Chinthurst School, a much-loved and highly successful preparatory school which excels in providing a caring and inspirational education to local children, is entering into a partnership with two other highly regarded local schools, Reigate St Mary’s Preparatory and Choir School (RSM) and Reigate Grammar School (RGS).
Under the new long term commitments, Chinthurst will be fully supported to retain and develop its current ethos and values while becoming a key member of the RGS family of schools.
RSM, a prep school which is already part of the RGS family, was rated excellent in every category by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) last year. RGS itself, was the first co-educational day school to be rated exceptional by the ISI and has been listed as a top co-ed day school in Surrey for several years in the national press league tables.
RGS headmaster Shaun Fenton said: “This is a really exciting development and good news for local families. The three schools are an excellent fit in terms of ethos, achievement and ambition. We all subscribe to the view that education is about far more than academic achievement alone. Our pupils’ lives are full of drama, music and sport and a host of other activities that stretch and inspire them. We seek to educate the whole child and set them on the path to fulfilled lives and happy adulthood.”
Tim Button who has led the turnaround of Chinthurst felt the time was right to step down, take a well-earned break and let a new head be appointed for the longer term. Cathy Trundle, formerly RSM deputy head, has joined Chinthurst as headteacher in succession to Tim.
Miss Trundle said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for Chinthurst, Reigate St Mary’s and Reigate Grammar School and I want to pay tribute to the leadership that Mr Button has provided to the school. It is clear that Chinthurst is a happy, caring school as soon as you walk through the door. I am looking forward to getting to know Chinthurst staff and parents as I settle into my new role.”
Chinthurst Chair of Governors Maxine Hulme said: “The schools’ governors have given their whole-hearted support to the new partnership, which will enable Chinthurst to continue to operate as a charitable trust, and the children to continue to enjoy the education their parents chose for them. It is good to know that we can draw on the support, experience and expertise of Reigate St Mary’s Prep School and Reigate Grammar School as Chinthurst moves towards an exciting new long-term future. Our existing and future parents can rest assured that Chinthurst will continue to be the happy, caring school it always has been.”