History
The school was founded as a free school for poor boys in 1675 by Alderman Henry Smith with Jon Williamson, the vicar of Reigate, as master. It remained in the hands of the church until 1862 when a board of governors was appointed.
Under the Education Act of 1944 it became a voluntary aided grammar school, providing access on the basis of academic ability as measured by the 11 plus examination. In 1976, it converted to its current fee-paying independent status. At the same time the sixth form was opened up to girls. In 1993, the school became fully co-educational. In 2003, the school merged with St. Mary's School.
Many of the boys who attend the school and also the leavers go on to play for the their old boys' rugby club, Old Reigatians RFC.
Read more about this topic: Reigate Grammar School
Famous quotes containing the word history:
“Properly speaking, history is nothing but the crimes and misfortunes of the human race.”
—Pierre Bayle (16471706)
“The history of a soldiers wound beguiles the pain of it.”
—Laurence Sterne (17131768)
“Dont you realize that this is a new empire? Why, folks, theres never been anything like this since creation. Creation, huh, that took six days, this was done in one. History made in an hour. Why its a miracle out of the Old Testament!”
—Howard Estabrook (18841978)