Royal Russell is different by design. We are a co-educational family school for children aged 3 to 18 years, with boarding and day facilities, set in 110 acres of beautiful woodland, enjoying excellent access to London and Gatwick and Heathrow airports.
Royal Russell’s motto is ‘non sibi sed omnibus’ which translates as ‘not for oneself, but for all’ and our commitment to each other is to help our happy and vibrant community to strive for their vision of success. Our extensive campus facilities and state-of-the-art technology blend effortlessly to inspire learning and personal growth.
We encourage pupils to extend their learning beyond the curriculum through enrichment activities and cultural experiences, learning together in an open community that reflects the real world and celebrates both individual and collective achievements. As a school with a truly international outlook, we are proud of our links with campuses in China, Lithuania and South Korea.
Number in school. There are 1,267 pupils in the school in total. 915 pupils are in the Senior School: 735 day pupils and 180 boarders; 270 of these are in the Sixth Form. A further 352 pupils are in the Junior School.
Admission. Pupils enter in the autumn term at the age of 11+, 13+ or 16+. Space permitting, pupils may be considered and admitted at other ages, and there is a direct entry into the Sixth Form for eligible pupils.
Curriculum. Our broad and stimulating curriculum combines to spark imaginations, inspire creative thinking and broaden horizons. We know that at Royal Russell, the best progress takes place with girls and boys learning together, problem-solving and benefitting from different interpretations, perspectives and approaches.
Facilities. Our campus provides excellent academic and sporting facilities which include a well-resourced newly refurbished School Library, a new Science block, a Performing Arts Centre, spacious areas for Art, Design Technology, Food Science and Photography, a Media Studies Suite, a multi-million pound sports complex including a full-size floodlit Astroturf pitch, three all-weather training pitches and a swimming pool. Sixth Form pupils enjoy the use of a Sixth Form Study Centre and Drapers’ Café.
Organisation. Pupils perform best when they feel secure, accepted and supported. Our pastoral approach is highly valued by our pupils and their parents and is strengthened by our House System. The houses are at the centre of school life, with each pupil allocated to one of nine houses, led by a dedicated team including a personal tutor who gets to know each child well and understand their interests, aspirations and concerns.
Games. We offer an extensive range of sports for quality participation, fitness and fun including football, hockey, cricket, netball, tennis, swimming and athletics. Badminton, basketball, table tennis, trampolining and volleyball are also played.
Music, Drama and Art. Music and Drama play a prominent role at Royal Russell. Our Performing Arts Centre is at the heart of our campus and the Drama Department is lively and dynamic, offering all pupils the opportunity to take part, both within the curriculum and as a co-curricular activity. Our thriving Music Department has a reputation for excellence, with many pupils achieving significant musical success. Pupils have opportunities to perform in many concerts with Jazz, Swing and Samba Bands, Orchestra and the Chamber Choir and Barbershop. Our Art, Photography, Media, Food and Design Technology departments nurture the creative streak in every pupil.
Careers. The Head of Careers coordinates careers advice, giving individual counselling and helping with university applications, and the School is a member of the Career Development Institute whose services are available to all pupils.
Clubs and activities. With a programme of over 100 clubs and activities, all pupils are encouraged to participate. The School’s involvement in the Model United Nations programme is renowned, with our annual International MUN conference attracting over 500 student delegates from all over the world. There is a flourishing voluntary Combined Cadet Force and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme; the Theatre Society takes advantage of the School’s proximity to London’s theatres, and the annual ski trip is always oversubscribed.
Junior School. The aim in the Junior School is to instil a lifelong love of learning with a strong academic focus and extensive range of clubs and activities. Breakfast Club and after-school care is available. The Junior and Early Years Section provides a happy, secure and purposeful environment and the majority of children transfer to the Senior School after Year 6. (For full details please see our entry in the IAPS section.) Scholarships. A number of scholarships are available each year to pupils aged 11+ to 13+, in music, drama, art or sport. Sixth Form scholarships are also awarded annually.
Fees per term (2024-2025). Senior School: Boarders £17,015 (Years 7–13); Day £8,608 (Years 7–13 inclusive of lunch). Junior School: Years 5–6 £6,485 and Years 3–4 £6,232 (inclusive of lunch, after-school clubs and supper), Reception to Year 2 £5,087 (inclusive of lunch), Nursery £2,828 to £4,711.
Religion. The school’s religious affiliation is to the Church of England but pupils of all faiths and none are welcome. Our approach to daily life is founded on Christian principles and we maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.
Charitable status. Russell School Trust is a Registered Charity, number 271907. It exists solely for the education of boys and girls.
Governors & Staff:
Board of Governors:
Chair: Mr A Merriman
Prof Ali Ansari
Olivia Bedell-Pearch
Nicholas Cobill
Peter Dawson
Dr Angelo Fernandes MBE
Michelle Grant
Cecile Halliday
Lisa Jessup
James Lacey
Andrew Lorie
Sir Philip Moor
James Penny
Nicola Rabson
Andrew Roach-Bowler
Jennifer Smith
Shirley Thompson
Senior School:
Headmaster: Mr Chris Hutchinson, BMet, FRSA
Senior Deputy Head: Mr Sam Powell
Deputy Head Learning: Mrs Clare Tovey
Deputy Head Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Sara Ward
Director of International Relations: Mr Graham Moseley, BEd Hons, MA
Director of Operations & Clerk to the Governors: Mr Neil Cufley
Senior School Registrar (Boarding): Mrs Karen Sanchez
Senior School Registrar (Day): Mrs Jo Doble