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. 

The Journey Through School Life: An Inspiring Assembly from Mr Curtis

By Eleanor Lewis • June 26, 2026
I have now worked at Norwich School for quite some time, which has prompted me to reflect: what is our school like? What are its virtues? What makes it tick? Attending or working at a school is very much like going on a journey, which is why I chose today’s bible reading. It records a journey two people made, and how they encountered Jesus along the way without recognising him. The story of the road to Emmaus, as it is called, and our journey through school, have some interesting parallels which help us understand our school better, and that our journey through it so very full of potential. The first connection between our school and the reading is found in this line “they urged him strongly, “Stay with us”. The two travellers offer the stranger hospitality. In my first ever U6 History class at Norwich School there was a boy called George. George was the Head of School and scrum half for the First XV. One day, George was missing from my lesson. I asked the other pupils where he might be: “Don’t you know he’s the head of School, sir?” they answered, “he’ll be with the Head for an important meeting – it happens all the time”. I felt rather silly. Sometime later George arrived. “Sorry I’m late, sir” he said. ‘How was the meeting?’ I enquired. ‘Meeting?’ he replied, ‘I wasn’t at a meeting. I was having my hair cut!’ In my naivety, I just assumed that heads of school were permitted to have a haircut during period one and carried on with the lesson. Furthermore, George had been extremely warm and welcoming to me as a new teacher, whilst the rest of the class were a bit frosty, given, as they were happy to explain, just how brilliant my predecessor had been. Another character was Fraser. Fraser was a cross-country runner, so I used to spend a lot of time with him during Games, as did Mr Todd, the Deputy Head. Fraser’s particular eccentricity was hugging teachers without warning. This was as inappropriate then as it would be now, but Fraser somehow got away with it. I remember watching Fraser suddenly embrace Mr Todd, pinning his arms to his side leaving him with barely sufficient breath to gasp: “Fraser, please release me.” His warm sentiment was genuine which meant that he, and only he, could get away with it. There were also two teachers who were particularly welcoming when first I arrived. The first, Miss Weiler, was the Head of German. She always remembered my birthday and offered me glass of champagne to celebrate. There was also Mr Barber who, before I even started at Norwich School said, ‘well, if you’re joining us, you’d better play in this evening’s staff cricket match’. His kind offer meant I quickly felt accepted. This tradition of hospitality is one of which we can be proud. It continues with our relationships with organisations like English Plus and Able 2 Be. We welcome pupils from all over the globe which strengthens and enriches our community. As Professor Charles Forsdick ON, during a recent school visit said: ‘we should be rooted in the local but maintain a global perspective’. There can be no doubt that front and centre of Norwich School is learning. One need look no further to find evidence of this than that famed repository of wisdom, the leavers’ book. Our class of 2025, in answer to the question, ‘what is the best lesson Norwich School taught you’, offered these answers: - Don’t do stupid thing whilst CCTV is watching - Don’t accept homemade chocolate milk from a Travelodge sink - Stock up on the salad bar otherwise your stomach will scream in the afternoon - Never get caught with your shirt untucked around Mr Sims - If you speed walk, it only takes four minutes to get to HFH (I did get shin splints though) - Don’t play badminton with more than two players per side because that’s how you end up with teeth missing. But more seriously, Norwich School pupils and staff are ambitious in their learning, and this learning is valued and rigorous. On the road to Emmaus, the disciples were confused about the everts that had taken place over the first Easter weekend. They too sought understanding and were, therefore, keen to hear the teaching of the man they had encountered: our reading says “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” This is a 1st century example of people’s thirst for knowledge and understanding; we should continue to treasure our 21st century opportunity to be curious, to enquire and to learn. The journey we are on at school and our bible reading are also connected via the notion of togetherness and community, and how this can lead to something more profound. Once he had been invited into their house, Jesus shared a meal with the disciples: “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.” A simple enough act, but one that speaks of shared experience and common humanity. Norwich School shares much of its history and culture with the community of this cathedral church, which is a precious space in at least these three ways: longevity – Norwich Cathedral is the oldest building in Norwich which is still used for its original purpose. The fact that it has survived and thrived for so long is remarkable. Accessibility – Norwich Cathedral is open 365 days of the year, free of charge, with no entry requirements. Anyone can enter, regardless of background, where you come from or what you believe. Sacredness – these precincts are set apart, designated as a special or holy place. Some people regard the cathedral as a ‘thin place’: somewhere in which it is possible to sense the intangible, something mystical, maybe even glimpse the divine; a place in which God is not proven, but rather in which He might be experienced. On the road to Emmaus, the disciples didn’t recognise Jesus at first, even though he was walking alongside them. It was only when they invited him in, when they made themselves open to an encounter with God, that he revealed himself: “then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.” For me, the most special thing about our school, and the reason I have stayed for so long, is that we are hospitable and scholarly, yes, but also that we enjoy a privileged and precious relationship with the cathedral community. This is a place where we can make time to explore spirituality, to consider the good news of the Christian message, and to reflect on the possibility of encountering Jesus Christ, as he walks alongside us, on our journey through school. 

