LIEUTENANT HARRY PEACHMENT (ON 08-19) ADDRESSES NORWICH SCHOOL

December 15, 2023

In the last two centuries, Great Britain has been involved in over 20 major wars, taking and losing life on every continent. In this time, Britain’s military and the wars in which it has been involved have changed markedly, from the line infantry battles of the Napoleonic Wars, to the horrific trench warfare of World War One, to the counterinsurgency of today. To keep pace with these advancements, so too, has our military’s training had to change, particularly for those officers charged with leading British troops in combat. Since World War Two, this training has been conducted at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, of which notable alumni include many members of the Royal Family, notable politicians such as Winston Churchill, and international representatives from almost 130 nations.



Training at Sandhurst is intended to take an individual with no prior military experience to a level sufficient for them to take on their first command position. My cousin, with a few years of prior service behind him, entered the Academy with a head start – but for most, 80% of whom are recent university graduates, the learning curve is steep, and the competition intense. Not to mention for the international cadets who not only have to learn an entirely new military structure but often have to do so in a second language.


That being said, many rise to the challenge, such as Sam. Sam was one of the brightest young officers his nation had, and he had been selected for training at Sandhurst in order to develop his command abilities further. A member of my cousin’s platoon, Sam was consistently at the front of the pack, fiercely intelligent, immensely fit, and always keen to learn. Whether it was rain, sleet, snow, mud, late nights or early mornings, Sam always performed, and his enthusiasm never faltered.


That was until, with just over a month until his training was concluded, something changed. Sam stopped engaging, started staring into the distance during lectures, and began falling behind on runs. He could no longer be found in the library, nor the cafeteria, and when located the most anyone could get out of him was a few words before he would retire to his room. Even on the day of their graduation, one which all cadets remember fondly and with pride, Sam stayed behind only to congratulate a handful of his peers and, as the bell struck and their training was officially concluded, Sam was nowhere to be seen.


The following day, my cousin returned home to celebrate his achievement with his friends and family. Sam, too, returned home, but not to celebration. As an officer of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, he was returning home to war, and he had a job to do.


My name is Harry Peachment, Old Norvicensian of the Class of 2019, Durham University student, and a Lieutenant in the UK’s Army Reserve. It is an honour to be asked to speak to you here today.


My journey to understanding the importance of remembrance started where you are sitting now; proudly wearing the poppy my mum gave me a pound for, too shy to sing the national anthem, listening to the names of fallen ONs as they were read out and trying, struggling, to imagine myself in their place.


Even as I grew older, and the age difference between myself and those fallen alumni grew ever shorter, I still struggled to identify with them. This changed for me when, in 2018, the Centenary of the Armistice of World War One, I was given the opportunity to travel to Northern France with the 8th Norwich Sea Scouts. We were conducting a cycling expedition through the Somme and Picardie regions of France, stopping at many of the historic sites of the Western Front. In doing so we located and honoured the names of 18 ONs, which you will hear shortly, who fell in the First World War.


I cannot possibly impress upon you the scale of what we saw, but to give you an indication, Thiepval Memorial, where Second Lieutenant Charles Skelton ON is honoured, holds over 72,000 names of British and South African servicemen with no known graves. Nearby, Neuville St Vaast, a German memorial, holds 400,000 names – so many in fact that, even with headstones stretching as far as the eye can see, each must bear 4 names. Notre Dame De Lorette, the largest French Military Cemetery in the world with 40000 buried, has a circular installation of brass panels, approximately the size of a tennis court. On them are inscribed the names of 576000 servicepeople from all nations who fell within just that region alone, listed alphabetically – one of our group, surname Brown, found four whole panels bearing his name, totalling close to 5000 lost.


Returning to Norwich, and sitting again where you are now, brought a new meaning to those names, knowing that just weeks prior I had stood before them written in stone at their final resting places. For the first time, in some small way, I felt a connection to them, and having seen the scale of the sacrifice to which they belong, my understanding and my respect grew.


