by Geoffrey Stanford, Headmaster, RGS Newcastle.
As we reflect on our Quincentenary academic year – during which we celebrated 500 years of education, innovation, and service to the North East – we have much to be proud of as a school community.
Named Independent Senior School of the Year by Tes School Awards 2025.
Rated ‘Very Good’ in The Telegraph’s Best Value Private Schools guide – the highest rating in the North East.
Recognised in our recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report for having a “significant strength” in our support for diversity.
Awarded a Platinum Award by Alps Education for A-Level results in the top 10% nationally for value added, and GCSE results in the top 1% relative to students of equivalent ability elsewhere.
Expanding our A-Level offer with two exciting new subjects from September 2026.
These accolades and developments are not just milestones; they are a testament to our enduring commitment to excellence, diversity, and opportunity.
Award winning
The TES award is a tremendous honour, and it reflects the dedication of our entire community who work together to make RGS a truly exceptional place to learn and grow. This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects three core strengths of our school: commitment to diversity, exceptional academic value added, and the scale of our impact across the North East through our partnership programme.
Our recent Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection report reinforced this by highlighting our support for diversity as a “significant strength”- a validation of our belief that education should be inclusive, accessible, and transformative for every child.
Where value meets excellence
As if this were not enough reason to celebrate, in the Autumn Term 2025, RGS Newcastle was rated ‘Very Good’ in The Telegraph’s Best Value Private Schools guide – the highest rating in the North East. This recognition reflects what matters most to families:
Outstanding academic results
Exceptional facilities and opportunities
An education that delivers real value and lasting impact
Academic distinction
We are also proud to have received a Platinum Award from Alps Education, recognising our A-Level results as being in the top 10% nationally for value added relative to equivalent calibre students elsewhere, and our GCSE results in the top 1% nationally for the second consecutive year.
This achievement reflects the exceptional progress our students make during their time at RGS and the dedication of our teaching staff to support every learner in reaching their full potential.
Unrivalled choice
At a time when many students are finding that A-Level options are being reduced, we are delighted to be expanding ours with the introduction of Business Studies and Photography from September 2025.
These changes take the total number of Sixth Form qualifications offered at RGS to an impressive 30, making it the broadest range of A-Level options available in North East independent schools. This expansion reinforces our belief that breadth of choice empowers students to pursue their passions while preparing them for success in higher education and beyond.
Looking ahead
While we have much to celebrate, each of these accolades and developments is a reminder of our responsibility and that, as a school, we can’t rest on our laurels. Moving forward into our next 500 years, we will continue to champion diversity, deliver exceptional teaching, and strengthen our partnerships, because these are the foundations of a school that truly makes a difference.
To our students: this achievement belongs to you. Your curiosity, creativity, and resilience inspire us every day. To our staff: thank you for your unwavering commitment and care. And to our families: thank you for believing in our vision and supporting our journey.
Here’s to the next chapter – one where we keep striving, keep innovating, and keep making a positive impact for young people in the North East.
Find out how there’s More to Life at RGS Newcastle. www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk