Royal Russell School
Croydon, Croydon, Greater London · CR9 5BX
Founded in 1853, Royal Russell is a large mixed independent school in Croydon spanning the full age range from 3 to 19, with boarding available alongside day places. Its 1,266 pupils benefit from a notably generous pupil-to-teacher ratio of around nine, and the Independent Schools Inspectorate rated the school excellent both overall and for personal development at its most recent inspection. A sizeable sixth form of 271 and an unusually broad subject offering, including Chinese and Japanese, give it real range. Parents should weigh the fees carefully: day places run from roughly £16,000 to £27,600 a year, with boarding reaching as high as £54,600, though means-tested bursaries of up to 100 per cent and scholarships in academics, sport, music and drama widen access.
1,266
Pupils
excellent
ISI
£27,618
Day fees / yr
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Open in Google Maps ↗Overview & data
- Gender
- Mixed
- Type
- independent (fee-paying) school
- Age range
- 3-19
- Pupils
- 1,266
- Pupil:teacher ratio
- 9
- Location
- Croydon, Croydon, Greater London
- Website
- http://www.royalrussell.co.uk/
- Telephone
- 0208 657 4433
Entrance & admissions
- Entry age
- 11
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Headteacher
Headmaster Mr Chris Hutchinson
Latest results
Attainment 8
20.3
National average 46.9
GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)
0%
National average 47%
GCSE grade 9-7
59%
A-level A*-A
43%
A-level A*-B
70%
Teaching & academics
At A-level, 43 per cent of grades are A*-A and 70 per cent reach A*-B, with mathematics, further mathematics, psychology, history and economics among the most popular choices. At GCSE, 59 per cent of grades fall in the 9-7 range. The published headline measures, however, look unusual: an Attainment 8 score of 20.3 against a national average of 46.9, and 0 per cent achieving grade 5+ in English and Maths against 47 per cent nationally, which sits oddly with the strong sixth-form picture and warrants a direct conversation with the school. A high proportion of pupils, around 22 per cent, are on SEN support.
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 271
Popular A-level subjects
Qualifications offered
Learning support & SEN
- SEN support
- 22.33%
- EHC plans
- 0.32%
Arts & extracurricular
Scholarships
Languages
Popular GCSE subjects
Sport
Main sports
Beyond the classroom
Sport is a clear strength, with cricket, netball, tennis, trampolining and triathlon among the main offerings. Drama features prominently across the curriculum and as a scholarship route, and languages extend well beyond the usual, taking in Chinese and Japanese alongside French and Spanish.
Ethos & heritage
- Founded
- 1853
- Boarding
- Yes
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.
Money matters
- 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%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 9 December 2025
The last word
A broad, well-staffed school with strong sixth-form results and an excellent inspection record, but the unusual headline GCSE figures are worth probing directly before committing.
The Passmate verdict
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Royal Russell School 11+: frequently asked questions
Where is Royal Russell School located?
Royal Russell School is located at Coombe Lane, Croydon, CR9 5BX.
What type of school is Royal Russell School?
Royal Russell School is an independent (fee-paying) school in Greater London.
How many pupils attend Royal Russell School?
Royal Russell School has approximately 1,266 pupils on roll.
What is Royal Russell School's inspection rating?
Royal Russell School is inspected by the ISI and was judged "excellent" at its inspection on 9 December 2025.
Compiled from public data. Last checked June 2026.