Our Vision & Ethos

We believe in inspiring young people and equipping them to make a positive contribution to society. The RGS as a school should promote excellence and is committed to raising aspiration and attainment across the North East. Our ethos and values are part of our everyday conversations across the School:

• Sense of Belonging

• Love for Learning

• Belief in each other

• Ambition to Succeed

Our Social Impact

We believe in the infinite potential of our region and are driven to raise the attainment and aspiration of young people from across the North East.

WE BELIEVE in inspiring young people and equipping them to make a positive contribution to society. We promote excellence and are committed to raising aspiration and attainment across the North East. By inspiring and nurturing hearts and minds, we can give those around us the freedom to create and shape their own futures.

WE AIM to reach young people of the north, regardless of background and circumstance: from Carlisle to Stockton-upon Tees, to Berwick-upon-Tweed and back to our heartland in the city of Newcastle.

WE WORK alongside teachers from all institutions interested in curriculum innovation, collegiality and sharing methodologies; and any parent wanting to explore a range of exciting opportunities for their children.

WE COLLABORATE with further and higher education, and businesses wishing to invest in the education and training of young people in this region.

WE GALVANISE the RGS community to give back to the North East region, to support this ambition.

WE BELIEVE TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE.

How we Deliver

RGS School

The Royal Grammar School Newcastle educates 1,330 students, including over 350 in one of the largest Sixth Forms in the independent sector. Fully co-educational for more than 20 years, RGS offers a vibrant, inclusive environment where academic excellence and personal development go hand in hand. We are proud to offer an environment where every student, regardless of their gender, background, or circumstance, can thrive.

RGS Bursaries

At RGS, bursaries are about far more than financial assistance. They are about unlocking potential, transforming lives, and opening doors to opportunity. As an independent, fee-paying school, we are proud of our long-standing tradition of offering a significant number of meanstested, fee-assisted places to students from a wide range of backgrounds.

RGS Partnerships

RGS is proud to lead a growing network of partnerships with local state schools built on a shared belief in the power of education to uplift and inspire. These collaborations are designed to break down barriers and extend high-quality teaching and learning opportunities to as many young people as possible, particularly those in disadvantaged areas.

RGS School

• 1,330 students attended RGS which would have cost the tax payer an annual c£10m if educated in the state system.

• Over 160 students regularly volunteered a total of 7,500 hours in our local community.

• 13 members of staff are Governors at local schools and 2 are Director/Trustee level.

• 35 local community groups and organisations access RGS buildings and facilities for their events and activities.

RGS Bursaries

• 90 students at RGS attended on transformational fully funded RGS Bursaries.

• 93.4% average bursary awarded, focussing our finite funds where we can make the most difference.

• 484 bursary students supported since RGS Bursaries were established in 2002.

• 193 donors gifted an incredible £1.3m throughout the academic year.

Reece Foundation - Bursary

We’re proud to partner with the Newcastle based Reece Foundation, which generously funds two means-tested Sixth Form bursaries here at RGS. These bursaries are a life-changing opportunity for students studying STEM A-Levels to join a vibrant learning community and take the first step toward a future in engineering.

Jack Lovatt

“The discipline and mindset RGS gave me shaped the person I am today and helped turn my passion into a lifelong career.”

From a student at RGS to becoming a published author and opening one of the UK’s first warehouse-style gyms, Jack Lovatt’s journey has been shaped by opportunity, resilience, and the bursary donors who helped him along the way.

Lucy Conroy

“Musical theatre is not just a career for me, it’s a calling – a fundamental part of who I am.”

Old Novo Lucy Conroy is studying for a degree in musical theatre at the prestigious Italia Conti drama school in London. She joined the Royal Grammar School on a full bursary in Sixth Form.

RGS Partnerships

• Over 10,000 students in local state school benefitted from 88 of RGS Partnership activities.

• 105 different schools across the region were involved in RGS Partnerships activities.

• Over 445 teachers received training or collaborated on curriculum development.

• Over 88 RGS Partnerships projects have taken place across Maths, Physics, Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science, Sport, Languages, Classics, Debating, UCAS Mentoring and many more.

• 3 Physics and 3 Maths trainees achieved Qualified Teacher Status and PGCE through our SCITT programme, 5 gaining jobs in state schools.

“I would love to take this opportunity to embed Lego Education into St Michael’s to give my pupils more experience of programming and robotics as I have been inspired by what you have done at RGS.”

St Michael’s, Elswick

“We’ve taken part in RGS swimming galas for two years in a row and participated in the Big Sing event at St James’ Park. These events have provided great experiences for our pupils.”

Waverley Primary School

“The expertise and subject knowledge we gain, especially in computer science, is invaluable. It helps us prepare the children for secondary school and ensures they have the necessary skills. These events provide opportunities that might inspire them and break down misconceptions about different schools and subjects.”

Westall Primary School

“Thank you so much for having us. I know that our Year 4s have absolutely loved coming to RGS for their swimming lessons this term – the progress they have made is phenomenal.”

Lemington Riverside Primary School

RGS Gives

The incredible work highlighted in this Social Impact report is possible only because of the generosity of individuals, trusts, foundations, and corporate partners who believe in our mission.

The Giving Clubs

500 Club

Celebrate our 500th anniversary with a gift of £500. Your support marks this historic milestone and ensures our legacy continues for centuries more.

Quincentenary Club

Mark 500 years since Thomas Horsley’s visionary gift by contributing £1,525. Join a tradition of generosity that began in 1525 and help shape the future of our region.

Horsley Society

Leaving a legacy gift to RGS is a powerful expression of trust in the future. It’s an enduring investment in generations to come, honouring the life-changing impact of education. A gift in your will, or in memory of someone special, will be permanently inscribed on a stone plaque facing Eskdale Terrace, creating a lasting tribute to your commitment and our shared values.

Our Supporters

The following individuals and organisations have been made Fellows of the Royal Grammar School Educational Trust by the Governors of RGS due to their commitment and substantial support in making a difference to less advantaged children and their families:

Sutherland Society members

• Cristine and Brian Daglish • Jim Ryan • Reece Foundation • Hospital of St Mary the virgin • Peter and Wuliang Walker • The Catherine Cookson Charitable Trust

Fellows of the RGS

• Adam Applegarth • Brian Ritchie  • Crispian Strachan • David Houseman • Dr Bernard Trafford • Garfield Weston Foundation • Guy Readman • James FX Miller • Julie Drummond • Louis Taylor • The Windward Trust • Paul Walker • Percy Hedley 1990 Charitable Trust • Philip Snowden • Richard Metcalfe • Roger A Pattie • Squires Foundation • Susan and David Ratliff • The Advani family • The Benfield Motors Charitable Trust • The Farthing Settlement • The Reece Foundation  • The Ridley Family Charitable trust • The Sir James Knott Trust • William R Eden

Our RGS Partnerships Supporters

• Beamish • British Engines • Classics for All • Cyber First • Digital Schoolhouse • HMCK Charity • Lego Education • Newcastle University • Northumbria University • Schools North East • St. Nicholas Educational Trust • Stagecoach • TICE • TSG • The Common Room • Reece Foundation • Tyne & Wear Achives & Museums • Virgin Money Foundation