GCSE RESULTS DAY 2023 - WE HEAR FROM SOME OF OUR PUPILS RECEIVING THEIR RESULTS TODAY...

August 24, 2023

It was a pleasure to see our pupils receive their GCSE results today and there have been some outstanding individual performances. We caught up with some of this year’s GCSE cohort to find out what today’s results mean for them and what’s next for them on their educational journey…

 

Berry Ward


What were your results? 
I was delighted with all my results and achieved grade 9s in all my chosen A Level subjects. 


What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
I was awarded an Art and Design scholarship earlier this year for the Sixth Form and I am really looking forward to making the most of this opportunity with A Levels in Fine Art, Photography, English Literature and Psychology.


Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study? 
I am not fully decided on what course at this point but I am a creative person and I look forward to continuing my journey at university.


What is the dream job?
This is a tricky question - something which fulfils my potential in both creative and academic disciplines.


What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
I am looking forward to further independence and leadership opportunities.


What are your co-curricular activities?
I enjoy photography and creative pursuits and hope to be part of the peer supporters team again. 


What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?
Norwich School is a dynamic environment, it is placed in a beautiful city and stunning location. I am grateful to be around ambitious peers. I think it is important to focus on what is important to you.


Billy Francis


What were your results? 
I’m so happy! I did better than my mocks and am delighted! I got 2 grade 8s, 1 grade 7, 4 grade 6s, 2 grade 5s and 1 grade 4

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form
PE, 2D Design, Psychology and Maths

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study
Maybe, maybe not. Sport psychology possibly

What is the dream job?
I'd quite like to be a detective!


What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Everything being a bit more relaxed - and of course free periods!


What are your co-curricular activities?
Athletics and volunteering within athletics

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?
The freedom and location, location location! Also the support from lovely teachers and smaller class sizes.



Vishnu Sudeep

What were your results? 
I achieved 4 grade 9s, 4 grade 8s, 1 grade 7 and 1 grade 6

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Maths, Politics, Economics and Physics

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?

I'm hoping to apply for PPE at Oxford


What is the dream job?
At the moment, it would be something financial or possibly in medicine

 What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
More responsibility in school within volunteering and leadership

What are your co-curricular activities?
'm looking forward to new opportunities in the Sixth Form


 What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?
 The amazing atmosphere and wide range of possibilities within academic, creatives and the wider community



Georgia Hodgson 

What were your results? 
I'm over the moon with my 11 grade 9s!


What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Psychology

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?

Hopefully medicine at Oxbridge or London

What is the dream job?
I would love to become a cardiologist

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

Getting more in-depth with my favourite subjects and meeting new people

What are your co-curricular activities?

I am President of Debating Society, and I also enjoy Erpingham Society, Dance and Drama

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?
The whole community is so supportive - pupils and teachers that help you unlock your potential to be the best you can be.


Barnaby

What were your results? 

I’m really pleased to have got all grade 8s and 9s! I got 6 grade 9s and 4 grade 8s.

 

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form? 

Computer Science, 2D Design, Mathematics, Further Maths.

 

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?

I would love to go to Oxbridge to study Computer Science.

 

What is the dream job? 

I’d like to be a Barrister or a Management Consultant.

 

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

Being able to do more independently-driven work. 

 

What are your co-curricular activities? 

Debating and guitar. I’m really looking forward to Mr Robbins’ Toastmasters Club and the Mock Law trial.

 

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

The teachers are fantastic!


Ted Bowyer

What were your results? 
I got 3 grade 9s, 5 grade 8s, 1 grade 7 and 1 grade 6


What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Maths, Further Maths and Economics, possibly with English

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?

I would love to go to LSE or UCL but we will have to see! 


What is the dream job?
Something to do with investment banking at the moment

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
More in-depth subject studies and being able to spend more time studying what I really enjoy

What are your co-curricular activities?
I’ve enjoyed doing lots of rowing and music



Bea Wells

What were your results?  
I’m really happy! I got 4 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s, 2 grade 7s, and 1 grade 5

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Psychology, PE, Biology and English

What is the dream job?
Something in the army - not sure exactly what, yet!


