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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National Year of Reading - April

By Eleanor Lewis • April 30, 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! Next up we have Crime Fiction for April and a huge fan of this genre, Gillian Wright, Lower School Teacher, is going to tell us a bit about why she loves Crime Fiction so much! Tell us a little bit about the genre; what common themes or elements do you particularly enjoy? I enjoy delving into stories that revolve around secret missions, missing persons, or even a mysterious killer. The suspense, unexpected twists, and deductive reasoning keep me eagerly turning pages until the inevitable surprise ending. These books are often packed with action and clever plotlines that keep readers guessing right up to the final chapter. The most thought-provoking stories are those rooted in real-life situations that readers can relate to, such as The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd. I also enjoy books that take me out of my comfort zone and offer different perspectives on the world, for example T he Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. What was the book that introduced you to crime fiction? Was there a particular book or author that made you fall in love with this genre? The book that first sparked my interest in reading was James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl. Although it is not a classic crime novel, it is certainly an exciting and mysterious adventure. Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker clearly display some questionable—if not criminal—behaviour. I suppose my first real exposure to crime fiction came through The Famous Five adventures by Enid Blyton. I loved seeing how a group of children worked together to solve mysteries without any adult help. From that point on, I have always been drawn to stories filled with adventure, mystery, and unexpected twists. I also enjoy a touch of dark humour, which is why I thoroughly enjoyed A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket. The books are grim, funny, and strangely addictive. Has your taste in this genre changed over time? No, my taste for crime novels has not changed. Although I do enjoy a good historical novel, I will always return to mysteries and crime as they provide intrigue, twists and those quiet ‘aha’ moments. Most recently, I have enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club mysteries by Richard Osman. Would you recommend this genre to someone who doesn’t usually read it? Why? There is something timeless about a good mystery. It isn’t just about solving crimes or catching the villain; it’s about asking questions, noticing subtle details, and thinking more deeply. In a world dominated by quick scrolling and short attention spans, mystery novels remind us that it’s okay to slow down, immerse ourselves in a story, and truly pay attention. What do you enjoy most about reading, whether crime fiction or anything else? Reading is essential to me; it allows me to step away from the busyness of everyday life and escape into magical and mysterious worlds, while also enabling me to explore new perspectives. Books have the power to evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness and tension. I love immersing myself in a new story—being drawn along with the characters, seeing the world through their eyes, and allowing the words to take me on a journey. 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 read every night before I go to sleep, as it helps me wind down after a busy day and fully relax. On sunny days, I especially enjoy reading outdoors, whether that’s in the garden or by the pool while on holiday. Which fictional character would you most like to have a cup of tea with? I would love to share a cup of tea with Willy Wonka, as he would likely provide an unusual combination of flavours—perhaps even with a side order of chocolate. Do you tend to reread favourites from this genre or always look for something new? I don’t usually re-read books, although I have returned to Roald Dahl’s stories time and again—mainly to allow my children to experience the joy of his imaginative and magical tales. When was the last time a book from this genre really surprised you? The essence of a good crime or mystery novel is its ability to surprise the reader, and they never fail to leave me guessing. I have never yet managed to work out the final twist of a truly good crime novel. Do you prefer classic or modern books within this genre, and why? I enjoy both. A classic tale by Agatha Christie or a mystery involving Sherlock Holmes is always enjoyable. However, more recent authors, particularly for children, have created some new classics, such as the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz or Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens. Has your taste in books changed over the years? I used to enjoy reading the classics including books by Thomas Hardy and EM Forster. Nowadays, I prefer a lighter read intermingled with more challenging stories. I am always up for a good book recommendation. Why do you think reading is important? Reading for enjoyment can spark the imagination, provide an escape, and inspire creativity. It offers a way to discover new worlds, meet new characters, and learn about the past. Above all, it is an easy, enjoyable, and relaxing way to spend time. If you could step into the world of any book, which would it be and why? If I could step into the world of any book, it would probably be Harry Potter . The incredible creatures, magical adventures, friendships and rivalries, along with the mysteries waiting to be solved, all combine to make these stories so captivating. I would love to try my hand at a few magic spells myself. Having visited the Warner Bros. Studio where Harry Potter was filmed, it was amazing to see the sets and costumes used by the characters. It truly brought the stories to life and felt like a real privilege Click here to see the monthly Reading List!