Lower 2 and Upper 2 Pupils Wrap Up a Year of Informal Concerts in Style

By Eleanor Lewis • June 25, 2026
A warm Lower School Hall was alive with music, laughter, and a touch of theatrical flair as children from Lower 2 and Upper 2 took to the stage for a truly delightful concert last night. The evening opened with a confident piano performance of Rocking the Boat , quickly followed by the wonderfully imaginative The Dinosaurs Bedtime March , which had the audience picturing a parade of sleepy prehistoric creatures. The ever-popular Sun City by P. Wedgwood made several cheerful appearances throughout the programme, each performance bringing its own sparkle. There was elegance and poise in The Ballet Dancer , while a charming cello rendition of Gavotte by Gossec added a touch of classical sophistication. The audience was then treated to, I Love Coffee , which was delivered with great character and more than a hint of humour. Film fans in the room were delighted by a violin performance of Hedwig’s Theme by John Williams, transporting everyone straight into a world of magic. This was followed by more lively piano pieces, including the flowing The River Flows in You and the crisp Allegretto by Bartok. The energy lifted even further with Way Out West and The Machine , before a bold trumpet performance of the James Bond Theme by M. Norman had toes tapping and imaginations racing with spy adventures. The concert continued with the spirited Tarantella Twist on the piano and a relaxed guitar piece, Fingers and Thumbs by G. Whitworth. A light and playful flute performance of A Tisket A Tasket added a traditional touch, followed by more confident piano playing including Lightly Row and Le petit mendiant . One of the highlights of the evening was a lively vocal duet of The Lady is a Vamp by the Spice Girls, which brought plenty of smiles and a real sense of fun to the hall. Throughout the concert, the children showed not only their growing musical skills but also great courage and enthusiasm. It was a joy to see such a variety of instruments and styles on display, and the supportive audience created a wonderfully warm atmosphere. Well done to all performers for an entertaining and memorable afternoon of music and well done to all pupils in the Lower School who have showcased their musical instruments throughout the year. 

A Trip to Cambridge for Scholars on the Hottest Day of the Year

By Eleanor Lewis • June 25, 2026
On Thursday 25 June, the hottest day of the year, the Lower 6 scholars had a day out in Cambridge. The focus of the day was "What are museums for?" and the magnificent Fitzwilliam Museum answered the question emphatically: "Museums offer air-conditioned respite in the face of sub-Saharan temperatures!" In face of quite arduous circumstances - the rising mercury meant that a number of galleries were closed - the scholars produced some brilliant presentations on Egyptian sarcophagi, pre-Raphaelite paintings and Assyrian reliefs. We all had a great day and though our activities were tinged with the sadness that this was Dr Farr's last gallop as Master of the Revels, the pupils viewed the day as a useful opportunity to develop skills that will be useful to them when it comes to the university admissions process next year.

Four Horticultural Gold Medals Achieved at the Royal Norfolk Show!