What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Being able to focus on fewer subjects, the ones that I love, and doing more independent learning

What are your co-curricular activities?
 I’m hoping to do even more running, continue onto Gold DofE, community service and looking forward to being part of the charities committee

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?
The setting of the Cathedral and The Close grounds and all the sport



Freddie Miller

What were your results? 
I got 5 grade 9s, 2 grade 8s and 3 grade 7s

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Economics, Physics, Maths and Further Maths

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
I haven't decided yet…watch this space

What is the dream job?
Not sure as yet! Still thinking about it

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Just focusing on the subjects I like and am good at

What are your co-curricular activities?
Model United Nations next year and Erpingham Society this year

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?
It’s really great being in the centre of the City



Louis Miller

What were your results? 
4 grade 9s, 5 grade 8s and 1 grade 7.
 
What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Classics, Economics, Politics and History.
 
Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
I’d like to go to Exeter or Durham to study Politics and International Relations
 
What is the dream job? 
I’d like to be a diplomat of some sort.
 
What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form? 
I’m looking forward to more independence/free periods and a closer academic relationship with teachers.
 
What are your co-curricular activities? 
I would like to be involved with MUN next year, to continue with Colloquium and join the Charities Committee.
 
What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School? 
I like being involved in competitive sports and the driven aspect of academic life.


Freya Osborne

What were your results?   
I’m so pleased – I got 10 grade 9s!

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Biology, Chemistry and Maths

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
I’m really excited about applying for Veterinary Medicine at RVC, Edinburgh, Nottingham or Liverpool


What is the dream job?
I want to be a vet – possibly mixed practice

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Having greater academic freedom and getting stuck into choosing a topic for my independent project

What are your co-curricular activities?
So many!! I am in Scouts as a Young Leader. I am looking forward to being in the musical - Guys and Dolls (having done Footloose and the Senior Play last year). I am also looking forward to singing in the choir and hopefully Chamber Choir as well next year

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?
The amount of extra-curricular opportunities to balance out the academic demands



Caidon Cary

What were your results? 
I’m really happy with my 3 grade 9s, 5 grade 8s, 1 grade 7 and 1 grade 6

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
No idea yet

What is the dream job?
If money wasn’t an issue - maybe a Zoo keeper!


What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Freedom - it allows you to learn more about the advanced subjects

What are your co-curricular activities?
Next year I would like to make volunteering fit alongside the busy academic demands of my subject choices

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?
The community side of things - it's a friendly place and it just kind of works!



Mary Amaka-Maidoh

What were your results?   
I’m thrilled to have got 11 grade 9s!

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Psychology

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
I want to be involved with science maybe even medicine

What is the dream job?
Forensics

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

What are your co-curricular activities?
I have enjoyed being involved in netball and science club, medsoc and choir too. I’m looking forward to community service next year

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?
I like feeling comfortable and Norwich School has a really great tight knit community - knowing everyone



Joel Fox

What were your results? 
I’m really pleased with my 11 grade 9s and 1 grade 8

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Maths, Further Maths, History and possibly Latin/Classics

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
I’m hoping to study PPE at Oxford

What is the dream job?
I’d like to be an investment banker or something in politics

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
I’m looking at more in depth study in the subjects I enjoy

What are your co-curricular activities? 

I’ve been involved in the MUN and Erpingham Society.
 
What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?
I love both the sporting and extra-curricular opportunities available to me



Ava deCooper Wride 

What were your results? 
I got 2 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s, 4 grade 7s and 1 grade six.
 
What will you go on to study in Sixth Form? 
Psychology, 3D Art and Sports Science. 
Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
I am not sure that I will go to university. 
 
What is the dream job? 
Something in sport, for sure. 
What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form? 
Focusing on studying subjects that I really enjoy. 
What are your co-curricular activities?
Sport – mainly netball and rugby. 
What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School? 
Definitely sport and also my amazing group of friends. 


Zachary Baker

What were your results? 
I’m really pleased with my 9 grade 9s, 1 grade 8 and 1 grade 7

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Physics, Maths, Further Maths and Music

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
I’d really like to either go to Cambridge or ETH to do Engineering

What is the dream job?
Don't know yet - something in design though I hope

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
More independence and even more rowing!

