All-ThroughCo-educationalBoardingISI · Excellent
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Royal Russell School

Croydon, Surrey · CR9 5BX

AAB+ A-level

16.9%

9–7 GCSE

54.4%

Day fees

£28k

Inspection

Excellent

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School website

Royal Russell is a well-established coeducational day and boarding school in suburban Croydon, serving pupils from age 3 through to sixth form. Known for its all-through model and strong boarding provision, the school combines traditional values with contemporary facilities and a reputation for pastoral care. The school emphasises inclusivity, sporting excellence (particularly football), and a broad curriculum that supports both academic and personal development.

  • All-through education from nursery to sixth form with established transition pathways
  • Significant boarding provision attracting families seeking residential education close to London
  • Strong sporting tradition and comprehensive sports facilities including 25m pool and dedicated football programme
  • Inclusive admissions philosophy with visible emphasis on SEN support and learning assistance

Who thrives here

Pupils who benefit from a structured, well-rounded approach combining academic rigour with extensive co-curricular opportunities. Families valuing boarding flexibility, those relocating internationally, and students seeking strong pastoral support in a traditional school setting.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports56th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeingno data

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeAll-Through · Boarding
Founded1853
Number of pupils1,225
Day pupils999
Boarders183
Sixth form266
Age range3–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£27.6k/yr
AssociationsISC
Settingsuburban
LocationLocated in Croydon with good rail links to central London (approx. 25–35 minutes to Victoria). School operates bus routes serving South London and surrounding areas. Boarding provision reduces daily travel dependency.

Contact & visit

Coombe Lane

Croydon, Surrey

CR9 5BX

www.royalrussell.co.uk
02086574433
Mr Chris Hutchinson, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Croydon West/East London Line15 min
Croydon Central18 min
South Croydon12 min

Recent investment

New Junior School campus
Library and Sixth Form Centre upgrade
On-site Swim School development
Enhanced boarding house facilities

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Royal Russell School?

Day fees at Royal Russell School are approximately £27,618 per year (2025/26).

How do you get into Royal Russell School?

Royal Russell School admits pupils at 3+, 4+, 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are Royal Russell School's exam results?

At Royal Russell School, 16.9% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 54.4% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is Royal Russell School a boarding school?

Royal Russell School offers boarding as well as day places.

What is Royal Russell School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Royal Russell School “Excellent” (2022).

What parents say

Frequently praised

Strong pastoral care and inclusive ethos

Excellent sports facilities and competitive sports provision

Flexible boarding options enabling work–life balance

Well-structured all-through pathway from nursery to sixth form

Responsive learning support and curriculum differentiation

Common concerns

!Not yet inspected by Ofsted; limited independent external validation of academic or pastoral standards

!Suburban Croydon location may lack prestige perception compared to Surrey/Sussex boarding rivals

!Competitive academic selectivity unclear; potential concern over mixed-ability cohorts at entry