Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Review 2026: Four and a Half Centuries of Excellence

Every June, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School pauses to honour its founding. On St John the Baptist's Day, staff and students process to the parish church where, for nearly five hundred years, the school has been formally commemorated. This isn't merely ritual; it's a statement of purpose. Founded in 1554 by Royal Charter under King Philip and Queen Mary, CRGS has been educating young people in grammar and classical learning ever since, earning the title "Royal Grammar School" from Queen Elizabeth I in 1558. Today, this selective co-educational grammar school occupies two historic sites spanning centuries: the main school on Chatburn Road and the sixth form centre in York Street's original Victorian buildings, where staff rooms still occupy spaces that have housed scholars for over two hundred years. With 1,450 students aged 11-18, a consistent Outstanding rating from Ofsted, and a genuine national reputation, CRGS ranks 253rd in England for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 6% of schools. The school's track record is clear: rigorous academics, exceptional pastoral care, and a distinctive sense of belonging to something larger than oneself.

Step into either campus and the selective nature becomes instantly apparent. Year 7 admissions are competitive; around 427 students apply annually for 173 places, making entry a genuine achievement. Students here have demonstrated ability and, more importantly, they know it. Yet there's no arrogance. Instead, there's a palpable sense of purpose. Teachers address pupils by name across a genuine community, something rare in a school of this size. The two-site structure, main school years 7-11, sixth form years 12-13 on the historic York Street campus, creates distinct cultures whilst maintaining continuity. Main school pupils are divided into six houses (C, R, G, S, T, A), each operating as a pastoral unit with assigned tutors and house identity. Sixth formers, numbering around 680 including external applicants from across Lancashire and beyond, experience a more autonomous environment where subject choice and university preparation dominate.

Headteacher James Keulemans, a former international rugby player who joined in 2018, has reinforced an ethos combining academic ambition with genuine care. Behaviour is consistently described as exceptional. During the November 2022 Ofsted inspection, inspectors noted that pupils feel extremely well represented and safe, with positive relationships with teachers, a detail that separates schools that function from schools that truly thrive. The school's historical continuity matters here. Every student knows they're part of a line stretching back to the Tudor era. That continuity underpins stability and tradition without brittleness.

GCSE Performance

At GCSE, Clitheroe Royal Grammar School delivers academic results that rival selective independent schools. In the latest cohort, 43% of entries achieved grades 9-8, and 63% reached grade 7 or above. Across all entries, 93% met grade 5 or higher, the benchmark most universities recognise. The average Attainment 8 score stands at 72.8, materially above the England average of 46.

GCSE ranks 253rd overall, placing the school firmly in the top 6% in England (FindMySchool ranking). Locally, it holds first place among schools in Clitheroe. Progress 8 scores of +0.55 indicate that pupils progress significantly faster than similar students in England, meaning the school adds substantial value beyond intake.

The English Baccalaureate is a curricular focus. 73% of pupils enter the suite of subjects (English Language, Mathematics, Science, a Humanities subject, and a Foreign Language). At this school, 59% achieve grades 5-9 across all five subjects, evidence of genuine breadth alongside depth. This matters because many selective schools neglect the EBacc in favour of high-value subjects; CRGS insists on balanced knowledge.

A-Level Performance

The sixth form operates at a different performance tier. 59% of A-level grades are A*, A, or B. This places sixth form performance in the middle-to-upper band of sixth form colleges, ranking 690th in England (FindMySchool ranking), which reflects solid rather than elite sixth form attainment. However, this statistic masks crucial detail. The 680-strong cohort includes external applicants of varying preparation, whilst GCSE entrants are pre-screened by the entrance exam. Within the internal cohort, results are materially stronger. Additionally, sixth formers here report high satisfaction; it is one of the largest grammar school sixth forms in the UK.

In 2024, fourteen students secured Oxbridge places (9 at Cambridge, 5 at Oxford) from 47 applications, a success rate of 30%. This represents genuine elite attainment. Beyond Oxbridge, 60% of leavers progress to university annually. The school's historical reputation ensures students access competitive courses at Russell Group and specialist institutions.

The curriculum reflects the school's heritage and forward ambition. The classical emphasis remains evident, Ancient Greek and Latin are both offered, yet the school embraces modern specialisms including Computer Science, Further Mathematics, and Business Studies. Across years 7-11, pupils study English, Mathematics, Science (mostly triple sciences), a Humanities subject, a Modern Foreign Language, Physical Education, and Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education. This breadth is intentional; the school resists excessive narrowing.

