Assistant Head, Mrs Hill, Completes A Double Marathon for Parkinson's UK

April 26, 2024

"This month, I ran my first ever double (back-to-back) marathon, 2 within 7 days of each other! This isn’t something I went out to do, it just happened - and I'm so glad it did! 

Some of you reading this may well have seen previous blogs of mine - maybe even all 6 - one from each of my major marathons over the years. But this most recent challenge had a different meaning and purpose, and my reason for sharing it today, is that I hope it will inspire all those wanna'be runners who struggle to believe that running a marathon (or two) can be enjoyable, whatever the motivation behind it. 


Securing a GFA (good for age) place for London for the third year in a row, I found it very difficult to refuse the place this year, (knowing just how many runners apply for the ballot and get disappointed) even though I knew that it would be a real test for my injured Achilles. So, when my very good friend Sacha declared that she was planning to run her first marathon, it didn’t take much thought for me to offer to run it with her for charity. It was not long after signing on the dotted line, that I realised that the London Marathon was just 1 week after the Manchester Marathon which I had also signed up to and agreed to run with my husband!


Sacha has a very lovely but sad story behind wanting to run for Parkinson's UK, as it is something that is very real and is affecting her and her family right now. Stuart, her husband (and Henry's Dad - Henry is in U6) was diagnosed 6 years ago. Those of you who may have been paying attention, may remember that I ran Tokyo marathon Mrs Hill Runs Tokyo Marathon - Norwich School (norwich-school.org.uk) in 2019 for Parkinson's UK for the same reason - and Sacha and Stu even managed to time a holiday so that they were there with me on the finish line - just like Stephen and Stu (plus other incredible family members) were there for us on Sunday.


I am so very proud of both of my marathon running partners, but especially Sacha, as she had prepared so hard for the day, rigidly following her training plan and could not have done more to ensure that she did all of her very generous sponsors justice. It will come as no surprise to hear that, the 26.2 miles did not pass without various challenges, but none of these were too great for Sacha - she is a true champion. Together, we just kept putting one foot in front of the other and made it happen. 


I want to share with you a few words from Sacha:

“Running a marathon was a hugely daunting prospect for me, I am not a natural athlete! However I stepped out of my comfort zone in order to do something difficult and to raise money for Parkinson's UK, even though it could not possibly measure up to the daily challenges that Stuart has to face. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, so incredibly emotional, but also completely mind blowing, the whole experience is one that will remain with me forever. Running with Nicola made it doubly special; I have no doubt sharing the joy and the pain got me across that finish line with I think a smile on my face!"


Before, during and after the marathon, donations have been piling in and between us we have raised nearly £4000...but our fundraising pages are still open - see below:

https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraiser/SachaJenkinson

https://events.parkinsons.org.uk/fundraisers/nicolahill


I've always appreciated that running is such a sociable sport, but this new chapter has taught me that it can be just as enjoyable being alongside others as they achieve their goals as it is to achieve your own.

Well done to everyone who has ever completed a marathon for charity - the ballot is open for London 2025 - are you in?"

