Friars Grove Primary School
95%
Capacity
398
Pupils
2.0x
Demand
About Friars Grove Primary School
Friars Grove Primary School is a state-funded Does not apply primary school serving the Colchester community, welcoming children from age 5 to 11. The school has 398 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (95% of 420 places).
Ofsted has rated Friars Grove Primary School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Chris Ruck, it falls under Essex local authority.
In terms of academic performance, 48% of pupils met the expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths at KS2 — below the national average. Additionally, ranked 11157th out of 13,686 schools in England. Additionally, 41st out of 51 in Colchester.
Friars Grove Primary School is a popular choice with families — it received 107 applications for 54 places, making it 2.0x oversubscribed. Of these, 47 were first-preference applications.
Friars Grove Primary School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is overwhelmingly positive, with 97% recommending the school (133 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 7 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 4 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Friars Grove Primary School include ICT Suite, Gymnasium, Art Studios, Playing Fields, Dining Hall, Library, Music Rooms, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Gymnastics, Dance, Swimming, Netball and 1 more, as well as clubs including Chess, Science Club, Coding, Art Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 19.8%, which is below the national average for primary schools in England.
For families exploring primary schools in Colchester, Friars Grove Primary School is one of the options available in the East of England region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Primary (State) |
| Age Range | 5 to 11 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Upland Drive, Colchester, Colchester, CO4 0PZ |
| Headteacher | Chris Ruck |
| Local Authority | Essex |
| Number of Pupils | 398 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 19.8% |
| School Capacity | 398 / 420 (95% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
12 Jul 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (12 Jul 2023): School remains Good
Source: Ofsted, 14 Nov 2013. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths (48%)
11157th of 13,686
Nationally
1242nd of 1,612
In East of England
41st of 51
In Colchester
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE KS2 Reading, Writing & Maths data
KS2 SATs Results
2023/24Reading, Writing & Maths Combined
48%
Expected Standard
2%
Higher Standard
'22/23
52%
'23/24
48%
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. National expected standard benchmark is around 65%.
Ofsted Parent View
133 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
11Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed54
107
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
47 families put this school as their 1st choice (44% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Friars Grove Primary School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
How to Choose a Primary School
Step-by-step guide to choosing the right primary school
KS2 SATs Explained
A parent's guide to Year 6 SATs and how results are reported
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Contact Information
Upland Drive, Colchester
Colchester, CO4 0PZ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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