Magnus converted to academy status on 1st February 2014. Before this date it was known as Magnus Church of England School which was formed from the amalgamation of two schools: the Magdalene High School, which was named after Newark’s Parish Church, St. Mary Magdalene, and The Thomas Magnus School. Thomas Magnus was a local landowner and chaplain to King Henry VIII who bequeathed a very generous sum of money to provide a free grammar school for the town in 1531. The the aim was to provide a high quality education accessible to all and these are the values we still stand by today. With our outstanding history, exceptional teachers and excellent modern facilities, we inspire our students to enable them to have the best possible future.
Our History
Alumni
We have produced many exceptional pupils over the years, some of whom have become famous in their field of expertise.
Sir Godfrey Newbold Hounsfield
28 August 1919 – 12 August 2004
Godfrey Hounsfield was born in Sutton-On-Trent, on August 28 1919. He was the youngest of five children.
As a child he was fascinated by the electrical gadgets and machinery found all over his parents’ farm and is famous for his contributions to science which includes the creation of the first ever MRI Scanner.
Dr Geoffrey Marston
1938 – 2002
Geoffrey Marston was a renowned scholar of international law, although he also taught and wrote on criminal and contract law.
Geoffrey Marston was born in Sheffield, but was educated at Magnus Grammar School, Newark
Sam Knight
1981
Sam Knight competed in the first solo rowing race across the Atlantic in 2002.
Sam Knight was a student at the Thomas Magnus School (now Magnus Church of England School) in the 1990’s and as a student at Oxford University, Sam was part of the Boat Race squad in 2002.
Sir Donald Wolfit
20 April 1902 – 17 February 1968
Donald Wolfit was an English actor-manager, knighted in 1957 for his services to the theatre.
Donald Wolfit (born Wolfitt) was born in Newark, and attended the Thomas Magnus Grammar School and made his stage debut in 1920. He first appeared in the West End in 1924.
Rt Rev Barry Rogerson
The Rt. Rev Barry Rogerson attended Magnus Grammar School from 1947 to 1952 before going on to study at Leeds University and Wells Theological College.
He was ordained in 1962 and then held curacies in South Shields and Bishopwear.
William Henry ‘Dusty’ Hare
29 November 1952
Hare is a former England rugby union footballer, and currently holds the world record for points scored in a first class rugby career with 7,337 points.
William “Dusty” Hare was born in Newark and attended The Thomas Magnus Grammar School.
The Future
We are continuously strive to improve our academy and feel individuals from our local community and particularly those who attended Magnus, could support us in our mission to build a great future for our students. We would like to develop a programme where local businesses, community workers, friends and family members can become involved with the academy via sports, clubs, reunion events and as guest speakers at our assemblies. Anyone in the local area who has an interest in maintaining or building links with the school, staff and pupils are very welcome to contact us on LPhillips@magnusacademy.co.uk
