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A great philanthropist, Henry Smith, was born in Wandsworth in 1548. He went on to accumulate great wealth through the acquisition of land and estates through the City and south of England.
Henry died in 1627 and declared in his Will that a gift of £1,000 be used for the relief of the poor and to educate local children in Reigate. In 1675 RGS was founded to educate poor boys in reading, writing and simple calculations and has remained on the same site to this very day. 2025 will celebrate Reigate Grammar School’s 350 anniversary.
Henry Smith Club Membership is through an annual donation of £1,675, representing our foundation date, for a minimum seven-year term (the school cycle of a child). It currently only takes 10 Henry Smith Club members to provide a full bursary
In alignment with Henry Smith's own bequest, the Henry Smith Club now looks to support those children who possess talent, ability and dedication, but who lack the financial means to benefit from the educational experience RGS can offer.
Sir Peter Gershon CBE
(RGS 1958-66)
HSC President
I firmly believe that a good education is a powerful enabler of social mobility and am extremely proud to be the President of this important philanthropic group. I urge you to join the Henry Smith Club so that together, we can continue to change the lives of future students of RGS and help them fufil their potential.
Mark Elsey
(RGS 1974-1978)
Chair of Governors
As a Reigatian community, we have the opportunity not only to enrich each other’s lives, but also to help others who are less advantaged and to support the continuing journey of the institution through this decade of philanthropy.
Say Vivekanantham
(RGS 2002-2009)
Being part of the Henry Smith Club has allowed me to meet other people who are passionate about supporting RGS, and I’ve felt a sense of pride in helping students who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to attend the school ... As a former Harrison Scholar and bursary student, I know how much the support can mean to someone, and I’m grateful to be able to give back.
Sir Peter Gershon CBE
(RGS 1958-66)
HSC President
I firmly believe that a good education is a powerful enabler of social mobility and am extremely proud to be the President of this important philanthropic group. I urge you to join the Henry Smith Club so that together, we can continue to change the lives of future students of RGS and help them fufil their potential.
Mark Elsey
(RGS 1974-1978)
Chair of Governors
As a Reigatian community, we have the opportunity not only to enrich each other’s lives, but also to help others who are less advantaged and to support the continuing journey of the institution through this decade of philanthropy.
Say Vivekanantham
(RGS 2002-2009)
Being part of the Henry Smith Club has allowed me to meet other people who are passionate about supporting RGS, and I’ve felt a sense of pride in helping students who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to attend the school ... As a former Harrison Scholar and bursary student, I know how much the support can mean to someone, and I’m grateful to be able to give back.
1) You will have a significant impact on the life chances of a talented young child
2) Membership of an important professional network of like-minded individuals
3) Invitation to Henry Smith Club Annual Dinner
4) Handmade bespoke membership pin and membership certificate
5) Exclusive annual HSC impact update
If you would like to join the Henry Smith Club you can set up an online Direct Debit to complete your membership. Please put Henry Smith Club in the reference field when prompted.
To learn more about becoming a Henry Smith Patron contact the RGS Foundation team at foundation@reigategrammar.org or read the HSC brochure.