By Eleanor Lewis • June 24, 2026
This year, our Lower School pupils embraced an exciting opportunity to take part in not just one, but two competitions at the Royal Norfolk Show: the School Gardening Competition and the School Growing Competition. Their hard work, creativity and enthusiasm were truly rewarded, as pupils proudly brought home an incredible four gold medals! In the School Gardening competition, pupils from Lower One and Upper One were thrilled to be awarded a gold medal for their outstanding exhibit. Their entry featured a beautifully designed wheelbarrow display inspired by Beatrix Potter’s Mr McGregor’s garden, created in celebration of 160 years since Beatrix Potter’s birth. The imaginative design brought a miniature allotment to life, complete with a rustic potting shed, garden gate, wellington boots and beloved characters from the Peter Rabbit stories. Every element was thoughtfully crafted, resulting in a delightful and highly detailed scene. One of the standout features of the display was a stunning willow arch and gate, expertly created by the Upper One pupils and decorated with flowers and crocheted carrots. This eye-catching centrepiece captivated both judges and visitors alike. Four Upper One pupils also had the opportunity to speak with the judges, confidently explaining the inspiration behind their design and proudly showcasing their exhibit. The School Growing competition saw over forty pupils eagerly take part, nurturing their basil, calendula and radish plants at home with care and commitment in the weeks leading up to the Show. The best examples from each category were then selected and taken to the Showground, where they were judged against entries from other schools. Pupils were delighted to win all three categories which they entered. We are incredibly proud of our pupils for their creativity, perseverance and teamwork. The achievements are a testament to their enthusiasm and hard work, and we are absolutely delighted to celebrate the success of winning four gold medals at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show! Outdoor learning and gardening skills are interwoven throughout the Lower School curriculum, and our success at the Norfolk Show is a testament to this.

Carrots, Cake and Kindness - A Visit from Ali Stearn and Jack Brock

By Eleanor Lewis • June 22, 2026
Last week our Infant pupils were delighted to welcome author and illustrator Ali Stearn for a truly memorable visit. Ali shared her heartwarming books, which were inspired by her miniature Shetland pony Jack Brock. Ali and Jack have made a real difference in Norfolk through fundraising and visiting residents in care homes. The children were captivated by Ali's engaging storytelling and entranced by the detail in her beautiful illustrations. They loved hearing about Jack's adventures, especially the amusing tales of his fondness for Victoria sponge cake and his habit of spitting small pieces of carrots on the care home floors while bringing smiles to patients and staff alike!  The highlight of the day was undoubtedly meeting Jack in person. Pupils were thrilled to have the opportunity to feed him carrots and see first-hand the gentle pony who inspired these wonderful stories. It was a magical experience that brought the book to life and helped our children understand the positive impact that kindness, compassion and animal companionship can have on others.

Oliver Jr Left Audiences Asking for More!

June 22, 2026
To set off Gather26 was the beloved Oliver! Jr. Rosie B, Lowe 6, writes her experience of being part of the backstage crew, and the production as a whole, below. On Monday the 15 and Tuesday the 16 June, the Fourth Form kicked off Gather 2026 with an exciting and uplifting production of Lionel Bart’s Oliver! Jr. Being an independent project, it was directed by Daisy S and Charlie Br in the Lower 6, who have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes to bring to life this fantastic show. Starting off the performance with ‘Food! Glorious Food!’ choreographed by Benji S, it was clear that the audience were in for a treat. Santiago O’D and Sampson O’F were compelling and funny as partners in crime, Fagin and Dodger, whilst Annabelle H as Nancy and Oliver PW as Oliver provided a deeply moving emotional core to the show. Not forgetting William M, terrifying as Bill Sykes! There are so many more performers I could name, each one clearly giving their everything and loving every minute of their performance. I also got the opportunity to help as backstage crew- it was astounding to see the professionalism of these young actors despite having to navigate costume crises and prop panics backstage! I look forward to seeing what they’ll do next year. Oliver! Jr was a brilliant performance that absolutely left the audience asking for “more”!

