The people who have been part of our story have gone on to have impact and influence in local politics, governance, law, industry, medicine, the arts, education and culture. Their early education at our school gave them the tools to achieve in their careers, making their mark on the world. Perhaps most importantly, those who have benefitted from being part of our community share a sense of responsibility for giving back. The philanthropic spirit that built RGS has endured. Our founder, Thomas Horsley (1462-1545), embodied civic responsibility and established the foundations of the catalyst of goodwill that is known at the Royal Grammar School Newcastle today. At the core of this legacy is the remarkable Bursary campaign and the ground-breaking Partnership programme. 

As we celebrate our quincentenary, the school's ambition of social impact remains front and centre to everything we do. We believe in the infinite potential of our region and we are driven to raise the attainment of young people from across the North East.

Read on to discover the breadth of our impact.

• Learn about the history of Newcastle and how philanthropy has played a vital role in its development.
• Explore our digital map of the North East, showing iconic places in the region which have direct links to Old Novocastrians. 
• Uncover the impact of our Bursary Scheme, with stories from bursary students and those who generously give.
• Find out about all the different areas of our Partnerships work, from rugby to mathematics, and beyond.
• Read about the early establishment of Voluntary Service for RGS students, from Dr Hazel Jones-Lee.