Friars Grove Primary School, Colchester

In its own words: "When children start their school life at Friar's Grove, we aim to establish our partnership with parents straight away."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Welcome to Friar's Grove Primary School, where our heartfelt ambition is to empower every pupil to flourish - academically, socially, and personally - in a nurturing and inclusive environment. At Friar's Grove, our values of Ambition, Integrity, and Respect guide all that we do."

The school runs after-school care.

Coming up: an open day on Friday 13 November 2026, an open day on Wednesday 25 November 2026 at 6pm, an open evening on Wednesday 2 December 2026 at 9.30am and an open day on Monday 21 December 2026. Check the school's website before you go, as dates can change.

In 2025, 71% of Year 6 pupils at Friars Grove Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 71% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 78% and 76% in Essex and 77% and 75% across England.

Results were similar in 2024 (73% in reading, 73% in maths).

For September 2026 entry, 36 families put Friars Grove Primary School as their first choice and 94 named it as one of their preferences, for 43 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to Friars Grove Primary School are Willow Brook Primary School and Nursery (0.4 miles, Good, 80% reading, 77% maths); Parsons Heath Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School (0.5 miles, Good, 66% reading, 59% maths); St John's Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School, Colchester (0.5 miles, Good, 88% reading, 78% maths); and Roach Vale Primary School (0.6 miles, Good, 73% reading, 70% maths).

Friars Grove Primary School's 2025 results were higher than 1 of these 4 schools.

133 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey about Friars Grove Primary School (as of September 2025): 97% would recommend the school, 99% say their child is happy there and 68% of those with a view say bullying is dealt with well.

The strongest agreement was that their child is happy at the school (99%); the weakest, that the school deals with bullying well (among parents with a view) (68%).

In 2026, 36 pupils (8.8%) received SEN support and 7 (1.7%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is social, emotional and mental health needs.

The nearest railway station is Hythe (Essex) Rail Station, about 1.2 miles away in a straight line.

15 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Cloverlands (adjacent), 120 metres away.

In August 2026, police recorded 201 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, anti-social behaviour and shoplifting. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Essex (97), as is usual near a town centre.

In 2024/25, Friars Grove Primary School issued 7 suspensions, 1.8 for every 100 pupils (the average state school: 6.3), and no permanent exclusions.

The secondary schools closest to Friars Grove Primary School are Colchester Academy (0.8 miles), The Gilberd School (1 mile) and The Trinity School (1 mile).