Celebrating a Record-Breaking Year for GCSE Results

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?

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.

Name

Lily

How many GCSEs did you take?

What were your results?

2 x grade 8, 1 x grade 7, 1 x grade 6, 2 x grade 5 and 2 x grade 4

What was your favourite subject and why?

History because I found it really interesting and also because we had a really nice class and the teacher was really good.

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

History, Business and 2D Art

Is there any particular reason or inspiration for choosing these A Levels?

I enjoy the subjects – I love the creatives.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?

Being with all my friends.

What are your co-curricular activities?

Scouts.

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The teachers are really lovely and there is generally just a great atmosphere around school.

Name

Beatrice

How many GCSEs did you take?

What were your results?

2 x grade 9, 3 x grade 7, 2 x grade 4 and 1 x grade 3. Plus I did the Skills for Employment elective.

What was your favourite subject and why?

2D Art, plus I loved Drama practicals but didn’t like the written work at all. I guess I must have liked Geography as well as I got a 9!

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

I have an Arts Scholarship, so I am going to do 2D Art, 3D Art and Geography.

Is there any particular reason or inspiration for choosing these A Levels?

I really like arts. I'm dyslexic and I find that for me creatives take my mind off other areas I struggle with; it’s definitely great for me to really get to focus on something I enjoy. Plus, I think Mr Passam is an amazing teacher.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?

The Sixth Form spaces and the Sixth Form uniform. Plus doing subjects I love and taking the next step on the journey into being an adult.

What are your co-curricular activities?

I am leader of the Christian Union which I will continue doing next year and I am also a police cadet outside school . Next year I want to do Charities Committee, Close Creatives Collective and Toastmasters.

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The Arts and everything about Carter. Plus I love the Norwich School community, especially Miss Boyt who has been my Tutor. Not to mention all the lovely friends!

Studies and Sport

Throughout Fifth Form pupils are encouraged to balance their academic studies while making the most of the wide range of co-curricular opportunities on offer. From music and drama to societies, volunteering and leadership roles, pupils are every aspect of school life. This year, sport was a very popular pastime for some…

Name

Rose

How many GCSEs did you take?

What were your results?

3 x grade 7, 2 x grade 8, 1 x grade 6 and 3/3 in Science.

What was your favourite subject and why?

PE because I was able to participate in multiple sports, including cricket, netball and athletics.

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

Politics, Business, PRE and Psychology.

Is there any particular reason or inspiration for choosing these A Levels?

I think Psychology sounds really interesting and something I might want to do in the future, and Politics is such a popular topic, especially at the moment.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?

The freedom to have more time to myself and being able to choose the subjects I am studying.

What are your co-curricular activities?

Netball, cricket, hockey – basically loads of sport!

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The atmosphere and the people – everyone is so welcoming.

Name

Hanna

How many GCSEs did you take?

What were your results?

7 x grade 9 and 1 x grade 8.

What was your favourite subject and why?

Definitely History, which is already really interesting but Mr Curtis was such a good teacher and helped me enjoy it more. I also surprised myself by liking Chemistry but Mrs Pywell is a brilliant teacher, and when you have a good teacher it helps.

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

History, Economics and Politics. I will start doing a fourth as well, just to see what it is like, but I am undecided about what subject.

Is there any particular reason or inspiration for choosing these A Levels?

I love History, I want to learn more about Politics and I like the teachers in Economics; I went to an economics taster lesson and Mr White was captivating.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?

The uniform – I cannot wait to wear trousers! Plus the OMR – I’m going to have an iced coffee every day!

What are your co-curricular activities?

I did a lot of netball inside and outside school last year, so I will continue to do that in Sixth Form. Plus I want to join Clio Society, Toastmasters, the Debating Team and Charities Committee.

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The community and having a lovely group of friends. I also think it’s important to mention that the teachers are lovely, and when you have good and supportive teachers it inspires you to do better in your subject.

Name

Rufus

How many GCSE’s did you take?

What were your results?

9 x grade 9 and 1 x grade 8

What was your favourite subject and why?

I really enjoy Maths, because I like problem solving.

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry.

Is there any particular reason or inspiration for choosing these A Levels?

I like the subjects and they will help me to potentially study Engineering, which is a field that interests for the future.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?

Being able to study what interest me and focus on subjects I really want to pursue. Plus having more free time at school.

What are your co-curricular activities?

I play lots of sport and will carry on doing that, plus try and take up new sports if I can.

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The range of opportunities in school. Plus, the teachers are really knowledgeable and helpful.

