FOOTBALL FOCUS: THE 2023 REPORT FROM ARTHUR TURNER (U6N), 1ST XI CAPTAIN

December 12, 2023

Upper Sixth pupil and 1st XI Captain, Arthur Turner, tells of how the team had become the first Norwich School side to reach the third round of the Boodles Cup;



"After a strong 22/23 season, the 1st XI football team looked to better their tally this year. To begin the term, we played our customary season opener against the ON’s. The game was comfortable and helped to establish on-field connections, as we came away as 3-0 winners, including a debut goal from Ethan Buskell. Our first competitive game came 10 days later against Wymondham College, a school that we had not beaten in more than 15 years. However, excitement was high as we felt as though this statistic needed altering. The first half was tight, with few chances and neither side able to open their account. Yet this was soon to change. As the second half began, it became transparent that we were the better side. After scoring 5, including a brilliant brace by Theo Demetriou, the 1st XI had broken their 15 year duck.


Our next game came against Bedford Modern, in the first round of the ISFA Boodles Cup. This competition is the pinnacle of any schoolboy football season, so to state that the boys were up for the game would be an underwhelming statement. We started strongly, dominating the play and tempo of the game. Bedford had no reply to our incessant attacks as we netted 6 goals with no reply. A tremendous victory secured our spot in the second round, a feat only done once before. After this rampant display, it was clear to us that this squad had the ability to surpass the high standards set by last year’s side.


Our next opponents were Gresham’s. We knew that we had the capability to beat them but a reduced squad forced players into positions they were not familiar with. We knew that complacency was not an option. A cagey first half held the score at 1-1. Some halftime substitutions were made and the second half was set in motion with all still to play for. An early penalty won by Joe Crotty allowed for Jofie Philpott to calmly slot it away, and bring us the lead. Two more goals from Jofie, including an audacious lob, brought up his hattrick. These were swiftly followed by two goals from super sub Artem Danylchuk and a late consolation goal for Gresham’s, to end the game 6-2 to the good. This stood us in good stead to play against St John’s Leatherhead the following week, in the second round of the ISFA Boodles Cup.


Upon the morning of the match against St John’s, the anticipation was stratospheric. The chance of any nerves settling was not helped by the bus being 1 hour late. Nonetheless, the boys were driven by the thought of “what could be if we were to win this game”. Three and a half hours later, we all walked out to examine the pitch. Soon after, St Johns arrived and as they passed the pitch to the changing room, Lawrence Williams expertly placed a practice penalty into the top corner, which we were sure struck fear into our opponents. 45 minutes later, the warmup was finished and the game was set. As anticipated, St John’s were a technically very good side, having most of the possession for the opening thirty minutes. However, a flurry of goals inside the final 10 minutes of the first half, had us 3-0 up with half the game yet to play.


We were in a perfect position to create Norwich School History. At the break, Mr Cole kept us humble, to ensure we were not satisfied with the current scoreline. The second half commenced and within 5 minutes, Oliver Rudling, towering above the Leatherhead defence, powered a header past the opposition keeper. 15 minutes passed and young starlet Ryan Gray sealed our victory with 2 more goals. The game had finished 6-0 and history was made. We had become the first Norwich School side to reach the third round of the Boodles Cup.

Eagerly we waited for the draw on the bus journey home, tension at its highest. And then, it was announced … Repton. As Mr Cole described it, Norwich School vs Repton is like Wycombe Wanderers vs Manchester City. It would need an almighty upset for us to progress to Round 4. 2 weeks of half term rolled by and we returned to face Culford on the first weekend back. It was fair to say that we were rusty. An ugly, inelegant game, with two of the most bizarre goals ever witnessed helped us to another 6-0 win. And then, just 3 days later, we lined up to face Repton, the biggest game ever for our football programme. In the changing room, the suspense was suffocating. Yet, a pre match message from Yaya Toure reduced the nerves and we moved out onto the field. The game began and Repton had all the possession, the score only held level by our resilience and work ethic. Midway through the first half, Ryan Gray was able to pounce on a Repton error to run through and slot his strike past the keeper to put us a goal ahead.


