About Us
RGS is a leading independent, fully co-educational day school for students aged 7 -18 years (Years 3 to 13). We regularly lead all northern schools in national league tables and pride ourselves on academic excellence, a high level of pastoral support, involvement in a wide range of sports and other extra-curricular activities, and our commitment to bursaries and partnerships.
Admissions
Newcastle Royal Grammar School is the North East's leading Independent School.

Take a look through our website to find out more about why there's more to life at RGS!
Current Families
We understand that it is vital for you keep up to date with everything going on in school.

On these pages, you'll find everything you need to know about the day to day running of the RGS.
RGS Family
Being a member of the RGS is more than being a student at a school. It means being part of a family which includes current students, parents and staff, Old Novocastrians and the wider community.
Join Us
Want to join the RGS Family? There are plenty of ways you can get involved.
500
2025 marks 500 years since the founding legacy of the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle.

Explore our rich history, find out about our BIG birthday celebrations, and discover how you can be a part of our 500th anniversary.

In This Section

Our History & Heritage

The Newcastle upon Tyne Royal Grammar School has a long and rich history as the city's oldest institution of learning.

Although the exact date is a matter of debate, tradition has it that the school was founded in 1525 by Thomas Horsley, Mayor of Newcastle. Its first site was next to St Nicholas' Cathedral; since then it has moved five times, but it has occupied its present buildings in Jesmond since 1906.

Originally an all boys' school, RGS has grown over the centuries, welcoming its first girls into the Sixth Form in 2001 and becoming fully co-educational in 2008.

Explore 500 Years of History

2025 marks 500 years since the founding legacy of the Royal Grammar School, Newcastle.

We are delving into our rich history to share treasured artefacts, beloved stories and to celebrate all that generations of our RGS community have achieved.

Explore the 500 microsite here:

RGS Archive

Find out more about our archive collections and how you can access them.