Colchester Royal Grammar School's boarding is inspected

Inspectors from the education watchdog focused on the school’s boarding provision which caters for up to 30 students who learn at CRGS’ sixth form.

They rated the boarding offer, which is run from two separate houses, as good after the two day inspection in March.

It follows a turbulent period for the Lexden Road school after a shock Ofsted report rated it inadequate.

Improvement - Colchester Royal Grammar School (Image: Newsquest)

The Ofsted report found school bosses had not ensured boys understood “how to interact appropriately” with girls and certain areas had become a “hostile environment” for pupils.

The new report, published this week, said the school's boarding provision is leading the way.

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The report reads: “Boarders say they feel well cared for and have not experienced sexism, racism or homophobia.

“Boarders understand that any student acting in ways that prejudice others will be dealt with appropriately by staff.

Head teacher - John Russell (Image: Newsquest)

“Senior leaders provide a clear message to the student body that discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.”

Inspectors Lianne Bradford and Jamie Cousins said the academic achievements of the boarders are “exceptional”, with some going on to study at Oxford University and Cambridge University.

But they told school leaders they must make sure allegations made by pupils are recorded with sufficient detail going forward.

Concerns were also raised about staff not being fully aware of what medicine boarders have in their rooms and therefore if they were stored safely.

Turbulent - Colchester Royal Grammar School has gone through a testing period (Image: Newsquest)

Reacting to the report, head teacher John Russell said: “I would like to applaud our boarding staff and students for what they are collectively achieving.

“There is a real sense of family and community across our two boarding houses – the way they look out for and support one another is heartening.

“Over recent years the whole team at CRGS has worked tirelessly to ensure that every student not only excels academically, but also is able to grow into a young person who feels comfortable with themself and respects the individuality and uniqueness of their peers.

“While this inspection focused on just a small part of the school, the outcomes and findings are a strong indicator of the overall changes that are happening across our community.”

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