What are your co-curricular activities?
Music in and out of school, and rowing

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?
Having a nice group of friends



Hector Larner-Longe

What were your results? 
2 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s, 4 grade 7s and 1 grade 5.
 
What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
History, Politics, Economics and PRE

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
I would really like to study History at York University

What is the dream job?

I am hoping to apply to be a Royal Marine

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
I am looking forward to being able to specialise in the subjects I'm most interested in

What are your co-curricular activities?
I’ve played rugby and am involved in rowing

What do you love most about being a pupil at Norwich School?
How old the school the school is and being a part of its history

Smiles and Joy at the Lower 1 and Upper 1 Informal Concert

By Eleanor Lewis • February 4, 2026
What a joyful, toe-tapping concert it was! The hall buzzing with excitement as very young musicians from Lower 1 and Upper 1 (some performing for the very first time) took to the stage, beaming with pride and confidence. From the very first notes, it was clear this was a celebration not just of music, but of courage, enthusiasm, and the sheer fun of performing. Smiling families filled the room, cameras at the ready, soaking up every moment as each of our Lower School pupils shared their hard work and musical imagination. The piano pieces sparkled with variety and character. Familiar melodies like Ode to Joy floated out warmly and confidently, while playful pieces such as Whirleybird , ABC Playtime , and Up and Down Song bounced along with energy and charm. More atmospheric moments appeared too, from the gentle magic of Walking in the Air to the bouncy rhythms of Minnie Mouse Hits The Town! There were also lovely storytelling moments at the piano, with music inspired by wildlife, farmers, and even a cheerful boat ride or two. Every performance, no matter how short was delivered with huge smiles, careful concentration and an infectious sense of joy. Overall, the L1 and U1 Informal Concert was a heart-warming showcase of young talent and growing confidence. The enthusiasm of the performers, the supportive energy of the audience, and the wide range of music made it a truly uplifting event, one that left everyone applauding loudly and walking away with happy hearts.  Head of Music Mr Vine said 'another fantastic concert full of music making at its finest! So proud of our L1 and U1 pupils who worked so hard to get their pieces ready. A big thank you as always, to our fabulous visiting music tutors for all their guidance and preparation! Bravo to all!'

Upper 2 Visit Norwich Synagogue for a Day of Discovery

By Eleanor Lewis • February 3, 2026
On Tuesday 3 January, Upper 2 visited Norwich Synagogue as part of their learning about the local community. The children were immersed in an enriching experience that helped them develop an understanding of different cultures and traditions. They particularly enjoyed dressing up with a kippah and a tallit, and were fascinated by the opportunity to view the Torah scrolls. The visit provided a valuable and memorable insight into the Jewish faith and community around us.

Fright Years on Nationwide Tour

By Sonja Mitchell • February 3, 2026
Juliette Kelly (17-19), lead singer, is back on stage across the country with breakout indie band, Fright Years.

