Our Role, Our Reason, Our Response

“TALENT IS NOT RESTRICTED TO A POSTCODE,” ON THE EVENING OF THURSDAY 22ND JANUARY, NORTH EAST BUSINESS LEADERS, CHANGE‑MAKERS AND SUPPORTERS OF RGS GIVES CAME TOGETHER FOR OUR ANNUAL PHILANTHROPY DINNER.

Together, we marked the launch of our latest Impact Report within which we reflect on the challenges facing young people across the region, their unlimited potential, and how, by working together, we have already changed lives and can continue to do so.  

Bathed in candlelight, our historic Main Hall offered a truly special setting, perfectly complementing a formal dinner with a regional twist - featuring Big River Bakery, Newcastle Brown Ale, Pink Lane Bakery, as well as Ringtons tea and coffee - specially crafted by the dedicated RGS catering team.  

While guests enjoyed the Quincentenary dinner celebrations, honouring the philanthropy of our 14th Century founder, Thomas Horsley, the evening sparked meaningful conversations, as members from all corners of the RGS community explored a collective ambition to create greater social mobility for all young people.  
 

Our Role   
Our Headmaster, Mr Stanford, opened the evening by outlining the role RGS plays and the vital support RGS Gives provides young people across the region.  

He shared that as a school, we believe in the infinite potential of our region. We believe in inspiring young people and equipping them with the confidence, opportunities and support they need to make a positive contribution to society.  

Supported by the Chair of the RGS Bursary Campaign and the Director of Partnerships, Mr Stanford outlined how, through RGS Gives and the conviction of our community, we drive real and lasting change in the North East - the ripples of which are felt locally, nationally and globally, now and for generations to come. 

"Through the combination of RGS Bursaries and RGS Partnerships, we are all helping to shape a future where it is ability and potential that can define a child’s path. By being here tonight, each of you are supporting work that will truly change lives."  

Our Reason   
Every child who dreams of shaping their future. Every family that hopes for opportunity. Every community that believes in something better. They are our reason.  

RGS student performances truly brought life at RGS to the fore throughout the evening and showcased just how talented and inspiring our young people are.  

Thank you to all of our performers, including the cast of 'Bugsy Malone' (Y9), James B (Y8) and Shuquan G (Y10), our captivating pianist and cellist, as well as Jesdina D's (Y13) showstopping performance of Jeanine Tesori and Dick Scanlan's ‘The Girl in 14G’.  

While reflecting on our reason, Jan Browne, RGS Head of Bursary Support, shared her experience working directly with our bursary families.  

"Every day, I have the honour of working closely with our bursary families. It’s not an exaggeration to say that I smile, laugh, hug, and often cry with them on a regular basis. Every day, I see the difference your generosity makes to their lives. It’s extraordinary." 

Our Response   
As the evening drew to a close, our Director of External Relations, Susan Beck, shared our response, the actions ahead, and the ways in which guests could play a vital role in supporting our charitable aims. 

While we celebrated 500 years of RGS, 500 RGS bursaries that have changed hundreds of lives and 14,000 partnership beneficiaries - from communities across the North East - we want to do more, open RGS to more bright and talented children.   

"The power to change a life does not sit only with institutions, grand gestures or huge fortunes. It sits with people. It sits in intentional acts of kindness, in choices we make, to be a gateway for someone else."  

Click here to read our Impact Report to find out more about our transformational RGS Bursaries and RGS Partnership campaigns. 

Find out more about the RGS Bursaries and RGS Partnerships campaigns.