GCSE Results Day 2025 - We Hear From Some of our Pupils Who Received Their Results Today...

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.

Studying STEM

As always, the STEM subjects are high on the list for many pupils going on to Sixth Form, with so many different and exciting ideas of what that might take them.

Name

Zara Morgan

What were your results?

10 x 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 don’t know where I want to go but I would love to study medicine.

What is the dream job?

Something in pathology and / or neurology.

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

More freedom for studies and also tackling more challenging subject choices.

What are your co-curricular activities?

Rowing and I am a member of the British Sign Language Club. I am really looking forward to joining the Charities Committee in Sixth Form.

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

We get a lot of freedom to study but also lots of support when needed.

Name

James Howard

What were your results?

9 x grade 9s and 2 x grade 8s

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?

Engineering. If I stay in the UK I would love to go to Imperial College or Oxbridge. But my dream is to go to the States and study at Dartmouth.

What is the dream job?

Aeronautical Engineering; working at NASA or the European Space Agency. Or something nautical – I feel like there has already been a great deal of space exploration whereas the ocean is untamed.

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

Freedom!

What are your co-curricular activities?

Rowing – which takes up most of my spare time! I was fortunate to row in the First 8 this year, which meant I go to row with my brother; it was very special rowing at Henley with him.

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

Rowing and the people around rowing!

Name

Kirti Suhas

What were your results?

10 x grade 9s! I am really pleased as some of them I was hoping for 9s but some were a surprise - especially German!

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?

Maybe Engineering or Finance – definitely something involving maths.

What is the dream job?

I am really not sure! I think I need to figure out what to do at university and take it from there.

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

Having frees … although I am not sure how many I will get with my A Level choices! I am really excited to do a lot of what I love although it will be weird doing so few subjects as I will miss the other subjects I have studied for GCSE.

What are your co-curricular activities?

I play the piano and I am in the school choir. I’ve done Silver DofE and hope to go on to do Gold.

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

The environment and the teachers, who are so encouraging.

Name

Kort Tsui

What were your results?

11 x grade 9s and 1 x grade 8.

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science.

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

Engineering at Imperial or Oxbridge.

What is the dream job?

I would like to be an Aeronautical Design Engineer.

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

I am starting a new challenge to learn the organ which I am looking forward to, as well as meeting more friends.

What are your co-curricular activities?

I am an active member of Chess Club and Maths Club.

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

Definitely the beautiful Cathedral and assembly.

Name

Maya Riches

What were your results?

11 x grade 9 and 1 x grade 8

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics

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

I would love to go to Cambridge to study Natural Sciences.

What is the dream job?

Genetic Engineer.

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

I can’t wait to focus on the subjects I really enjoy.

What are your co-curricular activities?

In school I am a member of the Chapel Choir and outside school I love Tai Kwando.

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

I like the focused teaching and the fact you get individual help when you need it.

Name

Theo Hunter

What were your results?

9 x grade 9s and 2 x grade 8s

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

Maths, Economics, Physics and Computer Science

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

Probably something to do with Economics or Maths. If I decide to do Economics I would probably aim for LSE and if I choose Maths I would like to go to Cambridge.

What is the dream job?

Maybe something to do with finance.

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

A lot more freedom which allows you to plan your time.

What are your co-curricular activities?

Playing the piano and also sport, especially rugby and hockey.

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

A lot! I really like being a part of the community and there; s always something to do and people to talk to.

Dancing With Delight

This year’s cohort has had a particularly strong contingent of passionate dancers.

Name

Aggie Johnson

What were your results?
2 x grade 9s, 4 x grade 8s, 3 x grade 7s and 1 x grade 6

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?

Psychology, Business, Art History and Photography

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
I would love to go on to higher level to study Dance

What is the dream job?
Dancer!

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
I can’t wait to study new subjects which I’ve not had the opportunity to learn before now.

What are your co-curricular activities?
Dance and more dance!

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

The really welcoming community.

Name

Benji Stevenson

What were your results?
Mostly grades 7s, 8s and 9s

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Maths, Physics, 3D and possibly one more but I am not sure which yet!

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
I would love to study dance if I can but I am doing academic A Levels as well to keep my options open.

What is the dream job?
I would love to be a dancer or work in the theatre in some capacity – perhaps set design.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
I am very lucky as I have already confirmed that I will be starting a Cheer Squad for my Independent Project.