Ten minutes passed, and a quick counter attack earned us a corner. Jonathan Udeh swung the ball in and an unmarked Luie Valentine headed home to make it 2-0 just before halftime. The second half began as the first had ended. After some brilliant interplay, Ryan was in behind the Repton defence and expertly bagged his brace to put us 3-0 with 30 minutes to play. The dream was on. A quick response from Repton put the score at 3-1 after some scrappy defending.


Then, two crucial injuries to both Luie Valentine and our Captain Arthur Turner left the game imbalanced. To come on in such a game and be able to adapt to its tempo is almost impossible. A well worked goal from Repton held the game at 3-2 with only ten minutes to play. The possession was all Repton, our defence making clearance after clearance, doing everything to prevent another shooting chance with Noah Rastrick putting in some crunching challenges. Only a few minutes left on the clock and Repton scored a quick double to give them the win and knock us out of the competition. It was heartbreak for the boys. All the effort seemingly amounting to nothing. Nevertheless, the team can be immensely proud of how they performed. To push such a strong side as we did, is no mean feat.


The objective now moved to remaining unbeaten in the rest of our fixtures. The weekend following, an 11 man squad, with two sustained injuries, faced Felsted. The boys struggled to find rhythm, only managing to score 1 each half. A disappointing result with the game finishing 2-2. With our final game of the season being against Langley, after cancellations from both the Perse and Woodbridge, we looked to end the season on a high. A sharp start from Langley had them 1-0 up inside a minute, an exact repeat of last season’s game. However, we turned the game on its head, as Ryan scored an incomprehensible 4 goals before his departure at halftime. In the second half, cultured build up play from Arthur and Luie created opportunities for us but we lacked the finishing touch. Two goals from Langley finished the game 4-3 ending a tremendously successful season for the 1st XI following a record breaking run in the ISFA Boodles Cup and an unbeaten campaign in the regular season fixtures.


A huge thanks must go to Mr Wylie and the schoolboy Pep Guardiola, Mr Cole, as without them, this team wouldn’t have reached these newfound heights. Also, a massive congratulations to U5 star striker Ryan Gray, who has received a scholarship at Cambridge United. We wish him the best for his future in Football. Moreover, congratulations must go to U6 members, Jasper Bird, Oliver Rudling, Luie Valentine, Arthur Turner, Jofie Philpott as their contribution over the three years on the football programme has been monumental. Finally, good luck to next year’s captain, Joel Field and the rest of the team for the 24/25 season." 