Dragon Days Delights Audiences

By Eleanor Lewis • June 22, 2026
Upper 2 took to the stage this week with their fantastic production of Dragon Days , delivering a performance full of energy, comedy and wonderful singing. The children embraced every moment of the show, bringing their characters to life with confidence, enthusiasm and great humour. Their lively performances, combined with impressive vocals and excellent teamwork, kept audiences entertained throughout. It was clear how much the children enjoyed being part of the production, and their excitement shone through in every scene. From the catchy songs to the laugh-out-loud moments, Dragon Days was a tremendous success and a memorable experience for everyone involved. Congratulations to all of Upper 2 for their hard work, dedication and outstanding performances.

Representing England at the Under-19 European Korfball Championships

By Eleanor Lewis • June 19, 2026
Cara B, Lower 6, represented England in their Under-19 squad at the European Korfball Championships in Türkiye. Cara shares her experience below. Over the Easter holidays, I had the incredible opportunity to represent England as part of the Under-19 squad at the European Korfball Championships in Turkey. Korfball is a mixed-gender team sport that originated in the Netherlands and combines elements of basketball and netball. Each team consists of four male and four female players, with players switching between attack and defence every two goals. The tournament began with group-stage fixtures against Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, Portugal and Hungary. Our opening match was against a strong Czech side, who went on to come second overall. Despite a determined effort, we were defeated 17-8 in our first game. However, we responded brilliantly later that day with a convincing 12-2 win over Slovakia. At the end of day 1, we remained in contention for a strong finish in the competition. Day 2 proved to be another challenging but rewarding day. We started with an impressive 13-8 win against Poland before facing Portugal in a crucial match. Despite our efforts, Portugal edged us out in a hard-fought 13-10 defeat at full time after a goal for goal match. We finished the day strongly with an excellent 23-14 victory over Hungary, one of our highest-scoring performances of the tournament. Going into the final day, we were determined to secure the highest possible placing. This set up a closely contested placement match against the host nation, Turkey. The game was highly competitive, with both teams going goal for goal for much of the match. We held our nerve in the closing stages to secure a 16-13 win, earning England a final placing of 5th in Europe. Cara's recent success at Korfball, has been mirrored by an outstanding performance on the netball court this season. Cara was a key member of the Norwich School 1 st VII who finished an impressive 11 th in the country this season, as well as representing her netball club, Norfolk United in the National Premier League, the highest club league in the country. Head of Netball, Gemma Ashton comments "Cara has made an immense contribution to Norwich School Netball since joining us in L6 and her considerable talent on court is matched by her dedication and commitment off it. Her success this season is fully deserved and we are very proud of all she has achieved. Cara is also a Norwich School Sport Scholar, and we are delighted that this programme was able to contribute towards funding her attendance at the Korfball European Championships."