What are your co-curricular activities?
Mainly dance, singing and performing. I have a role in the Senior School Musical again and I am also looking forward to joining the Charities Committee.

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

The beautiful site – it’s so lovely walking through the Close to lessons. Plus the amazing opportunities such as dance and performing.

Name

Luke Watts

What were your results?
Mostly grades 6s, 7s and 8s.

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
I am doing an Extended Diploma in Musical Theatre at East Theatre Arts College.

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
I am hoping to go to a vocational school to get a degree in Musical Theatre.

What is the dream job?
The West End! I would love to do dance tours. That said, I am not limited to musical theatre – I just love everything to do with performing.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Spending even more of my time dancing.

What are your co-curricular activities?
Dance!!!

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

The teaching is brilliant.

Name

Hannah Crawfurd

What were your results?
8 x grade 9’s, 1 x grade 8 and 2 x grade 7s.

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
English Literature, History and Latin.

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

I would like to study English or Journalism but I don’t know where yet.

What is the dream job?
Sports journalism. I was so excited this summer that I got to go to one of the Euros games!

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Being able to focus on the subjects I really enjoy.

What are your co-curricular activities?
In Fifth Form I did a lot of dance but I am excited to broaden my horizons going into Sixth Form.

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

The community – it is such a group of wonderful people you get to spend your time with. I am really lucky.

A Mixed Bag!

For many pupils, choose subjects in just one field is not on the cards, so they look forward to blending disciplines such as STEM, Creatives and Humanities at A Level.

Name

Alice Allen

What were your results?
10 x grade 9’s

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

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
I would definitely like to go to University – perhaps to study PPE or Economics. I have no idea where though!

What is the dream job?
I am not sure yet. My plan is to see which A Levels I enjoy and take it from there.

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

What are your co-curricular activities?
I enjoyed doing silver DofE and I would like to do Gold in Sixth Form. I am also really looking forwards to Model United Nations and Community Service.

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

My friends.

Name

Maleeya Watts

What were your results?
2 x grade 9s, 3 x grade 8s, 2 x grade 7s and 2 x grade 6s.

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

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
Yes but I have no idea what or where at this stage!

What is the dream job?
I would love to do something along the lines of Music Education.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Perusing the subjects I enjoy.

What are your co-curricular activities?
I have done a lot of music and sports, plus I love writing.

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

Any time anyone has a passion the school works so hard to provide a space for them to be able develop that passion. It’s amazing.

Name

Zara Mace

What were your results?
1 x grade 9, 5 x grade 8s and 4 x grade 7s

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
I am definitely doing Art, Psychology and Philosophy. I might also do Maths or Spanish as a fourth but I wanted to see what grades I got today before deciding.

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
Possibly Psychology at university, but I am also not sure if I want to go into dance or keep it as more of a hobby.

What is the dream job?
Psychologist. I would like to be a counsellor with a doctorate

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Studying things I’ve not done before and having more time to do art; it will be particularly nice to be able to spend time in Carter during my frees. Plus more dance of course!

What are your co-curricular activities?
Dance!

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

I love this school – it’s a great community. It says so much that so many of the teachers are here today to support us.

Name

Mary Lefkaditis

What were your results?
I am really pleased with my results!

What will you go on to study in Sixth Form?
Maths, Business and 2D Design.

Are you hoping to go to University? If yes, what will you study?
I would love to do something with Business and hopefully go on into a career that involves that and fashion.

What is the dream job?
Something in fashion.

What are you most looking forward to about going into Sixth Form?
Meeting new people and making new friends. Plus studying things I love and giving that my all.

What are your co-curricular activities?
I’ve been very focused on my studies and I now have a job outside school so I’ve been super busy!

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

All of my friends. I also think the teachers put their all into giving us the best education possible; they want to see us do well and the extra efforts put in for us are really special.

