Royal Russell School: Explore Reviews, Rankings, Fees, And More
This guide takes a closer look at Royal Russell School, a well-established independent school recognised for its strong academic standards and close-knit community. Set in a distinctive location and known for its impressive football programme, the school offers a blend of academic focus and co-curricular opportunity. From its educational approach to campus life, we explore what sets Royal Russell apart and whether it could be the right fit for your child.
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Key Features of Royal Russell School
- Local authority: Croydon, direct access to Central London
- Pupils: 1,226; sixth formers: 271
- Religion: Christian
- Fees: Day £9,206.00 per term; Boarding £18,198.00 per term (inclusive of VAT)
Royal Russell School Results
Here are the latest GCSE and A Level results for Royal Russell School:
- GCSE Results (2025): 70% achieved grades 9-7.
- A Level Results & BTEC (2025): 46.7% attained grades A*/A.
- GCSE Results (2024): 62% achieved grades 9-7.
- A Level Results (2024): 41.8% attained grades A*/A, 70.2% A*/B.
- GCSE Results (2019 – Pre-pandemic): 53% achieved grades 9-7.
- A Level and Pre-U Results (2019 – Pre-pandemic): 25% attained grades A*/A.
Teaching and Learning at Royal Russell School
At Royal Russell School, the curriculum is designed to offer both academic depth and personal development. In Years 7 to 9, students follow the Key Stage 3 programme, covering a broad range of subjects. This helps them develop a strong foundation in subjects like English, Maths, Sciences, and Humanities. Class sizes are also small, allowing teachers to give each student more attention, fostering a supportive learning environment.
When students reach Years 10 and 11, they begin their GCSEs. They study seven core subjects: English Language, English Literature, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and a Modern Foreign Language (French, Spanish, or German). Alongside these, they choose three additional subjects from options like Geography, History, Art, Music, and Drama. This wide selection ensures students can focus on subjects they are passionate about while maintaining a well-rounded education.
Royal Russell also provides guidance through Careers lessons and events, such as the Year 9 Parents’ Evening that assist students in selecting the right subjects for their future aspirations.
Boarding Experience in Royal Russell School
At Royal Russell School, boarding is designed to feel structured and genuinely enjoyable rather than overwhelming. Weekends are active and sociable, with organised trips and activities such as go-karting and special events that give boarders something to look forward to beyond the school week. Communal spaces, including the dining hall, play an important role in daily life, offering relaxed moments for students to unwind, chat, and build friendships.
While homesickness can naturally occur, boarders are well supported. House staff are available around the clock, providing guidance, and a familiar presence whenever students need it. Boarding houses are welcoming and comfortable, encouraging pupils to personalise their spaces and settle into routines that help them feel at home.
Accommodation is also thoughtfully arranged. Girls are based in a modern boarding house next to the junior school, while boys live in two established houses, Oxford and Cambridge, where independence develops alongside a strong sense of community. What truly defines boarding at Royal Russell, however, is its international mix. Students from the UK study and live alongside peers from countries including China and Russia, creating a diverse, inclusive environment that broadens perspectives and friendships alike.
Extracurricular Activities in Royal Russell
Beyond the classroom, Royal Russell School places strong emphasis on providing students with opportunities to explore interests, build skills, and develop confidence through a wide-ranging co-curricular programme. From junior to senior school, activities form an integral part of daily life and contribute meaningfully to students’ personal and academic growth.
In the junior school, pupils are introduced early to enrichment beyond lessons. Young musicians perform in informal concerts, while residential trips from Year 3 encourage independence and teamwork. With more than 40 activities available, including coding club, swim squad, and media club, students are encouraged to explore a broad mix of creative, technical, and physical pursuits, often combining several interests each week.
The arts are a visible part of school life. Students regularly take part in theatre trips, including visits to London’s West End and occasional international experiences such as New York. On campus, productions are staged in the school’s modern performing arts facilities, including a dedicated auditorium, with recent performances ranging from classic drama to lighter productions. Music is equally well supported, with a large and active group of instrumentalists making use of high-quality facilities, including new Bechstein pianos.
