Photograph of the 1931 Prefects [RGS Archives, ref: 79]
Prefects
It is likely that RGS has had student prefects since our earliest days. In the 16th century they would have been called ‘præpositors’ and were a common role in traditional English grammar schools.
Discover more about our earliest prefects below.
The prefect system as we know it today can be traced back 137 years. In February 1888, the NOVO student magazine reported on the introduction of twelve prefects. Their duties were:
"...to aid in preserving the discipline of the school, and to bring a wholesome moral influence to bear on the boys."
Novo, Vol III, No. 2, Feb 1888 [RGS/NOV/14]
One prefect each year would be given the title of Head of School. In the early days the aim was to obtain a Prefects’ Room in the school where there could be a Library and space for producing NOVO magazine. “It will make a Prefectship a thing to be sought after.” A Prefects Room was eventually installed in Eskdale Terrace, known as Room 5.
Prefects would be involved in meting-out discipline, which of course meant that they were not always popular with younger students. They would have had roles in the school day such as supervising students in assembly, as well as at special events such as the Lord Mayor’s visit. From the early days at Eskdale Terrace, prefects would have worn a special black gown to signify their status. This separation of uniform ended by the 1990s.
Map of the RGS Main Hall, from the 1926 School Exam Conference Booklet. In AR Laws Papers. [RGS Archives, ref: 416] ©RGS Newcastle
During the school’s wartime evacuation to Penrith, prefect’s duties were adapted:
"They are now allocated to every tutor set in the school in order to help the tutors in their work. It is the prefect’s job to make friends with everyone in his tutor set, and to interest himself in their leisure-hour occupations. The significance of this move is not perhaps generally realised: it gives the prefects something more than a general disciplinary responsibility. They each have a permanent responsibility for the happiness of some twenty boys. This is an educational experiment which will be watched with interest by other schools besides ourselves.”
Novo, Vol. L, No. 18, Dec 1940 [RGS/NOV/219]
An annual Prefect’s Dance was first mentioned in NOVO magazine in 1934, but there is evidence that they pre-dated this. We still have a special Prefect’s Dinner held every year in school for Year 13’s to celebrate the hard work of the Prefects.
In recent years, being a prefect at RGS is an important role in school and many of our Sixth Formers become prefects. A smaller group of Senior Prefects form our student leadership team, led by the two Head Prefects. They are selected by their peers and staff to take on additional roles and responsibilities. Prefects are fantastic role models for younger students in school and get involved in all areas of school life.
Invitation to the 1983 Prefects Dance [RGS Archives, ref: Acc 0243]
RGS Senior Prefects, 2025-26
Read more about our new Senior Prefects for 2025-26 here: RGS Student Leadership Team 2025/26