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Lower 6 2D Pupils Take in the Sights Exploring Some of London's Spectacular Galleries

By Eleanor Lewis • January 14, 2026

Lower 6 Art and Design pupils enjoyed a trip to London this week. We hear from Elise Foong, pupil and member of the Close Creatives Collective about the trip. "On Tuesday 13 January, a group of L6 2D students, and a few fine art pupils, including myself, went on a trip to London to visit some galleries. Our day consisted of spectacular gallery showings, many underground rides, bustling streets and unfortunately a continuous amount of rain. The first gallery we visited was the Design Museum, ‘Blitz: the club that shaped the 80s’, was one of the exhibitions we looked at, it was on how the Blitz nightclub completely transformed and reshaped many art and creative forms physically and socially, as well as also creating a post-war welfare state. Another exhibition, or I should say an archive, we saw at the Design Museum was ‘Wes Anderson: The Archives’, this was most definitely the highlight of my trip as I would consider myself quite the fan, it felt so surreal seeing all the real props, figures, and outfits from the films themselves! I found it quite awesome how, Wes Anderson having a highly distinctive and meticulously crafted cinematic style also shines through in how he began collecting and archiving props and costumes from all his films after Bottle Rocket 1996. After all the standing and walking we did, we took the underground to Borough Market and had lunch. There were many unique food stalls that sold many things like fresh produce, cheese, pastries including cannolis, international street foods like paella, curries and burgers. After lunch we then walked around and over the Millennium bridge, where I learnt of the hundreds of tiny and vibrant artworks on discarded chewing gum, and took the underground from St Paul’s to the Photographers’ Gallery where we saw Boris Mikhailov’s ‘Ukrainian Diary’. Which presented 50 years of his work that showed a unique visual history through experimentally and emotionally charged photography, the poignant, difficult images of Ukrainian life falls deeply relevant and powerful against the backdrop of the ongoing war which I found very raw and confrontational. After everyone had finally regrouped we headed to take the central line once again back to the train station to conclude our trip. Big thanks to Mr Passam, Mr Seaman, and Miss Goian who made this trip possible!" Photography - Elise Foong

Lower 3 Explore the Cambridge Mosque

By Eleanor Lewis • January 13, 2026

On Tuesday 13 January, Lower Three pupils visited Cambridge Mosque as part of their History topic on Islamic Civilisation. Pupils enjoyed a guided tour exploring the mosque’s eco-friendly architecture, learning about its sustainable design and the importance of symbolism. They examined artefacts, discussed the Five Pillars of Islam and their significance in daily life.

East Anglian Cross Country League

By Eleanor Lewis • January 10, 2026

Saturday 10 January saw the first round of the East Anglian Cross Country League, where 15 of our runners took to Gresham's muddy woods and exposed fields to race runners from Ipswich School, RHS and Gresham's. In the Junior Boys' race Joshua Bevan was our first runner home, finishing in 3rd place, while Henry Drew came 6th. We had strength in numbers in the Senior Boys' race and took 3rd, 4th , 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th positions! Leon Liu was fastest on the day, followed by Ethan Buskell in 4th and Jeremy Lo in 5th. Leo Pitt, Edward Lott, George Yiasimi and Tom Copley completed the strong team performance. The performance of the day came in the Senior Girls' race where, after some very bunched racing in the first half, Ruby Ivie emerged from the woods with an unassailable lead to win outright despite racing girls many years her senior. We took the top 5 places with Bea Green coming 2nd, Minnie Andrews 3rd, Amelie Ivie 4th and Izzy Last 5th. An extremely strong team performance was completed by Olivia Allen who came home in 8th place. This season promises to bring some silverware and we look forward to our next fixture this Saturday at Mousehold Heath. Saturday's fixture is open to any runner, in any year group. You do not have to be doing cross country for games to compete. If you are keen and available to run at Mousehold this coming Saturday afternoon do get in touch with Mr Hudson for more details. Sixth Form helpers are needed so please consider volunteering if available.

Norfolk County Cross Country Championships

By Eleanor Lewis • January 8, 2026

The Norfolk County Cross Country Championships were held at Earlham Park, Sunday 4 January. The event includes races for different age groups, with U11s running 2.1km, U13 running 3.1km, U15 running 4.5km and U17s running 6km. This event was a great opportunity for athletes of all ages to compete and showcase their skills in cross country running. All pupils did exceptionally well all whilst braving the frosty weather! The following pupils took part; U11 Girls - Agatha, U3 - 1 st place U11 Boys - Seb, U3 - 2 nd place U13 Girls - Emi Muntingh, U4 - 1 st place and now invited to take part in the London Mini Marathon in April! U15 Girls - Ruby Ivie, M5 - 6 th place U17 Girls - Beatrice Green, L6 - 6 th place U17 Girls - Olivia Allen, L6 - 9 th place Congratulations to all!

