Meet our Member – Royal Latin School
This article provides a welcome introduction and overview of that networking group member – Royal Latin School. We are delighted to welcome them to the group and to share their story with the local business and wider community of Buckingham and the surrounding areas.
Who are the Royal Latin School?
The Royal Latin School is a coeducational state grammar school based in Buckingham — and quite possibly the most historic institution in the town. Founded in 1423 in the chantry chapel of St John the Baptist in the heart of Buckingham, it holds the distinction of being the oldest school in Buckinghamshire. For over 600 years, it has served the local community with dedication, evolving from a small medieval grammar to a modern, fully comprehensive secondary and Sixth Form school that educates students from Year 7 through to Year 13.
Known locally and affectionately as RLS, the school sits on its current Chandos Road site — established in 1963 and officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Today, RLS serves the Buckingham community across a wide range of educational, training and community activities, firmly rooted in its motto: ‘Alle May God Amende’.
What does the Royal Latin School do?
At its heart, the Royal Latin School provides an excellent, broad state-funded secondary education to students across Buckingham and the surrounding villages. As a selective grammar school, admission is by the 11-plus assessment, with places also available through the Sixth Form. The school’s curriculum is wide-ranging — spanning the sciences, arts, humanities, languages and sport — and is supported by an extensive programme of enrichment activities beyond the classroom.
The school’s key provision includes:
Secondary education for students aged 11 to 16, with a broad curriculum across all core and elective subjects
A dedicated Sixth Form centre at Rotherfield, offering A-Level and other post-16 qualifications for students aged 16 to 18
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme, supporting personal development, leadership and community service
A SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training) programme, providing initial teacher training for aspiring educators across partner schools in the region
Comprehensive careers education and employability support, preparing students for the world beyond school
Outreach and community engagement activities, including the Primary Outreach programme and the prestigious Lillingstone Lectures
An active and thriving alumni network through RLS Connect, which includes the Latin Life magazine and a range of events for former students
How does the Royal Latin School serve the local community?
Beyond the classroom, the Royal Latin School plays an important role in the life of Buckingham as a whole. The school’s commitment to community is reflected in both its longstanding history and its ongoing investment in local people.
One of the most visible ways the school connects with the wider community is through the VIVA Gym at RLS — a state-of-the-art fitness facility based on the school site and open to local residents. With a range of membership options available, the gym provides accessible, high-quality fitness provision right in the heart of Buckingham.
The school also offers its facilities for community lettings, including sports halls and function spaces, making RLS a genuine community resource throughout the week and at weekends. For businesses, community groups and individuals looking to hire a well-equipped local venue, this is well worth exploring.
In 2023, the Royal Latin School marked its 600th anniversary with a rich programme of celebratory events, launching a 2023 Charter that commits the school to supporting its community, conserving its heritage, protecting the planet, and embracing its future. This milestone reflects just how deeply embedded RLS is in the identity of Buckingham.
The school’s ongoing 600 Campaign — a long-term fundraising initiative — has already delivered a 12-laboratory Discovery Centre, a refurbished Sixth Form Cafe and study centre, and a modern sports campus with a 3G pitch and fitness suite. Phase three of the campaign is currently seeking support to create an Arts Centre that will serve both the school and the wider community for generations to come.
What facilities and services does the Royal Latin School offer?
For local businesses, organisations and residents, the Royal Latin School offers a range of services beyond education:
VIVA Gym at RLS — open to the public with flexible membership options
School lettings — sports facilities, function spaces and specialist rooms available to hire
SCITT teacher training — partnering with local and regional schools to train the next generation of teachers
Corporate partnership opportunities through the 600 Campaign — supporting a flagship community arts project
Volunteering and alumni engagement — the school welcomes professionals who can inspire students through careers talks, mentoring and subject expertise
Why did the Royal Latin School join that networking group?
We are genuinely pleased to welcome the Royal Latin School as a member of that networking group. An institution of this standing joining a local business network is a wonderful reflection of RLS’s commitment to being part of the Buckingham community — not just as a school, but as a neighbour, a partner and a local employer.
The Royal Latin School employs a substantial team of teaching and support staff across Buckingham, and its influence on the town’s professional and social fabric is considerable. Connecting with local businesses through the group opens up opportunities for work experience placements, careers talks, joint community initiatives, and relationships that benefit students and businesses alike. We look forward to many shared conversations and introductions over lunch at Buckingham Golf Club.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Royal Latin School
Is the Royal Latin School a state school?
Yes. The Royal Latin School is a state-funded grammar school, which means there are no tuition fees for students. Admission is selective and based on the 11-plus assessment for Year 7 entry, or by application for Sixth Form entry.
How do I apply to the Royal Latin School?
Admissions information, including details of the 11-plus process and Sixth Form applications, is available directly on the Royal Latin School website at www.royallatin.org/admissions. The school’s office team is always happy to help with any queries.
Can I hire the Royal Latin School’s facilities?
Yes. The school offers a range of lettings options for community groups, businesses and individuals. Visit royallatin.schoolhire.co.uk for availability and booking information.
What is the VIVA Gym at RLS?
VIVA Gym is a state-of-the-art fitness facility based at the Royal Latin School and open to the public. It offers a range of membership options for local residents. For more information, visit www.vivabuckingham.co.uk.
What is the SCITT teacher training programme at RLS?
The Royal Latin School runs a School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) programme for graduates looking to qualify as teachers. Training is delivered in partnership with local and regional schools. Further information is available at www.royallatin.org/about-scitt.
How do we contact the Royal Latin School?
If you would like to find out more about the Royal Latin School — whether for admissions, lettings, gym membership, teacher training or community partnership — you can reach the team through any of the following:
Royal Latin School - Chandos Road, Buckingham, MK18 1AX
Telephone - 01280 813065
Website - www.royallatin.org