September 1, 2025
Cricket Catch Up from the Summer Break It has been wonderful to see the Norwich School contingent for Swardeston perform so well. Lawry Williams (who was named man-of-the-match) led their U19 squad with Lewis, Ollie and Deeran to victory in their T20 competition on Monday 25 August, winning the Norfolk Cricket Foundation Vitality Club U-19 T20 Trophy. We have had several players involved with Norfolk, England Over 40’s and Bunbury’s over the years… Highlights include - Ollie Longdon Scoring 87 and 90 at Bunbury in the 2-day fixture. Maiden 50 in the EAPL at 15. Tom Bush Bunbury selection. Bella Lewis Superb Norfolk season with 25 wickets including a 5-wicket haul against Harrow CC. Bella Borges Leads the overall Norfolk pathway batting run totals with over a 1000 runs for Norfolk u15, U18 and also the women’s squad. 153 for the U18’s against Suffolk. 102 for the U15’s against Cricket East and 5 wickets for 13 runs 119 against Herfordshire. Staff achievements - Alfie Cooper and the Norfolk Men’s winners of the national T20. Richard Sims selection and 50 runs scored for the England over 40 team against Scotland.
By Eleanor Lewis August 22, 2025
Lower 6 pupil, Kwame Bekoe, has represented England U18s in the 2025 U18 International Series in South Africa this summer. Kwame started at lock in the opening fixture against Georgia, before coming off the bench to make a strong impact in the second match against France. His performances earned him a place in the starting XV for England’s clash with tournament hosts South Africa on Saturday 16 August. Kwame is a member of the Leicester Tigers Academy and has been a standout player for the school’s First XV since joining the side in Upper Fifth. To celebrate his success, we asked him a few questions... How long have you been playing rugby? I started rugby at 9 years old with Norwich Rugby Football club. So I've been playing for about 8 years now. How often do you train? In season I'll train with school 2-3 times a week and with tigers 1-2 times a week. I also try and go to the gym at least 5 days a week. How did you get into the Leicester Tigers Academy? I officially got into the academy in year 11 after attending numerous developmental training sessions hosted by tigers since the start of year 10. I was put forward by my rugby club coach to be apart of these sessions and was kept through the pathway after multiple selections until I was selected for the academy. How did you get selected for the U18 International Series in South Africa? Fortunately, I was selected for the England U17 may development camp after missing out on being selected for the first camp in April. It was a four day camp with a match on the fourth day and this camp determined which players out of the 46 on camp would play in the summer series. How did it go? It was a great two weeks with a great group of talented players. Unfortunately we didn’t come away with a win but everyone got better as players and had a wonderful experience playing at international level. What was the best part? The best part for me was after the France game having a dinner party with all the teams (Georgia, Ireland, France, England and South Africa) and having a good time singing and dancing with all the players. What was the most challenging? The most challenging part for me was matching the physicality of the national teams as they were all exceptionally strong and maintained a relentless level of intensity throughout the games. It was also challenging to memorise all the calls and plays that we used for the 3 games. How has Norwich School supported your rugby journey? Norwich has helped especially with providing transport to training with tigers. They have also supported me with sports scholarship programme to help with mentally and physically preparing myself before matches. The coaches have also taught me a lot since joining in year 7 and some skills that I still use to this day. What's next? Hopefully I will be selected for more England Camps towards the end of the year and being selected for the U18 Six Nations in 2026. What are your future prospects in Rugby? I hope to continue playing rugby at a high level in order to improve and become the best player I can be.
By Eleanor Lewis August 21, 2025
It was a real pleasure to welcome back our 2025 GCSE pupils today as they collected their results. The atmosphere was full of excitement, with many smiling faces as pupils celebrated their hard-earned successes. We are enormously proud of such a strong performance from this year’s cohort, including: 29% of our pupils achieved a grade 9 Over half our pupils (54%) achieved grades 9-8 74% of our pupils achieved grades 9-7 There were also some outstanding individual performances, including 10 candidates with 10 x grade 9 or better and 35 candidates with at least 9 x grades 8 or 9. We caught up with some of the pupils to learn more about their personal successes and hear about what lies ahead for them. 
By Eleanor Lewis August 21, 2025
