Colchester Royal Grammar School
Colchester, Essex, East of England · CO3 3ND
A selective boys' grammar in Colchester with a Christian character, Colchester Royal Grammar combines day and boarding places and entry at age 11. The school is notably oversubscribed: around 1,059 pupils are on a roll built for 777, making it considerably larger than its stated capacity. Entry is competitive, with 128 places allocated through the CSSE consortium each year. A 2021 Ofsted inspection presents a mixed picture, however: while the quality of education and sixth form were judged Good, behaviour, personal development, leadership and the overall rating were all found to be Inadequate.
1,059
Pupils
Inadequate
Ofsted
128
Places (PAN)
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Boys
- Type
- state grammar school
- Pupils
- 1,059
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 16.7
- Location
- Colchester, Essex, East of England
- Website
- www.crgs.co.uk
Entrance & admissions
- Consortium
- CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex)
- Exam board
- Bespoke
- Subjects tested
- English, Maths
- Places (PAN)
- 128
- Entry age
- 11
Key dates· 2027 entry
Registration opens
12 May 2026
Registration closesNext
19 June 2026
Exam date
19 September 2026
Application deadline
31 October 2026
Offers date
1 March 2027
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Latest results
Attainment 8
82.1
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
100%
National average 47%
Teaching & academics
Academic results are exceptional. The average Attainment 8 score of 82.1 sits far above the national average of 46.9, and every pupil achieves grade 5 or above in English and Maths, compared with 47% nationally. Ofsted's Good rating for quality of education and sixth form aligns with these outcomes. With a pupil-to-teacher ratio of around 16.7, the academic offer is the clear strength of the school.
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 7.27%
- EHC plans
- 0.38%
- English as additional language
- 11%
- Free school meals
- 4.5%
Ethos & heritage
- Religious character
- Christian
- Boarding
- Yes
Inspection reports
- Ofsted overall
- Inadequate
- Quality of education
- Good
- Behaviour & attitudes
- Inadequate
- Last inspected
- 11 May 2021
The last word
An academically outstanding boys' grammar whose results are among the strongest you will find, set against an Ofsted report that flags real concerns beyond the classroom. Families drawn by the results should read the full inspection findings carefully.
The Passmate verdict
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Colchester Royal Grammar School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Colchester Royal Grammar School located?
Colchester Royal Grammar School is located at Lexden Road, Colchester, CO3 3ND.
What type of school is Colchester Royal Grammar School?
Colchester Royal Grammar School is a state grammar school in East of England.
What subjects does Colchester Royal Grammar School test in the 11+?
Colchester Royal Grammar School tests English and Maths at 11+.
Which exam board does Colchester Royal Grammar School use for the 11+?
Colchester Royal Grammar School's 11+ uses Bespoke.
When is the Colchester Royal Grammar School 11+ exam?
For the 2027 entry, the Colchester Royal Grammar School 11+ exam is on 19 September 2026.
How do I apply to Colchester Royal Grammar School?
For 2027 entry, registration opens on 12 May 2026, registration closes on 19 June 2026 and the application deadline is 31 October 2026.
When are Colchester Royal Grammar School 11+ offers released?
For 2027 entry, Colchester Royal Grammar School releases offers on 1 March 2027.
Which consortium does Colchester Royal Grammar School belong to?
Colchester Royal Grammar School is part of the CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) consortium.
How many places does Colchester Royal Grammar School offer?
Colchester Royal Grammar School has a published admission number of 128 places.
How many pupils attend Colchester Royal Grammar School?
Colchester Royal Grammar School has approximately 1,059 pupils on roll.
What is Colchester Royal Grammar School's Ofsted rating?
Colchester Royal Grammar School was rated "Inadequate" by Ofsted at its inspection on 11 May 2021.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.