Month: December 2025

Baby Capybara Born at Hobbledown

Hobbledown is delighted to announce the arrival of a brand-new baby capybara, born just nine days before Christmas.

The baby, affectionately named ‘Spud’ due to their striking resemblance to a potato, was born last Wednesday to first-time parents Puffin and Robin. Both mum and dad are doing a fantastic job caring for their youngster, who is healthy, confident, and developing well. The team does not yet know Spud’s gender.

From today, Tuesday 23rd Dec 2025,  onwards, visitors will be able to see Spud out and about in the capybara and mara enclosure, located opposite the meerkats.

Lucy White, the park’s Zoo Operations Manager, says: “Welcoming Spud into the world just days before Christmas has been incredibly special for the whole team, and we’re so excited to finally introduce our visitors to this wonderful new arrival.”

The birth marks a joyful end to the year at Hobbledown Epsom, and offers visitors a heartwarming reason to stop by this festive season.

Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents, and are well known for their calm, social nature and gentle temperament. At Hobbledown, the capybaras have quickly become firm visitor favourites, with the park’s ‘capybara experiences’ proving especially popular. These special encounters give visitors the chance to get up close with the capybaras, and discover what makes them such unique and charismatic animals.

For more information, or to plan your visit to meet this adorable new member of the Hobbledown family, head to www.hobbledown.com.

Baby Capybara Born at Hobbledown Epsom

Brooklands Museum’s 2026 Events

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Britain’s 1st Grand Prix, held at Brooklands Race Circuit. It will be a year of celebrations, including a special event on 8 August 2026, to honour the speed, passion and heritage at the original home of British motorsport. Alongside the centenary celebrations the Museum’s events programme is set to be as busy as ever, offering many memorable days for motoring and aviation enthusiasts and families alike. Their ever-popular New Year’s Day Classic Gathering kick-starts the season on 1 January, the first of three Classic Gatherings in 2026. This will be followed by the Easter Classic Gathering on 4 April and later the Summer Classic Gathering and Autojumble on 26 July, where enthusiasts can peruse and grab a bargain amongst the large array of trade stands. Witness competitive action at several events throughout the year including the Vintage Sports Car Club’s annual Driving Tests on 8 February where drivers will tackle complicated courses around the historic site. Later, the Brooklands National Autotest returns for its second year on 2 August featuring Championship drivers take on challenging manoeuvres in timed tests. And not forgetting, the Brooklands Relived – Festival of Motorsport weekend on 13-14 June that steps back into Brooklands’ hey-day. Featuring Sprints on Mercedes-Benz World track, Autotests on the Finishing Straight, Pride of Brooklands Concours, race starts and Test Hill ascents – the site will come alive with the roar of engines. Alongside the motoring action, visitors of all ages can enjoy live vintage themed music, costume and food, dancing and traditional family games, to truly reignite the spirit of Brooklands! Another highlight for 2026 will be the highly anticipated Aviation Day, returning to Brooklands after a hiatus on 13 September, transforming the site to all things aeronautical with exciting displays in store. As ever, Brooklands Museum will celebrate marques from across the globe including firm favourites Italian Day on 2 May, American Day on 30 August and German Day on 27 September. Furthermore, following the successful introduction of Japanese Day in 2025, it will be returning earlier in 2026 on 21 June. Explore the full range of marque specific events on the website, which will be complimented with busy trade and food stands alongside entertainment, sure to make a fun day out for all generations. Special guests will be returning to delight our younger fans including Paddington Bear at Best of British on 25 May, which combines the best of British manufacturing alongside traditional British family entertainment. Popular children’s characters Bluey and Bingo will be joining for special guest appearances on 18 July at Working Vehicles Day, where the site will be filled with working machines such as tractors, mobile cranes, airfield vehicles and more. And the annual favourite Emergency Services Day on 19 September, gives everyone a chance to see the everyday heroes of our country as well as exciting demonstrations, together with PAW Patrol’s Skye, Chase and Marshall coming back to say hello. Don’t miss the usual favourites, including Mini Day on 22 March, Motorcycle Day on 5 July and Motorsport Day on 11 October, alongside London Bus Museum’s three popular events – Spring Gathering, 19 April, Summer Festival, 28 June and Transportfest, 18 October. Finishing the season will see the return of Off Road Day on 1 November where anyone with an off road vehicle can challenge themselves on the off road course at Mercedes-Benz World and ascend the famous Test Hill. Brooklands Museum's 2026 Events Calendar & Grand Prix Centenary Tickets for the whole year are available now and there is so much more to discover in the 2026 programme. See the full calendar on the website for the planned fly ins, evening talks, club and rally meets, and get involved in the Grand Prix themed activities throughout the school holidays to celebrate this special centenary year. With their amazing value membership you can enjoy unlimited admission all year round including a large list of events. Plus, there are a range of benefits including a members’ magazine and selected special discounts. As a registered charity and protected heritage site, a Brooklands membership goes a long way in helping preserve the original home of British motorsport and aviation, and to continue inspiring future generations. Make 2026 memorable – fantastic days out await at Brooklands. For More Events Details CLICK HERE 

