RGS tartan sample for new girls' uniform, Marton Mills (2005) [RGS Archives, ref: Acc 0125]
RGS & Co-Education
Some traditions have stood the test of time, while others are rightly left in the past. One of the most transformative moments in the history of RGS was the decision to become a co-educational school in 2001. This marked a significant departure from over 450 years of tradition, as RGS began welcoming girls into its community for the first time since its founding in the 16th century.
A Boy's School
When RGS was founded, its primary goal was to provide the boys of Newcastle’s emerging middle class with a classical education. In the 16th century, the education of girls from similar social backgrounds was likely to have taken place in the home, and would not be intended to prepare them for a university education.
The Georgian period saw the development of ‘dame schools’ or similar for girls, where the aim was to prepare girls for life in the home, as wives and mothers. It was not until the late Victorian era when educational opportunities for girls increased, especially with developments such as the 1880 Education Act which made it compulsory for all children aged 5 to 10 to attend school.
Most schools would not have been mixed in the 16th and 17th centuries. The oldest co-educational school in the world is thought to be Archbishop Tenison’s CE High School in Croydon, opened in 1715.
In this context, RGS Newcastle’s tradition of single-sex education for boys was far from unusual. For centuries, only male ‘masters’ were responsible for teaching at the school, and it’s believed that the first female teacher, Grace Burns, wasn’t appointed until 1917, when she taught in the Junior School.
RGS Yearbook 2002, back cover ©RGS Newcastle
"The last year at the RGS, however, has been particularly special; when historians come to write the next history of the school, 2001 will receive special mention"
James FX Miller, Headmaster’s Report, 2001 Yearbook.
The Move to Co-Education
The idea of co-education at RGS began to take shape in the late 20th century, as conversations among the school’s Governors started to gain momentum. A few years after Headmaster James FX Miller’s appointment in 1994, the decision to transition to co-education was set in motion. In November 2000, the change was officially announced during the school’s annual prize-giving ceremony.
The process was thorough and thoughtful, involving consultations with staff, students, parents, and Old Novocastrians. While some opposition was voiced, the overall response was positive, with widespread support for the change. Multiple working groups were set up to consider all aspects of the transition, from facilities adjustments to ensuring a smooth integration for girls into the RGS community. A new role, that of Senior Mistress, was created and filled by English teacher Hazel Jones-Lee, whose responsibility was to oversee the complex internal processes involved in welcoming girls to RGS.
In September 2001, the first cohort of girls joined the RGS Sixth Form, and over the following years, girls were gradually introduced into other year groups. By 2008, RGS became fully co-educational across all year groups.
ONA Magazine cover, Issue 61, Autumn 2001 ©RGS Newcastle
"And how well did the girls do? Outstandingly well. The 21 girls concerned averaged 82% A and 97% AB! If they had been a separate group in the national league tables, they would have come in the top three nationally.”
James FX Miller, on the academic results of the first cohort of girls, Headmasters Report, 2003 Yearbook
The Co-Educational RGS Today
Fast forward to today, and girls make up around 44% of the total student population at RGS. The 2021/22 Upper Sixth Form marked a milestone as the first RGS year group to consist of slightly more girls than boys.
The transition to co-education has undoubtedly shaped the school into the dynamic and inclusive community it is today, paving the way for future generations of students to thrive—together.
Read all about co-education in our special issue of the ONA Magazine, celebrating 20 years of the first girls at RGS: ONA Magazine Issue 110, Autumn 2021
Stained-glass window, celebrating 20 years of co-education in 2021. Housed in the RGS Library.