Colchester Royal Grammar School: A Comprehensive Review
Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) is one of the top-performing grammar schools in the UK. Founded in 1539, it has a strong reputation for academic success and university progression. In this review, we cover key aspects of the school – including academics, extracurriculars, campus life, and facilities – to help you decide if CRGS is the right fit.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Colchester Royal Grammar School
- Boarding: Yes
- Local authority: Essex
- Pupils: 1018; sixth formers: 382
- Ages: 11-18
- Gender: Boys; Co-ed (Sixth Form)
- Religion: Christian
- Fees: Boarding £6,350 pa
Colchester Royal Grammar School Results
In 2025, CRGS students gained a very high percentage of top grades, including a number of students who achieved at least 11 subjects at grade 9. This year over 42% of grades were at grade 9, with the vast majority at grade 9 or 8.
Past results:
A-Level (2024):
- 76.8% of grades were A*-A
- 92% of grades were A*-B
GCSE (2024):
- 85% of grades were A*-A (or 9-7 equivalent)
A-Level (2023):
- 67% of grades were A*-A
- 91% of grades were A*-B
GCSE (2023):
- 94% of grades were 9-7
- Over 70% of grades were 9s
These results demonstrate CRGS’s exceptional academic standards, with many students securing places at top universities, including Oxbridge and other Russell Group institutions.
The school’s success is driven by:
- A rigorous curriculum that challenges and motivates students.
- Expert teaching staff providing high-quality instruction and personalised support.
- Small class sizes, regular assessments, and access to extensive resources.
This combination of factors creates an environment where students are well-prepared to excel in their studies and achieve their academic goals.
Teaching and Learning at Colchester Royal Grammar School
Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) offers a challenging and well-rounded academic programme, grounded in the National Curriculum but extending beyond it to promote critical thinking and academic excellence.
Years 7–9 (Lower School)
In the early years, students follow a broad curriculum. Core subjects include English, Mathematics, and Sciences, taught using the AQA Activate course in Year 7. From Year 8 onwards, students begin to study Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as separate disciplines.
Alongside this, pupils study History, Geography, Religious Studies (based on the Essex Agreed Syllabus), Design Technology, Computing, and the Arts. Modern Foreign Languages (French, German, Spanish) and Classical Languages (Latin and Greek) are also introduced early, helping students build strong linguistic foundations.
Years 10–11 (GCSE)
Moving into GCSE years, pupils typically take ten subjects. English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, and the Sciences form the core. Students then choose additional subjects from a wide range including Latin, History, Geography, Modern Languages, Music, Drama, and more. This allows them to personalise their academic journey while maintaining breadth.
Years 12–13 (Sixth Form)
In the Sixth Form, CRGS provides a strong selection of A-Level courses. Mathematics and Further Mathematics are popular choices, but students can also pursue Sciences, Humanities, Languages, and the Arts.
Furthermore, the school encourages independent research and deeper academic exploration. Students are well prepared for competitive university admissions, including Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions.
Boarding Experience in Colchester Royal Grammar School
The boarding experience at Colchester Royal Grammar School offers a structured yet supportive environment, designed to help students thrive academically, socially, and personally. There are currently about 30 students here, with 15 of them being international students.
Facilities and Accommodation
The boarding house features a mix of single and double bedrooms. Year 13 students typically enjoy single rooms, while Year 12 students share, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect. Girls are housed on the ground floor, with boys upstairs, and common areas include a kitchen, sitting room, and newly renovated common rooms. Boarders have access to excellent facilities, including the school gym, tennis courts, a well-equipped games hut, and a beautiful library located in one of the historic school buildings.
Daily Routine
Boarders follow a structured schedule during the week. After the school day ends at 3.40pm, students can participate in activities or use the school facilities before dinner at 6pm. Study time is allocated from 7 to 9pm, and lights-out is at 10.30pm on school nights (11pm on weekends). Staff ensure students maintain a healthy balance between study and relaxation, encouraging downtime to recharge.
Weekend Activities and Trips
Weekends at CRGS provide a more relaxed atmosphere. The school organises trips to places such as Cambridge, ice skating rinks, and the West End, allowing students to explore and bond. Boarders also enjoy cultural celebrations like Christmas, Diwali, and Chinese New Year, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity. Additionally, the boarding house is within walking distance of Colchester city centre, offering access to cinemas, theatres, and restaurants, as well as a nearby railway station for trips to London and university visits.
Colchester Royal Grammar School Fees
CRGS is a state-funded school, meaning students only pay boarding fees, which are fixed at £5,850 per term for September 2025 entry. All students must hold a British passport, Right of Residency, or equivalent status.
Extracurricular Activities in CRGS
Colchester Royal Grammar School offers an exceptional range of extracurricular activities, encouraging students to pursue their interests and talents beyond the classroom. The variety and quality of opportunities ensure there is something for everyone, whether academic, artistic, musical, or athletic.
Music and Performing Arts
The school’s music department has its own building with dedicated performance and practice spaces. Around 200 students learn instruments, and ensembles include choirs, bands, orchestras, and even student-led groups. Highlights include:
- Regular concerts, recitals, and performances during assemblies.
- Major productions, often musicals, for both top performers and those seeking enjoyment.
- Active participation in external competitions and organisations.
Drama also thrives in this school. Students participate in plays, sketches, and large-scale productions, such as Beauty and the Beast and Anything Goes. Creative collaboration is also encouraged, with recent projects including a student-led production of Medea, featuring original translations and compositions.