Big Changes To The Betfred Derby Festival

The Jockey Club today announces a number of significant changes to the Betfred Derby Festival at Epsom Downs Racecourse, on and off the track.

As part of a project to reinvigorate the world’s most famous race, a host of enhancements will be introduced in 2026, ranging from alterations to the race programme and increases in prize money to customer experience improvements across the site for the two-day event.

They include:

      • Boosting prize money for The Betfred Derby to £2 million, making it the joint richest race in the UK. 
      • Switching the Coolmore Coronation Cup from the Friday to the Saturday and more than doubling its prize money from £450,000 to £1 million.  
      • Creating a thrilling 90 minutes of horseracing, by staging the Coolmore Coronation Cup, the Betfred Dash and the Betfred Derby back-to-back on the Saturday. 
      • An overall increase of £1.375 million in prize money across the two days of racing, making Betfred Derby Day the second most valuable raceday staged in the UK. 
      • A new initiative to encourage young racegoers to attend, with anyone under 18 given free entry on both days in General Admission enclosures and complimentary hospitality and dining area experiences for anyone under the age of 12, with discounts for 12-17 year olds. 
      • Free car parking across the Epsom Downs site for all racegoers, whether attending in paid enclosures or on The Hill. 
      • The installation of banks of ‘bleacher’-style covered seating along the final furlong on The Hill, giving racegoers a ‘birds eye’ view of the action like never before. 
      • A new under cover area in the Grandstand Enclosure and an improved track-side hospitality experience near the most famous winning post in horseracing. 
      • A brand new DerbyFest area on The Hill, run in partnership with Queensberry – famous for promoting some of the world’s biggest sporting events – to drive attendance and engagement with the local community. 

The changes are the result of a six-month review process undertaken by a dedicated team at Epsom Downs Racecourse and from across The Jockey Club, which has involved analysis of customer, stakeholder and visitor feedback and data.

Jim Allen new manager at Epsom Downs DerbyUnveiling the changes, Epsom Downs General Manager, Jim Allen, said: “Epsom Downs Racecourse is the home of the ‘Original Derby’, a race which is widely regarded as the most important two and a half minutes in the racing and breeding industry, shaping pedigrees, stallion careers and bloodstock markets for generations.

“Since the first running in 1780, The Betfred Derby has not only established itself as the definitive test of the Thoroughbred, but as a race so prestigious that its name has been adopted worldwide, inspiring hundreds of races from the Kentucky Derby to races in Japan, Australia and Hong Kong.

“My own passion for The Derby and Epsom Downs goes back many years, to my own childhood, and while I was extraordinarily proud to have overseen my first Derby as General Manager earlier this year, I couldn’t wait to address some of the things that the team and I knew could be improved.

“The changes we are making, both on and off the track, would not have been possible without crucial input from racegoers, annual members, the local community, a number of stakeholders from right across the sport and our sponsors Betfred and other partners, all of which have helped shape this painstaking review process.