- Mrs Hill


By Eleanor Lewis August 20, 2026
It was a joy to see the school come to life once again as our 2026 GCSE cohort arrived to collect their results and it was a record breaking year, so there was much to celebrate. Congratulations to each and every pupil - your dedication, resilience and commitment are reflected in an outstanding set of results. There were also some remarkable individual performances, with many pupils achieving exceptional outcomes. We caught up with some of them to learn more about their successes and hear about what they are looking forward to as they embark on their exciting next steps. Art Here at Norwich School we are enormously proud of our Cater Building, which boasts three floors of cutting edge art and design equipment, across multiple art and design studios and workshops. These pupils demonstrate their love of creative art and look forward to spending more time in Carter exploring their creativity in Sixth Form. Name Isla How many GCSEs did you take? 10 What were your results? 9 x grade 9 and 1 x grade 8 What was your favourite subject and why? History – I loved my class and the lessons were so much fun! What will you go on to study in Sixth Form? History, 2D Art, Psychology and Politics. Is there any particular reason or inspiration for choosing these A Levels? I really enjoyed History and 2D Art at GCSE, so wanted to continue studying these subjects. What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form? The freedom and more independence. What are your co-curricular activities? I love hockey and I am looking forward to joining the Debating Team in Sixth Form. What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School? The community.
By Eleanor Lewis August 20, 2026
We are thrilled to announce record-breaking GCSE results for 2026. Overall percentages are as follows: 37% at grade 9 - best performance ever, including Covid years 59% at grades 9-8 (A*) – best performance outside Covid years 76% at grades 9-7 (A*-A) – best performance since Covid 87% at grades 9-6 (A*-B) 97%: overall pass-rate (grades 9-4) Outstanding individual performances included: 1 candidate with 11 x 9 or better; 6 candidates with 10 x 9 or better; 16 candidates with 9 x 9 or better; 24 candidates with 8 x 9 or better; 32 candidates with 7 x 9 or better; 38 candidates with 6 x 9 or better. Overall, of the 1163 grades received, 431 were at grade 9, 681 at 9-8 and 884 at 9-7. Steffan Griffiths, Head, commented, “This is the first cohort to benefit from the school’s decision to offer greater optionality regarding number and choice of subjects at GCSE. We are all delighted that our Year 11 have taken advantage of the change to such brilliant effect. “Taken collectively, they are the best GCSE results in the school’s history and I offer heartfelt congratulations to the pupils on their generation. They are in a wonderful position now to make the most of our outstanding Sixth Form provision and we look forward to welcoming them back in September.” Assistant Head (Fifth Form), Andrew Curtis, said, “I offer sincere congratulations to our Upper 5 pupils on their record-breaking results. Well-supported both at home and at school, they have excelled academically while also making the most of co-curricular opportunities in sport, drama, music and the wider community. We look forward to supporting them as they make the exciting transition to benefit from the development available both inside and outside the classroom in our Sixth Form.”
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By Eleanor Lewis August 19, 2026
Norwich School is thrilled to have achieved the best A Level results in the county: 24% A*; 53% A*-A; 80% A*-B; 92% A*-C. If we focus on STEM subjects, the results are even better, with 31% at A* and 65% at A*-A. Maths, Biology, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science form an important part of our 6th Form offer, with just under 200 of our 500 U6 grades in these subjects. The raw numbers are 62 A* and 66 A grades which have led to a huge number of exciting onward STEM routes. Overall, over 75% (123 pupils) have got to their first choice onward route, with over 90% (over 150 pupils) to first or second choice. The STEM outcomes are even more eye-catching: 87% of STEM places accepted were at Russell Group universities; 5 out 5 STEM Oxbridge candidates successfully made their offers (with a total of 17 A* out of 18 grades!) 7 out of 8 (88%) of medics got into their first choice university (national average of 33%); 2 out of 2 (100%) of vets got their first choice; 11 out of 11 engineers (100%) were accepted onto Engineering courses (university or apprenticeship); 6 out 6 Computer Science applicants (100%) were accepted onto Computer Science courses; If you are interested in STEM for Sixth Form, join the best and study at Norwich School: outstanding STEM facilities; expert teachers and strong laboratory ratios; personalised provision and onward route guidance; unrivalled STEM enrichment opportunities, including: clubs and societies (MedSoc, Maths Club, F24 car, Chess Club); Olympiad preparation; independent project; community service. To hear about some of our STEM Successes from this year's cohort click here. Interested in studying STEM at Norwich School? Book a tour today - places available from September 2026! Contact admissions@norwich-school.org.uk.
By Eleanor Lewis August 19, 2026
At Norwich School, STEM learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through outstanding facilities in Horsefair House and inspiring teaching, pupils develop the confidence to investigate, experiment and excel. There is no question that this was reflected in this year’s A Level results. So, we caught up with just a few of our scientists to find out what’s next for them.
By Eleanor Lewis August 13, 2026
A Level results day is always an emotional occasion, and this year was no different. For the Class of 2026, it marked the culmination of two years of dedication, perseverance and hard work and there was much to celebrate. From pupils who have been with us from Lower 1 to those who have joined us for Sixth Form, it is inspiring to hear their reflections of their time in Cathedral Close and learn about their planned next steps. We caught up with just a few of this year’s leavers to find out more about their individual journey.
By Eleanor Lewis August 13, 2026
The school is pleased to announce strong A Level results. The cohort of Upper 6 candidates have achieved the following: 24% of grades at A*; 53% of grades at A*-A; 80% at A*-B; 92% at A*-C; 98% at A*-E. Outstanding individual performances included: 2 candidates with 4 A*; 12 candidates with 3A* or more; 52 candidates with 3A or more. The Head, Steffan Griffiths, said, “I am delighted for the Class of 2026; they have been a wonderful year-group, setting high standards in our community across all areas of our provision, including sport, music, drama, dance and service. As is evident in these strong results, impressive academic progress has matched their extensive co-curricular activity, onward individual routes are equally exciting and we look forward to staying in touch so that we can hear of their future successes”. Richard Sims, Head of Sixth Form, commented, “This cohort of young people have been good friends to each other and exemplary role models to younger pupils. I am pleased that they have now finished their time in Cathedral Close with pleasing academic results, too. Throughout their studies, they have enjoyed support from families at home and teachers in school; on the pupils’ behalf, I pass on my gratitude to them. I close by offering sincere good wishes for our leavers’ next steps”. NB: specific grade percentages will be published when the subject paper review process has been completed.
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