Colchester Royal Grammar School (Architectural Competition)

COLCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL COMPETITION - Greater variety than is exhibited in the seventeen sets of drawings submitted for the enlargement of the Royal Grammar School at Colchester could hardly be imagined; but for the credit of the competitors it may be said that all the designs contain points of interest, and have been prepared with an eye to artistic effect as much as to convenience of plan. Fortunately, no limit was placed upon the cost, and although the design by Messrs Newman, Jacques and Round, which have been placed first by the assessor Mr T G Jackson RA is estimated at £15,651, yet it is by no means the most expensive or the most economical of those submitted. The plan is a clever one, the headmaster's house and the old schoolroom - revered for old associations' sake, convenient and architecturally satisfactory - being retained, and giving the keynote to the new work, to which they are linked up by a covered way, flanked by a new kitchen and dining hall. A porter's lodge and control gateway are arranged at the west end of the former schoolroom - now transformed into a boarders' day room - and it is carried up as a dormitory, so that a recasting of the elevation is necessary. This has been done, not only without destroying the character of the old building but  to its considerable gain,  due emphasis being given to the entrances in a truly English collegiate manner. The new work – consisting if an assembly hall, six classrooms, library, gymnasium workshop and separate science buildings – is grouped round two courts, encroaching somewhat on the old playground, bit not unduly; while all is under excellent control, giving ample opportunity for artistic effects, of which full advantage is taken.

The design placed second, by Messrs. Spalding and Spalding, is also based on two quadrangles, but is by no means so good in the matter of intercommunication, the headmaster's house, in particular, being too completely cut off from the day-school buildings. On the other hand, the control of the boarders is excellent, and provision made for an additional dormitory to be added in the future. Unfortunately, the elevations are of too modern character, out of harmony with local traditions. .... [Building News 6 March 1908 page 346-8]

Reference           Building News 6 March 1908 page 346-8 with plans and elevations of winning scheme