“It is so important for us to be continually evolving and improving to give everyone the best possible experience across the two days. Ultimately, we want to deliver something that Epsom and the surrounding area, along with everyone connected with British racing, can feel truly proud of and one which is befitting of The Betfred Derby Festival’s status as a world class and prestigious event.”

MADE FOR RACING – THE RACE PROGRAMME

The Betfred Derby Festival has highly competitive and world class racing at its core. To ensure the two days remain among the most important in the British Racing calendar, six key changes are being made to the race programme. These changes are:

      • The Betfred Derby – Britain’s most prestigious race and the second leg of the Triple Crown – will be run for a total value of £2 million. This increase of £500,000 means that no race will be run for more in the UK in 2026, with £1 million going to the winner. 
      • Prize money will be on offer for more Betfred Derby contenders, with horses finishing in the first 10 places (previously the first six places) taking home a share of the £2 million. 
      • Last year’s trial of 72-hour declarations will become a permanent feature of The Betfred Derby, bringing the race in line with some of the world’s other feature Group One races. Connections of all horses will be invited to a live stalls draw on Wednesday 3rd June 2026. 
      • Coolmore will join as a Partner to the Betfred Derby Festival in 2026, supporting the Group One Coolmore Coronation Cup which will move to Saturday. Thanks to the generous support of Coolmore the race will now more than double in value, with prize money increased from £450,000 to £1 million, the most it has ever been run for in its 124-year history. 
      • A new seven-furlong Group Three race – the Tattenham Corner Stakes – will be run on the Saturday. Formerly the John Of Gaunt Stakes, which has previously been run at Haydock Park, the introduction of this contest will result in seven of the 16 races run over the two days being Class Ones, with three Group Ones, three Group Threes and one Listed race. 
      • There will be a prize money increase of £1.375 million over the two days, taking total prize money on offer to nearly £5 million. It will make Betfred Derby Day the second richest raceday in the UK, worth £3.62 million. 

MADE FOR VALUE – MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL 

Two key customer experience changes are being made for the 2026 Betfred Derby Festival, with the aim of making the event more accessible and appealing to young people and families. These changes are:

      • As part of a new initiative to encourage young racegoers to attend and to make the event more affordable and accessible for families, anyone under 18 will be given free entry on both days in all General Admission enclosures. Hospitality and dining area experiences will also be free for anyone under the age of 12, with discounts for 12-17 year olds. While the Friday sits within school term time, we hope that more young people than ever before can join us on the Saturday. In our Grandstand enclosure, there will be activities specifically aimed at a younger audience, with entertainment and the chance to learn more about the racing industry.
      • All car parking across the site will be completely free, whether attending in the Queen Elizabeth II Stand, Grandstand, hospitality areas or on The Hill.

MADE FOR EXPERIENCES – OFF THE TRACK  

Whether it is a racegoer’s first or 21st visit to the Betfred Derby Festival, we want them to experience something new and to be planning their return visit as soon as their day out has finished. As part of our six-month review we have listened to customer feedback and prioritised the introduction of new and improved areas across the site. For 2026, these have been focused in three individual areas:

      • Galileo’s – named after the legendary 2001 Derby winner, this new area in the Grandstand Enclosure will feature live entertainment, new food and drink concessions and an unmissable after party. As a covered area, it will provide the perfect meeting place in all weathers. 
      • 1780 – a brand new trackside hospitality experience that takes guests back to where it all began, nearly 250 years ago. Positioned just down from the iconic Winning Post, 1780 offers incredible views of all the action from the balcony of this glass-fronted marquee. 
      • Champions Seating – elevated bleacher-style seating will bring spectators closer to the action than ever before, situated along the final furlong on The Hill. This will give annual members and those using Cedric’s and 1780 hospitality facilities a birds eye view of all 16 races staged during the Betfred Derby Festival, with a roof to protect them from the elements. 

Ladies Day will also return for 2026, featuring the Style Awards which will be supported by Debenhams. The ultimate celebration of style and glamour, the awards will feature a refreshed format and fantastic prizes for our winners.

