RGS Newcastle celebrates golden quincentenary GCSE results
Students at Royal Grammar School (RGS) Newcastle have marked the school’s 500th anniversary with exceptional GCSE results, placing RGS in the top 1% of schools nationally for ‘Value Added’ for the second consecutive year – a powerful reflection of its enduring legacy of academic excellence. Over 40% of RGS’s GCSE are at grade 9, the highest possible achievable grade.
Over the summer term, 143 Year 11 students achieved 1,402 qualifications across 23 subjects – a testament to RGS Newcastle’s commitment to delivering a broad, enriching academic experience that sparks curiosity, cultivates creativity, and empowers students to pursue their ambitions both within and beyond the classroom.
RGS’s Year 11 students have achieved remarkable results, with:
- 80.5%1 grades 7-9 (equivalent to A-A*)
- 63.7%2 grades 8-9 (equivalent to A*), and
- 40.7%3 at the highest possible grade 9.
Notably, 11 students attained straight grade 9s in all subjects, with 57 of the 2025 cohort achieving a remarkable set of 11 GCSEs4.
The school is delighted that the majority of this year’s students will be staying to study a wide array of A-Levels with the most popular courses including Maths, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology and Economics.
In addition to its stellar GCSE results, RGS is also celebrating its second year in the top 1% of schools in the country for its ‘value added’ for GCSEs. This means that, as a cohort, RGS’s GCSE students outperformed already high expectations, with the school demonstrating its ability to stretch and challenge, including the most able. RGS’s ‘value added’ performance is based on data provided by ALPS, a British Assessment Bureau accredited student analysis that compares the achievement of our students with those of equivalent ability nationally.
Chris Quayle, RGS’s Deputy Head (Academic), who leads on the school’s academic provision, expressed his pride in the continued success: “To be ranked in the top 1% of schools nationally for GCSE value added by ALPS for the second consecutive year is a tremendous achievement. It reflects the strength of our teaching, the ambition of our students, and the depth of support that surrounds them.
“These results show that our students have not only met but exceeded expectations – a testament to their hard work and the culture of excellence that defines RGS.”
Geoffrey Stanford, Headmaster of RGS Newcastle, shared his reflections on this year’s GCSE results: “In our Quincentenary year, our students have not only delivered academically but have done so with resilience, integrity and a deep sense of community. Their achievements speak volumes about their character and the culture of support at RGS that surrounds them.
“From those achieving straight grade 9s to those making exceptional progress across a broad curriculum, every student has contributed to a story of success that goes far beyond statistics. These results are the outcome of years of hard work, thoughtful teaching, and a shared commitment to live out our school’s values – a love of learning, belief in each other, the ambition to succeed and a sense of belonging – each and every day, inside and outside the classroom.
“We are especially proud that over 40% of the results issues today were at grade 9, a testament to the strength of our teaching and the ambition of our learners.
“As we celebrate 500 years of academic excellence, we do so with pride in a generation that is ready to lead, serve and inspire. I look forward to seeing how our Year 11 students continue to grow – both academically and personally -as they move into Sixth Form and beyond.”
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.
Alex L – Ten GCSEs (all grade 9 or 8) – RGS Sixth Form: A-Levels in History, alongside Sunderland AFC Scholarship
Alex L has successfully balanced elite-level football with academic excellence, achieving ten top-grade GCSEs while successfully applying for Sunderland AFC’s Under-18 scholarship programme.
Since joining RGS in Year 7, Alex has shown exceptional resilience, managing a demanding schedule of matches and travel with revision and schoolwork. “Flashcards in the car and Quizlet on the bus became my norm,” he explains, “The support from teachers made all the difference.”
While at Sunderland AFC, he will continue his studies – including A-Level History – while pursuing his dream of playing professionally. The whole RGS community is proud of his achievements and will be cheering him on from the sidelines.
Bobbie D – 11 GCSEs (all Grade 9s) – RGS Sixth Form: A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and History
Having joined RGS Junior School in Year 3, Bobbie D has embraced every opportunity over the past decade – from academic excellence to creative and sporting success. She is one of 11 RGS students to achieve straight Grade 9s in her GCSEs.
Alongside her academic studies, she has also been a BAFTA Kids Young Presenters finalist, starred in school productions including Shrek, Anastasia and A Monster Calls, and represented RGS in hockey, athletics and cross-country. As Horsley House Captain, she led with energy and pride. “I’m excited to step up to the new demands of Sixth Form and continue my learning journey,” she said. Bobbie now begins A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and History, with aspirations to pursue medicine or law.