The England Flag: An Address from Revd Child

By Eleanor Lewis • June 19, 2026
(This assembly was delivered two days after England’s first world cup match of 2026, with a large England flag draped over the front of the pulpit.) God says: “ It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth .” (Isaiah 49:6) You may have noticed that I’ve decorated the pulpit this morning. I want to start by asking you this question: what was the first thing that went through your mind when you saw this England flag? Right now, of course, there’s a good chance that it reminded you of the England men’s football team, who kicked off their World Cup on Wednesday. Perhaps seeing this gave you a surge of national pride. (4-2: the first time we’ve scored that in a World Cup since 1966.) On the other hand, if you don’t think of this so much as your flag – for instance, if you’re from a different UK nation or from Europe – then this flag may stir feelings of rivalry. Context is everything. To see the flag flown on Windsor Castle on St George’s day in 2026 is very different to seeing the red cross on the front of crusader shields in the 13th century. Seeing the flag displayed on a church or a town hall is different to seeing it cable-tied to lampposts and painted on roundabouts. There was a spate of this a year ago which spread across the country. ‘Flagging’, as it became known, started in the month after the England Women’s football team won the Euros. (You may remember that moment of national pride – Chloe Kelly’s winning penalty, Hannah Hampton’s heroics in goal, Lucy Bronze somehow playing through the tournament with a fractured tibia. It’s just been announced that six members of that team will receive an MBE for their services to football and to the country.) Of course, all this meant that there were lots of England flags available to buy in the shops. And when they started going up in the streets, some people said it was patriotism. But it wasn’t just patriotism – there was also something more sinister and territorial going on. The context shifted, and the flags became associated with anti-immigration and extremist politics. All of that meant that, when I went into Home Bargains to buy this flag for my assembly, it felt like the shop staff were giving me funny looks. ‘What is he?’ they seemed to be asking themselves. ‘Is he an England fan… or is he a racist?’ There is a scene in the excellent TV drama Dear England, which is on iPlayer at the moment, where the then England manager Gareth Southgate hangs a St George’s flag in the goalmouth and gets all the players to discuss it. He begins by pointing at the flag and saying: ‘These things can be emotive and complicated.’ To get some perspective on all this complexity, I want to step away from England for a moment, and take note of a different nation in a different time – the Old Testament nation of Israel in the Bible. One of the developing themes of the Bible is what God’s chosen people think their nation is for. There are times where they retreat into self-isolation – they feel a need to pull up the drawbridge and protect their identity. But there are other times when they realise their blessings are for sharing with the world, rather than clinging onto. ‘It is too small a thing,’ God says to his people in that reading we heard earlier, it is too small a thing just to be concerned with the tribes of Israel. ‘I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.’ In other words, the blessing that God’s people have is for spreading, not for desperately protecting. Christians believe that the ultimate expression of this is in the person of Jesus Christ, born a Jew, but a saviour for all peoples – the ‘salvation that reaches to the ends of the earth.’ Returning to England, I think we can learn something from our local heroine Edith Cavell, whose grave is outside the east end of the cathedral. She famously said before her wartime execution, ‘Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.’ Perhaps we could adapt that line as: ‘Patriotism alone is too small a thing.’ No doubt the meaning of the England flag will continue to change as history unfolds. But here are my hopes for it. I hope that the current world cup tournament will reclaim the flag of St George from the tensions of last summer, and that it would help us feel united as a country, not divided. And I hope that as a country, we would discover generosity and hospitality towards other nations in the style of Isaiah 49. I hope we become the sort of country that is patriotic and outward-looking at the same time. In the end I want to live in a world where, when I buy a flag like this from Home Bargains, the staff think to themselves, ‘there goes a good person.'

Dylan, Lower 2, Aspires to Make a Difference

By Eleanor Lewis • June 19, 2026
Over the May half term, Lower Two pupil Dylan travelled to Kenya with his family and other volunteers to help with building work at the Jubilee Academy, Nakuru. The school was built in corrugated steel in 1998 to provide free schooling to local children. It was subsequently closed in 2019 when a new law was introduced that insisted that all schools should be made from brick. Undeterred, work started to rebuild the school. Currently, it is an infant school. However, due to the difficulty its pupils have in finding a school to attend once they have left, Jubilee Academy is committed to expanding to allow the children to continue their education. School can be the only place where children have a nutritious meal, so if they stay in school they have a greater likelihood of remaining healthy. Work had already started on building new classrooms, so Dylan helped to decorate them and worked on creating a new toilet block. During his rest periods he enjoyed playing football with the pupils there. Before the trip, he had called upon his year group to raise money to buy backpacks for the school in return for wearing Kenya's national flag colours for a day. Lower Two pupils were keen to do this and they also wrote letters to the children at Jubilee. Dylan's mother commented, "Seeing the children open the letters and see that someone has written them a letter just to them was priceless. I will remember their reactions for ever." Receiving replies from their Kenyan friends was equally exciting and fulfilling for our Lower Two pupils.  Dylan worked incredibly hard in Nakuru as the youngest volunteer the organisation had ever welcomed. Not only did he learn new practical skills in painting, plastering and carpentry, he gained new friends, and discovered that football really is a shared language across the world. His friends and teachers are proud of what he helped to achieve on his trip.
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