Teaching is described in the Ofsted report as expert. Teachers present new learning skilfully, drawing on deep subject knowledge. The inspection specifically noted that teachers ensure essential knowledge is gained and provide ample opportunities for pupils to revisit prior learning, building deep knowledge over time. This mastery-oriented approach, spiralling concepts through year groups rather than racing through content, demands sophisticated pedagogy. Ofsted's language here is precise; "expert" teaching at this level means genuine subject specialists who understand how knowledge builds. In practical terms, pupils develop genuine understanding rather than surface familiarity.

The school places particular emphasis on languages. The proportion of pupils studying languages as part of the EBacc is materially higher than the England average, signalling a commitment to global competence. For STEM, the school actively runs national competitions: Mathematics Olympiad participants regularly achieve medals, and Rocket Club sends engineering teams to regional competitions. This integration of club work and classroom learning, where competition exposure deepens classroom engagement, exemplifies good practice.

University progression is a defining feature. 60% of sixth form leavers progress to university. Beyond Oxbridge, students regularly secure places at Russell Group institutions including Durham, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Imperial College London. The school's reputation ensures access to competitive programmes; medics constitute a notable cohort, with recent years seeing double-digit medicine admissions.

The sixth form size, 680 students, means considerable diversity of outcomes. Whilst elite universities receive a steady stream, students also progress to specialist institutions (music conservatoires, art schools) and practical routes (engineering apprenticeships, professional qualifications). The school provides structured careers education starting in year 9, with meaningful encounters with employers, alumni, and university admissions teams. By sixth form, students work with specialist careers advisors on applications, personal statements, and interview technique. For those choosing apprenticeship or employment routes post-16, this provision is equally rigorous.

The 2023-24 leaver cohort (329 students) shows:

• 60% to university
• 20% to employment
• 9% to apprenticeships

This distribution is notable; apprenticeship uptake sits slightly below national sixth form average, suggesting most students here pursue academic pathways. However, the school's message is clear: multiple routes to success are equally valued.

The extracurricular programme is genuinely distinctive, with activities rooted in what pupils actually pursue rather than generic offering. Named, active clubs include Rocket Club (engineering focus, regional and national competition entries), Astronomy Club (active observation and calculation), Chess Club (competitive teams at local level), Young Enterprise (business simulation, annual enterprise competitions), Debating Society at main school, and Soundbite (sixth form debate society competing at Oxford, Cambridge, and Durham university competitions).

Music provision is serious. The school runs multiple ensembles: a concert orchestra drawing strong instrumental numbers, a chapel choir (fed by recorder teaching in year 7), smaller string ensembles, a jazz section, and a noted swing band ("CRGS Swing Band" has performed at local venues). The school doesn't hide these; they're prominent in student culture. Drama productions happen annually, with the main school and sixth form mounting separate productions. Recent shows have drawn casts of 40-50 students with orchestral accompaniment, signalling genuine theatrical ambition.

Sports operate at multiple levels simultaneously. Competitive teams in rugby, netball, cricket, athletics, and tennis compete in regional leagues and national competitions. At the same time, house competitions in year 7 and broader recreational sport ensure engagement beyond elite players. The January 2022 Ofsted report noted that pupils value diverse enrichment including "sports," but the observation was specific: pupils win local and national competitions whilst simultaneously enjoying recreational participation.

STEM clubs beyond Rocket Club include Maths Olympiad groups (senior and junior), with multiple gold and silver medalists entered annually into national competitions. Duke of Edinburgh runs at Bronze and Gold level, with significant uptake. Young Enterprise fields teams to local and regional competitions; charity work through the Charity Committee provides service learning.

The school newspaper has evolved. The Royal Blazer, printed termly until 2006, was succeeded by the York Street Times, continuing the tradition of student voice. Student leadership permeates the culture. Inspectors noted that students actively "lead clubs, deliver assemblies, support events and drive charitable initiatives." This isn't token; students genuinely direct significant activity.

Reading culture is visible. The school maintains well-resourced libraries on both sites. Reading clubs are promoted, signalling institutional priority. The emphasis on languages, noted earlier, extends beyond curriculum to clubs and enrichment. The school's Foundation's International Award (in effect 2008-2009) reflects meaningful partnership with schools in France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

Extra-curricular is extensive. The school offers sufficient breadth that virtually any mainstream interest finds a home, yet also the depth that particular specialisms (Rocket, Soundbite, orchestra) reach genuine excellence.

Entry at Year 7 is by competitive entrance examination. Approximately 427 pupils apply annually for 180 places (after the 2022 increase from 150). The GL Assessment test covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Success requires scoring roughly 75-85% in practice papers, though no published pass mark exists; selection is by ranked score with oversubscription criteria applied.

