The Royal Grammar School, Newcastle (RGS) is proud to announce its shortlisting in two prestigious categories at the Tes Schools Awards 2025, often referred to as the ‘Oscars of Education’.

The Senior School has been named a finalist for Independent Senior School of the Year, a reflection of the school’s enduring commitment to educational excellence, pupil wellbeing, and the values that underpin life at RGS: Belief in Each Other, Love for Learning, Sense of Belonging, and Ambition to Succeed. From fostering intellectual curiosity and creativity to celebrating individuality and encouraging every pupil to explore their own version of success, this shortlisting recognises the strength of the whole school community.

Meanwhile, Mr James Miller, Head of RGS Junior School, has been shortlisted for Headteacher of the Year (Independent). Known for his warmth and instinctive leadership Mr Miller has created an environment where kindness, emotional literacy and curiosity are at the heart of every school day. Whether it’s equipping pupils with tools like the Zones of Regulation, championing creativity and preserving the joy of childhood, or gently challenging stereotypes, his leadership is reshaping expectations of what a junior education can be.

Headmaster Geoffrey Stanford expressed his pride in the school’s recognition, “We are absolutely delighted to be recognised in this year’s Tes Schools Awards. Our place on these shortlists, alongside the UK’s very best schools, reflects the passion, creativity and care that define the RGS Newcastle school community – from the Junior School through to Sixth Form. I am especially proud of Mr Miller’s shortlisting, which is so richly deserved. His leadership embodies everything we value at RGS: kindness, curiosity, ambition and an unshakeable belief in young people.”

Mr Miller’s nomination is particularly noteworthy, as 50% of the ‘Headteacher of the Year’ shortlist comprises educators from the North East, highlighting the region’s strong leadership in education.

The Tes School Awards, recognise the best teachers and schools from UK state and independent schools across early years, primary and secondary settings.

The shortlist consists of 22 categories, with North East schools nominated in six:

· James Miller, Royal Grammar School (RGS), Newcastle Junior School – Headteacher of the Year

· Royal Grammar School (RGS), Newcastle – Independent Senior School of the Year

· Cragside Primary School, Heaton – Excellence in Creative Arts

· Ashbrooke School, Sunderland – Specialist Provision School of the Year

· Rebecca Turner, Durham High School – Subject Lead of the Year (Secondary)

· North East Learning Trust, Northumberland and County Durham – Trust Team of the Year (10 or more schools)

The winners will be announced on June 20 at a ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel on Park Lane in London.