Meet our Senior School Team

Mrs Pippa Smithson
The Royal School Head

Mr Paul Norman

Director of Sixth Form, The Royal School

I joined The Royal School in 2017 and from September 2020 will be Deputy Head – Academic at the school. Over the past three years, I have been working with Sixth Form students on their personal and academic development to achieve success in their post-18 path, something I find hugely rewarding. I have also been completing an MA in Educational Leadership and Management. I am looking forward to an exciting future as a part of United Learning and with the move of the Senior School to the Hindhead site in 2021/22 with significant investment in new facilities to benefit all pupils.

Mr Ed Taylor-Gooby

Head of Lower School, The Royal School

The Royal is a school that celebrates diversity. Diverse cultures and diverse learning styles are celebrated with a supportive and affirmative culture in which children are encouraged with positivity. A unique bond exists between teachers and pupils that fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect and care. The Royal is an emotionally safe and creative environment that gives all children the opportunity to progress and shine.

The Royal School's Transition Programme into Year 7

Our transition programme starts long before 1 September! We recognise that transition into a new school can present challenges, for this reason we run a series of online tutorials and welcome events throughout the year that are designed to make new pupils and their parents feel part of The Royal School family long before the new term starts. Some events are just for pupils, some are just for parents, offering insight into how best to support your child as they join a new school. As children join us in the Lower School we want them to feel happy, secure and for them to form great relationships with their teachers and tutors. Happy children make the best learners! 

Mr Lee Tindal

Director of Sports, The Royal School

Physical Education at The Royal School is taught in an enthusiastic, passionate and innovative way so that each pupil, has a solid basis in sport, regardless of sporting ability.

Our Senior School sports include: football, basketball, lacrosse, badminton, rugby, netball, volleyball, gymnastics, health related fitness, outdoor adventurous activities, as well as cricket, rounders, tennis and athletics during the summer months. These areas are taught in line with the national curriculum and lessons are based around techniques and tactics with games activities.

The Physical Education department leads many activities during curriculum time as well as a host of extra-curricular activities. Fixtures are arranged against neighbouring schools for pupils of every age group and across a full range of sports.

Ms Kit Bithrey-George

Head of Admissions, The Royal School

Hello, my name is Kit Bithrey-George, Head of Admissions, and I have managed admissions for The Royal School since 2003! Things have certainly changed over the years but I can safely say that ensuring you and your family have the best possible journey from enquiry to joining the school has always been at the heart of what the admissions team delivers whether that is face to face (2m apart!) or via virtual meetings. The Admissions Office is open all year round and we are always at the end of the phone! I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Meet us Virtually

Book a call with our our Head, Mrs Smithson, by completing the video call booking form.