The 2026 Norfolk Primary Maths Challenges

By Eleanor Lewis • April 30, 2026

The 2026 Norfolk Primary Maths Challenges, hosted by Norwich School, were brilliant days all round, bringing together some of the strongest young mathematicians from across the county for a fun and friendly competition. There were three rounds to tackle—Tangrams, Arithmetic, and lateral thinking—so plenty of variety to keep everyone on their toes. From quick calculations to tricky puzzles and creative challenges, pupils really got stuck in. It was especially impressive seeing such talented mathematicians working so well in their pairs, sharing ideas and supporting each other throughout. The atmosphere throughout both competitions was fantastic. There was loads of creative thinking on show, and just as importantly, plenty of smiles. Alongside the competition, many pupils had the chance to meet others from different schools, make new friends, and enjoy putting their maths skills to the test in a relaxed and encouraging environment. A huge congratulations to everyone who took part—you should be really proud of yourselves. And of course, well done to our winners: Year 5 Primary Maths Challenge Winners: 1st: White Woman Lane Junior School 2nd: Norwich Lower School 3rd: St Nicholas Priory Primary School Year 6 Primary Maths Challenge Winners: 1st: Norwich Lower School 2nd: Cringleford CE VA Primary School 3rd: White Woman Lane Junior School Well done again to everyone involved—it was a great day and we’re already looking forward to next year!

St George, David and Jesus: An Assembly from Revd Child

By Eleanor Lewis • April 24, 2026

My talk this morning is inspired by some words that were used in assembly on Wednesday, particularly with the public exam year groups in mind: ‘You will always be part of our school’s story’. It’s absolutely true that school isn’t just a place, or an organisation, or a list of names. School is a story – a story we’re continually creating. Our story-making at this time of year includes things like taking a whole-school photograph, a snapshot of all the people that make up our community at this particular moment. For the Upper 6, it includes contributing to the Leavers’ Yearbook, where you share your memories and anecdotes. It includes holding dinners and special services where we remember our achievements, the unexpected twists we had to navigate, and how the story of the year has unfolded. We do all this because our stories are an important part of our community. Another thing that communities often do with stories is to take an inspiring narrative and make it our own. In Cathedral Close we do that with Nelson, with Edith Cavell, with Julian of Norwich and St Benedict, all of whom have monuments to remind us of their stories. And I want to mention three other stories that, whether we realise it or not, have become part of our culture and therefore part of us. Yesterday was St George’s Day. You may be only vaguely aware of the story of England’s patron saint – that’s true for many people. But you probably remember enough to know that St George was brave; that he faced the fight against the dragon while everyone else feared and fled. Just to be aware of the tale is to have before you an ideal of courage and standing up to adversity. That’s why St George has become one of our foundational stories. The second story is, in a way, a Biblical version of St George: the story of David and Goliath. Goliath is the towering brute who has no care for anything or anyone. David is barely out of shorts – but he is plucky and he is faithful and his slingshot skills (from his time as a shepherd boy) allow him to fell the giant. If you know that much, then you’ll carry the message of the story with you. You may be young, you may be unknown, you may be inexperienced, but if you’re bold and you’re faithful, who knows what you might achieve. And if we know about David the giant-killer, we will notice when someone like Greta Thunberg publishes a book called No One Is Too Small to Make a Difference; and our ears will prick up when someone like Malala Yousafzai finishes a speech with the words, “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” The third story is the one that causes cathedrals like this to be built. It is the Easter story that is always told at this time of year. It is the story of someone who took on a spiritual battle, because this person’s resistance (unlike in the first two stories) was consciously non-violent. It is the story of someone who faced the powers of death and darkness alone while everyone else feared and fled. It is the story of someone who, out of love, went to the cross. It is the story of someone who death could not defeat, as his disciples began to realise on the very first Easter morning. If you know the story of Jesus, along with the story of St George and David, then you will have ideas about courage, and faithfulness, and things worth fighting for, that one way or another you will want to incorporate into your story, as the story of your life continues.