Sports at Royal Russell School
Sports, plays a prominent role at Royal Russell School, supported by extensive facilities across its 110-acre campus. Opportunities are available for students of all abilities, from early participation in cross-country to structured training in team sports. Recent investment includes a new sports pavilion with a gym and physio suite, reflecting the school’s commitment to physical development and wellbeing.
Football is a particular strength, with a well-established programme and a strong competitive record. Academic progress is closely monitored alongside sporting commitments, ensuring that students involved in football maintain high standards in their studies. This balanced approach allows pupils to pursue sporting ambition while staying fully engaged academically.
Admissions Process: Entering Royal Russell School
For entry into the junior school, children typically join in September after their third birthday. The assessment process is gentle, focusing on observing children in small groups to gauge their development, communication skills, and ability to interact. There are no formal interviews or tests at this stage.
As students progress through the junior school, more formal assessments may be conducted, particularly for those joining in years 3 to 6, who are considered shoo-ins for the senior school. While around 90% of students transition to the senior school, places are offered to junior school pupils in year 6, with exams required only for those seeking consideration for awards, such as scholarships.
For entry into the senior school, the primary intake occurs in year 7, with 96 places available. Roughly half of these places are secured by junior school pupils, while external candidates undergo entrance exams in maths, English, and VR. Additionally, 24 places are available in year 9, with varying numbers in year 12. Entrance into year 12 is based on GCSE performance rather than an entrance exam.
While the school is selective due to its popularity, it strives to understand each child individually and assess their potential contributions to the school community. Assessments are important, but equally valued are traits that reflect the school’s values, such as openness, ambition, courage, and distinctiveness. This holistic approach ensures that every student admitted to Royal Russell School has the opportunity to thrive and make their mark.
SEN Support in Royal Russell School
While there are not many pupils in the school with special educational needs, the school does have experience with pupils with autism, ADHD, and other specific needs.
Royal Russell School Testimonials and Reviews
A fantastic medium sized multi cultural school . Selection process is broad and fair, giving less academic children a chance to shine in other areas. I have found no discrimination/bullying at this school whatsoever and the bursary/scholarship system makes it accessible to everyone. The teachers are dynamic and make lessons interesting, without sacrificing the pursuit of the best grades possible for your child. The headmaster knows each child by name and takes an active interest in every aspect of the school. The sport and co curricular activities are of a high level. My children all love this school and I would highly recommend it.
Excellent secondary school, with great opportunities. The staff make every effort to get to the bottom of pastoral issues and support students to mature and resolve their own issues. The school is not about league tables it is about training young people to take on their role as independent, well-informed citizens. The single-sex house system gives both the girls and the boys space to be themselves; and the mixed classes ensure that all pupils develop as rounded individuals at ease with each other. There is a strong ethical and moral ethos; there is a distinctive international spirit which at its best offers a long-term apprenticeship in international affairs, public speaking and debating through the MUN and other activities. Academically it offers huge stretch to those who are very able, and support to those who are not.
Amazing school and very good staff.
It is a lovely school!
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Russell School
French is taught from Nursery to Year 6 by the school’s specialist teacher. In Years 4, 5 and 6 their pupils also receive specialist teaching in Spanish.
Registration is from 8:30am for all children with supervision in the playground from 8:15am. Lessons for Lower Juniors finish at 3:15pm and for Upper Juniors at 3:30pm.
All meals and snacks are included. They believe in the importance of a healthy diet. All their children eat lunch in the dining halls where they can choose from a full range of hot food with meat and vegetarian options, pasta, jacket potatoes with a choice of fillings, fresh vegetables, fruit, dessert and water or squash served every day. All food is prepared from fresh ingredients, every day by the team of 32 chefs and assistants. Their Catering Manager is always pleased to meet with parents to discuss individual dietary needs.
They are a relatively small school with approximately 340 children in Nursery through to Year 6. They are a family school with a caring and supportive community and their small size means that they are able to get to know all their children very well.
Royal Russell is proud of their success in football, and they do have an excellent record.
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