GCSE Results Day 2024 - We Hear From Some of our Pupils Who Received Their Results Today...

August 22, 2024

It was fantastic to welcome our 2024 GCSE cohort back to school today to receive their results and there were plenty of happy faces as pupils celebrated their achievements. There have been some outstanding individual performances including:

3 candidates with 11 x 9 or better;

9 candidates with 10 x 9 or better;

32 candidates with at least 9 x 8 or 9.

We caught up with a few of our pupils to find out more about their individual achievements and their plans for the future.

 

Healthcare Hopefuls

A number of this year’s cohort are dreaming of going on to study medicine and have clear plans about their studies for the foreseeable future but that hasn’t stopped them throwing themselves into school life and all that has to offer…

India Rose Fox



What were your results? 
9 grade 9s and 1 grade 8

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

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study? 
I am hoping to study Medicine, hopefully at UCL, Imperial or Edinburgh University

What is the dream job?
I would love to work in orthopaedics or do something in the field of cancer

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
I can’t wait to focus on studying the subjects I really enjoy

What are your co-curricular activities?
I am a keen cricketer and I also love drama; I am so looking forward to doing the Senior School musical which is Grease!

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

There are so many opportunities in so many areas – sports, academic and clubs.

 

Tom Irvine



What were your results? 
11 grade 9s and 1 grade 8

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Biology, Chemistry and either Maths or Physics – I will start doing all four and then choose, I think. 

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study? 
Very much so. I am hoping to study Medicine at Cambridge.

What is the dream job?
Definitely medicine but at this stage, I am not sure where I will want to specialise – maybe intensive care.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Focusing on studying the subjects I really enjoy and understand, but also the increased freedom and the opportunity to manage my own time a bit more.

What are your co-curricular activities?
I play lots of hockey- I am in Norwich City Hockey Club, the school first team and have recently won a national tournament with the regional talent academy. I also play the saxophone and sing and I am currently studying for Grade 8 in both.

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

The teachers and how supportive they are.


Else de Lange



What were your results? 
6 grade 9s, 2 grade 8s and 2 grade 7s

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? 
Definitely! I want to do medicine. I am not sure where yet but I’ve been researching and it seems that Keele, Lancaster and Exeter would be good destinations for me.

What is the dream job?
Anything in the field of medicine. I was lucky enough to do work experience over the summer at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, where I shadowed an anaesthetist for four days. It was an amazing opportunity and so good to see the range of jobs in that field. I particularly enjoyed orthopaedics, anaesthesiology and radiology but I’ve got work experience at an eye surgery just before term starts, so I might change my mind!

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Getting to focus on the subjects I enjoy rather than having to study so many, so I can centre my focus to get the grades I need. I am also looking forward to seeing the new Sixth Formers who we met at the Lower 6 quiz event.

What are your co-curricular activities?
I do rowing for my main sport, but I have also played football which is fun. I did Podcast Club last year and I am really looking forward to joining Charities Committee.

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

The environment. There is so much support and the teachers are really helpful.


Sruthi Santhosh


What were your results? 
10 grade 9s – I was not expecting that at all so I am really pleased!

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

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study? 
I would like to study Medicine but I don’t know which university I want to go to yet.

What is the dream job?
Definitely medicine but not sure where I might want to specialise. 

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Lot more freedom and more opportunities! I am especially looking forward to studying Psychology which is a new subject I’ve never done before.

What are your co-curricular activities?
I play the cello, so I am in the school orchestras and also the choir. I also love sport and play hockey and cricket.

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

Getting to spend time with my friends and being able to do so many different things.

 

Creative Choices

There is an abundance of creative talent in this year’s GCSE cohort, who are looking forward to continuing their studies and their passion for the performing arts, as they go into the Sixth Form and beyond…

Rachel Dean



What were your results? 

2 grade 9s, 1 grade 8 and 7 grade 7s

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Drama, English, Psychology and Maths

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study? 
At this stage, I honestly have no idea!

What is the dream job?
Definitely something to do with performing arts.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Everything! There is literally so much to look forward to, especially Grease, which is the Senior School musical this year – I am playing the role of Roger!

What are your co-curricular activities?
A LOT of performing arts! Drama, dance, singing – I love being involved in school performances.

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

Performing and all the opportunities we have to do that.


Sophie Millington



What were your results? 
All grade 8s and 9s!