MADE FOR EVERYONE – THE HILL 

The Hill remains a completely free to enter enclosure on both days of the Betfred Derby Festival, continuing its long tradition as one of the most accessible and welcoming vantage points in British sport. To ensure that The Hill continues to be open to everyone, several changes are being implemented for 2026. These include:

      • Spectators are invited to enjoy the action however they choose to arrive, whether by foot, car or bike, with all car parking on The Hill free of charge. 
      • A brand new fan and family zone, DerbyFest is being introduced for 2026 in the heart of The Hill. Completely free to enter, DerbyFest will be run in partnership with Queensberry – famous for promoting some of the world’s biggest sporting events – to drive attendance and engagement with the local community. 
      • The introduction of a ‘Main Stage’ with musical acts and other live entertainment will result in more action on The Hill than ever before, with the chance for fans to also get up close to celebrities, TV and sports personalities and even Derby winning jockeys. 

Explaining the changes to the race programme and prize money, Andrew Cooper, Head of Racing and Clerk of the Course at Epsom Downs, said: “The Betfred Derby is the pinnacle of any Flat trainer or jockey’s career and a race that remains incredibly important for the Thoroughbred and breeding industry.

“It is vital that we continue to do everything we can to maintain its status and prestige and that’s been an important focus of the whole team throughout this review process.

“We want to ensure that we are hosting competitive racing, not just in our feature races, but across the two-day festival. We had clear objectives in this regard, with our key aim to produce races that suit the wide demographic of horses currently in training.

“Switching the Coolmore Coronation Cup to be run on the Saturday, the introduction of a new seven-furlong Group Three race and making this year’s change to 72-hour declarations for The Betfred Derby itself permanent are all changes that I think demonstrate the importance placed on what happens on the track.

“An increase in prize money of £1.375 million over the two days will also bring us very close to the £5 million mark, while increasing The Betfred Derby’s prize money to £2 million will ensure that no other race in the UK will be run for more, in line with the stature of the race.

“This commitment would not have been possible without the ongoing support of Betfred, along with that of the British Horseracing Authority and the European Flat Pattern Committee.

“We are also hugely grateful to Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and John Magnier from Coolmore for their support of the Coronation Cup, another of the races we identified as needing investment. By more than doubling its prize money and giving it a prime place on the Saturday we are demonstrating our commitment to promoting it as one of the outstanding middle-distance races for older horses.

“Finally, we must also thank World Pool for their support, with eight races each day reflecting the importance of the two days globally, along with their invaluable contribution enabling us to increase prize money across the two days. The Betfred Oaks goes back to being a World Pool race in 2026, while the Betfred Derby is the second highest UK race for World Pool turnover.”

Aidan O’Brien, the most successful trainer in the history of The Derby, having won the race a record 11 times, added: “From the time that matings are planned at Coolmore, right the way through to the training process here at Ballydoyle, there is always huge emphasis placed on The Derby. If we had to pick one race in the calendar to win, The Derby would invariably be it.

“We are very grateful to The Jockey Club for their increased investment for next year’s Derby Festival and welcome all the new initiatives, particularly those aimed at encouraging more young people to come racing, as they are the future of the sport.”

Explaining the changes made off the track, Epsom Downs General Manager Jim Allen, added: “From a customer experience perspective, we want to make The Betfred Derby Festival accessible to everyone. From the top hats in the Queen Elizabeth II Stand, to free entry for all on The Hill, we want every racegoer and spectator to feel they have a place at Epsom Downs on the first weekend in June.

“The introduction of new areas across the site will help create magical new memories for both returning and first-time visitors of all ages. In particular, we are excited to be working with Frank Warren and his team at Queensberry to offer enhanced entertainment on The Hill, which remains a completely free area to enjoy the day, along with an opportunity to learn more about racing while rubbing shoulders with celebrities and even a Derby-winning jockey or two.

“We are also proud to be encouraging the next generation to join us and get involved in the two days, with the introduction of free General Admission tickets for all under 18s when accompanied by an adult, along with free hospitality and dining experiences for under 12s and discounts in these areas for 12-17 year olds.