We are pleased to announce very strong GCSE results for 2025. From the cohort of 132 candidates, overall percentages are as follows: 29% at grade 9 54% at grades 9-8 (A*) 74% at grades 9-7 (A*-A) 88% at grades 9-6 (A*-B) 98%: overall pass-rate (grades 9-4) Outstanding individual performances included:  4 candidates with 11 x 9 or better; 10 candidates with 10 x 9 or better; 35 candidates with at least 9 x 8 or 9. Steffan Griffiths, Head, commented, “Our GCSE Class of 2025 have worked very hard for these results and they now thoroughly deserve their success. Well-supported at home and at school, they have laid terrific foundations to make the most of our Sixth Form, whether academically or in other aspects of our holistic provision. We look forward to supporting them as they make this exciting transition.” Assistant Head (5th Form), Andrew Curtis, said, “I offer sincere congratulations to our Upper Five pupils on their excellent results. They have been diligent in their academic work, but they have also contributed strongly in sport, drama, music, dance and school clubs. Perhaps most importantly, they have built strong friendships which will stand them in good stead for the future. They have much to offer as they move into our 6th Form and I wish them all well.
By Eleanor Lewis August 14, 2025
Emotions ran high on A Level results day, and rightly so, as our Class of 2025 reached a major milestone after two years of hard work and commitment. Today marks the beginning of an exciting new journey as they step into the future, armed with the results of their hard work. Over 95% of pupils achieved their first or second choice onward route and there are also some truly outstanding personal triumphs. No question, the pupils in this year’s cohort have every reason to feel proud. We caught up with a few of them to hear first-hand what these results mean and how they’re feeling as they look ahead. 
Norwich School and the Close
August 14, 2025
The school is pleased to announce strong A Level results. The cohort of 177 U6 candidates have achieved the following: 24% of grades at A*; 52% of grades at A*-A; 82% at A*-B; 94% at A*-C; 100% at A*-E. Outstanding individual performances included: 5 candidates with 4 A*; 16 candidates with 3A* or more; 54 candidates with 3A or more. These results are enabling positive next steps. Even before improvements from the UCAS Clearing process have been absorbed, 80% of leavers have secured their first choice onward route and over 95% have achieved their first or second choice.  The Head, Steffan Griffiths, said, “I am delighted for the Class of 2025; they have been terrific in so many areas of school life, acting as positive role models in our community and offering much in arenas such as sport, music, drama, dance and service. It is fitting that they now round off their time in Cathedral Close with strong academic results, too, thereby opening up all sorts of exciting individual onward routes. All at school wish them well”. Richard Peters, Head of Sixth Form, commented, “This cohort of pupils committed to a concerted spell of hard work, so I am pleased that they have been appropriately rewarded with these impressive results. They enjoyed support of families at home and teachers in school, to whom I am grateful. I offer sincere good wishes for our leavers’ next steps”. NB: specific grade percentages will be published when the subject paper review process has been completed.
By Eleanor Lewis August 5, 2025
Nick Conway, L6 pupil, has been selected to represent Great Britain at the Under 19 Junior World Championships in the Men’s Eight racing in Trakai, Lithuania, which is taking place from 6-10 August. This is a very proud moment for the Boat Club program and the School as a whole, as Nick is the first Sixth Form rower from Norwich School to be selected for the Junior World Championships. To celebrate this achievement, we caught up with Nick in the lead up to the Championships... How long have you been rowing? I’ve been rowing for 2 1/2 years since starting lent term in L5. However, rowing has been a part of my life from a young age through my parents. How often do you practice/train? As a boat club we have 14 sessions a week, where we train as a whole boat club, both girls and boys squads together, which helps build a strong community and group. How has Norwich School helped you on your rowing journey? Norwich School have helped me develop by providing elite coaching by various members of the sports department, most of all, Mr Carter-Mayers, our senior rowing coach, along with my academic teachers who have been supportive along the way. How did you get selected to represent GB in U19 Junior World Championships? Selection was decided by a week of testing and racing up to 8 times a day. Through the results from then and throughout various trials this year the selectors build a ranking of the top 7 rowers, which they will take to the worlds championships. Thankfully I was in this group to be selected. How have you been preparing for the event? Since leaving for selection camp on the first week of the summer holidays I’ve been down in London and Reading at the national training centre. I have been rowing with my crew and getting familiar with each other ready for when we take on the rest of the world on the 7th of August. Throughout these 4 weeks we’ve come together well, with a few rocky patches, but nonetheless feeling confident as we enter competition week. We wish Nick the best of luck!