Francis Goodhand Returns for Another Fantastic Musical Theatre Workshop

By Eleanor Lewis • April 23, 2026

On Thursday 23 April, we were delighted to welcome back musical director Francis Goodhand to Norwich School for the second of his two musical theatre workshops for Music Award holders, as part of the Making Musicians programme. Evie A (M5) writes: “The workshop with Francis Goodhand was an amazing experience. He was incredibly kind and encouraging to every pupil, whether they were performing or watching from the audience. Each of us sang a musical theatre piece, after which Francis offered helpful advice on how to strengthen our acting through song before we performed it again. I really enjoyed watching the other pupils and seeing how Francis helped take their performances to the next level. I also greatly appreciated the feedback and practical tips he gave me to improve my own performance. Thank you so much to Mrs Speca for providing this opportunity.” Francis Goodhand commented: “I was so impressed with everyone’s preparation, as well as their singing, their ability to act through song, and their willingness to try new things.” Our thanks go to Francis for such an inspiring and enjoyable afternoon, to Simon Kenworthy Robbins for his sensitive accompaniment, and to all the pupils who took part so wholeheartedly and with such confidence. You can listen to their vocal warm up below (that they learnt in only 5 minutes).

Josh Kohler (14-21) and George's Homecoming

By Sonja Mitchell • April 23, 2026

Josh and George are fundraising for Unicef, and the cycling world tour is almost over. Join them for the final leg to Halvergate to celebrate this momentous achievement.

Norwich School International University Fair

By Eleanor Lewis • April 23, 2026

The international university fair offered our pupils some valuable exposure to a wide range of global education opportunities. We were fortunate enough to work with our long-standing partners – the University Guys – to welcome 5 global universities to Norwich School during period 5 and lunch on Monday April 20. The lunchtime fair allowed our pupils to interact directly with representatives from leading global universities namely, the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore offering medicine, business and other courses in English from Italy, Rollins (Florida) – one of the best small liberal arts colleges in the US, SCAD from Savannah in Georgia (the US’s largest art school) and TETR College of Business with its unique programme spanning 10 countries. From talking one to one with the different university reps, our students got accurate and up-to-date information about courses, how to apply and they could also learn more about and campus life overseas. It was also a great opportunity for Mrs Warren, the school’s Head of UCAS and Mr Sims to find out more about opportunities overseas and to build their own connections. We believe as a school that it is important to make the idea of studying abroad feel more accessible and less intimidating as well as wanting to broaden our pupils’ perspectives and ambitions. These fairs can also encourage early planning as well as motivating students to think seriously about their future pathways and the qualifications they may need. At Norwich School, we know the importance of inspiring confidence, supporting informed decision-making and opening doors to new opportunities which pupils might not have otherwise considered. If pupils who weren’t able to attend would like some more information about any of these universities, then please contact Mr Croston.

