Inside the UK's Independent School of the Year: The Royal Grammar School, Newcastle
As Royal Grammar School, Newcastle, approaches its quincentenary in 2025, the city's oldest learning institution is preparing to open its doors to prospective families next Saturday (16th November 2024)
Few schools can claim a 500-year history. While RGS honours its traditions, it is not bound by them, as the school is committed to delivering a modern holistic education informed by its students’ voices. This is why RGS is the North East’s Independent School of the Year – consistently topping the regional table for academic excellence. Last year it was also named UK Independent School of the Year.
The fully co-educational school prides itself on attracting students from across the region, creating a vibrant and dynamic culture. The community has a strong sense of belonging, which fosters a belief in each other, inspires a love of learning and encourages an ambition to succeed. Opportunities are vast, and support is extensive, with each student encouraged to immerse themselves in everything life at RGS has to offer
Life Changing Academic Results
From Junior School to Sixth Form, RGS prepares students for their next steps. State-of-the-art facilities enable staff to utilise modern technology and provide a stimulating environment to enhance learning and teaching.
The school’s commitment to providing a rigorous and inspiring academic education paid dividends over the summer as RGS’ Class of 2024 achieved exceptional outcomes, with 91.1 percent of grades at A*–B, 70.3 percent at A*–A, and 36.9 percent of grades at A*. Notably, 20 students achieved straight A* grades, while 79 earned all A* or A grades.
Over three quarters of this year’s leavers are headed to Russell Group Universities, and the courses students are studying vary enormously, from Aerospace Engineering to Egyptology, from Law to Landscape Architecture, and from Theoretical Physics to Zoology.
Education Beyond the Classroom
At RGS, students can choose from over 170 co-curricular activities across the Junior School, Senior School and Sixth Form. These range from traditional pursuits like sports, music, and drama to more niche interests such as Dungeons & Dragons, knitting, DJing, and electronic dance music (EDM).
The school believes in a holistic approach that nurtures not only academic success but also the personal development of every student.
No matter what your child is passionate about, the staff ensure there’s a space for them to thrive.
While it may seem tricky to balance schoolwork with so many exciting activities, RGS has found that students who are active in co-curricular activities often perform better academically. Being busy helps students to develop essential life skills, from self-awareness to decision-making and self-organisation.
Unlocking Students’ Athletic Capabilities
Sports at the co-educational school are viewed as a fundamental vehicle for developing lifelong skills, character, and resilience.
Unlocking students’ athletic capabilities – and above all, fostering a love for daily movement, whether through rugby, netball, cricket or dance – is something in which RGS excels. From early morning until late afternoon, RGS students fill the school's state-of-the-art facilities, taking full advantage of all that is on offer.
The aim of the school's sports programme is to encourage students to try everything and help them to find a sport they love, a team that empowers them, and the drive to aspire to become the best version of themselves.
Wellbeing: The Empathetic Pillar of Education
Pastoral care is another cornerstone of RGS’s holistic approach. Student wellbeing is embedded throughout school life, from dedicated form supervisor and allocated tutor, to easy access to the school medical team and counsellors who work together to help students reach their full potential.
For students with particularly full schedules, such as student-athletes, RGS monitors their workload to ensure a healthy balance. The school works closely with parents and coaches to keep everything on track, making sure students are supported in both their academic, co-curricular and sporting commitments.
RGS is a place where aspirations are high, results are outstanding, and opportunities are boundless. Throughout our history, the school's alumni have gone on to shape the world, a testament to the transformative experiences provided within and beyond the classrooms.
Whether you are applying for Junior School or deciding if Sixth Form is the best path for your child in 2025, RGS’s 500-year legacy of nurturing student success offers the perfect foundation to inspire your child’s next chapter and unlock their bright future.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear what students enjoy most about RGS and tour its state-of-the-art facilities by visiting their open morning on Saturday 16th November 2024, 9.30am–12.30pm. Located opposite Jesmond Metro station, the school is easily accessible by excellent transport links throughout the region. Fee assistance is also available.
