IT WAS WITH GRATEFUL HEARTS WE WELCOMED PEOPLE FROM ALL CORNERS OF OUR RGS COMMUNITY TO THE ANNUAL PHILANTHROPY DINNER ON THURSDAY EVENING, WHERE WE FORMALLY LAUNCHED OUR QUINCENTENARY CELEBRATIONS.
The main hall was transformed into a magical, candlelit space, providing the perfect setting for a delicious formal dinner prepared by the RGS catering team. Guests engaged in inspiring conversations about their shared ambition to improve social mobility in the North East.
The evening also saw the unveiling of two exciting new additions to our school: the Donor Bookcase in reception and the external Donor Wall on Eskdale Terrace, both dedicated to celebrating the generosity of those who support our mission.
Adding a touch of brilliance to the night, the exceptional talents of our students took centre stage.
From the energetic Year 8 ‘Boundless Boys’ dancing around the historic table, to Tristan’s captivating Shakespearean soliloquy, and Jesdina D’s showstopping performance of Andrew Lloyd-Webber's ‘Think of Me’ to close the evening, their enthusiasm and creativity shone.
These performances highlighted the inclusive and dynamic environment we are fostering at RGS, enriched by the diversity of our bursary students, for which the school was awarded a rare ‘significant strength’ in its recent inspection.
Chair of the RGS Bursary Campaign, Nigel McMinn, eloquently set the tone for the evening with his speech, reflecting on how RGS alumni have shaped the cultural and industrial fabric of the North East. He reminded guests, however, that our work is far from over. Poverty and limited social mobility remain pressing challenges in our region, and education continues to be a powerful tool for change.
Headmaster Geoffrey Stanford shared the remarkable progress RGS has made in its mission of social impact. With over 70 partnership projects reaching 10,000 students across 100 state schools, and 90 students currently benefiting from life-changing bursaries, the evening was a powerful reminder of how our collective efforts are bridging the gap between ambition and opportunity.
One of the most moving moments came when Jan Browne, Head of Bursary Support, shared the story of a bursary pupil’s journey to RGS. It was a deeply emotional account that resonated with many of the guests, bringing tears to their eyes.
Speaking after the event, Nigel McMinn reflected: “We were really privileged to have dinner in the most exclusive restaurant in Newcastle.
“The real stars of the show were the pupils, whose performances ably demonstrated the diversity, talent, creativity, and spirit that define RGS. All of them were outstanding and a great reflection of the teaching staff.
He continued: “I have never experienced such positive goodwill from guests, with so many openly expressing their intentions to support bursaries and partnership work. A fabulous job all round.”
Every contribution to RGS Gives matters. Whether through your time, expertise, or financial support, you are helping unlock potential, open doors, and shape a brighter future for the next generation.
Find out more about the RGS Bursaries and RGS Partnerships campaigns.