350 Giving Day - What a Day!

Reigate Grammar School’s 350 Giving Day, held on 16 June 2025, was a resounding success, uniting generations of Reigatians and supporters worldwide in recognition of 350 years of excellence, community, and impact.

This milestone event, part of the school’s #RGS350 celebrations, was more than a day of giving, it was a global demonstration of the Reigatian spirit. Students, staff and parents - both past and current, and friends rallied together, with donations opening doors to transformational opportunities for future Reigatians in support of our Changing Lives, Building Futures campaign. and in support of local charities: Stripey Stork and Loveworks. With an ambitious target of 3,500 donations of any kind, we were hoping for mass participation and our global Reigatian community answered the call!

The day featured a series of inspiring challenges and heartwarming stories that underscored the importance of giving back. Junior school pupils at Chinthurst, Micklefield, and Reigate St Mary’s clocked up an impressive 350,000 metres of activity to raise awareness and inspire donations. Meanwhile, at RGS, students answered the call to action by collecting essential supplies in collaboration with our partner charities Stripey Stork, with the aim of filling 350 school bags for local children, and food donations were brought in for Loveworks, also for the benefit of local families.

The Headmaster, Shaun Fenton and Foundation Director, Jonny Hylton (RGS 1992-1999) introduced our 350 Giving Day, reflecting on 350 years of educational excellence and the importance of investing in the next chapter and opening access to opportunity to all able children and local families. Throughout the day, social media buzzed with updates from powerful testimonials by students like Ellis Mekki (RGS 2006-2013), Michael Lloyd (RGS 1981-1986) and Matt Burns (2004-2011) and students and staff shared our message. 

We are so grateful to everyone who participated in our 350 Giving Day and helped drive us past our 3,500 donations target! In a fun twist, the Headmaster gamely took on another ridiculous Giving Day forfeit with not one, but two pies in the face, after supporters unlocked pledges and challenges - a testament to the power of collective giving and the infectious spirit of the day.

The day’s global reach was evident in the support from overseas Reigatians, who stayed connected through a shared philanthropic mission. Challenges were unlocked one by one, each milestone demonstrating the incredible generosity and camaraderie of the Reigatian family. Generous pledges from several Reigatian parents galvanised support from the community and amplified their impact even further. We are so grateful!

As Giving Day drew to a close, the school extended a final rallying call to unlock the final pledge of the day - £12,500 for meeting 3,500 donations - encouraging everyone to make their mark on the next 350 years of RGS. Our 350 Giving Day has demonstrated yet again that philanthropy is truly at the heart of our global Reigatian community. The collective impact from our two major fundraising events in our 350th year on our Changing Lives, Building Futures campaign is the equivalent to over 4 fully funded bursary places for one year.

Reflecting on the day’s success, the RGS Foundation team are extremely grateful to the entire Reigatian community for embracing the philanthropic values that have defined the school’s legacy. Together, they have paved the way for the future, ensuring that Reigate Grammar School continues to inspire, transform, and thrive for generations to come.

All that was left to do was for the Headmaster to take his 350 Giving Day forfeit - a pie in the face! Ever the good sport, you can watch the video here.

For more information on our 350 Giving Day and hear the stories visit: 350 Giving Day, you can also view the photo gallery.

If you would still like to make a donation, you can do so here.

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported our 350 Giving Day.