“For those wanting to enjoy the party atmosphere stand-side, Galileo’s will offer those in the Grandstand enclosure the chance to celebrate with fun entertainment and a great after party.”

Allen said today’s announcement was the culmination of six months of hard work, adding: “This project started the morning after Derby Day for many of us and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly on it.

“We are now excited about delivering these changes, which we hope will be appreciated by all who join us in June.”

All changes to the race programme and new customer experience initiatives will be in place for the 2026 Betfred Derby Festival, which takes place on Friday 5th and Saturday 6th June 2026. For information on tickets, enclosures, hospitality and dining experiences visit https://www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/epsom-derby/ 

New community councils proposed in Epsom & Ewell

Epsom & Ewell Borough Council has voted to proceed to the second stage of its community governance review (CGR). The next CGR consultation, running from 16 December 2025 until 1 February 2026, will ask residents if they want two new community councils – Epsom Community Council and Ewell Community Council. Together, the new councils would cover the same area as the current borough of Epsom & Ewell.

If created, the councils would be funded through an additional council tax charge known as a precept, estimated at £43.52–£46.15 per year for a Band D property.

The councils would initially be responsible for allotments and would be statutory consultees on planning matters, able to reflect the concerns and aspirations of residents during any planning application process in the borough. If established, the new community councils could take on responsibility for more services in the future where this is agreed with the new unitary East Surrey Council, such as parks, playgrounds, and community centres.  Elections for the new community councils would be expected to take place in May 2027.

epsom ewellFollowing the meeting, Councillor John Beckett, Chair of the Standards and Constitution Committee, said:

“From April 2027, Epsom & Ewell Borough Council will be abolished and replaced by a new unitary council, which will be responsible for services across the whole of East Surrey. This will cover Epsom & Ewell, Tandridge, Reigate & Banstead, Mole Valley and Elmbridge—approximately 545,798 people. Because Epsom & Ewell is currently an unparished borough, there will be no lower tier of local government below the new unitary council.

“We believe that new community councils could support local democracy by ensuring the voices of local community groups, businesses and residents in Epsom & Ewell continue to be heard by decision-makers in the new unitary council.”

The CGR consultation will ask residents:

        • whether to create two parishes (Epsom and Ewell) served by two community councils, with the associated precept, and if they should be named Epsom Community Council and Ewell Community Council
        • about proposed warding arrangements for the new councils, which is for them to remain the same as for Epsom & Ewell Borough Council, meaning eight wards for Ewell Community Council and six for Epsom Community Council
        • whether they agree with the proposed number of Councillors, which is two for each ward.

The consultation will be available on the consultation website from 10am on 16 December: https://eebc.inconsult.uk/CGRproposal/consultationHome; paper consultation questionnaires will be available in Epsom Town Hall, Bourne Hall, local libraries across the borough and the Community & Wellbeing Centre, Longmead, during normal opening hours.

Councillor John Beckett continued: “The proposed community councils would support local democracy in Epsom & Ewell, but it is important to note that their creation would have a financial consequence on households in the borough. We encourage residents to share their views by responding to the consultation before it closes on 1 February 2026.”

In January, Councillors will hold a series of events in the borough where residents will be able to ask questions about the proposals for new community councils, their warding arrangements and responsibilities, the precept and more.

Following the consultation, an extraordinary meeting of full Council will be held on or before 20 March 2026 to consider the outcome of the consultation and determine if a Reorganisation Order will be made at that meeting to create the new councils.

Murder Investigation in Ewell

Surrey Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Ewell on Tuesday 9th December.
 
Police were called to The Wheatsheaf in Kingston Road around 3.30pm following reports that a man with serious injuries had been found in an alleyway next to the pub.
 
Ambulance crews were called to the scene and the man was treated for his injuries but was sadly pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
 
An investigation, led by the Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, is underway to establish the circumstances of the man’s death.
 
A cordon is in place and Kingston Road and Chessington Road are currently closed in both directions.
 
