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Reviewed

Lancaster Royal Grammar School

State school · Lancaster, LA1 3EF
  • Secondary
  • Boys
  • Ages 11-18
  • From £16,125 pa
  • 1,301 pupils
  • Boarding
Academically selective state school
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A vibrant, selective grammar school with a big regional reputation. Unashamedly academic but takes all-round education seriously and delivers a wealth of opportunities.

Why read our school review?

Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.

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Overview & data

Notes
Co-ed sixth form
Pupil numbers
1,301 ·
Sixth form numbers
425 ·
Offers boarding
Yes ·
Religion
Christian
Fees
Day free; Boarding £16,125 – £17,265 pa
Local authority
Lancashire County Council

Headteacher

Headmaster

Dr Chris Pyle

Since 2012, Dr Christopher Pyle MA (Cantab) PhD (Cantab) NPQH. Previously deputy head at the Perse School, Cambridge and before that head of geography there (explains his particular interest in glaciers, hydrology and climate change). Briefly a

Entrance

Usually around 350 boys apply for the 174 places in year 7 made up of local day pupils, regional day pupils and boarders. Assessments in English, maths and verbal reasoning. Local day pupils given preference; about 40 places go to those further

Admissions policy
Academically selective state school
Open days
October

Entry and exit data - year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Other 46 %
Where the number of students is less than 10, we cannot say where they've come from or where they are going to due to data protection rules.
Moorside Primary School 10 %
Unknown 7 %
Where the school a student attended before or after this school is not known. These might be students who have come from or going to home schooling, independent schools, moving abroad etc.
Lancaster Dallas Road Community Primary School 6 %
Bowerham Primary & Nursery School 4 %
Great Wood Primary School 4 %
Sherwood Primary School 3 %
Lancaster Christ Church Church of England Primary School 3 %
Scotforth St Paul's Church of England Primary and Nursery School 3 %
St Bernadette's Catholic Primary School, Lancaster 3 %
Bolton-le-Sands Church of England Primary School 3 %
Queen's Drive Primary School 2 %
Ellel St John the Evangelist Church of England Primary School 2 %
Slyne-with-Hest, St Luke's, Church of England Primary School 2 %
Morecambe and Heysham Torrisholme Community Primary School 2 %
Data highlight

Exit

Up to a quarter leave after GCSE for other schools, colleges or apprentice schemes. Vast majority of sixth formers secure places at top universities, eg Cambridge Durham, Lancaster, Newcastle and Manchester. In 2025, 10 to Oxbridge and 18 medics. One

% students progressing to higher education or training (2021 leavers)

School
82%
LA avg.
62%
Eng. avg.
66%
Data highlight

What is this?

The proportion of 16-18 students that progressed to degrees, higher apprenticeships or other study at level 4 or above for at least 6 consecutive months in the 2 years after taking advanced level qualifications (level 3) at this school or college.

Latest results

In 2025, 65 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 43 per cent A*/A at A level (71 per cent A*-B).

GCSE - % of pupils achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
94.8%
LA avg.
44%
Eng. avg.
45.9%
Data highlight

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

A level - Average points score (2024)

School
41.33
LA avg.
35.73
Eng. avg.
34.45
Data highlight

What is this?

These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.

Teaching & learning

Traditional grammar school ethos alive and well here – spirit of healthy competition, aiming high and working hard. The result is that the school is a regular in the list of the county’s top 100 schools and near the top of the regional table at GCSE.

Qualifications taken in 2024
  • A level
  • EPQ
  • GCSE
73
Number of teachers
17:1
Pupil to teacher ratio
30
Average class sizes (up to GCSE)

Learning support & SEN

Very able pupils are a speciality here and LRGS’s learning support staff know how to inspire them to ever greater heights. The school’s SENCo (who has a postgrad diploma in SEN) is also experienced in working with pupils with literacy difficulties,

1.2 %
Students with a SEN EHCP
12.1 %
Students with SEN support

Arts & extracurricular

‘One size does not fit everyone,’ says head. This is a place where there are opportunities for all interests. Around 20 per cent of pupils learn a musical instrument, with ensembles to suit every taste, from blues to philharmonic – and a range of

Sport

Team games are traditional with a full programme of Saturday fixtures. Rugby and cricket taken seriously (giving the independent schools a run for their money) with frequent tours to the UAE, South Africa, Hong Kong, Australia, Japan and the

Boarders

Boarding is a rarity in state schools but very much part of the identity, with around 10-12 per cent of years 7 to 9 boarding, increasing to 20 per cent in year 10. Many are first-generation boarders, often from the Lakeland valleys; a third are

115
Total boarders
59
Full time boarders
47
Weekly boarders
9
Flexi boarders

Ethos & heritage

An ancient foundation, founded in 1235 and endowed in 1472. Moved to its current location in 1852 when Queen Victoria donated £100 – the ‘Royal’ of the title – and the school still receives the same amount (sadly not index-linked) annually from the

