Royal Visit Marks Milestone Celebration at Reigate Grammar School
Reigate Grammar School was honoured to welcome HRH The Duke of Gloucester yesterday morning as part of the school’s 350th anniversary celebrations.
His Royal Highness spent a memorable hour touring the school and engaging with students, staff, and invited guests.
Greeted by Headmaster Shaun Fenton, alongside the Mayor and Mayoress of Reigate, the Chair of Surrey County Council, and members of the Governing Body, the Duke was escorted through a showcase of the school’s values-led 350th anniversary programme. Accompanied throughout by Mrs Joosje Hamilton DL, Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, and Sofia McLean, Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and RGS student, His Royal Highness spoke to students about life at RGS.
The visit focused on six key values guiding the school’s 350 celebrations: #BeKind, #BeGiving, #BePartners, #BeGreen, #BeGlobal, and #Be Inspired. Through musical performances, art displays and conversations with students, the Duke saw how these values are shaping a generation of young people committed to making a positive difference.
A highlight of the visit was the planting of a commemorative tree by His Royal Highness, representing the 3500 trees being planted as part of RGS’s environmental work and its #BeGreen pledge to the future.
This was the Duke’s second visit to the school. On his earlier occasion in 2001 he officially opened the Peter Masefield Hall (PMH) which now serves as the school’s dining hall.
Headmaster Shaun Fenton commented: '
It was an honour to welcome His Royal Highness to Reigate Grammar School. Today was a celebration of our proud 350-year history and of the people who make this such a special place, our students and staff. I am incredibly proud of how our students rose to the occasion, demonstrating enthusiasm and pride in every conversation.'
The Duke also learned about the school’s exciting future plans, including the development of a state-of-the-art Sports and Activity Centre, which will be built thanks to the generosity of Reigatian Andy Paul and supporters through the school’s Changing Lives, Building Futures campaign, part of the wider 350 Decade of Difference initiative.
October 2025