Sports and Physical Activities
CRGS’s sports programme caters to a wide range of interests and abilities. Key team sports include rugby, football, and cricket, with extensive fixtures against other schools. The facilities are exceptional, featuring:
- Tree-lined playing fields a short walk from the main site.
- Grass courts for tennis, an outdoor heated swimming pool, and a well-equipped fitness suite.
- Opportunities for individual interests like karate and sailing.
For sixth-form girls, netball is the primary team sport, but plans are underway to introduce alternatives such as pilates, dance, and yoga. Athletics, cross-country, and table tennis are among the other extracurricular sports offered.
Clubs and Societies
The school boasts an extensive list of clubs, many run by students, ranging from academic societies to creative and leisure pursuits. Highlights include:
- Career-focused societies like MedSoc, VetSoc, and LawSoc.
- Activities such as debating, public speaking, chess, and philosophy.
- Creative options, including Christmas cooking, Lego League, and musical ensembles.
Students are encouraged to engage in leadership and collaboration, as seen in initiatives like Young Enterprise and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Cultural and Recreational Opportunities
Boarders and day students alike benefit from a dynamic cultural programme. The school celebrates events such as National Boarding Day and festivals like Diwali and Chinese New Year.
With such a broad spectrum of activities, CRGS ensures that students not only excel academically but also develop holistically, cultivating skills, friendships, and memories to last a lifetime.
Admissions Process: Entering Colchester Royal Grammar School
Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) maintains a highly competitive admissions process, ensuring that only the most academically gifted students are admitted. The process differs depending on the entry stage—11+ for Year 7 and Sixth Form for entry into Years 12 and 13.
11+ Entry (Year 7)
The 11+ entrance exam is set by a consortium of ten schools, and it is highly competitive, with 4-6 applicants vying for each available place. The exam consists of papers in maths, English, and verbal reasoning.
Students are not required to live in Essex, which means the school attracts candidates from a wide geographical area. The selection process is rigorous, and only the highest-performing students are chosen.
Sixth Form (Years 12-13)
For admission to the Sixth Form, both internal and external candidates must meet specific academic requirements. Applicants are required to have:
- At least 38 points across their best five GCSE subjects.
- A grade 7 or above in the subjects they wish to study at A-level (with a minimum of a grade 5 in English and Maths).
- A grade 8 in Maths is required for those wishing to study Further Maths.
Places are allocated in rank order, with priority given to internal candidates already at the school. Due to the high demand for places, applicants often need to exceed the minimum grade requirements to secure a spot.
For boarding applicants, they must first meet the academic criteria and, for overseas students, hold a British passport or have the right of residency in the UK.
Colchester Royal Grammar School Sixth Form
Colchester Royal Grammar School’s Sixth Form offers a rigorous academic programme with a broad selection of A-Level subjects. The school emphasises individual progress, using a mix of whole-class teaching, group work, self-study, and personalised learning.
A-Level Subjects Offered:
Core Subjects: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Classical Greek, Computing, Economics, English Literature, French, Geography, German, History, Latin, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Religious Studies, Spanish, Technology.
In addition, enrichment subjects like Politics are available for motivated students requiring more independent study.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Students can take the EPQ at the end of Year 12, allowing them to conduct independent research on a topic of their choice. This enhances research and project management skills and prepares students for university-level work.
Independent Study
Independent work is a key focus, with directed study sessions, supervised by staff, to help students develop strong study habits and time management skills. The Sixth Form provides a challenging yet supportive environment, helping students excel academically while preparing them for future academic and professional success.
Colchester Royal Grammar Ofsted Report
| Aspect | Rating |
| Overall experiences and progress of children and young people | Good |
| How well children and young people are helped and protected | Good |
| The effectiveness of leaders and managers | Good |
| The boarding school provides effective services that meet the requirements for good | Good |
CRGS Exit - Where do Leavers go?
The school’s Year 13 cohort in 2025 achieved outstanding university outcomes, securing a total of 43 offers from Oxford and Cambridge. Medicine emerged as the most popular Oxbridge course choice, with ten offers received, followed by strong results in Mathematics and Law. Offers were also achieved across a broad academic spectrum, including Classics, English, Engineering, Architecture, Humanities and Modern Languages, reflecting both depth and diversity in academic strength.
Beyond Oxbridge, students have continued to gain places at leading universities across the UK and internationally, including institutions in the United States and Hong Kong. Alongside traditional degree pathways, there has been a notable increase in the number of students progressing to highly competitive degree apprenticeships, securing positions with prestigious organisations such as Dyson, JPMorgan, Allen & Overy and KPMG. These outcomes highlight the school’s commitment to supporting a wide range of post-18 pathways, tailored to individual strengths, ambitions and career goals.
Colchester Royal Grammar School Reviews
Love it. Great variety of clubs and loads of benefits.
Amazing school with great standards in both education and sports!
It is good!
I’m a current Y12 at CRGS and the school is pretty good. We get some of the highest grades in the country and the A level predictions are usually pretty generous.
Frequently Asked Questions about CRGS
Yes, CRGS is equipped to support students with various special educational needs such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Aspergers, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders, etc.
Many students go on to top universities such as G5 and Russell Group universities. For instance, University of Warwick, University of Manchester, King’s College London, University of Bristol, University of Birmingham, etc.
Colchester Royal Grammar School (CRGS) is a state-funded grammar school.
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