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.

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

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

Buildings

Launching 6th May 2025

School Life

School Life & Traditions

Launching 13th May 2025

War

War

Launching 23th May 2025

Royal Heritage

Royal Heritage

Launching 27th May 2025

Academic

Academic

Launching 3rd June 2025

The Arts

The Arts

Launching 10th June 2025

Sport

Sport

Launching 17th June 2025

Co-Curricular

Co-Curricular

Launching 24th June 2025

People

People

Launching 1st July 2025

Impact

Impact

Launching 8th July 2025

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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Share Your Memories

We will be sharing lots of stories from the history of the school over the next year, but we also want to hear from you.

If you have RGS stories or memories you would like to share with us, please do get in touch with us by email, or using the form below.
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Nominate an Inspiring Old Novo

Throughout our quincentenary we want to highlight the lives and impact of our Old Novocastrians, who are an essential part of our RGS community.
 
Please nominate your inspiring Old Novo below, both former staff members and students are included.

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:

Art Private View 2025
Art Private View
Friday 2nd May 2025
The Art Department invite you to come and view and celebrate the amazing work of our students.
Join Us about Art Private View 2025
RGS500 Founder's Service
RGS Founder's Service 
Wednesday 15th October 2025
We are delighted to extend an invitation to our wider community for our extra special Founder's Service.
Join Us about RGS500 Founder's Service
RGS500 Festival
RGS 500 Festival
Saturday 28th June 2025
We would love you to join us in a glorious culmination of all that we are and do at this year’s RGS Festival. 
Join Us about RGS500 Festival
RGS500 Garden Party
RGS 500 Garden Party
Saturday 21st June 2025
Join us for a fabulous relaxed night of celebration for RGS parents and Old Novos.
Join Us about RGS500 Garden Party
RGS500 ONA Dinner Newcastle
RGS 500 ONA Dinner Newcastle
Friday 10th October 2025
 Join us for a fabulous opportunity to catch up with old friends and celebrate our quincentenary!
Join Us about RGS500 ONA Dinner Newcastle
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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