Why Chinthurst?
It’s a feeling. And feelings are notoriously tricky to put into words.
Most people describe a life-affirming energy, warmth of atmosphere, and sense of fun. Some are amazed that a high-achieving, academic school feels so relaxed and informal. Many wish they could turn back time and come to school here themselves.
Because partnership should be genuine
Imagine open doors and teachers who make themselves available at the drop of a hat. Imagine on-going transparency, children you recognise in reports and no surprises at parents’ evening. Imagine meaningful conversations with people who are colleagues in your child’s education. Welcome to genuine partnership.
Because you aspire for your child academically
We don’t like to boast, so suffice it to say, all our children get into their first choice of senior school. Every year. As a junior school of Reigate Grammar School (RGS) and RGS Surrey Hills, many go on to our senior schools based on internal assessment without the need for an exam. We also successfully prepare children for a range of other selective senior schools like Epsom College and St John’s.
Because learning should be a blast
Please don’t take it personally if your child doesn't want to come home at the end of the day; they’re busy having fun and making memories (otherwise known as being completely engaged in learning). Don’t take our word for it though. Ask a Year 5 about interviewing Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf on Teams, or a Year 6 about dissecting real hearts with proper scalpels. Try talking to any child in the school about French and Spanish without them dissolving into giggles about the latest antics of puppets Claude and Cristina.
Because some things can’t be expressed in words
Picture the awe and wonder of a small child lying on the floor in the dark, listening to Erik Esenvald’s Stars and being transported to the universe above. Remember the freedom and gratification of self-expression via paint, pottery, poetry, pop songs or a part in a play or orchestra. To parody a famous advert, the creative and performing arts refresh the parts other subjects cannot reach. They also build critical characteristics of learning. Which is why we devote so much time and energy to this oft-neglected aspect of education.
Because everyone should experience the joy and release of a sport they love
We feel it’s only fair to warn you that your child is sporty. Even if you weren’t. And especially if they think they’re not. Your child will find a sport they love at Chinthurst and surprise you by wanting to keep at it. It’s a natural consequence of a sports programme which builds core skills and exposes children to an insane variety of unusual options alongside the traditional games and matches. Each term we introduce four new sports on ‘Funky Friday’, and it hasn’t let us down yet. Pickleball or Quidditch anyone?
Because time and people are precious
They say the most precious gift you can give a child is time. Never has this been truer than today. That’s why we’ll give your most precious person a ‘bubble’ with his or her name on it. Leaving it on a teacher’s chair or desk signifies ‘I’d like some time’. And the teacher always prioritises that request. No matter what. It’s our school super-power, and the reason children return to Chinthurst long after they’ve left. That feeling of being seen and heard - of mattering - is integral to building the necessary self-worth and confidence required to achieve.
Because humans need connection
Ordinarily schools don’t talk about love or relationships. But this is no ordinary school. This is a school with heart that believes connections are crucial for wellbeing and the cornerstone of a successful and fulfilling education. For all family members. Think opportunities to connect with staff invested in your child and family at a human level beyond the transactional. Think introductions to other families when you join. Think belonging.
Pupils are supported to grow and flourish, including the youngest children in the early years
ISI Inspection 2026