Royal Russell School

Since 2011, Chris Hutchinson BMet Sheffield, PGCE Cambridge, FRSA. His teaching career started at Clifton College in Bristol, where he was head of physics and a housemaster, moving on to Wellington College as head of science and assistant director of

From 3+ children are invited to attend an informal play session for entry into the nursery, the majority then move smoothly through to reception at 4+ when a few more join the school. Another 20 places available at year 5, taster days and maths and

Majority of prep pupils move onto the senior school, a handful to other local schools. At 16+ a few might choose to go to local sixth form colleges to study vocational courses. At 18+, most move on to universities, apprenticeships or degree

In 2024 61 per cent 9 – 7 at GCSE: 42 per cent A*/A at A-level (70 per cent A* – B).

Royal Russell offers every pupil a bespoke educational pathway with 24 subject choices and a host of co-curricular options and adventures. Class sizes up to 20 in the junior school, rising to 22 - 24 in the senior school; smaller class groups for

SENCO and two specialist teachers have experience of working with pupils with sensory issues, learning differences and some neurodiverse conditions but nothing severe. They provide advice and guidance for strategies and assist those who need

Lively drama in both junior and senior school, everyone gets an opportunity to try their hand at acting, directing, sound or lighting technician, set designing, costume making and to develop their public speaking skills. Royal Russell is always keen

Virtually every game and sport major and minor you can think of on offer, from cricket to croquet, trampolining to triathlons. Superb floodlit Astro pitches, well maintained tennis and netball courts and even their own cross-country track in the

On their arrival boarders are given a school mascot, Roary, a soft and cuddly lion to help them settle in. Younger ones share rooms, single study bedrooms for sixth formers. Relaxed, comfortable atmosphere, each house has its own games room, sitting

Understanding the whole child is at the centre of pastoral care; pastoral staff continuously update their knowledge and training and sixth formers are given safeguarding training. Health and well-being centre on site where pupils can access doctors,

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

Good number of locals from Croydon and environs, thanks to handy transport links (ten minutes from east Croydon station by tram); older pupils come from further afield. Attracts a diverse group of professionals, some entrepreneurial types, fellow

Not a particularly well-heeled school, no large endowments but lots of active fundraising. The school is able to offer means tested bursaries, some up to 100 per cent. Scholarships available for academic, sports, music and drama, at 11+, 13+ & 16+.

Happy, eager and busy people, buzzy feeling all over, something going on round every corner, indoors and out. Remains a leader in value-added. Inclusive, family friendly, dog friendly, heavenly grounds, what’s not to like….