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Drama, History and English

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

I am hoping to study performing arts, but I am not sure where yet. 

What is the dream job?

Performing!

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

Everything but obviously for me, especially the opportunities in performing arts!

What are your co-curricular activities?

I love doing anything to do with school performances - drama, dance, singing!

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

Definitely Jazz Night – it’s such a great evening!


Kyriel Fynn


What were your results? 
9 grade 9s and 3 grade 8s

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Music, English and Latin

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study? 
In an ideal world I would love to study Music and English but that’s two separate degrees, so I will probably do a creative writing course with music on the side. I am hoping to go to Cambridge as they have a great music scene.

What is the dream job?
I have no idea specifically but something like show production. I would also love to write books as well.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Studying my chosen subjects in more depth. I am also looking forward to continuing with all the extra curricular activities I do, especially Grease, which is the Senior School musical this year.

What are your co-curricular activities?
I am a keen musician, so I am a member of the Gateway musicians and chapel choir, plus I really enjoy dance and I am in the senior dance company.

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

I think it would be the support you get with the subjects you study – it feels really individual. I also really enjoy the extra curricula activities, especially being in lots of shows which is a unique opportunity.



Celeste Horsman



What were your results? 
8 grade 9s and 4 grade 8s

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

Latin, English Maths and Biology

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study? 
I am hoping to go to university, but I don’t know what I want to study yet.

What is the dream job?
Maybe law – which would potentially answer the previous question!

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

Going back to dance and choir after the summer break – I’ve really missed them.

What are your co-curricular activities?
Anything to do with performing arts.

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

I think it is all the amazing opportunities we have, like the choir tour to Germany last year, which was amazing.


Daisy Massey


What were your results? 
2 grade 9s, 2 grade 8s, 3 grade 7s, 1 grade 6 and 1 grade 5 - which was way higher than I expected, so I am thrilled.

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
2D and Drama for sure but I am thinking I might also do English now, which I had not planned on originally.

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study? 
I am hoping to go to university to study journalism.

What is the dream job?
I would love to be on TV interviewing people. It would be so fascinating.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
I am excited about making new friends and meeting new people.

What are your co-curricular activities?
Anything to do with drama – last year I was in Clue and Guys and Dolls, which I really enjoyed.

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

Everything from drama and being in plays to being with friends. Plus, some of the teachers like Mr Passam, who supported me so much this year.

 

Pursuing their passions

Pupils Adit, Isla and Arthur are particularly looking forward to studying in more depth the subjects they have really enjoyed at GCSE…

Adit Raje



What were your results? 
11 grade 9s

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

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study? 
I definitely want to go to university but I am unsure about what to study – most likely it will be maths or physics related.

What is the dream job?
I have no idea!

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Learning more in depth about the subjects I have chosen to study at A Level.

What are your co-curricular activities?
I play badminton and occasionally cricket.

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

It’s impossible to think of just one thing! Lots!


Isla Bowles



What were your results? 
5 grade 9s and 5 grade 8s – which was way beyond what I expected!

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
French, Spanish and Geography

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study? 
Hopefully I will get in to study modern languages at university although I have yet to decide which combination; probably French and Spanish.

What is the dream job?
I don’t know. Anywhere where I can speak French or Spanish and where it is sunny!

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
The special Sixth Form common rooms or the uniform; I’ve already got my suit and I am excited to wear comfy but smart trousers!

What are your co-curricular activities?
I like performing arts so I sing, play the cello and dance. I am also in the ensemble for Grease, the Senior School musical, next term.

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

The people – my friends and the teachers. Having such a long break over the summer, I have missed the vibe at school and talking to so many different people every day.


Arthur Dannatt



What were your results? 
10 grade 9s and 1 grade 8

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

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study? 
I would like to study Maths at university but I am also interested in various disciplines such as economics politics so I may end up doing a degree such as Maths and Philosophy

What is the dream job?
My subjects could take me on so many different routes, so I don’t really know at this stage.

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

What are your co-curricular activities?
I am a chess player and I also enjoy sports, especially cricket and rugby

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

Plenty – it’s impossible to narrow it down to just one thing! 

