By Geoffrey Stanford, Headmaster, RGS Newcastle
Rarely does a single day capture both the heritage and the future of a school. The recent visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh proved to be one such occasion,bringing our year of Quincentenary celebrations to a meaningful close.
On Tuesday 16 June 2026, there was a palpable sense of occasion. From our youngest pupils in Year 3, proudly lining the pavements and waving flags, to the many students who had the opportunity to meet The Duke, the warmth of the welcome reflected the spirit of our school community. What stood out most was the time His Royal Highness took to speak with pupils about their interests, ambitions and experiences with genuine curiosity and encouragement.
The visit was not only a celebration of 500 years of RGS but also of the values that continue to shape us. In meeting students from our partner schools, observing lessons and hearing about the impact of our partnership and bursary programmes, The Duke saw first-hand our enduring commitment to widening opportunity. These principles have guided the school for centuries and remain central to our purpose today.
Music, as ever, brought the community together. Our Junior School pupils delivered a joyful and confident performance, followed by the whole school’s rendition of Triumphans, which served as a powerful reminder of the shared traditions and sense of belonging that unite generations of RGS students.
Addressing students and staff, The Duke said: “I am delighted to join you in marking this special day. It has been a pleasure speaking with so many of you and hearing about your interests, achievements, and future ambitions… I wish you all every success for the future, whatever you choose to do.”
There were also quieter, reflective moments. In the RGS Archive, His Royal Highness met members of the Junior History Society and viewed The Great Charter of 1600, the school’s own “Magna Carta”, which granted RGS its Royal designation and is rarely displayed.
Twisha D and Hannah T in Year 12 invited the Duke to sign a new visitor book for the school, which they had illustrated using calligraphy. They said: “It was wonderful to meet His Royal Highness. He took time to speak with everyone and was very complimentary about the design. It was a real privilege to have his signature as the first entry in the book.”
As the school’s Quincentenary celebrations draw to a close, the royal visit provided a fitting tribute to 500 years of learning, opportunity and service.
For the students who shared their stories, the youngest pupils who lined the pathways waving flags, and the wider school community gathered for this historic occasion, it was a day that will remain part of RGS Newcastle’s story for generations to come.
www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk
