Colchester Royal Grammar School

Inspection report for boarding school: Colchester Royal Grammar School 1 Colchester Royal Grammar School

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Inspected under the social care common inspection framework

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Information about this boarding school

This school, situated in Colchester, is a maintained school with academy status. The school caters for boys aged 11 to 18 and for boys and girls in the sixth form. The school is academically selective.

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Information about this boarding school

There are 1076 pupils on the school roll. Boarding provision for up to 30 boarders is exclusively for sixth formers. The boarding accommodation is provided in two houses, both of which are situated on the main school site. At the time of this inspection, there were 30 boarders.

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Information about this boarding school

The head of boarding has been in post since June 2024 and has substantial experience in overseeing the sixth form provision at the school. They are working towards a relevant qualification in the management of boarding.

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Information about this boarding school

The inspectors only inspected the social care provision at this school.

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Overall experiences and progress of

children and young people, taking into account

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outstanding

How well children and young people are helped and protected outstanding

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outstanding

The effectiveness of leaders and managers outstanding

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outstanding

The boarding school provides highly effective services that consistently exceed the standards of good. The actions of the school contribute to significantly improved outcomes and positive experiences for children and young people.

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outstanding

Overall judgement at last inspection: good Inspection report for boarding school: Colchester Royal Grammar School 2 Date of last inspection: 7 March 2023 Inspection report for boarding school: Colchester Royal Grammar School 3

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outstanding

Inspectors met the majority of boarders during the inspection. Boarders at this school benefit from an exceptional boarding provision they greatly value. Boarders are self-motivated and demonstrate a strong commitment to academic success and personal development. Boarders consistently set high expectations for themselves and pursue their goals with ambition and determination. Their intelligence and drive is nurtured by dedicated staff and a well-structured boarding environment. Boarders achieve excellent examination results and a have a highly fulfilling overall school experience.

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outstanding

Boarders benefit from extended evening and weekend study opportunities. This contributes to improved academic outcomes, compared with non-boarders. Boarders unanimously speak about how boarding has enhanced their future life chances. Many boarders move onto their preferred university destinations, due to their personal success.

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outstanding

Staff respond effectively to boarder’s individual needs. Staff forge exceptionally trusting and empathetic relationships with boarders. Boarders say that they feel well- supported and understood by staff. New boarders are welcomed sensitively, with welcome packs, open days, and an organised trip to Danbury helping them settle and form important friendships.

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outstanding

For some individual boarders, the support from staff and the strong commitment of school leaders towards inclusion and resilience has been truly transformative. These boarders have overcome substantial challenges and difficult personal circumstances to achieve both academic success and individual growth. Their progress is a direct result of the dedicated support provided by staff.

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outstanding

There is a whole-school approach to trauma-informed practice. Staff are trained in being alert to signs of concern among boarders. Staff respond with informed, one-to- one support. These discussions are sensitively delivered and linked to further well- being services. This ensures that boarders receive the care and guidance that they need to thrive.

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outstanding

Staff provide a varied range of enrichment activities for boarders. These include outdoor pursuits, cultural celebrations, and organised trips. The school’s clubs and societies reflect the diverse backgrounds of boarders and promote inclusion and pride in their heritage. Staff place a strong emphasis on sports, competition, personal fitness, and musical development. This ensures that boarders are well supported to excel and enhance their individual talents.

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outstanding

Boarders develop their independence and self-determination. Boarders actively participate in volunteering in the local community, including placements at hospitals, Inspection report for boarding school: Colchester Royal Grammar School 4 primary schools, animal rescue centres, and care homes. The house matron effectively supports boarders to take greater responsibility for their daily routines and personal organisation. Consequently, boarders are more equipped with the skills and values needed for adult life.

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outstanding

Boarders have several opportunities to express their views and influence day-to-day school life. Their feedback has directly led to improvements, including increased resources in recreational rooms across the boarding houses and changes to weekend school menus.

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outstanding

Staff and school leaders deliver well-developed sessions that increase boarders’ understanding of healthy relationships, sexual health, and individual identity. School leaders work in close partnership with a women's rights working group to further strengthen the culture and ethos of the boarding provision and the wider school. Boarders said that they feel well cared for and safe when boarding. They have not experienced any form of discrimination.

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outstanding

Boarders have access to a range of trusted adults with whom they can share concerns, including boarding staff, a school counsellor, a well-being manager, and an independent listener. As a result, boarders are confident that they can speak to someone if needed.

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outstanding

Boarders’ behaviour is excellent. They are polite, respectful, and considerate towards one another, upholding high expectations and contributing positively to the school’s wider ethos.

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outstanding

All designated safeguarding leads are well-trained and demonstrate a thorough understanding of their responsibilities. Although safeguarding concerns are rare, they are addressed proactively and effectively. Staff respond promptly to ensure boarders receive the support they need. As a result, some boarders who previously faced significant challenges have overcome these and have gone on to fulfil their high potential.

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outstanding

School leaders have strengthened systems for monitoring allegations and low-level concerns about staff. Each concern is responded to appropriately in accordance with the safeguarding procedures. The improved recording systems support school leaders to have more effective oversight and analysis of concerns over time.

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outstanding

School leaders maintain excellent management of health and safety arrangements across the boarding houses. Regular, comprehensive audits and prompt remedial works ensure that standards remain consistently high. This proactive approach has contributed to the school receiving a platinum award from a recognised health and safety kitemark. Inspection report for boarding school: Colchester Royal Grammar School 5

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

School leaders are diligent, highly organised and committed to improving the boarding experience. Their dedication is clearly reflected in the progress, well-being, and achievements of the boarders.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Boarding staff feel extremely well supported in their roles. They receive regular, high- quality supervision which contributes to their professional development. Training is effectively monitored and delivered to ensure staff are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to meet the individual needs of boarders.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

School leaders have compiled a thorough self-evaluation and development plan. This sets out clear objectives to further support the enrichment of boarders’ experiences, including forging links with charity organisations and delivering targeted training for boarding staff. School leaders have a highly secure understanding of the school’s strengths and are committed to driving continuous improvements.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Governors maintain robust oversight of the boarding provision. The chair and safeguarding governor conduct regular visits and speak directly with boarders. Governors engage in reflective dialogue, seek to learn from staff, and actively consider boarders’ views on their education and care. Their findings are seamlessly integrated into the school’s wider monitoring and review systems.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

There are established arrangements for sharing information, reflection, feedback and learning with staff. Boarding staff attend well-structured team meetings that prioritise the welfare of boarders.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

Boarders, parents, and staff consistently praise the responsiveness and support from the leadership team.

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The effectiveness of leaders and managers: outstanding

There are no unmet national minimum standards or points for improvement from this inspection visit. Inspection report for boarding school: Colchester Royal Grammar School 6

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Information about this inspection

Inspectors have looked closely at the experiences and progress of children and young people using the social care common inspection framework. This inspection was carried out under the Children Act 1989 to assess the effectiveness of the service, how it meets the core functions of the service as set out in legislation, and to consider how well it complies with the national minimum standards. Inspection report for boarding school: Colchester Royal Grammar School 7

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Boarding school details

Social care unique reference number: SC018009

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Boarding school details

Headteacher/teacher in charge: John Russell

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Inspectors

Mark Anderton, Social Care Inspector (lead) Dan Williams, Social Care Inspector Inspection report for boarding school: Colchester Royal Grammar School 8 to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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Inspectors

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