Royal Grammar School (RGS) supports Lindisfarne Gospels Learning programme

Image: The Gospel of John, Lindisfarne Gospels, c. 700 (Cotton MS Nero D IV) (c) British Library Board

Newcastle’s Royal Grammar School (RGS) is the latest organisation to pledge support to the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery. The leading independent school is supporting the Lindisfarne Gospels learning programme which the art gallery is delivering in association with the exhibition – to engage 15,000 children across the North East. 

The Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition opened at the Laing Art Gallery on 17 September and will run until 3 December 2022. The Lindisfarne Gospels are on loan to the Laing Art Gallery from the British Library.  

This is the first time the ancient book, the most spectacular manuscript to survive from Anglo-Saxon England, has been displayed in the city since 2000.   

The Lindisfarne Gospels feature in a contemporary exhibition about its meaning in the world today and its relationship with themes of personal, regional and national identity. 

Created on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the book represents the golden age of design and craftsmanship in Northumbria and has survived in almost perfect condition for over one thousand years. 

The Lindisfarne Gospels learning programme is introducing a new, younger generation to the Gospels, making it relevant to their lives now and asking them to consider, what is your message for humanity?   

John Smith, Director of Partnerships, RGS said: 

“The Royal Grammar School is delighted to partner with Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums to bring the Lindisfarne Gospels to the widest possible audience of young people. The Gospels provide a fantastic opportunity for young people across the region to explore their cultural heritage: a truly cross-curricular opportunity, enriching students’ knowledge of History, Religion, Art, Philosophy and much more.” 

RGS Sixth Formers have been trained by TWAM staff to take the Lindisfarne Gospels Assembly to partner primary schools across the region. In 2021-22, RGS Partnership projects with local maintained schools reached over 7000 students and over 300 teachers from over 75 schools. 

RGS will celebrate its 500th anniversary in 2025. It is a co-educational school for students aged 7-18, based in the heart of Newcastle, opposite Jesmond Metro station enabling children to travel to us from across the North East region.  RGS is an Independent, fee-paying school, but it has a long history of providing a number of fee-assisted places.  

John continued: “RGS is passionately committed to ensuring access to its fast-paced, challenging academic curriculum for students from the widest possible range of backgrounds. We believe that the first-class education that our students receive can be transformational to their lives.  With thanks to donors who fund our Bursary Campaign, which was launched in 2002, we are able to offer bursary places to academically outstanding candidates who also meet our means-testing criteria.” 

 The main entry points to the school are Years 3, 5, 7 and Year 12 and there are currently 82 bursary students in the school, across all age groups, most of whom have 100% of their school fees paid from Bursary Campaign funds.   

Julie Milne, Head of Art Galleries at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said: 

“Providing educational experiences for children and introducing them to art and creativity is an important part of the Laing’s work. The Lindisfarne Gospels 2022 programme is a brilliant opportunity to engage even more children and young people with our region’s heritage and to get them involved in a range of creative activities. 

“We’re grateful to RGS and our other sponsors and funders for their support to develop the Lindisfarne Gospels 2022 programme.”  

To find out more about the Lindisfarne Gospels exhibition visit: https://laingartgallery.org.uk... 

To find out more about RGS visit: rgs.newcastle.sch.uk