Royal Russell School
School summary
Founded in 1853, Royal Russell is a large independent school in Croydon educating children from age 3 through to 19, with both day and boarding places. With more than 1,200 pupils and a generous pupil-to-teacher ratio of around nine to one, it pairs scale with small teaching groups. The Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school 'excellent' for both education quality and personal development, and found compliance standards met. A notably high proportion of pupils, more than a fifth, receive SEN support, suggesting a school accustomed to working with a range of learning needs.
Where every mark matters.
Places are limited and demand is high, so exam performance is what sets candidates apart. Passmate turns the months ahead into ten focused minutes a day on the exact topics this school tests.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
59%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
43%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
70%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 9 December 2025
Teaching & academics
Results sit comfortably ahead of national figures: 59% of GCSE entries reached grades 9-7 against a national average of 23%, and at A-level 43% earned A*-A and 70% A*-B, both well above the national benchmarks. The sixth form, around 270 strong, leans towards subjects such as Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Economics, Psychology and History, alongside more unusual choices including Chinese and Media studies. BTEC qualifications are offered alongside GCSEs and A-levels, giving families more than one academic route.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Headmaster · Mr Chris Hutchinson
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 271
A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a clear strength, with cricket, netball, tennis, trampolining and triathlon among the main offerings. The breadth extends to the classroom too, where pupils can study French, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese, and take GCSE options ranging from Music and Design & Technology to Food Technology. Scholarships in academics, sport, music and drama reward particular talents.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1853
- Religious character
- None
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 22.33%
- EHC plans
- 0.32%
Mobile phone policy
Pupils in years 7-11 must keep mobile electronic devices (phones and smartwatches) in lockers during the school day. Sixth formers may carry phones and use them in Drapers' Cafe only. Mobile phones should not be used in the library during study periods. Pupils are not required to have a smartphone. Strong recommendation for years 7-8 to have strict parental controls on social messaging apps.
Fees & bursaries
- Day fees (per year)
- £16,323 - £27,618
- Boarding fees (per year)
- £54,594
- Bursaries up to
- 100% of fees
Means tested bursaries available, some up to 100%
Schools nearby
Croydon High School
South Croydon, Greater London
Whitgift School
Greater London
Al-Khair School
Croydon, Greater London
Serenity School, Old Palace Croydon
Croydon, London
Supreme Education AP
Croydon, Greater London
Al-Khair School Preparatory School
Croydon, Greater London
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Answer as a child would. Left: what they see. Right: what it learns about them.
A large, well-resourced school where strong results and an 'excellent' inspection meet genuine breadth. Day fees run from around £16,300 to £27,600, with boarding higher still, though means-tested bursaries reach up to 100%.
That’s where Passmate comes in. Tutoring is the most effective thing in a child’s preparation - a well-tutored child can outperform the vast majority of their peers. Passmate works alongside your tutor, not instead of them: it learns how your child thinks, finds the gaps, and shows the tutor exactly where to spend each session - so the limited time you have lands on what actually decides a place.
Works alongside your child’s tutor - not instead of them.
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Royal Russell School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.