STEM

As always, STEM subjects are a popular choice in Sixth Form and following an outstanding set of STEM results in this year’s A Level cohort, with many exciting onward routes for STEM students, it is more popular than ever.

Name

Nathan.

How many GCSE’s did you take?

What were your results?

6 x grade 9, 2 x grade 8 and 1 x grade 7

What was your favourite subject and why?

I can’t choose a favourite as I feel doing GCSEs gave me the opportunity to learn about such different things. This year – science has really clicked for me. I love the experiments and learning in a practical way.

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Further Maths.

Is there any particular reason or inspiration for choosing these A Levels?

With GCSEs you get to learn where your passions lie and over the course of Fifth Form, I realised I couldn’t wait to get to science lessons. As well as the learning the teachers were lovely and great at their jobs.

What are your co-curricular activities?

Throughout Fifth Form I volunteered for Beavers and I also took up rowing.

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

It is home away from home – you build so many friendships that will last a lifetime. I don’t think there can be another school where the community is as good as here.

Name

Charlie

How many GCSE’s did you take?

What were your results?

8 x grade 9 – I only joined Norwich School this year so I did them in a year.

What was your favourite subject and why?

Maths.

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Chinese.

Is there any particular reason or inspiration for choosing these A Levels?

I want to be a cardiologist or an obstetrician. I was lucky enough to be able to watch a heart bypass operation in Hong Kong and that inspired me.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?

More opportunities for volunteering and to doing more music – I would love to join the G Force choir.

What are your co-curricular activities?

The year studying for my GCSEs didn’t really give me time for co-curricular activities, but I am looking forward to making the most of these in Sixth Form. As well as Music, I would like to organise some Chinese activities.

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The fact it is so diverse.

Name

Alena

How many GCSE’s did you take?

What were your results?

9 x grade 9 and 2 x grade 8

What was your favourite subject and why?

Biology because I want to do Veterinary Medicine and French because it was just so much fun. However, I will be honest and say I liked them all!

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

Biology, Chemistry Maths and Music.

Is there any particular reason or inspiration for choosing these A Levels?

Easy - I want to be a vet and I like Music!

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?

Free periods and more independence.

What are your co-curricular activities?

I play the oboe, so I have really enjoyed the musical opportunities and look forward to doing more in Sixth Form.

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

My friends.

Social Sciences

When pupils reach Sixth Form a number of additional subjects open up to them for A Level studies, and this gives them the opportunity to study something entirely new. Including Business, Politics and Psychology, these pupils are looking forward to something completely different in class next year…

Name

Safal

How many GCSE’s did you take?

What were your results?

8 x grade 9 and 1 x grade 8.

What was your favourite subject and why?

I particularly enjoyed History as I find it interesting to lean about events of the past and how they shape society today.

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

History, Economics and Politics.

Is there any particular reason or inspiration for choosing these A Levels?

I am really interested in these subjects and I hope that they will help me, as I hope to study Law in the future.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?

The freedom of being able to do more stuff outside studies and focus on what I want to do in the future.

What are your co-curricular activities?

I like sport, especially football. In Sixth Form I am looking forward to doing clubs around the subjects that interest me like Clio Society and Mock Law Trials. Plus I hope to join Charities Committee.

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

There is a good support network in whatever you want to do. I also like being in the city.

Name

George

How many GCSEs did you take?

What were your results?

3 x grade 7 and 5 x grade 6

What was your favourite subject and why?

3D Art. The support the staff give you is amazing; they literally give you the freedom to be creative and let your imagination take over.

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

Geography, Politics and Business.

Is there any particular reason or inspiration for choosing these A Levels?

Geography was fun at GCSE so I am keen to continue with that and the other two are new subjects so it will be good to try something new; I am very interested in Politics although I don’t want a career in it.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?

Being able to study and focus on subjects you have chosen; it feels like you are in control of what you want to learn.

What are your co-curricular activities?

I am big on sports both in school such as cricket and hockey, and out of school I love golf.

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

I think as pupils we are given freedom of responsibility which enables us to learn better as we are encouraged to explore our subjects. Plus the open and inclusive atmosphere across the whole school.

Name

Cartier

How many GCSE’s did you take?

What was your favourite subject and why?

The Arts – I love drawing and I love the teachers! Mr Ollivier helped me so much through the process and I got one mark away from 200, so I got a very high 9 in Fine Art!

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

Classics, History, Psychology and Economics.

Is there any particular reason or inspiration for choosing these A Levels?

I really love learning about the past so History and Classics are ideal.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?

Learning new subjects – three of my options are new to me and I feel it will be fun to learn about new things. And knowing Norwich School I know the teachers will be helpful and make it interesting.