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Chris Friday, said: “Firstly, I would like to pay my heartfelt condolences to the man’s family and friends for their loss.
 
“I know that there will be a lot of concern and speculation in the local community this evening about what has happened, and I would like to reassure you that we are working at pace to establish the exact circumstances of this man’s death and identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
 
“I would also like to thank local residents for their patience and cooperation while we deal with this incident.
 
“I would appeal to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area round the time of the incident, or with any other information about what has happened, to come forward as soon as possible. I would also appeal to anyone in the vicinity with doorbell or CTV footage to make contact with us as a matter of urgency.”
 
If you can help, please contact us quoting PR/452501488431 via: If you do not wish to speak to police, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends at this sad time.

Planning Submitted for Bull Hill and Swan Centre

Now live – Planning application for the regeneration of the Swan Centre and Bull Hill submitted to Local Planning Authority, Mole Valley District Council

  • A planning application for the Swan Centre and Bull Hill in Leatherhead was submitted on 6thNovember by The Leret Partnership to the Local Planning Authority, Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) and is now live on the planning portal following validation.
  • If approved, the proposals would deliver up to 480 new homes, including affordable homes, improved public spaces, a multi-storey car park, a modern sustainable office, a potential GP surgery, a three-screen cinema, improved shops, and new cafes and restaurants.
  • The scheme would deliver new homes and jobs on a sustainable, well-connected brownfield site, attracting inward investment and supporting the delivery of MVDC’s Transform Leatherhead programme.

In a key milestone for the Transform Leatherhead regeneration programme, The Leret Partnership, a joint venture between Mole Valley District Council and Kier Property, submitted its planning application on 6th November to regenerate the Swan Centre and bring much-needed new homes to Bull Hill in Leatherhead. The application has now been validated and is available to view on the Planning Portal.

Leatherhead’s shopping centre, the Swan Centre, will see major improvements with over £12m of investment which will include four new restaurant and café spaces, modern and attractive shopfronts for the existing Swan Centre units, a new three-screen cinema and an enhanced central square for markets and community events.

The proposals for Bull Hill, located between Leatherhead Station and the High Street, will create a well-connected, landscape-led neighbourhood designed around green public spaces and sustainable travel. They include up to 480 homes, including affordable homes, modern sustainable office space, a potential GP surgery, a new multi-storey car park, alongside better, safer and separate pedestrian and cycling links.

The proposals will deliver much-needed new homes on a well-connected, sustainable brownfield site and bring more people into Leatherhead to live, work and visit, providing a catalyst for further investment into the town. The proposals are expected to support c.870 construction jobs each year during the build, and around c.1,300 permanent jobs once complete. The scheme will deliver c.£9m in developer contributions, which will help fund infrastructure and community improvements.

Along with the proposals for the Swan Centre, detailed plans for the northeast section of Bull Hill have been submitted, with 276 of the total number of homes being proposed. The remainder of the proposals for Bull Hill are in outline only, with further details for the remaining parts of Bull Hill to be considered in the future.

The planning application will now be subject to a 30-day statutory consultation run by the Local Planning Authority, Mole Valley District Council, where local residents can submit their feedback on the proposals.

 

Cllr Keira Vyvyan-Robinson, Cabinet Member for Property and Projects, Mole Valley District Council, said: “The submission is a significant milestone in the delivery of the Transform Leatherhead programme and a real step forward in boosting Leatherhead’s unique position as the gateway to the Surrey Hills.

“The proposals will breathe new life into Leatherhead’s town centre, rejuvenate the Swan Centre and deliver much-needed homes for the district, providing jobs and securing sustainable investment for the local community.”

 

Leigh Thomas, Group Managing Director for Kier Property, said: “We have worked closely with our JV partner, Mole Valley District Council, to deliver on Transform Leatherhead’s vision for a sustainable and revitalised town centre, a truly market-facing scheme that unlocks significant inward investment to drive regeneration, economic growth and lasting community benefit. By attracting and deploying this investment strategically, the scheme will deliver real impact; much-needed homes, new jobs and high-quality workspace, alongside a revitalised High Street and Swan Centre that will re-energise Leatherhead’s heart.

