RGS is a city-centre school and has always been located less than a mile from the edge of Newcastle's medieval town walls.

Our proximity to the heart of Newcastle has influenced our school’s unique character and involvement in so much of civic life over five centuries.

From Churchyard to Jesmond

Newcastle's mother church of St Nicholas was our first home around 1545, in a small building in the north-east bounds of the churchyard. Over the next five centuries we have moved the main school five times, as well as having two locations for a Branch School in the 19th century.

Explore the history of our current and former sites below:

A hand drawn and engraved picture of the North East View of St Nicholas' Church

St Nicholas’ Church (Newcastle Cathedral)

Our earliest school was located in the churchyard of St Nicholas - the church which was to become Newcastle Cathedral in 1882.

The Hospital of St Mary the Virgin

Our school moved to its second home in 1607, taking over buildings of the Hospital of St Mary the Virgin on Westgate Road. We remained there until 1844.

A pen drawn sketch of a 17th century house, known as Forth Tavern. It is made up of two buildings next to each other, with arched doorways, and shuttered windows.

Forth House

The school spent four short years at Forth House, between 1844-1848. It was located roughly where Neville Street meets Central Parkway, next to Times Square.

Read More about Eskdale Terrace

RGS Locations: 1545-2025

Explore an interactive map of each of our former sites.

RGS Investigators: Bringing History to Life!

As part of our 500th celebrations, six brilliant members of our Junior HistSoc (Years 7–9) have researched, written, and starred in their very own film series - uncovering the stories behind historic items across the school.

Huge thanks to our young historians, as well as Mrs Palmer, Ms Piffero, Mrs Crowley, Mrs Watkins, and Mr Burton for making this project possible.

Watch their film to discover more about some of the oldest parts of our buildings, which our students pass every day, from these brilliant history champions!

Gone but not forgottenExplore some of our former buildings and parts of the Eskdale Terrace site, which no longer stand but may be familiar to our Old Novocastrians.

Surrounded by HistoryRGS is lucky to have so many incredible heritage objects still on proud display around our Jesmond home. Explore the history behind the treasures that students walk past every day.

RGS Underwater

Exploring the floods of 1913 and 2012 which caused huge damage in Newcastle and surrounding areas. Read on to find out how RGS was affected.

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.