By Eleanor Lewis July 31, 2025
5 - 16 August Open daily 10:00 - 16:00 Closed Sundays. Free admission. Reepham Artists and Makers are a collective of artists and makers based in and around Reepham, Norfolk. They have been exhibiting together since 2017 in galleries and other venues. They work in textiles, ceramics, painting, silver-smithing, glass, wood, gilding and sculpture. Many of the group display and sell as individuals but also come together as a group. Meeting on a regular basis, the artists work together on exhibitions, run workshops within their disciplines and have social visits to galleries and exhibitions in and around Norfolk. Jackie Watson - Ceramics • Sue Johnston - Paintings and Textile Art • Carolyn Penney - Glass and Metal Work • Sara Kenyon - Painter and Water Colourist • Linda Sadler - Ceramics and Textiles • Jane Bygrave - Ceramics • Emily Longhurst - Artist, Working in wood, acrylics and gilding • Tamara Goulding - Lacemaker
By Eleanor Lewis July 14, 2025
Friday 4 July, Independence Day in America, happened to be a memorable day of independence for some of our community, as it heralded the last day of school for our Upper Sixth pupils. And it wasn’t just the pupils sharing this special day – parents and guardians were welcomed to the Close to share in the celebrations. Some pupils had been through the entire Norwich School journey, reflecting on 11 years growing up in the Close, whilst others had experienced a packed and exciting two year Norwich School journey, having joined in Sixth Form. Whatever the ‘length of service’, however, the mixed emotions amongst leavers were shared – excitement for the future, sadness and trepidation as such an important chapter of their lives drew to a close, pride at having reached such a milestone and a touch of exhaustion at the end of such an important academic year. A beautiful sunny day dawned, with an early breakfast for the pupils and a special address from the President of the Horatio Society, Jacob Stevenson, who wished his peers well and encouraged them to embrace their new status as Old Norvicensians (ONs). Jacob also handed out awards as voted for by the pupils themselves including, to name but a few, Most Likely to Start A Charity, Best Bromance, Most Likely to Headline Glastonbury and Most Likely to End Up Back at Norwich School (an easy win for Joel Newman who returns next year as a Lower School Gap Student!). They then headed to tutor group where they were presented with their Valedictory Reports – as written by their Head of House and the Head. Parents and Guardians then joined the celebrations for a brunch on the Refectory lawn before filing into the Cathedral for a very special Farewell Assembly. It was hard to spot a dry eye as parents and pupils joined in singing I Vow To Thee My Country and Jerusalem, and the Head delivered a moving and inspirational address. The congregation were then upstanding and clapped continuously as the Upper Sixth filed out of the Cathedral for the very last time, exiting the West Doors, where they were greeted with a farewell and handshake from the Head. The Upper Close was buzzing as families reunited with one another, hugging and crying as they shared the emotion of such a significant day. Overall, however, despite the tears, it was a day for celebration – to toast a job well done to the Class of 2025 who gave it their all and embraced every opportunity on their Norwich School journey. Corks popped and there were photos a-plenty as families embraced a last chance to take pictures in the Norwich School uniform, before departing for perhaps a rest or a power nap, before dressing in their finest and heading for Norwich City Football Club for the Leavers Ball.  Over 300 parents, staff and pupils attended a magnificent evening, with a sumptuous three course meal, entertainment and a live band which kept everyone on the dancefloor until 1am. There was an after party, but we will leave it at that…! Wishing the Class of 2025 every success for the future and stay in touch. Remember. You are all ONs for life!
By Eleanor Lewis July 12, 2025
Three groups undertook their practice expedition at the end of term. The weather kept to the predictions, being warm and sunny. On the hottest day the groups left camp early, with altered routes to ensure water could be topped up several times. They all coped very well, arriving in campsites and shade before the highest temperatures were reached. The fourth group arrived and the first groups returned to Norwich. The training was repeated with a short walk to refresh and learn navigational skill, followed by some first aid training. The next day the group walked to their next campsite, where they adopted an 8th member which you can see with the team below!
More Posts