Colchester Royal Grammar School
Colchester · CO3 3ND
Colchester Royal Grammar School is one of England's most academically distinguished state grammar schools, with a history stretching back to 1539, making it among the oldest schools in the country. A boys' school with a small boarding provision, it combines rigorous academic excellence with a broad extracurricular offer rooted in the traditions of a grammar school education. The school's ethos centres on intellectual curiosity, high aspiration, and individual challenge, fostering an environment where able pupils are expected to stretch themselves. Its location in historic Colchester, England's oldest recorded town, gives CRGS a distinctive civic pride and sense of heritage.
- →Outstanding A-level and GCSE results consistently placing it among the top state schools nationally
- →Free grammar school education offering a highly academic environment without independent school fees
- →Strong tradition in mathematics, sciences, and classics, with exceptional competition success including international-level results
- →Boarding option giving regional families access to a top-performing grammar without a daily commute
- →Rich extracurricular life including CCF, DofE, drama, and competitive sport alongside strong academic rigour
Who thrives here
Highly able, self-motivated boys who relish academic challenge and enjoy a culture of intellectual competition and peer-driven aspiration. Those with broad interests who want to excel academically while also engaging in sport, music, drama, or STEM competitions will find CRGS particularly rewarding.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Lexden Road
Colchester
CO3 3ND
Nearest stations
Notable alumni
Brian Maxfield
Physicist and academic
Anthony Manning
Mathematician and academic
David Tinker
Royal Navy officer, killed in the Falklands War
Guo Yi
Philosopher, University of Peking
Recent investment
Frequently asked questions
How much does Colchester Royal Grammar School cost?
Colchester Royal Grammar School is a state grammar school, so there are no tuition fees — places are free and allocated by the 11-plus exam and the school’s admissions criteria.
How do you get into Colchester Royal Grammar School?
Colchester Royal Grammar School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are Colchester Royal Grammar School's exam results?
At Colchester Royal Grammar School, 77.7% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 86.3% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is Colchester Royal Grammar School a boarding school?
Colchester Royal Grammar School offers boarding as well as day places.
What is Colchester Royal Grammar School's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated Colchester Royal Grammar School “Inadequate” (2021).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Exceptional academic outcomes and university destinations for a non-fee-paying school
✓Strong peer group of motivated, like-minded boys who push each other to achieve
✓Outstanding Mathematics and Science teaching and competition culture
✓Good range of extracurricular activities and clubs beyond academics
✓Boarding option valued by families outside Colchester for the sense of community it provides
Common concerns
!The highly competitive atmosphere and fast academic pace can be stressful for some boys, particularly in examination years
!Pastoral support, while present, can feel secondary to academic achievement in a results-driven culture
!Communication from school to parents can be inconsistent outside formal reporting cycles
!Limited provision for boys who struggle to keep up once admitted, with little differentiation for those at the lower end of the selective range