Start of Lent 2026 - Head's Address

By Eleanor Lewis • January 6, 2026

Welcome back! It is good to have the community back in the Cathedral and to get started on this new term as we begin another calendar year. You may remember that when we finished at the end of last term, I encouraged you to practice kindness over the holiday and to participate, even if that involved a little bit of silliness, something we enjoyed with the Red Gowns’ interactive 12 Days of Christmas. I very much hope that you did get stuck in and were kind to those with whom you spent time over the festive period. These themes of kindness and participation are certainly ones I want you to continue to practise as our community resumes its life together after the holiday. Regarding kindness, you will remember that I set the examples of random kindness from the London Underground as a bar of expected behaviour in our community. Everybody here should be able to come to school looking forward to their learning and any evidence of that being obstructed is viewed as a serious disciplinary issue. Do not be the obstructor yourself and, if you see someone else being unkind, be the upstander who takes action to ensure such behaviour is stopped. That can be done through the pastoral system or our anonymous reporting system, Whisper . This is the sort of proactive kindness we expect at Norwich School. Regarding participation with a whiff of silliness, and in light of the freezing weather this week, at the end of the talk I will read out some of the winning entries in Norfolk County Council’s competition to name their gritting vehicle fleet. See if you can think of any yourselves, while I am speaking! Now you may have come back to term with your own goals. As we know, New Year’s Resolutions cause strong conversations, some people swearing by the ability to have this annual reset, while others are just as determined to avoid such a January fad. Whichever camp you are in, I take the opportunity to remind you of the 5 ways to wellbeing, long championed in our school as a helpful guide to living well. They are: stay active, keep learning, take notice of the natural world, give to others and connect with friends. In a world where your generation’s digital footprint is ever heavier and more impactful on your future lives, I recommend these simple guidelines for living well in the real world, supplemented by strong sleep hygiene and a sensible, balanced diet. Whatever the impacts of AI, and we seem to be at a stage as a society where we are still establishing our relationship with this powerful new technology, it does not change homo sapiens’ status as a social animal that is stimulated by community, creativity and play. I challenge you in 2026 to be curious, both about yourself and the world around you, and to emphasise fun; do things that you enjoy, that give you pleasure, whether as an individual or as part of a group. Remember, we are a social species. Take steps to be physically active and to give of yourself to others. These are not just nice touches but fundamental to our daily lives as human beings. No amount of digital presence or AI can adequately make up for these realities. So, as we begin this new term, I require you to give due consideration to how you will be a positive, contributing member of our community. At Norwich School we care for each other, celebrate our successes and are proactive when others are struggling. Such priority on togetherness is not inevitable, either in a school setting or wider society; it needs careful curation and protection. I believe it is a key reason why hundreds of ONs choose to come back to Cathedral Close on the Saturday after the Michaelmas Term ends, sometimes even before their university term has finished, in order to meet up with their school friends. Our reading today from page 189 of the hymn book talks about key words being bound around our neck, written on the tablet of our heart. The Norwich School community can be comfortable with the bible’s words of love and faithfulness; after all, they sit well with our own values of love, compassion and inclusion. If we get it right, these values and behaviours are with us throughout our lives, they become part of us because of what we learn about community at Norwich School. Yet, do not take this community for granted; help to preserve what makes it special and enjoy its benefits while you are here. I believe the following to be true for every single one of you: opportunities in sport, music, drama, dance, community service, clubs and societies, academic progress, pastoral support will never be as easy as when you are at Norwich School. And the real magic is that it is achieved not by shutting ourselves off from the outside world but by embracing our connections with the wider community. Special indeed. To finish, I wonder how you got on with the gritter-naming competition. I’ll read some of the better ones. I’m not expecting much of a reaction; you can be a tough crowd at the best of times and 8:40 on Tuesday 6 January is not likely to be your finest hour, but they might make some of the staff smile and it will set up the tone of participatory fun with which we are going to start the term. Blizzard of Oz, Boud-Ice-A, The Grit Gatsby, Gritty Gritty Bang Bang, Lando Norice, Paddingon Brrr, Grit Astley (Never Gonna Slip You Up) – definitely one for the teachers, there. My three favourites: Edith Gravel, Control Salt Delete and, careful, dodgy US Accent incoming: Snow-Be-Gone Kenobi. Welcome back and do have a great term!