National Year of Reading - January

By Eleanor Lewis • January 31, 2026
2026 is National Year of Reading and we are going all in here at Norwich School! We know reading expands worlds, sharpens minds, and fuels creativity, so let's get inspired! Every month we are focusing on a different genre and hearing from a member of staff about what they like to read, why, when and where! We are kicking off in January with Historical Fiction and one of the school's biggest fans of this genre has to be Mrs Morgan. Let's find out more about why Mrs Morgan loves historical fiction... Tell us a little bit about the genre; what common themes or elements do you particularly enjoy? I love the characters who reflect the beliefs, limitations and social pressures of their era. Stories that weave real historical events with imaginative elements showing how ordinary people experience extraordinary moments such as in ‘The Help’ by Kathryn Stockett. What was the book that introduced you to historical fiction? Was there a particular book or author that made you fall in love with this genre? I have always loved reading historical fiction even as a child and this is possibly why I went on to study History at university. When I was growing up I loved reading books based on historical events such as Little House on the Prairie , Goodnight Mr Tom , the Hornblower series, classics like The Secret Garden and books by Phillipa Gregory. Has your taste in this genre changed over time? I think in recent years I have focused more on the stories of people who lived through tumultuous times, but who had a story that hasn’t been told like Heather Morris’ The Tattooist of Auschwitz . Would you recommend this genre to someone who doesn’t usually read it? Why? I think historical fiction gives readers something unique: the opportunity to experience the past not as a list of dates but as a living world full of people who feel real. It helps us understand how individuals living at that time navigated the forces that shaped their lives – war, inequality, migration, discovering, and in doing so it deepens our understanding of how those same forces echo today. Do you tend to reread favourites from this genre or always look for something new? I never re-read books as I feel like there are so many books available, I don’t want to waste my time re-reading one, even if I loved it! When was the last time a book from this genre really surprised you? I really enjoyed There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak, as it follows the life of a drop of water as it travels through different time periods and locations, intertwining the stories of the three main characters across various time periods and countries. Do you prefer classic or modern books within this genre, and why? Both – I’m happy to read anything! Obviously one of the joys of my job is that I get to read many new children’s books so that I can recommend them to Lower School pupils such as Tom Palmer’s ‘Resist’ and ‘After the War’. What do you enjoy most about reading, whether historical fiction or anything else? The spotlight it shines on parts of history or everyday life that might otherwise go unnoticed. I have just finished reading a few books by Francis Quinn which focus on the lives of people who did not become famous, but who had a vital role to play within the societies in which they lived. The Smallest Man , That Bonesetter Woma n and The Lost Passenger all use real historical events as a backdrop for highlighting the ordinary people that have been caught in extraordinary circumstances. I have also recently enjoyed The Eights by Joanna Miller which documents the experience of the first women to study at Oxford University. When and where is your favourite time and place to read?/ Do you have a favourite reading spot or routine for diving into books? I usually only have time to read a few pages a night during term time, but I love to spend more time reading in the school holidays. In winter I love to sit on the sofa, in front of the wood burner with my dog snoring next to me and a cup of tea nearby! In the summer I enjoy reading outdoors, either in the garden or on the beach. Which fictional character would you most like to have a cup of tea with? I think I would like to share a cup of tea with Paddington bear as he would almost certainly bring marmalade sandwiches too! If you could step into the world of any book, which would it be and why? I would love to visit the Faraway Tree in The Enchanted Wood! I would be so excited to explore the magical lands and meet Moonface and Silky, although I would do my best to avoid Dame Wash-a-lot’s water! There is a film coming out later this year and I can’t wait to watch it. Click here to see Mrs Morgan's reading list!

Cross Country Champion Emi Muntingh

By Eleanor Lewis • January 30, 2026
Following Emi's success at the Norfolk Country Cross Country Championships we decided to ask her a few questions about her love of running and her upcoming London Mini Marathon. How long have you been running?/How long have you been running with the school? I have now been running for 3 years, and I have been competing for the school since Upper 3. How often do you run outside of school? I run with a training group 2-3 times a week depending on the dates of various competitions. How do you train?/How do you prepare for a race? I think that mental preparation is the most important; I use visualisation which can help me enter an open mindset. And I think it is mainly accepting that it will have painful aspects, but the aftermath feels phenomenal. And physically preparing, is a matter of being consistent at training in my case. How did you find the Cross Country championships? The Cross Country Championships was certainly nerve-racking beforehand, but I think the race went very smoothly and I left it all out on the course. And attempted to compete to the best of my abilities! Can you tell us a bit about the London Mini Marathon in April? Fortunately because of my performance at the County Championships I have been accepted to run at the London Mini Marathon! How are you feeling about it? As much as I am excited, there is no doubt I will be feeling nervous. But I think that it is a great opportunity, also to be surrounded by excellent runners! Where do you hope your running will take you? As for my running, I would like to compete at a high level but most of all I would love to continue to enjoy it! Because I truly believe if it is bringing you no satisfaction or joy, there is not a point in pursuing it. What piece of advice would you give to aspiring cross country runners? For people who are aspiring to do cross country as a sport, I would advise them to just have a go and give it a chance. Because if you are willing to give it a chance, you might just find that you will like it!

