grammar School?

Our targeted practice papers resources are based on actual independent school questions. We recommend the following resources for building core assessment skills.

Subject

Name of the practice pack

Exam boards covered

Type of exam questions

Maths

11+ Maths Independent Practice Papers Pack 1

Independent

Standard Format

English

11+ English Independent Practice Papers Pack 1

Independent

Standard Format

VR

11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers

Independent

MCQ

NVR

11+ NVR Practice Papers

Independent

MCQ

Best 11 Plus Mock Test for Reigate Grammar School

Reigate Grammar School is highly selective, making focused preparation essential for success. Sitting a Reigate Grammar School 11 plus mock exam helps students familiarise themselves with the unique exam format. Regular 11 plus mock tests are vital to identify weak areas and improve speed.

As RGS sets its own papers, we recommend resources that mirror this independent style. Our packs cover Mathematics, English, and Reasoning to simulate the real challenge.

Exam Board

Suggested Mock Exams Names

Reigate Grammar School (Independent)

PiAcademy’s Mock Test 11 Plus

You can also download our 11 plus mock test papers pdf free to evaluate your child's current level. Booking a targeted 11 plus mock test Surrey ensures your child handles the pressure effectively.

What are the Reigate Grammar School Fees?

For the 2025-26 academic year, the fee ranges from £9,265 to £9,515 per term, inclusive of personal accident insurance, though school lunches are purchased separately. Parents can apply for Reigate Grammar School Scholarships, which reward exceptional talent in academics, music, and sport.

Unlike standard awards, a Reigate Grammar School bursary is means-tested and can cover full tuition fees. Detailed information on Reigate Grammar School bursaries is available directly from the admissions office. You can also explore our blog on the most expensive Private Schools UK to compare these costs.

Reigate Grammar School Half - Term Dates (2025-2026)

  • Autumn Half Term 1: Wednesday 3rd September 2025 to Friday 17th October 2025
  • Autumn Half Term 2: Monday 3rd November 2025 to Tuesday 16th December 2025
  • Spring Half Term 1: Tuesday 6th January 2026 to Friday 13th February 2026
  • Spring Half Term 2: Monday 23rd February 2026 to Friday 27th March 2026
  • Summer Half Term 1: Monday 20th April 2026 to Friday 22nd May 2026
  • Summer Half Term 2: Monday 1st June 2026 to Wednesday 1st July 2026

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and Reigate Grammar School Official Website.

Related References for Parents

Independent school admissions involve direct applications, distinct registration deadlines, and bespoke pre-testing. Review these official inspection reports and testing guidelines to prepare your child for Reigate Grammar School.

Author(s)

Ishita Baviskar is an education specialist and co-founder of PiAcademy, with extensive experience in developing high-quality exam preparation materials for competitive exams, including Pre-11+, 11+, and GCSE, as well as UK National Curriculum resources for KS1 and KS2 SATs. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Review this school

 

No reviews yet. Be the first to review!


Subscribe to Newsletter
WhatsApp Chat
WhatsApp Chat
PiAcademy Logo
More than 20,000 Registered Members!
PiAcademy is the #1 site on the internet to prepare for the 7+, 8+, 9+, 10+, 11+, 13+, Pre-Tests, GCSEs, and other competitive exams in the UK. Exam Past Papers, practice papers with detailed answers. Used by parents tutors & schools all over the UK.

Our Partners

Tutor_ImageTatler_Image

Partner With Us

+44 (0) 7586 485671

© 2014 - 2026, PIACADEMY LTD - All Rights Reserved