What are your co-curricular activities?

I joined Model United Nations Society which has really helped me; at first I couldn’t speak publicly but being a member of MUN has helped build my confidence and grow as a person, especially as I would like to do Law in the future.

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

I love waking up and coming into school and I love my friends.

Performing Arts

As well as Sport, Performing Arts is a very popular co-curricular option for many pupils, whether that’s Dance, Drama or Music. The opportunities to perform are endless at every level and these pupils demonstrate that it is entirely possible to balance participation with academic studies…

Name

Rory

How many GCSEs did you take?

What was your favourite subject and why?

Definitely Classics – I have always loved that period of history.

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

Theatre Studies, Classics and Latin.

Is there any particular reason or inspiration for choosing these A Levels?

They are three subjects I really enjoy and I might go on to do Classics at University, with theatre on the side. My dream is performing and this route is very much inspired by Eddie Redymane and Tom Hiddleston!

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?

Widened opportunities and new spaces to explore. I’m really looking forward to all the extra opportunities that comes with Sixth Form.

What are your co-curricular activities?

Dance and theatre have been a big part of my life, but I also love music, especially singing in Close Shaves.

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The atmosphere and location; assemblies in the Cathedral are amazing and the setting in the Close is stunning.

Name

Min Ting

How many GCSE’s did you take?

What were your results?

7 x grade 9 and 3 x grade 8

What was your favourite subject and why?

Hard to say but if I had to choose I would say Music and the sciences.

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Maths.

Is there any particular reason or inspiration for choosing these A Levels?

My family are in the medical field and they have inspired me to want to be a doctor.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?

More music opportunities and meeting new friends. Plus doing the subjects I love, of course.

What are your co-curricular activities?

Music. I play the piano and violin and have performed in various concerts. I hope that in Sixth Form I will also experience different ensembles.

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

My friends and the welcoming atmosphere every day.

< Older Post

2026 GCSE Exam Results

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.”

FONS supports Critical Writing Competition

By Sonja Mitchell • August 19, 2026

FONS is proud to support partnerships with the local community

Another successful Discover Your Ability Day with Able2B

By Sonja Mitchell • August 19, 2026

Friends of Norwich School were delighted to support this event for the second year running

A new Mural for Upper King Street

By Sonja Mitchell • August 19, 2026

FONS has funded materials for L6 pupils to design a mural in the UKS Cafe

Ben Rothery (96 - 02) Wild Wonders book launch

By Sonja Mitchell • August 19, 2026

Ben tells us what inspired him to write his new book which is out now.

STEM Success - From Ambition to Achievement

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.

STEM Ambitions - Routes to Success

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.

One School. Many Routes.

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.

2026 A Level Exam Results

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.

Norfolk Summer School Alumni Shares Experience

By Eleanor Lewis • August 3, 2026

Now you've finished Year 13, what are you planning to do next? I am planning to do a gap year where I have applied to get involved with Uppingham school for a creative student placement. I have also applied for work experience with Christie’s. For now I am volunteering with local galleries as well as Leicester Museum and Gallery for training, helping run workshops, volunteering and selling artwork at markets as well as open calls. The degree I plan on doing is Fine art with Art History at Leeds University or at Manchester Metropolitan. Now you've been through the process of applying for UCAS, what did you find most helpful? Was there a particular session or piece of advice which stood out for you? The advice I got from my teachers there was very useful as the themes and ideas explored within lessons helped to push me into the right direction for contextual knowledge for my personal statement. The interview preparation I found most useful (especially how we had 2 practice ones) as they allowed me to reflect on aspects I could improve, making me feel better prepared in what I should say within them. What advice would you give someone in Year 12 who is thinking of applying to university next year? Definitely attend summer school as it gives you the knowledge and preparation needed for applications and interviews for uni. If you are unable to, there is plenty information online as well. If you are applying to creative courses I would suggest getting involved within your local arts community like we did with the Sainsbury’s centre within the course as you will gain experience as well as relationships with artists and people who are passionate about their practice. Opportunities within the future for collaboration may be possible through this too and is always useful for exhibitions in your later career. Get involved with the courtauld gallery (they offer EPQ and A-Level qualifications) as well as the Association for Art History as they offer vital information via workshops for careers within the creative sector. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us about your experience of the Summer School and/or applying for university? An amazing opportunity where I gained information about the history of the art surrounding the area as well as studies currently underway at the Sainsbury’s Centre. The experience made things for me seem more possible as summer school s within my city are not available. I loved learning about the themes explored within the lessons and still use the information noted today for essays. Everyone was very helpful and open to sharing their experiences as well as advice. Thank you!