Start of Trinity 2026 - Head's Address

By Eleanor Lewis • April 23, 2026

Welcome back – I hope you have a good break and are feeling energized for the final term of the year ahead. As ever, the weeks that lie before us fall into two distinct categories: first there is the rigour and discipline of drawing course material together as we prepare for assessments, whether external or internal; second is the joy of exploring opportunities in the post-exam period towards the end of term. My main advice as you approach the term is to make a connection between the two parts of term by establishing a routine that allows you make the most of both. Creating habits or behaviours that work for you are crucial. Keep balancing your academic focus with time to relax, particularly through physical activity and a strong sleep routine. Keep a sense of purpose in each activity; certainly be clear on what you are trying to achieve when you sit down for a session of revision and how it fits into your overall plans, but also be clear on the times when you want to get away from work, whether by organized co-curricular activities here at school or your own pursuits. Feeling guilty for not working is emotionally draining and should be avoided: either work or give yourself permission to have a break from work. Overall, you cannot control outcomes but you can control the process and, if you can be proud of what you have done to prepare, there is every chance that you will achieve your academic goals; even if you do not achieve them, you are likely to be able to accept the outcome because you gave a good account of yourself in the build-up. No short cuts, just solid, honest preparation. If you are struggling with this, let us know so that we can help to get you back on the right path. Good luck to you all! Another dimension in this process is perspective; no matter how much you want those grades or that mark, how you conduct yourself during the process and what you are establishing for yourself in terms of personal and shared values will always be more important for me than any particular score. Love, compassion and inclusion are key; nor should they be taken for granted, whether by you as individuals, by us all as a school, or indeed further afield because of the fact that we happen to live in a democratic country. The Varieties of Democracy Institute based at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden conducts an annual survey of the state of government around the globe. It found that 72 percent of the world's population now lives in autocracies – the highest level since 1978. In 2024, 45 countries were moving toward more autocratic government across the globe. In these nations, the patterns were similar – erosions in areas such as: freedom of speech, open elections, the rule of law, judicial independence, civil society and academic freedom. Governments expanded their power over institutions and individuals. It didn't happen in the same order or at the same speed, but in the end the destination was the same. My point is that people in the United Kingdom should be sensitive to the fact that so many other people on the planet have daily routines in political systems very different from our own. This divergence can be translated into the digital sphere, too, with the proliferation of extreme content making it increasingly possible for adversarial and hostile exchanges to take place because people see the world so differently. I am sure many of you have seen or have been made aware of the recent Louis Theroux documentary, Inside the Manosphere . This has brought to the attention of a wider audience the strength and extremity of opinions being expressed by the influencers profiled and others like them. For me, it was not so much what they said, it was their popularity and the implied normalisation of what were undoubtedly extreme views. For clarity, at Norwich School I expect the values of love, compassion and inclusion to be applied equally to every single member of our community, regardless of their sex and sexual orientation. Part of this is practical: we are bound in the UK by The Equality Act and it is an offence to discriminate against protected characteristics such as race, religion, age, disability and, for our focus today, sex. If we as a school and you as individuals get this wrong, there will be consequences. However, for me respectful treatment of others is more profound than that: whether it is the biblical advice of loving one’s neighbour as oneself, the principle of a PSHE classroom to have unconditional positive regard, or our school’s values of love, compassion and inclusion, I want each of you to brighten rather than undermine the day of those around you through your conduct. There are a number of possible challenges to the views espoused in the Theroux documentary, but one is the general “othering” and alienation of one sex by the other: men like this; women don’t like that. It has always been a staple of prejudice to establish dislike of a group of people through clumsy and inaccurate stereotypes which preclude a need for greater understanding. Indeed, one of the most chilling aspects of the documentary was the increasing use of antisemitism used by manosphere influencers to explain global financial inequities. That sort of stereotyping is harder to do when “the other” are real individuals alongside you in the same school community. As soon as someone tries to say, “Girls are like this and boys are like that,” it would be easy to identify members of our community who differ from such stereotypes: “That’s not what she likes and that’s not what he is like”. When you talk to any one of our pupils, whether male or female, you will get an individual with their own talents, interests and aspirations. For me, the manosphere influencers are wrong and I feel lucky that I work in a community every day that can show why. If anybody wants to talk to me about these issues in our community’s context, I am more than happy to do so. As you know, I am available to see any pupil from 8.15am on any morning except Tuesdays. I believe it is one of the great privileges of being in a co-educational setting that boys and girls get to practise appropriate behaviour with and around each other every day, reflecting on what works and learning from less successful interactions. I am determined that this community uses its privilege to create an appropriately safe environment to discuss these challenging issues in positive fashion. As you get started on this term, remember to establish routines that can cope equally with periods of academic revision, other activities and rest. And in all of this, remain true to the values that are at the heart of what we do here: be kind and positive to those around you, noting the injunction of our bible reading: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…but encouraging one another…” Have a great Summer Term!

Former Norwich School Teacher Prepares for Solo Kayak Circumnavigation of Mainland Britain

