NOVO: A History in Print

In November 1885, an RGS institution was born. Students here published the first ever edition of the school magazine, The Novocastrian.

“...we hopefully launch our little boat on the stream, feeling confident that it will be well managed, and that each term it will arrive safely in port richly laden and duly prized.”

Novo Editorial, November 1885

The title was soon shortened and became known as NOVO. It has always been a publication written by and for students. It is a journal of record, reporting all the events and successes at the school. It has also been a place for creative writing to flourish. For some Old Novocastrians, it was the catalyst for a career in journalism.

*The Novocastrian Magazine, Vol 1, No. 1, November 1885. RGS Archives [ref: RGS/NOV/1]*

Explore the Art of Novo here

“The Novo should be, we think, a work of art. Art has been defined as significant form, and that is our highest ambition for any magazine.”

Novo Editorial, December 1932

Numerous staff members have helped to edit the magazine over the years and offered their invaluable support to the publication:

Maurice G. Robinson (staff editor 1945-66)

Raymond W. Bratt (staff editor 1966-67)

Roger A.S. Hennessey (staff editor 1967-73)

B.J. Unsworth (staff editor 1973-82)

Jeremy Thomas (staff editor 1982-2006)

Alan King (staff editor 2007-2025)

7. Matt Moore (staff editor 2025-)

A complete set of over 400 issues of NOVO are cared for by RGS Archives. They offer a fascinating insight into the life of our school over time, an unmatched research resource for our more recent history.

Long live NOVO!

Explore the digital Novo collection on the RGS Archives catalogue

Acting the Archive

In October 1894 a letter was published in the Novo student magazine. A pupil under the alias of 'I.N. Verness' wrote in to complain about the rough treatment of coats in the entrance hall - from the perspective of a coat!

Watch this dramatic rendition of the letter, produced by our Senior School Drama Club.