OVERVIEW
Royal College, as per the Education Ministry classification, is an IAB category National School. An IAB category school has classes from Grade 1 (or at least Grade 5) up to Grade 13. It must also have an Advanced Level Science stream. A National school is managed by the Ministry of Education, as opposed to Provincial schools that are managed by Provincial Authorities.
ADMINISTRATION
As at 2010 with over 8300 students, 275 teachers and another 100 supportive staff, Royal College has a highly developed and an efficient administrative system. Decentralisation is vital for smooth management. The Principal, with assistance from the Senior Deputy Principal, manages the entire school through delegation of powers to different sectional heads - A Deputy Principal for the Primary (Grade 1 - 5) section, a Deputy Principal for the Middle-school (Grade 6 - 9), an Assistant Principal for Grade 10 and 11, and another Deputy Principal for Grade 12 and 13. Assistant Principals are also appointed to handle other specific areas - namely: Finance, Academic affairs and the Tamil medium.
CLASS STRUCTURE
Royal College has classes from Grade 1 to Grade 13. All grades conduct classes in both Sinhala and Tamil medium. The English medium was introduced to Grade 12 and 13 in 2001 and also to Grade 6 in 2002. Hence at present, Royal College has English medium classes in 3 Grades. Advanced Level grades conduct classes in Bio-Science, Physical Science, Commerce and Arts, which include languages and aesthetics. Being a government school, Royal College follows government educational policy
ADMISSION
Admission of students to Royal College is at 3 levels. Nearly 400 children are selected for admission at the Grade 1 level. Selections are strictly made in the terms of the circular issued by the Ministry of Education. The next level of admission is at Grade 6. About 225 Sinhala medium and 25 Tamil medium students are selected on the basis of the year 5 Bursaries and Placement Examination. Students hail from all corners of the island; hence it is the schools responsibility to provide accommodation for at least some of them. As hostel vacancies are limited, accommodation is provided for around 40 scholars, who will keep their places until they finish their Ordinary Level Examination. The third and final level of admission is at Grade 12. A small number of students are admitted depending on the number of vacancies based on their Ordinary Level results, sports and other achievements. Priority is also given to students who do not have Advanced Level facilities in their current schools.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Royal College boasts of an impressive infrastructure spanning over 34 acres. In addition to several long standing structural features, several new buildings have been added to the Royal College list of facilities. A complete Information Technology centre is the latest addition to the college facilities of over 10 Scientific Laboratories, Auditoriums and the like. Several new buildings have merged into the distinctively impressive architectural skyline of Royal College.
SPORTS
Royal College at present has over 25 sports. Excellent supportive facilities have helped students to excel in almost all of these. The newly built Sports Complex boasts squash courts, basketball courts and Table tennis, in addition to an international standard rugby football ground and a modern gymnasium, 2 Cricket grounds and nets, Swimming pool with diving facilities, along with Volleyball and Tennis courts are among the sports utilities within the schools immediate premises. Academic study of sports and physical training is also an integral part of the curriculum. A wide range of sporting events are held throughout the year.
CLUBS AND SOCIETIES
Royal College has over 50 active clubs and societies. These ranges from those related to academic study (Mathematics Society), to those associated with hobbies (Philatelic Society), to those linked with organisations outside college (Red Cross Society), and to those catering to the Arts (Art Circle). Most enjoy enthusiastic membership, filling the college calendar with their activities, all year round.
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