An Afternoon of Magic at the Lower School Carol Service

By Eleanor Lewis • December 12, 2025

The Lower School carol service at Norwich Cathedral was a truly magical occasion, set against a dusky backdrop that heightened the sense of joy and wonder. The cathedral’s soaring arches and glowing stained glass offered the perfect setting for a celebration filled with Christmas spirit and joy. The service opened with a solo of Once in Royal David’s City by U3 pupil Zoe Asamoah, whose clear and expressive voice resonated beautifully through the vast space, setting a moving tone for the afternoon. The Lower 2 tableau was equally enchanting, their poise and reverence bringing the Christmas story vividly to life. What followed was a series of performances that were both heartfelt and uplifting. The Little Voices Choir, Infant Choir, Chamber Choir, and School Choir each sang with warmth and precision, contributing their own distinctive character to the service. A highlight for many was the whole school’s rendition of Away in a Manger, with singers positioned throughout the cathedral, even along the side aisles, the piece created a shimmering, almost ethereal atmosphere that seemed to wrap the entire congregation in peace. As the service came to a close, selected members of U3 performed a hauntingly beautiful version of The Candle Song. With the cathedral lights dimmed and a single candle glowing softly, their perfectly blended voices created a moment of profound stillness and reflection. The afternoon was a testament to the talent, dedication, and sincerity of everyone involved, leaving all who attended with a deep sense of joy and quiet contemplation.

The Christmas Jumper Competition with a Twist...

By Eleanor Lewis • December 12, 2025

The Lower 4 Christmas Jumper Competition is always an event of great anticipation, and this year was no exception. Adorned with baubles, tinsel and whatever else Fourth Form could find (including Mariah Carey), the tutors made their way to the Blake for a catwalk never to be forgotten. However, this year had a twist with the additional competition of the Fourth Form Tutor Challenge. For the tutor challenge we had a range of performances from a mini play with a murder mystery, a Christmas ‘Guess Who’ quiz, a musical number and even a conducting dinosaur! Congratulations to all pupils who took part and especially to the tutors for taking to the runway and to the performances with such enthusiasm. Congratulations to L42 who won this year’s jumper competition, following behind in 2 nd place was L43. For the tutor challenge we had L41 in 1 st place and L44 in 2 nd! We look forward to seeing what the pupils come up with next year….

Lower School Chamber Choir Sing the Lights to Remember Service

December 12, 2025

On Thursday 11 November the Lower School Chamber Choir sang at the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity Lights to Remember Service. This annual event is an opportunity for the people of Norfolk to remember and give thanks for the lives of those who have received hospice care, as well as acknowledge with gratitude the exceptional work of everyone involved with Priscilla Bacon Lodge – staff and volunteers from Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust, and the staff, volunteers, donors, fundraisers and supporters of the Charity. Norwich Lower School Chamber Choir have been invited to sing at the event for a number of years, and this year was no exception. Led by Head of Lower School Music, Mr Vine, the choir dazzled with a beautiful performance of ‘Sweet Silent Night’ by Andy Beck. Hugo Stevenson, Head of Fundraising and Communications at the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity said: “It is always an absolute joy to welcome Norwich School Chamber Choir to this flagship event for the charity. Once again they delivered a wonderful performance and added something really special to the service. Our sincere thanks to Mr Vine, Mrs Barclay and the children.”

Last Day of Term - Jolly Jumpers and Festive Food

December 12, 2025

Lower School pupils excitedly celebrated the last day of the Michaelmas term on Friday 12 December, enjoying their Christmas lunch in a fine array of festive knitwear! There was a party atmosphere in the Refectory with decorations, paper crowns and Christmas songs, all in view of the beautifully illuminated tree. Turkey, roast potatoes and cranberry sauce were all on the special menu, followed by yule log for pudding. Everyone at the Lower School would like to wish our whole community a restful and relaxing Christmas and we will see you all again in 2026!

