For many in the wider Norwich School community, the December Carol Service in the cathedral is the surest sign that Christmas is on its way. Following the tradition of Nine Lessons and Carols, we heard the narrative thread of the coming of Christ through the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament gospels, read by pupils, parents, teachers and a school governor. The Chapel Choir sang a carefully rehearsed repertoire – different every year – from the lively melody of John Rutter’s Angels’ Carol to the melancholy harmonies of Warlock’s Bethlehem Down.  A generous collection at the end of the service will allow us to make a special Christmas donation to three of the charities Norwich School has been supporting during 2025. Of course the service was also a chance to catch up with old friends and fellows, made all the easier with mince pies and drinks in the refectory afterwards.

The 1 st XI enjoyed an unbeaten second half of term, finishing off with a solid set of statistics over the course of the season. Winning 5, losing 3 and 1 draw whilst scoring 22 goals in the process. The 2 nd XI came away with 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats which is commendable following its reintroduction after a five year absence. The First XI experienced a mixed but encouraging season, with 5 wins 1 draw and 3 losses and many new faces being brought into the team. After starting off the season with an explosive 5–5 draw with the ONs, the team struggled through defeats to Perse and Kimbolton before bouncing back with a determined 1–0 win over Wymondham College. Momentum grew with a solid 3-1 victory against Gresham’s, despite a setback against Langley. The side finished the season impressively, beating Culford 3-1, dominating Ipswich High School 6-0, and a composed 2-1 win against Woodbridge to round off the season. Massive thanks to the U6 boys that played their final games this season, Ethan Buskell, James Moore, Joe Crotty, Sam Colman, Tom Chester, Ben Griffiths, Harry Philpott and Billy Faircloth. We look forward to the exciting future of Norwich School football as we try to build further next season. - Billy Faircloth (U6S) 1st XI Captain The 2nd XI had a positive year for football this year taking home an equal record after 2 wins,2 draws and 2 losses. There was a strong start to the season with a 3-2 win at home against The Perse which set morale high for the rest of the season. Then came a tough battle at Wymondham College and 2 consecutive draws – a complete stalemate at Gresham’s and at Langley which was relentlessly fought back and well deserved against a well-rounded team. A dip in form at Culford made everyone determined to finish the season on a high and in the final game of the season a strong 7-4 victory over Woodbridge sealed the season in upbeat spirit. - Alex Purling (L6B) 2nd XI Captain

Norwich School is proud of our close links with the Norfolk Cambridge Society, and the school is a host site for their very successful termly lectures. The Society runs its own highly prestigious and rigorous annual essay competition open to any Upper Sixth pupil in the county of Norfolk considering applying to Cambridge University. Norwich School pupils have achieved unparalleled success this year. The following pupils were placed in the Commended category for their contributions – Rosie Pank, Anna Rechel, Melissa Hawkings and Ed Brightwell. Following shortlisting and an interview with the judging panel, the following pupils were placed in the Highly Commended category - Mei McAuley, Georgia Lloyd and Ana Paduraru Tom Irvine was awarded third place for his thought-provoking essay on the capability of medicine to prevent and possibly ‘reverse’ death. Joint winners of the overall competition for 2025 were Arthur Dannatt for his astonishingly complex maths-based essay entitled: What is the Archimedes cattle problem and how can it be solved? And Becky Brown for her album of nine beautiful songs she composed herself – the first time a musical entry has been awarded top prize in the competition’s history. All are pictured with Rob Edwards, Chair of the Norfolk Cambridge Society. We offer huge congratulations from the school community to all of them. Bright academic futures await them all.