Founded in the 13th Century and endowed by John Gardyner in 1472, Lancaster Royal Grammar School is one of the oldest schools in the country. This selective school of 900 boys became a Grant Maintained School in April 1990. The present Headmaster is an additional member of the Headmasters' Conference.
Entry is usually at 11+, 13+ or into the Sixth, but vacancies may occur at other ages. The excellence of the academic results is shown by the 'top ten' position in the A Level league tables in each of the last three years. The 1996 results were: A Level 97% pass rate; (59% A and B Grades); UCAS average score - 28.8. 65% of all GCSE Grades were at A* or A.
Over 20% of the boys are boarders whose fees relate solely to the boarding charge as all tuition is free. Day boys pay no fees.
There is a wide range of extra-curricular activities in the school and these activities are pursued to a very high level. The school has, for example, recently been represented at national level in rugby, swimming, rowing, athletics, chess and in the finals of the Schools Challenge quiz. There is also a strong and successful (voluntary) Combined Cadet Force giving opportunities for sailing, flying, rock climbing etc.
Recent developments:
* 1993 Timberlake Building for Mathematics and IT; Sixth Form Centre, Boarding expansion.
* 1994 Swainson Building for English/Drama.
* 1995 Design/Technology Building.
* 1996 Multimedia Language and Learning Centre; Boarding House refurbishment.
Links with business and industry have been developing rapidly in recent years. Pupils in the fifth and sixth forms regularly spend time in local industries and each year a Sixth Form group travels to Rendsburg where the boys participate in a European work experience scheme. In 1994 LRGS was awarded Technology College status which involves a partnership between central government, industry and the school with the aim of enhancing the already high standards achieved in Mathematics, Science and Technology.
Full details are available in the School Prospectus which can be obtained by writing or telephoning the School office.
Alumni - Former pupils include such distinguished Victorians as William Whewell, Richard Owen (who introduced the name 'dinosaur'), Edward Frankland (chemist) and the physicist Sir John Ambrose Fleming. More recent Alumni include MP and Liberal Democrat education spokesman Don Foster, Chairman of the Conservative Party Lord Parkinson and Sir Ron Halstead (deputy chairman of British Steel).
For details of the Old Lancastrian Club please contact Joe Shepherd, Secretary, Old Lancastrian Club, c/o School Office. Home Tel 01524 66798.