Oversubscription criteria prioritize: looked-after children; pupils in the defined catchment area qualifying for Pupil Premium; other pupils within the catchment; remaining places by random allocation (as per admissions code). There is a defined immediate and wider catchment area. The November 2022 inspection notes that admissions criteria are applied carefully, though acknowledges representation can be improved (particular reference to SEN identification and pupil diversity).

Applications proceed through the Local Authority coordinated system; families submit a Common Application Form to Lancashire County Council, with Clitheroe Royal listed as preferred. Entrance test results determine outcome. The school runs open evenings in July each year.

Sixth form entry requires a minimum of five grade Bs at GCSE (or equivalent), plus grade C in English Language and Mathematics. Additionally, specific subjects demand particular GCSE grades; for example, A-level Biology typically requires GCSE grade 6 in science. With 330 places and typically strong demand from internal students plus external applicants, competition is real. The school receives applications from across the region, admitting approximately 45% of applicants. Entry is merit-based by GCSE performance with consideration of subject prerequisites.

The school day starts at 8:50am, finishing at 3:20pm for main school. Sixth form operates a more flexible timetable with some free periods, reflecting independence. Lunch is provided in canteens on both sites with reasonable pricing, though packed lunches are equally acceptable.

The school is located in Clitheroe town centre. York Street (sixth form) is within walking distance of the town. Chatburn Road (main school) is similarly central. Public transport to both sites is available via local buses. Parking for parent drop-off is limited but functional. Many students walk or cycle, and sixth formers often travel independently.

School uniform is traditional: white shirt (tucked in), school tie, black trousers or skirt, black shoes. Sixth form has relaxed dress code. Uniform is sourced from Ribble Valley School Supplies and Grays Schoolwear locally.

The Ofsted report is emphatic: students feel safe and well represented. Inspectors noted that pupils appreciate the positive relationships they have forged with teachers. Rare bullying incidents are dealt with quickly and appropriately. This is not written lightly, child safeguarding is a legal and moral priority, and inspectors assess it closely.

Pastoral care operates through form tutors and house systems. Each form has an assigned tutor; each house has a head of house with administrative responsibility. SEND provision is available; approximately 6% of students have recorded SEN, with dedicated support from SENCO staff. Students with SEND report positive experiences; the Ofsted report notes that pupils with SEND "receive fulsome support, thrive academically and personally."

Mental health provision includes access to a trained counsellor. Personal development programme covers healthy relationships, first aid, medical ethics, and equality awareness. The curriculum includes dedicated PSHE addressing citizenship, wellbeing, and future planning.

Attendance is consistently high across year groups with strong punctuality. Behaviour standards are described as "robust," contributing to a calm learning environment. Disciplinary procedures exist and are applied fairly; the culture is one of positive reinforcement rather than punitive excess.

Selective entry pressure. Grammar school admission means entrance examination at age 11. Families should be aware that while the school itself supports revision, the examination itself creates pressure. Tutoring is common locally but not required or advocated by the school.

Two-site operation. Main school and sixth form occupy different campuses a short distance apart. For families used to single-site comprehensive schools, this requires adjustment. Sixth form relocation is nonetheless positive, the York Street campus offers distinct sixth form culture and independence. However, some families prefer continuity within one building.

Selective intake culture. Because all students have passed an entrance exam, the peer group is academic and ambitious. Students who thrive on support and external motivation may find the culture more self-directed and self-competitive than pastoral. Conversely, academically able students who need peers of similar ability find this culture energising.

Travel. Clitheroe town is accessible but not on major transport corridors. Families beyond the defined catchment should verify transport feasibility. The school's website provides detailed transport information.

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School delivers on its 470-year promise: genuine academic excellence rooted in a caring, stable community. The Outstanding Ofsted rating reflects reality. Results are objectively strong, top 6% for GCSE (FindMySchool ranking), 30% Oxbridge success rate, 60% university progression. Yet the school's distinction lies in how those results coexist with visible pastoral warmth. Students feel known, valued, and safe. Teachers are expert and accessible. Behaviour is genuinely good without heavyhandedness.

The school suits academically able students who have passed the entrance examination and want rigorous, broad education within a historically grounded community. Families seeking a selective grammar school with proven academic outcomes, balanced curriculum emphasis (including languages and EBacc), strong extracurricular provision particularly in debate and STEM, and authentic pastoral care will find CRGS matches their needs. The main barrier is entry, competition is real and success requires genuine mathematical and verbal reasoning ability at age 11. For families within or near the catchment whose children demonstrate this ability, CRGS represents exceptional value: excellent education, no tuition fees, historic heritage, and clear pathways to elite university places.