Upper 3 Celebrate the End of Summer Exams with a Memorable Trip to France

By Eleanor Lewis • May 21, 2026
In May, Upper 3 pupils celebrated the end of their Summer exams with an incredible trip to France. Pupils visited a local snail farm, where they learned about snail farming, tried unusual snail facial treatments and even tasted snails. They also visited a 100-year-old boulangerie, where they made traditional loaves of bread. The much-loved Infant French teacher, Camembear, also joined the trip, and the U3 children thoroughly enjoyed his company throughout. The programme included a range of fun activities, with facilities offering opportunities such as a silent disco and archery tag, ensuring there was plenty of laughter and excitement along the way. A highlight of the trip was visiting La Coupole, the impressive Second World War megastructure built as a V2 rocket launch facility. This helped pupils understand how wartime rocket technology later influenced the development of space exploration. The trip also provided rich opportunities beyond the classroom. The Camera Kidz team conducted an interview with the snail farmer, gaining a fascinating insight into his work. Pupils certainly embraced French culture, enjoying a vast number of pastries throughout the week. Another standout moment was visiting a traditional French market, where pupils enthusiastically spent most of their money on sunglasses within the first five minutes.  Overall, the trip was full of memorable experiences, laughter, and learning, providing a wonderful way to celebrate the end of exams.

Rowing Report from the Start of Trinity 2026

By Eleanor Lewis • May 21, 2026
The Boat Club had a successful Training Camp to Lake Comabbio, Corgeno, Italy in the Easter holidays with 47 rowers working hard on and off the water and eating plenty of pasta. The return to school saw the first Regatta take place, with our three GB Trialists racing in the GB U19 Spring Regatta, with a 17 th place finish for Ellie, 11 th for James and 2 nd for Nicholas. The next stage will be Final Trials in July. The Seniors travelled to Wallingford Regatta, where some very close racing saw the crews miss out on the final by very small margins. 55 rowers competed at Bedford Regatta, with 17 crews racing across 14 events and taking part in a total of 28 races. With 5 crews reaching the semifinals and a further 4 in Finals, the Boys 1 st Quad came away with a win. For the J14s and some of the J15s this was there first side by side racing. Well done to all the coxes on the day for steering what is a challenging course.  This weekend is the National Schools Regatta at Dorney Lake, Eton. 42 Inters rowers will be racing on Friday and 13 seniors on Saturday and Sunday. Good luck to all crews.

Wellbeing Hub Improvements

By Sonja Mitchell • May 21, 2026
More pupils will benefit from the calm atmosphere of the Wellbeing Hub thanks to funding from FONS

Business Breakfasts give confidence to pupils about life beyond Cathedral Close

By Eleanor Lewis • May 21, 2026
‘Business Breakfasts’ is a brilliant programme helping our young people better understand the potentially intimidating world of work. Before the start of school and over a working breakfast, the school brings in seasoned professionals to speak about their specialisms. The content is veritable gold dust. Generously sponsored by our partners at SG Wealth Management , the Trinity Term events have been both inspiring and informative. There have bene three in the series so far this half term. SG Wealth Management kicked the series off with their very own Director of Business Services, Fran Kemp FPFS. Her lucid, engaging talk aimed to demystifying the important role wealth advisors play in managing their clients’ complex finances professionally and trustworthily. She impressed the pupils with the range of skill sets needed and the range of backgrounds and specialisms that financial advisors have, ultimately boiling down to relationships built on confidence. She held a large audience captivated and the Q&A afterwards prompted some very smart audience questions. The second session was an introduction to the legal profession from our neighbours in The Close, Leathes Prior Solicitors . Experienced Partner Chris Goodwin had been convinced from an early age to become a lawyer and explained his traditional route through a law degree. In contrast former Norwich School pupil Alex Robinson now working with Chris at Leathes Prior, explained how his route into law via a history degree, Masters then law conversion had transpired and how it is possible to become a lawyer from various starting points for those not going down the law degree route or even those with a non-University route. This theme was followed up by the third talk in the series delivered by the charismatic Dale Willis founder of My Great First Job , a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young people transition from education to employment.Speakgin to parents in the pre work breakfast session and then to our pupils during the school day, his focus was on the value of increasingly popular Degree Apprenticeships as a viable and very cost-effective alternative to the traditional tuition-fee heavy university route. He explained all the ins and outs of being in paid work whist obtaining a degree paid for by the employer. It’s not for everyone, but for those prepared to make that paradigm shift the outcomes can be life-changing. Business Breakfasts will resume after half term and pupils are strongly encouraged to be curious and open minded and to come along to learn. Thanks go to Mrs James for organising and to our inspiring speakers for giving of their valuable time, as well as to SG Wealth Management for having the vision to sponsor this transformational iniaitive. 

