News from the School - with thanks to Kate Stubbs, Marketing & Communications Manager, Alumnae Co-ordinator & Archivist
Colchester Grammar Sixth @ Colchester County High School for Girls
From September, 2027, the Sixth Form at CCHSG will be co-educational, and known as Colchester Grammar Sixth @ CCHSG. The refreshed identity will not change our school's character, thos, or values; instead, it will give our Sixth Form a clearer, more distinctive identity, that reflects both our heritage and future ambitions. The CCHSG Sixth Form has a proud record of
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academic excellence, outstanding pastoral support, and exceptional preparation for students' next steps. The transition into Sixth Form is a significant stage in students' education, marked by greater independence, deeper academic study, and increased responsibility. We want to reflect this distinctive experience, and inspire pride, purpose, and belonging.
The new design honours our history and traditions. The shield and three seaxes reflect our Essex heritage and our history as a grammar school, since 1909, while the battlement-style crown represents Colchester and the strong foundations built through more than a century of academic excellence. The design also looks confidently ahead. The owl represents wisdom and knowledge, while laurel leaves symbolise growth and achievement. Together, these elements create an identity that is rooted in tradition, and forward-looking.
At the heart of the design are 6 values we want every student to experience and demonstrate:
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Heritage - honouring the traditions, history and values that shape who we are today
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Wisdom - thinking deeply, making informed decisions, and embracing lifelong learning
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Scholarship - striving for academic excellence through curiosity, dedication, and a love of learning
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Community - building an inclusive and supportive environment, in which everyone belongs and contributes
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Leadership - leading with confidence, integrity and a commitment to making a positive difference
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Ambition - setting high standards, embracing opportunities, and reaching for one's full potential
These values already shape our Sixth Form. The refreshed identity will bring them together in a clear and recognisable way for students, families, universities, employers, and the wider community. Most importantly, the refreshed identity expresses community and belonging. Our Sixth Form remains central to the wider school, with students actively contributing through mentoring, leadership, enrichment, and support.
This development is about more than a new name, or a visual identity. It is a vital opportunity to express what our Colchester Grammar Sixth stands for: academic excellence, wisdom, curiosity, principled leadership, inclusive community, and ambition. Our grammar school heritage gives us strong roots; our refreshed Colchester Grammar Sixth identity will help students spread their wings.