Royal Grammar School, Newcastle upon Tyne

Royal Grammar School, Newcastle upon Tyne. The school has a long and storied history, dating back to the 16th century, with notable connections to Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, and the River Tyne. It has been attended by students from across the North East of England, including those from Gateshead, Sunderland, and County Durham. The school's history is also closely tied to that of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne, with many of its alumni going on to attend prestigious universities such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Durham University.

● History

The school was founded in 1525 by Thomas Horsley, with the support of King Henry VIII and the Bishop of Durham. Over the centuries, the school has undergone several transformations, including a major rebuilding project in the 19th century, which was overseen by John Dobson, a renowned Architect from Newcastle upon Tyne. The school has also been attended by students who went on to fight in major conflicts, including the Battle of Waterloo, the Crimean War, and World War I. Notable historical figures associated with the school include Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey, who attended the school before going on to become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and William George Armstrong, who was a prominent Engineer and Industrialist from Newcastle upon Tyne.

● Admissions

The school is a selective independent school, with admissions based on academic ability and potential. Students from across the North East of England sit the Eleven-plus exam to gain entry to the school, with many also coming from Independent schools such as Durham School and Barnard Castle School. The school also offers scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional academic or musical ability, with many going on to attend top universities such as University of Edinburgh, University of St Andrews, and Imperial College London. The admissions process is highly competitive, with many students also applying to other prestigious schools such as Eton College, Harrow School, and Rugby School.

● Curriculum

The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum, with a focus on academic achievement and intellectual curiosity. Students can choose from a range of subjects, including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, as well as Languages such as French, German, and Spanish. The school also has a strong tradition of Classics, with many students going on to study Latin and Greek at university. In addition to academic subjects, the school also offers a range of extracurricular activities, including Music, Drama, and Sport, with many students participating in competitions and events such as the National Schools' Championships and the BBC Young Musician of the Year.

● Extracurricular Activities

The school has a thriving extracurricular program, with students able to participate in a wide range of activities and clubs. These include Sport teams such as Rugby union, Cricket, and Hockey, as well as Music ensembles such as the School Choir and the Orchestra. Students can also participate in Drama productions, with many going on to perform at prestigious venues such as the Theatre Royal, Newcastle and the Gateshead International Jazz Festival. The school also has a strong tradition of Community service, with many students volunteering at organizations such as Oxfam, Save the Children, and the Red Cross.

● Notable Alumni

The school has a long list of notable alumni, including Politicians such as Charles Grey, 2nd Earl Grey and Hugh Gaitskell, as well as Business leaders such as William George Armstrong and Lord Armstrong of Sanderstead. The school has also produced many notable Academics, including Professors at University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Harvard University. Other notable alumni include Authors such as Stuart Maconie and Richard Benson, as well as Musicians such as Sting and Mark Knopfler, who attended the school before going on to form the Rock band Dire Straits.

● Campus and Facilities

The school is located in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, with a campus that includes a range of modern and historic buildings. The school has invested heavily in its facilities, including a new Sports centre and a state-of-the-art Theatre. The school also has a strong focus on Sustainability, with many of its buildings designed to be environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. The school's campus is also close to many cultural and educational institutions, including the Great North Museum: Hancock, the Laing Art Gallery, and the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. The school's facilities are also used by the local community, with many organizations such as the Newcastle upon Tyne Royal Grammar School Foundation and the Old Novocastrians' Club using the school's premises for events and meetings. Category:Independent schools in Tyne and Wear