Lower 2 and Upper 2 Sparkle in Their Informal Concert

By Eleanor Lewis • January 30, 2026
What a joyful and uplifting concert it was, packed with confidence, colour and lots of happy moments! From the very first notes, it was clear how much enthusiasm and hard work had gone into preparing this programme. The concert opened with the warm, rich sound of the cello in The Two Grenadiers by Robert Schumann, setting a confident and expressive tone. Some lively vocals and guitars performed Lush Life by Zara Larsson which was full of energy and great teamwork. The piano brought a touch of movie magic with Let It Go by K. Anderson, before switching gears completely with the dramatic rhythms of War Drums by F. Waterman. A beautifully calm moment came with River Flows in You by Yiruma on the piano, played with lovely control and feeling. The smiles continued with vocals performing 7 Years by Lukas Graham, showing great expression and connection with the audience. The bright sound of the trumpet shone through for Africa followed by a cheerful flute rendition of the traditional Pease Pudding . The piano took us on a fun musical journey with Yankee Doodle , then treated us to a confident and familiar Ode to Joy by Beethoven. Another gentle piano highlight came with Little by Little by F. Davies, played with care and musicality. A lively vocal performance of Golden from K-Pop Demon Hunters brought lots of sparkle and stage presence, while Tomorrow from Annie was delivered with real enthusiasm and a big smile. The pace picked up with an exciting drum performance of Skullcrasher , which certainly lived up to its name! The piano then returned with the flowing melody of Bluebird by P. Waterman, followed by a spirited violin performance of Wild West by D. Blackwell. The concert closed beautifully with The Singing Swan by P. Waterman on the piano, a lovely and confident finish to a fantastic event. Overall, this was a wonderful concert full of bravery, enjoyment and musical growth. Every performer should be incredibly proud—there were lots of smiles in the Lower School Hall and plenty to celebrate. Well done to everyone involved!

An Eye-Opening Day with Street Child for the Charity Committee

By Ben Stokes • January 30, 2026
On Friday 30 January , members of the Charity Committee travelled to London to attend the Street Child Charity Leadership Summit — marking the first time Norwich School has ever taken part in this event, and hopefully the first of many. From the moment the group arrived, the day proved to be both inspiring and eye-opening. Street Child shared powerful insights into the realities faced by millions of children across the world who lack access to basic education, safety, and necessities that many of us take for granted. Simple things such as a classroom, books, clean water, or even a secure place to sleep, are everyday luxuries for us, yet completely out of reach for so many others. Throughout the conference, the group learned not only about the challenges these communities face, but also about the incredible work Street Child does to address them. The charity spoke openly about how it operates, how fundraising directly impacts lives, and how young people can play a meaningful role in creating change. Hearing real stories of resilience and progress made the scale of the charity’s impact feel tangible and personal. Reflecting on the day, Jessica Roper (L6) said: “It was amazing to be invited as a charities committee down to London for the day, to meet with the amazing charity of Street Child. They were inspiring and informative of all aspects of how charities run and the impact fundraising can have all across the world, the whole day was amazing!” Mrs Hill described how it was a joy to accompany such an enthusiastic and thoughtful group of L6 pupils on this trip. Overall, the visit to Street Child was a truly memorable experience. It was inspiring and reinforced why charitable work matters. The group returned to Norwich motivated, grateful, and determined to continue supporting causes that make a real difference.

