Our Quincentenary
1525 - 2025

2025 marks 500 years since the founding legacy of the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle.

Half a millennium later, we are delving into our rich history to share treasured artefacts, beloved stories and to celebrate all that generations of our RGS community have achieved.

Explore below our founding legacy and history, our BIG birthday celebrations, and discover how you can be a part of our 500th anniversary.

Our History

Delve into our rich history which started during the reign of King Henry VIII and continues to unfold today within the school’s corridors. Click below to explore our chosen 10 themes:

Buildings

School Life

War

Royal Heritage

Triumphans

Many RGS students may not know that we have a traditional school song. Triumphans, first performed in 1913, which remains a cherished anthem for Old Novocastrians.

On Wednesday 19th March 2025, during the RGS 500 Choir and Orchestra Concert at The Glasshouse, we unveiled a newly adapted version of the school song, which you can listen to below.

Initially composed by Music Master Frederick Smallwood with lyrics by historian John B Brodie, the song honours our heritage and Newcastle’s motto, Fortiter Defendit Triumphans.

For our quincentenary, English teacher Mrs Lucy Stadward, with support from RGS Diversity, has re-written the lyrics to reflect our evolving school community. Meanwhile, ON Elliott Park has reinvigorated the music, ensuring Triumphans continues to inspire.

FORTITER DEFENDIT TRIUMPHANS!

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1525, Our Founding Legacy

In 1525, Thomas Horsley wrote his will and pledged his estate to fund a grammar school.

Our Founding Legacy

Find out more about our founder and the early establishment of the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Royal Grammar School.

our Foundations

 

RGS Timeline    1525-2025

Explore the history of the Newcastle upon Tyne Royal Grammar School

Get Involved

We warmly welcome all RGS students, staff, families, Old Novocastrians, partner schools and the wider region to join the 500 festivities.

From sharing your memories, to joining us at a special event, there are lots of ways to take part. 

RGS Celebrates
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Submit Your Memories

Throughout our quincentenary year we asked for submissions of memories of RGS, from Old Novos, parents, former and current staff and students. We received lots of submissions - a huge thank you to everyone who shared them with us. 
 
Whilst the official quincentenary forms have closed, if you are interested in sharing your memories of school with us, please do contact our Archivist. We regularly accept written memoirs from Old Novos into the archive collections.

Events

We are delighted to announce the key forthcoming social events to which members of the RGS community are warmly invited.

Explore upcoming RGS500 events below:

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RGS500 Gives

As part of the RGS Family, there are lots of ways you can give back during our 500th year. Explore our exclusive giving clubs below, as well as our sponsorship and advertising packages.

Follow us on social media for the latest #RGS500 updates