From Junior School to Sixth Form, Royal Grammar School Newcastle helps young people build confidence, discover their strengths and prepare for the future.
Choosing the right school is one of the biggest decisions a family will make. While academic results matter, a great education offers much more. It builds character, encourages ambition and gives young people the confidence to explore new opportunities.
At Royal Grammar School (RGS) Newcastle, this approach shapes every stage of school life. From their earliest years to Sixth Form, pupils can discover their strengths and embrace new experiences.
Building strong foundations
For 500 years, RGS has helped young people across the North East unlock their potential. Today, the school continues this tradition through academic excellence and opportunities beyond the classroom.
As a co-educational school, RGS brings boys and girls together from an early age. As a result, pupils develop confidence, mutual respect and valuable collaboration skills.
In Junior School, children learn in a nurturing environment that encourages curiosity. They can ask questions, explore new interests and develop a genuine enjoyment of learning.
The school’s four RGS Superpowers – Able, Strong, Calm and Kind – also play an important role. Together, they help pupils develop resilience, positive relationships and strong foundations for the future.
The confidence to aim high
As pupils move into Senior School, their opportunities continue to grow.
Whether competing in sport, performing on stage or joining academic societies, students can explore their interests. Volunteering also provides opportunities to develop new skills and contribute to the wider community.
Meanwhile, students become increasingly independent. They’re encouraged to take ownership of their learning and consider what they want to achieve.
Preparing for life beyond school
In Sixth Form, students can take their ambitions even further.
RGS offers one of the country’s largest independent school Sixth Forms, with 30 A-Level options. These include newly introduced courses in Business Studies and Photography, alongside BTEC Sport and Exercise Science.
Students also benefit from dedicated university and careers guidance. In addition, more than 170 co-curricular opportunities allow them to explore interests outside their studies.
As one of the region’s leading co-educational Sixth Forms, RGS prepares students for life beyond school. Its supportive environment encourages independence while reflecting the wider world.
Encouragement that makes a difference
For many students, the encouragement they receive at RGS helps them achieve more than they imagined possible.
Phoebe O, from the Class of 2026, achieved A* A* A. She subsequently secured a place to study Law at the University of Cambridge.
Reflecting on her achievement, Phoebe said: “I’m most proud of getting a Cambridge offer; I really didn’t think I’d be capable of that.”
She credits Head of Sixth Form Miss Enevoldson and her UCAS adviser, Mr Downie, with supporting her ambitions.
“I don’t think I would’ve applied to Cambridge if he hadn’t encouraged me to,” she added.
Similarly, fellow alumnus Joe O credits the school with helping him pursue his ambitions.
After achieving A* A* A* A, Joe went on to study Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey.
“They always took the time to offer help and encouragement whenever I needed it, and their positivity made a real difference to my experience at sixth form.”
However, it wasn’t only academic support that made an impression.
Joe also remembers the weekly wellbeing walks with Miss Enevoldson’s dog, Vinnie.
“The Sixth Form wellbeing walks with him on a Tuesday were always an enjoyable break from work and something I could look forward to.”
Together, these experiences highlight the importance of personal development alongside academic success.
A legacy of success
The RGS journey doesn’t end when students leave school.
Today, its alumni network includes almost 10,000 Old Novocastrians. Many have gone on to achieve success in business, sport, public service, science and the creative industries.
Among them is Team GB triathlete Kate Waugh, the school’s first female Olympian.
Other notable alumni include Jim Ryan, former President and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Varun Chandra, a senior business adviser at Number 10.
Award-winning television and film producer Leo Pearlman is another former pupil.
Together, their achievements demonstrate that success can take many different forms.
Whether students aspire to careers in medicine, engineering, business or the arts, RGS encourages them to aim high. Above all, the school aims to provide the support and opportunities needed to pursue their ambitions.
Discover the RGS difference
Families can experience the school first-hand at its Open Morning on Saturday 14 November 2026.
During the event, visitors can explore the school, meet staff and students and learn more about life at RGS.
It’s also an opportunity to discover how the school supports pupils throughout their education.
From Junior School to university and beyond, the Open Morning offers a closer look at the RGS journey.
Find out more at rgs.newcastle.sch.uk/admissions.