Catering in the Close - the Secrets Behind the School's Mouthwatering Catering

By Eleanor Lewis • January 29, 2026
When pupils leave Norwich School, they reflect on the wonderful community in the Close, the teachers who supported them along the way, the friendships they made. However, in recent years as we look at the quotes of Upper 6 leavers, there seems to be a theme in what they'll miss - the food! To celebrate the work of our incredible catering staff we decided to ask Gareth Parry, Thomas Franks General Manager, a few questions... What does a day in your life look like? A typical day - Arriving in the morning and receiving a mountain of orders before the pupils are on site. Breakfast is freshly prepared and served from 7:45am to 8:45am. Chefs are busy prepping for the lunch ahead that day whilst front of house staff are getting the break time snacks ready and freshly preparing sandwiches etc. Lunch is served between 12pm and 1:55pm, then we clear everything down ready to start again the next day! There are various functions on throughout the week for which we might provide simply tea and coffee, buffet lunches or a three course sit down meal, it really varies from day to day. On average, how many meals are served at Norwich School in a day? On an average day we feed something in the region of 1250 meals for lunch. This can rise dramatically if we have functions on throughout the day and evening. What goes into planning a school menu? We proudly take time and effort to explore a variety of dishes from around the world, with a focus on nutrition. We have to consider catering for various age ranges from 4 to 18 and also consider a whole variety of dietary requirements. Finally we ultimately have to look at cost and keeping to a budget without compromising the culinary experience. What time does your day start and end? We have chefs on site from 6am, sometimes earlier! I am often the last to leave on a typical day without functions at 6pm. If we have a meal on in the evening, this can even run until midnight to clear up. What is the best part of your job? We certainly enjoy the creative side of cooking and providing hospitality to the masses and it is pleasing to educate people through food where we can. There is also the rush of lunch service which is fast and frantic, this keeps us on our toes and certainly makes time pass quickly! How does your work help pupils get the best out of their school day? We hope that the pupils look forward to coming into lunch for a tasty, well balanced, nutritional meal which helps fuel the body as well as the brain What is the most popular dish with pupils? Katsu Chicken Curry, it has been a staple on our menu for many years. Any fun facts for us? On a busy day we can clock up 40,000 steps each. Our average step count is 20,000 for the day. We use over 150kg of flour a week just to bake bread and make desserts for lunch time. Last year we cooked over 10,000 sausage rolls! In an academic year we serve over 4000kg of pasta at lunch times which is 4 metric tons! If your job had a theme song, what would it be? Food, glorious, food from Oliver!

Lower One Enjoy an Exciting Trip to Africa Alive

By Eleanor Lewis • January 29, 2026
Lower One pupils enjoyed an exciting educational visit to Africa Alive! as part of their topic on Safari. During the trip, the children took part in a hands-on workshop where they learned fascinating facts about African wildlife and their habitats. They also had the chance to see a range of incredible animals up close, including giraffes, lions and rhinos . One of the highlights of the day was a special animal encounter session, where pupils bravely touched giant African land snails and even met a snake . This experience helped the children develop confidence while learning more about animals in a fun and memorable way. The visit was a fantastic opportunity to support classroom learning and created lots of excitement and curiosity about the natural world.

Norwich School Pupil Commemorates the Ancient Tradition of Child Bishop

By Eleanor Lewis • January 29, 2026
At the St Nicholas Day service on Friday 5 December, Upper 4 pupil and Head Chorister, Sébastien Dubroeucq, was named Child Bishop. This ancient tradition is to highlight the importance of young people and their voices, allowing them to share their insight on the world we live in. To celebrate this, we asked Sébastien some questions... How long have you been at Norwich School? And how long have you been a chorister? I have been at Norwich school and the cathedral choir for four years now. Why did you want to be a chorister? I wanted to become a chorister as I enjoyed and still enjoy singing and performing and it gave me an opportunity to do these things on a regular basis! How do you find the week-by-week life of a Chorister? The choir life felt quite busy when I first joined, with 5 services a week, but it soon became like a routine and now is just associated with normal life! How do you fit it all in with your school life? Do you take on any extracurricular activities? I love performing in musicals and plays, and sometimes choir and play rehearsals overlap, but we always manage to arrange something mutually beneficial for the choir and my extracurricular activities. Can you tell us a little about what the child bishop is and what this involved? The child bishop is part of an old tradition on St. Nicholas day, where a child gives a sermon at the evensong and gives the dismissal and blessing. How was the experience of being the child bishop? The experience of being child bishop was really humbling, and it gave me a really good moment to reflect as I wrote the sermon. Had you heard of this tradition beforehand? I was present at St. Nicholas day for the child bishop last year so I had a pretty good grasp on the situation beforehand. What are your responsibilities as Head Chorister? My responsibility as head chorister is to make sure everyone in choir is feeling alright, and if they aren’t, helping them or pointing them to help. What would you say to anyone who is interested in becoming a Chorister? The experience of being a chorister is a truly remarkable experience and I would heavily recommend it to anyone who like singing or music!
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