“This is about more than development; it’s about unlocking value and confidence in Leatherhead’s future. Through comprehensive engagement with stakeholders and the community, including a Community Design Review Panel, we have shaped proposals that are robust, deliverable and aligned with the town’s long-term transformation.”

planning submitted for Bull Hill and Swan Centre

Reigate St Mary’s Champions Growth Mindset for Lifelong Success

Reigate St Mary’s teaches children a growth mindset that focuses on embracing challenges and the power of “yet.” This approach builds resilience and adaptability, qualities Forbes says 80% of companies link to success.

Reigate, Surrey – Tuesday 2 December 2025 – At Reigate St Mary’s, we believe that education is about more than grades; it’s about equipping children with the mindset to thrive in an ever-changing world. That’s why we place a strong emphasis on developing a growth mindset – a concept that transforms how children approach learning, challenges, and success.

A growth mindset teaches pupils that intelligence and ability are not fixed traits but can be cultivated through effort, perseverance, and resilience. This approach contrasts sharply with a fixed mindset, where fear of failure and staying within one’s comfort zone can limit potential. At RSM, we encourage every child to embrace the word “yet” – as in, I don’t know how to do that… yet. This simple shift fosters confidence and curiosity.

Our commitment to growth mindset principles is reflected in our culture. We moved away from traditional status symbols such as head boy or girl roles and prize-giving ceremonies, choosing instead to celebrate every child’s unique strengths and the hard work behind their achievements. Positive feedback focuses on effort and progress, not rankings or percentages, ensuring that all pupils feel valued and motivated by inner fulfilment rather than external validation.

Why does this matter? Beyond the classroom, a growth mindset is a powerful predictor of success. In fact, a recent Forbes article revealed that 80% of companies believe a growth mindset among employees directly drives profits, underscoring its importance in the modern workplace. By instilling these values early, we prepare our children not only to excel academically but to adapt, innovate, and lead in their future careers.

As life’s challenges grow more complex, the ability to bounce back from setbacks, seek help when needed, and keep striving is invaluable. At Reigate St Mary’s, we don’t just teach children what to learn – we teach them how to think, grow, and flourish.

For more information about our approach and admissions, visit www.reigatestmarys.org

BID to be established in Leatherhead

New Business Improvement District to be established in Leatherhead

Businesses in Leatherhead town centre have voted to establish a Business Improvement District (BID), set to run for an initial five-year term.

This development means that, starting in January 2026, the new Leatherhead BID will begin delivering a wide range of projects and services designed to enhance and revitalise the town centre. The BID will be funded by a 2% levy on business premises with a rateable value of £8,000 or more within the BID boundary, ensuring dedicated investment goes into the town centre.

The formal declaration of the ballot result can be viewed on the Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) website.

Councillor Paula Keay, MVDC Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy, said: “The establishment of a new BID is a positive step forward for Leatherhead and I look forward to working with the new BID board. It builds on the success of BIDs across neighbouring towns, enabling local businesses to deliver town centre improvements across the area and will ensure that Leatherhead can benefit from fresh initiatives, and a brighter future for businesses and the community alike.”

Bruce Shaw, Director, BID Shadow Board, said: “The Leatherhead BID Shadow Board is delighted that businesses have voted in favour of establishing a Business Improvement District for the town centre, marking an exciting new chapter for Leatherhead. Following the short statutory standstill period, the hard work begins in January, with the Board immediately commencing delivery of the business plan, starting with the recruitment of a dedicated BID Co-ordinator to lead day-to-day activity. We warmly encourage more businesses to get actively involved in shaping Leatherhead’s future, whether by joining the Board or participating in themed working groups, and we extend our sincere thanks to everyone who supported and contributed to the BID’s development journey.”

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and business-funded body formed to improve a defined commercial area, playing a crucial role in revitalising town centres across the UK. The majority of BIDs exist in town and city centres, however they are also in industrial, commercial and mixed-use locations.