FAQs

The Senior School is for pupils aged 11-16, with the main entry points at age 11 (Lower 4/Year 7) and age 13 (Lower 5/Year 9). The Sixth Form is for ages 16-18 (Lower Sixth & Upper Sixth), with Lower Sixth being a main entry point for new pupils. We do accept pupils into other senior school year groups, subject to availability. Please get in touch with the Admissions Team to discuss further. 

Applications can be made via the online form on the school’s Admissions Page. A non-refundable fee of £95 is payable with each application.  

If you need to discuss the application fee, please get in touch with the Admissions Team. 

Senior School (11+): typically, early December (10 December in the year preceding entry).

Sixth Form (16+): typically, mid-November (15 November in the year preceding entry).  

Senior School (11+ entry) 

This process includes: 

• Entrance Assessments (January). 
• Activity session and teacher conversation (January). 
• Reference from current school.

Sixth Form (16+ entry)  

This process includes: 

• A written task.
• Activity choice. 
• Lesson experience. 
• Teacher conversation. 
• Reference from current school. 

No extensive preparation is required. The school aims to gain a true reflection of each applicant’s ability; therefore, over-preparation is discouraged. Further details regarding the assessments will be shared with all applicants. 

Pupils are expected to achieve at least six GCSEs at grade 6 or above, with stronger grades in subjects they wish to study at A Level, more specifically in Maths and Sciences. 

Pupils typically study three A Levels over two years, choosing from a wide range of academic and creative subjects. In addition to this, all pupils can complete an Independent Project in the Lower Sixth. This is an opportunity to explore any field of their choice in the form of an extended paper or substantial creative project. Through this programme they will learn to become independent thinkers and self-motivated doers. 

The admissions process aims to identify pupils who:  

• Can access and benefit from the curriculum 
• Show curiosity, motivation and potential
• Will thrive in the school community 

Yes. A reference is requested from your child’s current school for both Senior School and Sixth Form applicants.  

To accept a place, acceptance of paperwork and a holding deposit (typically £600) is required. This is retained until the pupil leaves and used to cover any outstanding charges. This is on a sliding scale for those receiving financial support. 

The school offers a range of awards for excellence in five areas. A place on one of our Scholarship Programmes is made available to applicants with outstanding ability and potential, which the school assesses by examination, interview, portfolio and audition, as appropriate. Selection at 11+, 13+ and 16+ is made in the following areas: Academic Excellence, Music and Sport. Additionally, Performing Arts and Art and Design are available at 16+. These are enrichment programmes, provided by the appropriate specialists, not direct fee reductions. 

Yes. The school offers means-tested bursaries, which may reduce fees depending on family circumstances. Our assessment is based on both income and asset levels; it is unlikely that a bursary will be awarded to pupils whose household income is greater than 4x the annual senior school fees and/or whose household net assets are more than 20x the annual senior school fees. Resources are finite and each year demand exceeds the funds available.  

Yes. We are proud to welcome pupils from all over the world to join our community. Our International homestay pupils join us in Lower 6 and are wholly integrated into our academic and co-curricular life. Norwich School is a day school, and so our international pupils are individually matched with our trusted and highly experienced ‘home-stay parents’ which offers our pupils the opportunity to learn more about British life and rapidly improve their English skills. Norwich School is a Child Student Visa Sponsor and is able to issue the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to support a visa application.  

Yes. Families are encouraged to visit the school before applying to see whether it feels like the right fit. Opportunities include:  

• Annual Open Morning (a Saturday in September) 
• Open Afternoons (mid-week in March and June) 
• Individual visits or tours arranged through the Admissions Team. 

The Admissions Team (Caroline Moore and Gemma Farr) are available to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.  

Tel: 01603 728449 

Email: admissions@norwich-school.org.uk