What is Round Square – and What Does it Mean for RGS Surrey Hills?
RGS Surrey Hills, formerly known as Box Hill School, holds a distinctive place in international education as a co-founding member of Round Square, a global network of innovative schools united by shared values and a commitment to character education.
What is Round Square?
Founded in 1966 and officially established in 1967, Round Square is an international network of over 150 schools in more than 40 countries. It is built around the educational principles of Kurt Hahn, a German educator who also founded Gordonstoun School in Scotland and inspired movements such as Outward Bound and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Round Square schools share a commitment to six guiding IDEALS:
Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. These IDEALS are not just theoretical; they are embedded in every aspect of school life—from classroom discussions and assemblies to outdoor expeditions, service projects, and international exchanges.
A Co-Founding Role: RGS Surrey Hills' Historic Contribution
Originally established as Box Hill School in 1959, RGS Surrey Hills has played a foundational role in the development of Round Square. The school’s founder, Roy McComish, was a former Gordonstoun teacher and a passionate advocate of Kurt Hahn’s educational philosophy. His vision helped shape Box Hill School from the start, and he was instrumental in establishing Round Square as an organisation.Box Hill School was one of the original six schools that came together to form Round Square, alongside institutions from the UK, India, Australia, and Germany. In fact, Box Hill hosted the second Round Square conference and helped formalise the values and structures that still define the organisation today.
What It Means to Be a Co-Founding Member
As a co-founding member, RGS Surrey Hills is part of a legacy that continues to influence educational leadership around the world. This historic role provides the school with a deep-rooted connection to the global Round Square community and a continued responsibility to uphold and innovate around its core IDEALS.Being a founding member also means that RGS Surrey Hills is often at the forefront of new initiatives, pilot programmes, and global events. Its students and staff are active participants in international Round Square conferences, collaborative projects, and service programmes across continents.
Impact on Today’s Students
RGS Surrey Hills students benefit from a broad range of opportunities that go far beyond the academic curriculum. These include:
- Student Exchanges: Pupils in Year 10 and Year 12 have the opportunity to participate in life-changing exchange programmes with other Round Square schools around the world.
- Service Projects: The school has strong links with organisations such as the Good Work Foundation in South Africa, where students contribute to meaningful community initiatives, such as building nurseries or helping establish digital learning centres.
- Leadership and Adventure: Through outdoor education, student councils, and local environmental projects, students develop resilience, teamwork, and a sense of civic responsibility.
All these experiences are underpinned by the Round Square IDEALS, preparing young people not just for exams, but for life as globally minded, socially responsible citizens.
A Tradition of Purposeful ¿´Æ¬¿ñÈË
The school’s continued involvement in Round Square reflects its commitment to a holistic, values-driven education. At RGS Surrey Hills, students are encouraged to explore their place in the world, to lead with compassion and integrity, and to serve others with purpose.The result is a school community where academic achievement is matched by personal growth, and where every student has the opportunity to thrive in a world that demands both knowledge and character.
For more information about Round Square at RGS Surrey Hills, visit: https://rgs-surreyhills.org/about-us/round-square/
July 2025