Upper 3 Learn Life Saving Skills

By Eleanor Lewis • May 21, 2026
Upper 3 spent a purposeful and energetic day developing essential first aid skills through four hands-on workshops. The pupils took part in a range of practical first aid activities, learning how to respond to choking, manage severe bleeding, place someone in the recovery position, make an emergency 999 call, and perform CPR. Through hands-on practice and realistic scenarios, they developed important life-saving skills while building confidence, teamwork, and resilience. From practising with manikins to rehearsing clear emergency calls, the children worked hard and showed great teamwork, care, and determination. Staff were impressed by their focus and growing confidence in responding to real-life scenarios.  This learning forms part of the Upper 3 Virtues Award, recognising responsibility, courage, and service to others. Well done, Upper 3, for embracing these life-saving skills and demonstrating our school values throughout the day.

Big Enough to be Vibrant, Small Enough to be Known: The Norwich School Whole School Photograph

By Eleanor Lewis • May 20, 2026
Under gloriously blue skies, the Norwich Cathedral Close became the backdrop for a truly special moment in the history of Norwich School. On 21 April, pupils, teachers and support staff gathered together for a whole-school photograph — a milestone occasion that captured far more than a single image. This year marks the first time our pupil community has spanned the full educational journey, from our youngest learners aged just three years old through to our Upper 6 pupils, who are now on study leave as they conclude their final term at Norwich School. Bringing every year group together in one photograph was both symbolic and deeply meaningful: a celebration of continuity, growth and belonging across every stage of school life. Standing side by side in the heart of Norwich Cathedral Close, pupils aged 3 to 18 reflected the vibrant and diverse community that defines our school. Alongside them stood the teachers and support staff whose dedication, encouragement and care shape daily life across the school. The result was a portrait of a thriving community united by shared values and a collective sense of purpose. Moments like this remind us what makes Norwich School so distinctive. We are large enough to offer a breadth of opportunity, ambition and experience, yet small enough for every pupil to be known, valued and supported as an individual. From the very first days in our youngest years to the final steps towards university and beyond, each pupil’s journey is recognised and celebrated. As our Upper 6 pupils prepare for the next chapter of their lives, today’s photograph also served as a reminder of the connections and memories that will remain long after they leave the Close. For our youngest pupils, it was a glimpse into the exciting journey that lies ahead. And for everyone gathered together, it was a powerful expression of community. SDAG QUOTE : JI QUOTE: One school. Many voices. Everyone belonging.

An Eye-Opening Assembly from Mr Robbins about Friendship

By Eleanor Lewis • May 20, 2026
One day, someone was walking down the street when they fell in a hole. The walls are so steep they can't get out. A doctor passes by and the guy shouts up, 'Hey you. Can you help me out?' The doctor writes a prescription, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Then a priest comes along and the guy shouts up, 'Father, I'm down in this hole can you help me out?' The priest writes out a prayer, throws it down in the hole and moves on. Next, a teacher comes along and the guy shouts up, ‘Miss, I’ve been stuck here so long, can you help me out?’ The teacher gives a quick lecture on how to get out of the hole and moves on. Then a friend walks by, 'Hey, Joe, it's me can you help me out?' And the friend jumps in the hole. Our guy says, 'Are you stupid? Now we're both down here.' The friend says, 'Yes, but I've been down here before and I know the way out.” Character triumphs over talent. The concept of friendship appears simple on the surface, they’re just our ‘friends’. But what makes a good friend is hard to define and easy to debate. It’s something human beings have been pondering over not just for centuries but for millennia. Aristotle outlined three kinds of friendship: a friendship of utility, a friendship of pleasure and a friendship of virtue. For the first two, both these types of friendship are dependent on a particular good or pleasure, take that away and the friendship crumbles. Friendships that are built upon virtue take time and energy on both sides , but they last. Wind the clock forward a couple of thousand years and psychological studies often reveal that the most sought-after trait in a friend is ‘honesty’. People are looking for someone in their lives who is there to co-operate and support, however, this would not be possible if a friend is dishonest, unreliable, and exploitive. Yes, we seek other qualities in a person such as kindness, availability and just generally being pleasant to be around, but to a large degree, these are objective. Instead, I encourage you to reflect on what your moral values are and see which ones you share with those around you; you might just find a friend. These moral values are fixed in their nature, but dependable and flexible on the context. For instance, I value people who are good fun to be around and positive in their outlook on everyday life. However, we cannot be this way all the time, life throws up challenges, holes in the street… and at those moments I need that same person to just as easily be empathetic and understanding. Likewise, if you value loyalty in a friend, someone who will be by your side no matter what, then I would also encourage you to allow that same person to challenge you & for you to challenge them. Friendships need to offer us some resistance when our behaviour doesn’t match our shared, unwritten values. These should not be seen as contradictions, merely the importance of adaptability whilst protecting the core strength of our support network. Recently, a friend reached out to me after a period of little contact, asking how I was. I explained I was finding things tough, overwhelming, scary. The very next evening, he and two other friends were on a train to come and see me. To listen, to support, to give me some small respite from a darkening world. Simply being present was a small act that went a long way to helping me out of a hole. So, the next time you find yourself unfortunate enough to be walking down a street and you fall into a hole, hopefully you can be reassured that you won’t be down there alone or for too long.

