Moving to Senior School
Every child is different, with their own talents, ambitions and personality, and our role is to help them move on to a school where they will feel happy, confident and ready to flourish.
Finding the Right Fit for Every Child
At Chinthurst, senior school preparation is about much more than passing exams. It’s about getting to know each child exceptionally well, celebrating their strengths and guiding families towards the setting that feels right for them. Whether children continue their journey within the Reigate Grammar School family or explore other independent and state schools, we are there to support and advise every step of the way.
A Personalised Journey
Conversations about senior schools begin in Year 3, giving families plenty of time to explore the options available and consider what matters most for their child. Through information events, individual meetings and ongoing discussions, our Future Schools Team works closely with families to help them navigate the process with confidence.
As children progress through the Upper School, we develop a detailed understanding of their academic profile, interests, character and aspirations. This enables us to provide thoughtful advice and identify the schools where they are most likely to be happy, successful and able to make the most of the opportunities on offer.
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Years 3 and 4
During Years 3 and 4, families are introduced to the senior school journey and the different routes available. Children continue to strengthen their academic foundations, develop reasoning skills and grow in independence, while parents have opportunities to discuss future aspirations and possible destinations.
Year 5
By Year 5, the process becomes more focused. Every child receives an early offer to either Reigate Grammar School or RGS Surrey Hills, giving families reassurance and clarity as they consider their next steps.
For those exploring other senior schools, our dedicated 11+ Lead provides tailored guidance and support with entrance assessments, interviews and scholarship applications.
Year 6
Children applying to schools beyond the RGS family continue to benefit from targeted preparation and interview practice throughout Year 6. At the same time, all children embark on our bespoke Reigate Ready programme, which develops independence, resilience and the confidence needed for a smooth transition to senior school.
Two Routes, One Destination
The RGS Family Route
As part of the Reigate Grammar School family, Chinthurst children can receive an early offer of a place at either Reigate Grammar School or RGS Surrey Hills without sitting an entrance examination.
This approach allows children to enjoy a rich and varied final year at Chinthurst, free from unnecessary exam pressure, while benefiting from strong pastoral links and a shared educational ethos.
The 11+ Route
For families considering schools beyond the RGS family, Chinthurst offers a highly successful and personalised 11+ programme.
Led by our dedicated 11+ specialist, children receive expert preparation for assessments, interviews and scholarship applications, while continuing to enjoy the broad curriculum, leadership opportunities, productions, residentials and extracurricular activities that make life at Chinthurst so memorable.
Outstanding Outcomes
Chinthurst has an exceptional record of helping children secure places at the senior school where they will thrive.
For our 2025–26 Year 6 cohort:
- 100% received an offer from either Reigate Grammar School or RGS Surrey Hills
- 77% received an offer from Reigate Grammar School
- 100% secured a senior school place
- 100% of children applying through the 11+ route received an offer from their first-choice senior school including Epsom College, St John's Leatherhead, City of London Freemans, Dunottar School, St Theresa's Effingham and Woldingham School.
- Scholarships were awarded across academic, sport, music, drama, art and chess disciplines
The excellent teaching and well-rounded lives of the Chinthurst pupils ably prepares them for success and achievement in their secondary education
Shaun Fenton, Headmaster, Reigate Grammar School