By Eleanor Lewis • April 23, 2026

Ian Hayward may have retired from Norwich School in September 2025, but he isn’t slowing down just yet. Ian is embarking on a new adventure, taking on one of Britain’s toughest endurance challenges: a full circumnavigation of mainland Britain by sea kayak. Ian, 58, plans to depart from Lowestoft in late April 2026, aiming to paddle more than 4,000 kilometres around the British coastline in a journey expected to take four to five months. The expedition, titled “Britain by Kayak 2026”, will see Ian navigate some of the UK’s most demanding coastal waters — including tidal races, exposed headlands and remote stretches of shoreline — entirely under his own power. A highly experienced outdoor leader and kayaker, Ian lead the 8th Norwich Sea Scouts from 2012 to 2022 and was Housemaster of Nelson House before taking of the role of Director of Sport until he retired in 2025. He has spent the past year preparing both physically and mentally for the challenge. His training has included long-distance paddling, endurance conditioning and expedition testing in both the UK and Spain. “I don’t need to be ready to complete the whole journey on day one,” Ian says. “I just need to be ready to start. The rest is about adapting, learning and making good decisions in a constantly changing environment.” The expedition is as much about mindset and resilience as it is about endurance. Ian reflects openly on lessons learned during training — including managing fatigue, reassessing risk after difficult surf conditions, and refining equipment, safety and communication systems. Alongside the physical challenge, Ian is supporting two charities — Movember and Surfers Against Sewage — raising awareness around men’s health and environmental issues affecting Britain’s coastal waters. He also hopes to spend time listening to the people who live and work around the coastline, capturing their experiences, hopes and concerns. While he will be paddling solo and mostly camping around the coast, Ian will gladly accept any offer of land-based support in the form of a cheery wave, cup of team or offer of accommodation. So if you think you can help or know someone that could, do please get in touch with Ian. The expedition will be documented through his “GooseJuice Adventures” platform, with regular updates, live tracking and video content shared online. Ian remains connected to the school through his continued support of the 8th Norwich Sea Scouts and the School’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition programme.

Multi-Lingual School Community Celebration

By Sonja Mitchell • April 20, 2026

FONS has purchased flag pins to celebrate the range of languages spoken within our community.

Completing Duke of Edinburgh by Canoe

By Eleanor Lewis • April 19, 2026

Bronze and Silver - Will Brown In early 2023, a group of 7 8th Norwich scouts and Norwich School pupils began their DofE journey, starting with bronze. They completed the practice expedition at the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club in Wroxham, helping develop their flat-water canoeing skills and giving them invaluable kit-packing and camping experience. The qualifying expedition on the river Waveney also proved useful, helping the group further develop their paddling and navigational skills, particularly through challenging sections of the river, such as those with foliage blocking the river. The group also dealt with their first capsize of the journey, which was handled well. Upon the completion of their bronze, 4 of the group – Oli, Hamish, Hector and Will – continued to Silver, which saw them complete their practice on the river Stour in Ipswich in early 2024. This was another step up for the group, with cold, wet and windy weather conditions making the paddle challenging. However, the boys pulled through, gaining experience paddling on the estuary, as well as setting up camp in the dark. This was followed up by many sessions on the water in Norwich, where white-water skills were developed in preparation for the 4-day qualifying expedition on the River Wye, in Wales. This was an incredible trip, with the group confidently navigating many sections of rapids along the river, most notably the Symonds Yat rapids. Fast Forward to 2025/2026 Gold Gold - Oli Clark In early April, Norwich School sixth formers and 8th Norwich Explorers, Oli, Hamish, Will, Hector and Adam completed their Gold D of E expedition canoeing the River Spey from Aviemore to Spey Bay, a distance of just under 100km along one of the most beautiful and challenging rivers in the UK. This was the culmination of years of developing canoeing skills under the guidance of Ian and Tim. The expedition was a fantastic experience, not only the challenge of canoeing down rapids such as the ominously sounding Washing Machine (which was actually quite tame), but also wild camping in some totally stunning places such as Knockando – where we also helped a fisherman rescue his dog which had got caught in the fast flowing water. The Scottish scenery was spectacular, in particular the amazing view of the snowy Cairngorms and we were fortunate to see some some pretty special wildlife on the way, like an osprey in full flight – although sadly no Golden Eagle despite our best efforts to spot one. We certainly learnt a great deal about paddling, from how to pack boats effectively to following the best line down rapids avoiding rocks and wave trains, and the experience has fuelled our confidence and desire to take on even more challenging rivers such as the Tryweryn in northern Wales. We would all without a shadow of doubt recommend others to take on canoeing for DofE, we are all lucky to have had such an incredible experience. We would all like to thank Ian and Tim for giving so freely of their time and being such incredibly supportive paddling role models- we also all wish Ian the best of luck for his Britain by Kayak challenge.