End of Michaelmas 2025 - Head's Address

By Eleanor Lewis • December 12, 2025

In his End of the Michaelmas Term address, the Head focused on two key things – kindness and participation. Everyone in the Cathedral was moved as he brought to life random acts of kindness observed on the London Underground. Pupils and staff alike then had a super time putting into practice the participation element of his address, as the Red Gowns got the whole congregation enjoying an interactive version of the 12 Days of Christmas! “So, the tail end of term is finally upon us. Each term obviously has its own shape and this one is characterised by the darkening evenings, the overlap with Advent, and by its brute length. There is always something of the endurance race about this, our longest term, so well done to everyone on getting through it! And now attention can turn towards the upcoming Christmas holiday. As you get ready for it, I pick out two features: kindness and participation. The first, kindness. We associate such a quality with this time of year: “Oh come on, it’s Christmas!” Yet, just like any other time of year, kindness is to be measured in actions every bit as in attitude. It may be apocryphal, but I heard that London Underground’s policy for people stranded on the platform with a bag, pram or such like when the lifts are not working is to stand by the stairs and wait for someone to help. I really want this to be true and, after all, you do not see someone at the bottom of the stairs with a large bag for long; normally, someone will come past and offer to carry it upstairs. This got me investigating random acts of kindness on the Underground further. It turns out that the artist Michael Landy conducted a project celebrating such acts in 2011-12. The artist explained, ‘Sometimes we tend to assume that you have to be superhuman to be kind, rather than just an ordinary person.’ So, to unsettle that idea, Acts of Kindness catches those little exchanges that are almost too fleeting and mundane to be noticed or remembered. Landy is fascinated by the way we tend to disappear into our own bubble on the Tube, disconnected from the people around us. One day, he recalls, while sitting in a Tube train absorbed in his own world, he suddenly became aware of two strangers, one trying to help the other. For Landy it was a life-enhancing event. Landy defines kindness as going beyond yourself to acknowledge someone else’s needs and feelings. ‘It’s a gesture of trust between two people’, he said. ‘There’s a risk in that. It requires courage and acceptance on both sides. ‘That’s what “kindness” means – we’re kin, we’re of one kind.’ Here are four examples from Landy’s project: Running down the stairs to catch the train that had just pulled in, I hadn’t noticed my iPod falling out of my pocket until I was inside the carriage, watching a stranger pick it up off the wet platform floor. He looked up at me through the closing doors (while I had already assumed that I probably wouldn’t be seeing it again) and mouthed the words ‘I’ll wait here!’ through the glass. And he did. In December 1993 my 5 year old daughter rushed onto a Tube train ahead of me and before I could follow her with my other child the doors closed and the train pulled out of the station as I ran alongside, banging on the doors in a panic. I caught the next train and got off at the next stop to find my little girl being consoled by a group of young teenagers en-route to a concert who had got off the train to stay with her until I found her. They had to dash off to get to the show and I think I was crying too much to thank them properly, so I welcome this opportunity to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU! While on my second maternity leave, after 2 changes and 3 tubes I got to Finsbury Park only to find me, the toddler and the baby in the pram at the bottom of 3 flights of stairs. My heart sank. I wasn’t too happy to see 2 hooded young men loping down the stairs but as they got to bottom, they asked if they could help by taking the pram leaving me to carry the toddler. They carried it up the 3 flights safely and even missed their train to do so! I always think of them when people use the term ‘hoodie’ as a generic term for violent youth because their kindness made my day and challenged my lazy assumptions. I woke up to a phone call from my dad telling me my much-loved grandpa had died. On the Tube over to my parents I couldn’t stop crying. The woman sitting next to me asked if I was ok, and I told her my grandpa had died that morning. She took my hand and held it for the rest of the journey. I have never forgotten how comforted I felt by this small, intimate act. Such acts of generosity and kindness are certainly what I expect in our community while we are together: to go beyond the minimum in order to be helpful, thoughtful and sensitive to each other. I therefore encourage you to reflect on these stories and think about how you can be kind in your actions at Christmas and into 2026. The next three weeks are a great opportunity to practise this behaviour at home as there are always lots of chances to lean in and help. The second feature of Christmas I want to highlight is participation and joining in, perhaps with a little dose of silliness thrown in. It is an opportunity for friends and family to enjoy some harmless fun, spend time together and, hopefully, remind ourselves not always to take things seriously. I hope that got you into the Christmas spirit. Do have an excellent break and remember to practice your random, practical acts of kindness.”