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!
1525, Our Founding Legacy
In 1525, Thomas Horsley wrote his will and pledged his estate to fund a grammar school.
Find out more about our founder and the early establishment of the Newcastle-upon-Tyne Royal Grammar School.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Quincentenary Club
Quincentenary Club members give £1,525 during 2024-2026, in celebration of 500 years since Thomas Horsley's Will in 1525. Donations will contribute to funding transformational bursaries.
500 Club
500 Club members give £500 during 2024-2026, our 500th anniversary celebration window. Donations will contribute to funding transformational bursaries.
Sponsor Us
If you are interested in helping the school celebrate our 500-year milestone, please take a look at our Sponsorship and Advertising packages.