Boarding Information

Boarding in the co-ed Sixth Form at Colchester Royal Grammar School offers the perfect step before university or the next chapter, allowing students to have a safe taste of independence. Housing 30 boarders across two beautiful and characterful houses allows for a lovely family atmosphere so boarders become part of a diverse, hard-working and friendly extended family. Their close-knit community, with mutual respect between staff and students, is the foundation of our outstanding pastoral care.

CRGS is a state funded school and there are no tuition fees, only boarding fees. Boarding fees for September 2026 entry are fixed for 2 years and are £6,350 per term; £19,050 pa.  All students must possess a British passport or have a Right of Residency in the UK or the equivalent of.

As a state funded school, students must have English and Maths GCSE (or equivalent) at level 4. Applicants without GCSE English and Maths will need to study for these qualifications whilst at school. If the student is studying English or Maths at A level the GCSE qualification is not required.

Some of the biggest benefits of being a boarder, in addition to access to outstanding pastoral care, is the use of the fantastic school facilities in the evenings and at weekends, including the sports hall and fitness suite, tennis courts, music department and the smart board technology for their studies.  There is also open access to the beautiful and well-stocked library, housed is one of the original school buildings. There is a well-equipped games hut and newly renovated common rooms for boarders to use and relax in after a busy school day.

With spacious, well-equipped and newly furnished bedrooms, our Year 13s tend to have single occupancy rooms, and the Year 12s usually share a room. This allows them to build friendships, enjoy communal living, and develop respect and consideration for each other.

 

Throughout the school year, we are proud to celebrate a number of different cultural events that bring our boarding community together, such as Christmas, Diwali and Chinese New Year. The boarders participate in events like National Boarding Day, and inter-house competitions and they are encouraged to arrange weekend activities with each other. We offer trips to external venues throughout the year, such as ice skating, mini-golf and the Cambridge Christmas Market.

 

The school site is in easy walking distance of the historic Colchester city centre, so the boarders can enjoy access to cinemas, theatres, museums, high street shops, numerous restaurants and cafes and, of course, the magnificent Colchester Castle and Castle Park. We are within walking distance to the railway station and it is under an hour's train journey to Liverpool Street, London, so boarders, with parental consent, can enjoy varied days out and easily access university open days across the country.

Ofsted rating: Good. Please see the most recent Ofsted inspection report for CRGS Boarding.

Please Apply Here to complete the application form to board in the co-ed Sixth Form at CRGS.

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