Coming Up at The Crypt - Chris Hann

By Eleanor Lewis • May 20, 2026
Statement I have realised during the last few years that there is a thread that runs through all my work which is the idea of containment. Houses, harbours and boats are all containers in different ways and many of Hepworth’s sculptures have elements of containment too. I moved to Cornwall from Norwich in 1982 and this had a profound influence on my work. Although I returned to Norwich in 1987, Cornwall has always remained my spiritual home and the catalyst for my ideas, particularly the harbours of St. Ives, Mousehole and Falmouth. An additional major influence has been a long series of drawings done in Barbara Hepworth’s garden and studio, as well as the works of Paul Feiler and Terry Frost. Integrated in to some of the works are elements of Cubism and Chinese perspective as a method of structuring images. My major concern is with composition and colour, and using colour to open up the space on a 2D surface. Sometimes collage is used as a starting point which determines what the composition might be, although this is always subject to change. The collage elements also act as parts of the real world juxtaposed with the suggested applications of paint. Some works have other Cornish images such as tin mine chimneys, segments of Hepworth’s sculptures, parts of fishing boats and glimpses of sea, beach and sky. These are not abstract works – they are abstracted – all the works start with observational drawing. The challenge with my work is to bring these elements together to produce a strong composition that works visually in terms of different relationships as well as an image that evokes a sense of place and meaning – something that can communicate before it is fully understood. Just as a fisherman is ‘caught’ by the fish, I am continually drawn back to certain places and images. Mousehole harbour with its solid granite walls containing and protecting the small boats from the ravages of the sea is like a womb. The V shape entrance/exit to the harbour is anatomically feminine too and relates to Hepworth’s sculpture ‘Divided Form’ which has been a source of many works.

Lower 2 Bring the Iron Man to Life at The Theatre Royal

By Eleanor Lewis • May 19, 2026
Lower 2 enjoyed an inspiring and energetic “Play in a Day” workshop at the Theatre Royal, where they brought Ted Hughes’ The Iron Man vividly to life on stage. Building on their Michaelmas reading, pupils explored how drama can transform words on a page into a dynamic and engaging performance. Throughout the day, they experimented with expressive movement, physical theatre, and a wide range of vocal techniques, learning how posture, gesture, pace, tone, and volume can shape character and atmosphere. Working collaboratively in small groups, the pupils developed scenes from the novel, thinking carefully about how to convey tension, humour, and emotion to an audience. They embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and imagination, showing increasing confidence as performers while also strengthening their communication and teamwork skills. The workshop encouraged them to take creative risks, support one another, and respond thoughtfully to the dramatic ideas of their peers. The day culminated in a lively and imaginative sharing for parents and guardians, who were delighted to see the pupils’ creativity, energy, and growing stage presence. From powerful narration to inventive staging and expressive ensemble work, the performances reflected not only the pupils’ understanding of the text, but also their willingness to collaborate and experiment. It was a memorable and rewarding experience that highlighted the creativity, confidence, and teamwork flourishing within Lower 2.

BlazePods Provide New Challenges

By Sonja Mitchell • May 19, 2026
With funding from Friends of Norwich School, BlazePods are proving invaluable with sports participation and engagement
More Posts