One of the UK’s leading headmasters will take over the reins of Reigate Grammar School (RGS) later this year. Mr Shaun Fenton, who was appointed as one of a small number of National Leaders of Education by the coalition Government, will move from his current role at Pate’s Grammar School, Cheltenham, to RGS ready for the new school year in September.
 

Commented Mr Alan Walker, RGS Chairman of Governors; “We are delighted to welcome Mr Fenton to Reigate. He will bring a wealth of experience, gained whilst leading one of the UK’s top 60 schools, to the already strong performing RGS and the school is assured of a bright future under his leadership.

He added “In addition to its reputation for academic success, Reigate Grammar School is well known for its outstanding music, drama and sport and its role in the local community. Following a thorough selection process, which attracted a considerable number of very high calibre applicants, the Board of Governors is confident that, under Mr Fenton’s leadership, the school will capitalise on the successes of the past decade.”

Mr Fenton was educated at Haberdashers’ Aske’s School and Keble College, Oxford where he obtained an MA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics. After roles in the commercial world, he returned to Oxford University in 1993 to complete his PGCE and gained the degree of Master of Education in School Leadership. In addition he holds the National Professional Qualification for Headship. He took up his first Headship at Sir John Lawes School in 2002 and moved to his present headship in 2006. He has been a member of the Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference (HMC), which represents the UK’s leading independent schools, for the past five years.

Staff and students will bid a fond farewell to current RGS Headmaster, David Thomas, at the close of the current school year. Mr Thomas will be leaving RGS following a very successful 11 years as Headmaster, during which the school has grown in numbers and academic success.

Reigate Grammar School, which educates over 900 boys and girls up to the age of 18, recently received an outstanding report in January 2012 following an inspection by the Independent School’s Inspectorate. The report recognised RGS as a school where students both ‘strive for excellence’ and ‘achieve their potential’. The report also acknowledged that students’ ‘individual needs are met through an excellent curriculum that stimulates curiosity and encourages participation’.