Marking 500 years of academic heritage, the Royal Grammar School (RGS) Newcastle, marks its milestone anniversary with outstanding A-Level results and retaining its place as the highest performing academic independent school in the region.
Over the summer term, 164 Year 13 students secured 520 qualifications across 26 subjects – an extraordinary testament to the breadth of options at RGS.
RGS’s Class of 2025 have achieved exceptional outcomes, with 86% of grades at A*-B, 61% at A*-A1, and 24.8% of grades at A*2.
29 students achieved four A-Levels, of which five secured straight A*s.
Almost 40% of bursary students’ grades were A* while students with Special Educational Needs also outperformed the rest of the cohort, with almost 90% of grades at A*-B.
Three quarters of this year’s leavers are headed to Russell Group Universities. Nine of our students are off to Oxbridge, to read Chemistry, Classics, Design, English, Geography, History, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies and Natural Sciences.
Geoffrey Stanford, Headmaster of RGS Newcastle, expressed his pride in the students’ accomplishments: “In our 500th year, the Class of 2025 stands as a powerful symbol of RGS’s enduring legacy—one that blends academic excellence with the development of principled, compassionate individuals ready to shape the future.
“At RGS Newcastle, we believe that character matters just as much as curriculum. In every corner of school life, students are encouraged to embody values such as resilience, judgement, courage, kindness, integrity, and teamwork. These qualities may not appear in league tables, but they are the ones most celebrated in our community.
“Our students have embraced every opportunity, supported one another and grown into thoughtful, capable young people. I am incredibly proud of what they have accomplished and confident that they will go on to make a meaningful impact in whatever path they choose next beyond the Eskdale Terrace gates – ready to follow in the footsteps of those who came before, while forging their own bright and inspiring futures.”
Amidst the outstanding headline figures above, are numerous individual stories of perseverance, of students who have immersed themselves in their subjects in pursuit of their goals.
Advik N – A* A* A* – Medicine at Imperial College London
Advik N, who joined RGS in Year 7, achieved three A* grades and will now study Medicine at Imperial College London. His Sixth Form journey was marked by academic excellence – earning Gold awards in the Cambridge Chemistry and Senior Maths Challenges – alongside leadership as a CCF Sergeant and musical performance at the Leavers’ Concert. His EPQ which focussed on treatments for depression in young people, combined with over 60 hours of volunteering at Freeman Hospital and a 99th percentile UCAT score, reflect his deep commitment to a future in healthcare. “RGS gave me the space to grow – not just academically, but as a person. I’ve become more confident, more capable, and more connected to the people around me,” he said.
Daniel R – A* A* A* A* – University of Cambridge
Daniel R achieved four A* grades in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry. He will spend a gap year as a windsurfing instructor in New Zealand before taking up his place to study Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, with plans to specialise in Materials Science. During his time at RGS, Daniel embraced both academic and leadership opportunities, serving as Physics Prefect and Head of Junior Debating, while also performing in school concerts. Daniel said: “RGS has shaped who I am – not just academically, but in every way. I’ve grown in confidence, motivation and independence.”
Daisy C – A A B – Architectural Engineering at University College London (September 2026)
After returning to RGS in Year 13 following time at Elmhurst Ballet School and living in Sydney, Daisy C has achieved A, A, B, securing her a place at University College London to study Architectural Engineering in 2026 after completing her Professional Dance Diploma. Balancing full-time ballet training with studying A-Levels, Daisy showed remarkable determination, supported by lunchtime study sessions and her teachers. She also embraced co-curricular life, performing in Shakespeare in Love, singing on the stage at The Glasshouse Gateshead for the RGS 500 Concert, and contributing to Physics Society. “This year has been filled with really lovely memories. I’ve grown so much – both academically and socially – and I’m proud of how far I’ve come,” Daisy explained while reflecting on her time at RGS.
Rory S – A A A – Classics at the University of St Andrews
Rory S, who joined RGS in Year 9, achieved A, A, A in his A-Levels and will go on to study Classics at the University of St Andrews. His Sixth Form journey was defined by both achievement and resilience, navigating the challenges of Covid disruption and a Chronic Fatigue Syndrome diagnosis with maturity and strength. Rory won gold at the Nottingham Debating Competition, led the CCF Navy Section, and mentored younger pupils through the RGS Debating Society. “RGS helped me rediscover the joy of learning for its own sake. I’ve grown more resilient, more reflective, and more myself,” he said.
Rosa B H – A*, A, A – Asian & Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford
Rosa B H, who joined RGS in Year 10, achieved A*, A, A and will go on to study Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Oxford. Passionate about languages and essay writing, Rosa is especially proud of her progress in German and winning an Oxford essay competition in Year 12. She also embraced leadership roles as a Senior Prefect, CCF Senior and Dance Captain, and supported RGS partner schools through the Sixth Form Carousel programme. “RGS has helped me grow in confidence and taught me to take every opportunity – you never know which doors it might open,” she said.
Alice W – A B C – Barcelona College of Chiropractic
Alice W, who joined RGS in Year 5, is celebrating her A-Level results A, B, C and is heading to Barcelona to train as a Chiropractor, following in her mother’s footsteps. Her time at RGS was filled with diverse experiences – from studying English, Art and Psychology, to playing hockey as a goalkeeper, learning the flute, completing the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, and serving in the Combined Cadet Force. Reflecting on her journey, Alice said: “The RGS community has supported me through so much. I’ve grown as a person at RGS and have made memories I’ll always treasure.”
For more information, visit www.rgs.newcastle.sch.uk