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline

A strong pastoral system for day as well as boarding pupils, managed by staff who are described by parents as ‘dedicated and sensible’ and who ‘have pupils’ needs at heart’. Thriving mentor scheme encourages senior boys and girls to spend time with

Mobile phone policy

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Mobile phone policy

Provided by the school and not part of our review

Year 7-11 pupils are not allowed to use their mobile phones or digital devices in school – they must be turned off and in your bag. Your teacher may allow you to use your phone in lessons, it’s their decision not yours. Sixth form pupils can use their devices before 8.45am, and at break and lunch, and whenever they are in one of the sixth form cafés. However your phone will be confiscated if you use it around school outside permitted times; walk around school using it at any time; use your device in a device free zone (like the grab and go or dining hall); photograph, film or record a pupil or member of staff; use your device in a way which causes issues or makes people feel uncomfortable.

Updated Sep 2025

Pupils & parents

School’s population reflects its small-town environment, with a mix of people from all walks. ‘We have some quirky characters and they are all valued,’ says head. Considered locally as ‘the school on the hill’, although this is not a middle-class

1,301
Number of pupils

Money matters

Fee information
Day free; Boarding £16,125 – £17,265 pa

The last word

A vibrant, selective grammar school with a big regional reputation. Unashamedly academic but takes all-round education seriously and delivers a wealth of opportunities.

Inspection reports

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Full inspection: Good

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Personal development Outstanding
Quality of education Good
Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding
Leadership and management Good
Sixth form provision Outstanding

What the school says

Lancaster Royal Grammar School is a state grammar school with a coeducational sixth form. We offer a rigorous academic education and a wide range of extracurricular activity. There are 1290 students and up to 120 boarders (with no tuition fee or VAT). Boys only in years 7 to 11, with over 70 girls arriving into sixth form. Endowed in 1472, there is a rich history and illustrious list of former pupils including Sir Richard Owen, inventor of the word ‘dinosaur’, to more recent leavers and Olympic gold medalists Jason Queally and Scott Durrant.

Contact the school

Address

East Road
Lancaster
Lancashire
LA1 3EF
Get directions

Telephone: 01524 580600

Email: ejones@lrgs.org.uk

Website: https://www.lrgs.org.uk/

Local authority: Lancashire County Council

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  • Secondary
  • Co-ed
  • 11-18
  • From £18,378 pa
  • 615 pupils
  • Boarding
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School data & information Lancaster Royal Grammar School East Road, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 3EF
1,301 Pupil numbers
1216/85 Pupil numbers boy/girls split
425 Sixth form numbers
115 Total boarders
59 Full time boarders
47 Weekly boarders
9 Flexi boarders
8 % % of pupils eligible for free school meals
9 % Pupils whose first language is not English
30 Average class sizes (up to GCSE)
17:1 Pupil to teacher ratio
73 Number of teachers
17 Number of teaching assistants

Mobile phone policy

Provided by the school and not part of our review

Year 7-11 pupils are not allowed to use their mobile phones or digital devices in school – they must be turned off and in your bag. Your teacher may allow you to use your phone in lessons, it’s their decision not yours. Sixth form pupils can use their devices before 8.45am, and at break and lunch, and whenever they are in one of the sixth form cafés. However your phone will be confiscated if you use it around school outside permitted times; walk around school using it at any time; use your device in a device free zone (like the grab and go or dining hall); photograph, film or record a pupil or member of staff; use your device in a way which causes issues or makes people feel uncomfortable.

Updated Sep 2025
Our review contains additional results data reported to us by Lancaster Royal Grammar School and is updated annually. See the review

% achieving grade 5 or above (A* to C) in English and maths GCSE (2024)

School
94.8%
LA avg.
44%
Eng. avg.
45.9%

What is this?

This tells you the percentage of pupils who achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs.

Average overall GCSE score (attainment 8) (2024)

School
72.00
LA avg.
44.90
Eng. avg.
45.90

What is this?

Schools get a score based on how well pupils have performed in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Improvement rates in core subjects (progress 8) (2024)

0.59 Score Well above average
≈ 16% of schools in England

What is a progress score?

This score shows how much progress pupils at this school made between the end of key stage 2 and the end of key stage 4, compared to pupils across England who got similar results at the end of key stage 2. This is based on results in up to 8 qualifications, which include English, maths, 3 English Baccalaureate qualifications including sciences, computer science, history, geography and languages, and 3 other additional approved qualifications.

Subjects entered at GCSE level (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Spanish GCSE (9-1) Full Course 66 7
Religious Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 72 8
Physics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 159 8
Physical Education/Sports Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 54 7
Music GCSE (9-1) Full Course 14 7
Mathematics GCSE (9-1) Full Course 172 8
Latin GCSE (9-1) Full Course 21 8
History GCSE (9-1) Full Course 89 8
German GCSE (9-1) Full Course 46 7
Geography GCSE (9-1) Full Course 94 7
French GCSE (9-1) Full Course 62 7
English Literature GCSE (9-1) Full Course 170 7
English Language GCSE (9-1) Full Course 172 7
Drama & Theatre Studies GCSE (9-1) Full Course 11 7
Design & Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 61 7
D&T Food Technology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 32 7
Computer Studies/Computing GCSE (9-1) Full Course 74 7
Classical Greek GCSE (9-1) Full Course 9 6
Chinese GCSE (9-1) Full Course 8 9
Chemistry GCSE (9-1) Full Course 145 8
Biology GCSE (9-1) Full Course 151 8
Art & Design (Photography) GCSE (9-1) Full Course 15 7
Art & Design GCSE (9-1) Full Course 15 7

% of pupils achieving AAB or higher, including at least 2 facilitating subjects (2024)

School
34.7%
LA avg.
15.5%
Eng. avg.
17.1%

What is this?

Facilitating A levels are ones that are commonly needed for entry to leading universities. They are: biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, further mathematics, geography, history, English literature and classical or modern languages. The % of pupils achieving AAB or higher may therefore decrease if many pupils have opted not to take two or more of the facilitating subjects mentioned.

Average points score (2024)

School
41.33
LA avg.
35.73
Eng. avg.
34.45

What is this?

These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.

Subjects entered at 16 to 18 (2024)

Pupils attending this school entered exams in these subjects. The list only includes qualifications approved for inclusion in the performance measures. The subjects and qualifications on offer at this school may change year on year. For a full list of subjects and qualifications on offer at this school, visit the school or college website or contact the school directly. Find out more

Subject Qualification Entries Avg. grade
Spanish GCE A level 9 A
Religious Studies GCE A level 10 A
Physics GCE A level 60 A
Physical Education / Sports Studies GCE A level 18 B
Mathematics (Further) GCE A level 19 A*
Mathematics GCE A level 121 A
History GCE A level 26 A
Government and Politics GCE A level 13 B
Geography GCE A level 43 B
French GCE A level 10 A
English Literature GCE A level 21 A
Economics GCE A level 41 B
Design and Technology (Product Design) GCE A level 15 A
Computer Studies / Computing GCE A level 14 A
Chemistry GCE A level 79 A
Business Studies:Single GCE A level 43 A
Biology GCE A level 72 B

Entry and exit data

Here we report figures on pupils moving between schools at the usual entry and exit points, as well as student destinations into higher education. We publish publically available data for state schools. For independent schools, The Good Schools Guide collects data from its prep schools as to where their pupils go on to. Find out more

Our review contains additional entry and exit data reported to us and is updated annually. See the review

Year 7 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 12 entry (average 2020-2022)

Year 11 exit (average 2020-2022)

Year 13 exit

SEN overview

Lancaster Royal Grammar School is a mainstream school. The school may provide support for students with special educational needs as detailed below. If you require more information on conditions the school can support, we encourage you to contact the school directly.

SEN statement

Provided by the school and not part of our review

All the boys at LRGS have qualified for a place at the School via the 11+ examination. A few boys with visual, hearing or mobility needs have LSA support. Mentoring support, either from staff or senior boys, is available for all junior pupils.

Updated Sep 2025
1.2 %
Students with a SEN EHCP UK mainstream school avg. 2.7%
12.1 %
Students with SEN support UK mainstream school avg. 12.9%

SEN conditons supported

Schools report the conditions they might be able to support. Please note, this may not be a complete list. Find out more.

Conditions (Might cover/be referred to as) Provision
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder Aspergers, Autism, High functioning autism, Neurodivergent, Neurodiversity, Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), Social skills Yes
HI - Hearing Impairment Yes
MLD - Moderate Learning Difficulty Learning needs
MSI - Multi-Sensory Impairment Sensory processing
OTH - Other Difficulty/Disability Downs Syndrome, Epilepsy, Genetic, Tics, Tourettes
PD - Physical Disability
PMLD - Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulty Complex needs, Global delay, Global developmental delay
SEMH - Social, Emotional and Mental Health Anxiety, Complex needs, Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA), Mental Health
SLCN - Speech, Language and Communication Selective mutism
SLD - Severe Learning Difficulty Complex needs
SpLD - Specific Learning Difficulty Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Auditory processing, Developmental Co-ordination Difficulties (DCD), Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Handwriting Yes
VI - Visual Impairment Special facilities for Visually Impaired

Ofsted reports

From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections of state-funded schools.

Full inspection: Good

You can read full reports on the Ofsted website

Personal development Outstanding
Quality of education Good
Behaviour and attitudes Outstanding
Leadership and management Good
Sixth form provision Outstanding
Our data explained
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