Colchester Royal Grammar School Review 2026: Elite State Boarding

Founded in 1206 and granted its Royal Charter by Henry VIII in 1539, Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) combines centuries of history with a thoroughly modern ambition. Located in the Lexden area of Colchester, it stands as one of the nation's highest-performing state schools, consistently delivering results that rival the most prestigious independent institutions. Unusually for a state grammar, it maintains a small but integral boarding community, offering a low-cost alternative to the independent sector. Following a period of significant restructuring, the school was rated Good by Ofsted in May 2023, with its boarding provision achieving an Outstanding rating in September 2025.

Walking through the main gates on Lexden Road, the contrast between the historic Gurney Benham House and the modern science blocks reflects the school's identity: rooted in tradition but driven by forward-thinking academic goals. The atmosphere is unapologetically intellectual. This is a place where it is cool to be clever, and the students—predominantly boys, with a co-educational Sixth Form—are focused and articulate.

Mr John Russell, appointed Headmaster in 2021, has overseen a cultural transformation at the school. His leadership has focused on balancing the school's renowned academic pressure with robust pastoral care, ensuring that student wellbeing sits alongside grade profiles. The "Purple" system encourages participation in extracurriculars, ensuring students develop character beyond the classroom.

Academically, CRGS is a powerhouse. In 2024, the school ranked 39th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 1st in Colchester, cementing its status as the local leader. An impressive 90.2% of GCSE grades were 9-7 (A*-A), with 75.8% at the very highest grades of 9-8.

At A-level, the standard remains elite. The school ranked 49th in England and 1st in Colchester. Students secured 92.5% of grades at A*-B, with nearly a third (33%) achieving the top A* grade. The Progress 8 score of 1.09 indicates that students make progress significantly above the England average.

The curriculum is traditional and rigorous, designed to stretch highly able students. The sciences are taught as separate disciplines, and Latin remains a core part of the lower school curriculum. Teachers are subject specialists who often go beyond the syllabus to prepare students for university-style learning. The 2023 inspection highlighted the ambitious nature of the curriculum, noting that it builds knowledge securely and prepares students exceptionally well for future study.

The school operates as a prime pipeline for top-tier universities. In the most recent cycle, students secured 27 offers from Oxford and Cambridge, with 25 acceptances. This places CRGS among the most successful state schools in England for Oxbridge entry. The majority of leavers progress to Russell Group universities, with medicine, engineering, and economics being particularly popular pathways.

Entry to Year 7 is fiercely competitive and is managed through the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE). There are approximately 1,000 applicants for the 128 day places.

For families considering entry in September 2027, registration for the CSSE 11-plus test will open on 12 May 2026. The examination is scheduled for Saturday, 19 September 2026. The test comprises two papers covering English and Mathematics. For day places, priority is given to looked-after children and those eligible for pupil premium, followed by rank order of merit. There is no defined catchment area, but in practice, the high pass mark often restricts the intake to those living within a reasonable commute, unless boarding.

Boarding

CRGS is one of fewer than 40 state boarding schools in England. It offers a unique opportunity: an elite grammar school education with no tuition fees, where families pay only for the boarding provision. Boarders live in Gurney Benham House, a family-style Victorian home on the school grounds.

The boarding community is small, with around 30 students, fostering a close-knit, family atmosphere. The September 2025 Ofsted inspection rated the boarding provision as Outstanding, praising the exceptional quality of care and the safe, nurturing environment.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Education is free for all students, including boarders.

For those taking up a boarding place, fees cover accommodation and meals. For September 2026 entry, boarding fees are fixed for two years at £6,350 per term (£19,050 per year). This represents roughly a third of the cost of many independent boarding schools.

Following a period of intense scrutiny, pastoral care has been significantly strengthened. The school now operates a highly effective safeguarding culture, as confirmed by the 2023 and 2025 inspections. Students have access to a Student Welfare Manager and school counsellors. The house system provides a layer of social support, fostering healthy competition and camaraderie across year groups.

The extracurricular offer is broad. Sport is a major pillar, particularly rugby, where the school competes on a national level against major independent schools. Music is central to school life, with numerous choirs and orchestras performing regularly. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is popular, offering leadership training and outdoor pursuits.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:35pm. Located on Lexden Road, the school is a short bus ride or walk from Colchester's main train stations. Transport links are good, with many students commuting from across Essex and Suffolk.

Boys only (mostly). The main school (Years 7-11) is for boys only. Girls are admitted into the sixth form, where the environment becomes co‑educational. Families seeking a mixed education from age 11 should look elsewhere.

Academic intensity. The pace is fast and the peer group is highly able. Boys who thrive on competition will love it; those who prefer a gentler pace or need significant learning support may find the environment pressured.

Entrance hurdle. Securing a place is the primary challenge. With highly competitive entry ratios, preparation for the 11-plus is the norm, and disappointment is a reality for many applicants.

Colchester Royal Grammar School offers a world-class education with a zero-tuition price tag. It combines the heritage and facilities of an independent school with the inclusive meritocracy of the state sector. The recent return to a Good rating, coupled with Outstanding boarding provision, reassures that the culture now matches the academic outcomes. Best suited to academically gifted boys who are ready to work hard and thrive in a traditional, high-achieving environment.