Roo D – 10 GCSEs (grade 9 and 8) – RGS Sixth Form: A-Levels in Physics, Maths, Further Maths and Design Engineering
Roo D’s time at RGS has been defined by curiosity, commitment and creativity – whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or leading his STEM racing team to national success. Since joining RGS in Year 7, he has developed a passion for Physics and Design Engineering, earning a prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship and guiding his F1 in Schools team to the National Finals.
Roo has also represented RGS in hockey and basketball, taken on leadership roles in the Navy section of the Combined Cadet Force, and is completing his Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award. “Throughout my time at RGS my confidence has grown and I’ve learnt an array of skills that I will carry with me into RGS Sixth Form and beyond,” he said. Roo now begins A-Levels in Physics, Maths, Further Maths and Design Engineering, with aspirations to study engineering at university.
Emily F – 10 GCSEs (including 9s in Maths and English Language) – RGS Sixth Form: A-Levels in Chemistry, Maths and Psychology
Since joining RGS Junior School in Year 5, Emily F has grown into a confident and committed student, balancing academic focus with a love of sport. A dedicated athlete, she has represented RGS in hockey, netball, athletics and cricket – finding that sport helped structure her revision and provided a vital outlet during exam season. “You can’t think about GCSEs constantly,” she said. “RGS sport gave me a break and helped me to stay motivated.” Emily now begins A-Levels in Chemistry, Maths and Psychology, with an open mind about the future and a quiet ambition to make one of the RGS first teams.
Priyanka G – 10 GCSEs (of which 9 were grade 9) – RGS Sixth Form: A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, plus EPQ
Priyanka G has thrived academically at RGS, developing a strong passion for science and maths. She particularly enjoyed the hands-on practicals in Chemistry and the logical challenges of Maths. “The teachers at RGS have been so supportive throughout my GCSEs.
They have helped me feel welcome and confident in my learning,” she said. Outside the classroom, Priyanka has played basketball for Newcastle and plans to continue to play while studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths at RGS Sixth Form, alongside completing an Extended Project Qualification. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine or dentistry.
Johan H – 11 GCSEs (straight 9s) – RGS Sixth Form: A-Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Economics
From regional running competitions to leading the Student Council, Johan H has brought energy, insight and enthusiasm to every aspect of life at RGS. A keen mathematician and economist, he describes his favourite subjects as “refreshing puzzles to solve”.
This year, Johan brought fresh ideas and thoughtful leadership to the Student Council, helping improve school life for future year groups. He now looks forward to studying Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Economics at RGS Sixth Form, excited to focus on the subjects he loves and to continue developing his academic and leadership skills.
Hannah K – 9 GCSEs (five grade 9s) – RGS Sixth Form: A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Drama
From centre stage to the science labs, Hannah K’s RGS journey has been full of surprises. Since joining the school in Year 7, she has grown into a confident and curious learner, combining a love for performance with a newfound passion for science. A regular on the RGS’s Miller Theatre stage, Hannah has starred in Shrek, A Monster Calls, Anastasia, Pilgrimage, and Shakespeare in Love, and is already looking ahead to performing in Constellations while studying at RGS Sixth Form.
“I’ve learned so much about myself at RGS. I never thought I’d love science, but here I am! Drama will always be my everything, but I’m excited to explore new paths too,” she said. Hannah now begins A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Psychology and Drama, with an open mind about the future.
Tim X – 11 (all Grade 9s) – A-Levels in Maths, Biology and Chemistry
Tim X has shown remarkable focus and resilience throughout his time at RGS, achieving straight Grade 9s across all his GCSEs – an outstanding academic achievement. While celebrating his results, he is also competing at the Robin Cousins Cup in Sheffield, representing the British Ice Skating Futures Squad. Since joining RGS in Year 5, Tim has balanced his studies with a demanding training schedule, growing in confidence and independence.
“There’s always something to push for,” he said. “At RGS, I’ve learnt how to manage pressure and stay focused on my goals.” Tim now looks forward to his A-Levels in Maths, Biology and Chemistry, with aspirations to become a surgeon and dreams of competing on the Junior Grand Prix circuit and one day reaching the figure skating World Championships.