This experience stayed with me until, 3 years later, I was sat in the Royal Memorial Chapel at Sandhurst for the final service before my cohort’s commissioning parade. The walls of the chapel are embossed with the Coats of Arms for every British Army regiment, existing or historical, under which are the names of officers from each regiment who have died since their foundation. For the soon-to-commission officers sat in those pews and looking up at those plaques, it was poignant to think that, should the worst come to pass, we would be honoured on those same walls, an inspiration yet a solemn reminder of commitment and sacrifice to come.


Among those honoured: Lieutenant Colonel Derek Seagrim, Victoria Cross, of the Green Howards, and his brother, Major Hugh Seagrim, George Cross, of the 19th Hyderabad Regiment; both ONs and distinguished servicemen. Seagrim House, of which I was a proud member, was established in their name during my time at the school, and finding myself beginning to follow in their footsteps into military service came with a humbling realisation.


At last, I felt that connection strengthen. It wasn’t until later, when my cousin recounted to me the story of Sam, and I tried to imagine what he must have felt sitting in that service, that I realised something else.

In remembering the past, or aspiring for the future, we must not remain blind to the present.


We remember the two world wars for a number of reasons, but chief amongst these are the scale of their sacrifice and their existential nature; Millions dead, countless injured, every rung of society impacted. For Britain, there has been no equivalent since, and in today’s world, with its unprecedented globalisation and global cooperation, at a time when conflict can be more aptly settled by the pen and not the sword, it may seem there never again will be.


Yet, throughout the world, war and conflict rages on. Those of you in the audience this time two years ago will have heard the speaker, Retired Wing Commander Steve Dean, give the frightening statistic that in the now 78 years since the end of the Second World War, there have been just two years where a British serviceperson has not been killed in action. It is safe to say that for Steve, and for those whom he served alongside during his 11 operational tours of duty, war is not something one forgets readily – for many, it has left them irrevocably marked.


Many societies understand the horrors and consequences of war because, for these societies, war has never truly ended. Without the need for poppies or silence, it is a part of them. National service, conscription, armed borders and martial law – for millions around the globe, this is their waking reality, one that we as a society have been fortunate to shed. The battlefields of Ukraine hold an ominous resemblance to the trench warfare of World War One and, no doubt, the sentiments of those involved are very much the same.


We are fortunate in this country that we no longer have to fight for our very way of life, that we have strong alliances which safeguard us, and that should we ever again be involved in a major war, it will not be one of our survival, but in support of those same allies in the struggle for world peace. We will never fight alone, and that alone is a privilege.

I do not expect you to follow my journey into the military but, with or without the uniform, each of you will be impacted by conflict in some way. The last ON to have fallen in conflict was not a soldier or officer, but an oil and gas worker, Sebastian John, who was killed in Algeria in 2013. Whether as a journalist, lawyer or politician, an aide worker, or a simple traveller, all of you will come in to contact with war or those affected by it. Some of you will go on to study alongside students from Israel or Palestine, Iraq or Afghanistan. Many of you have already welcomed Ukrainian students into your classes, some of you into your homes.


We remember the two world wars, because it is imperative that we remember what it means for a society’s very existence to be under threat. We must each work to understand this so that we may better understand the plights of others who’s reality remains defined by bloodshed. For Sam and many others, the importance of remembrance lies not in their past or their future, but now.


When you go home, turn on the news and say, for a better tomorrow, they give their today.


September 1, 2025
Cricket Catch Up from the Summer Break It has been wonderful to see the Norwich School contingent for Swardeston perform so well. Lawry Williams (who was named man-of-the-match) led their U19 squad with Lewis, Ollie and Deeran to victory in their T20 competition on Monday 25 August, winning the Norfolk Cricket Foundation Vitality Club U-19 T20 Trophy. We have had several players involved with Norfolk, England Over 40’s and Bunbury’s over the years… Highlights include - Ollie Longdon Scoring 87 and 90 at Bunbury in the 2-day fixture. Maiden 50 in the EAPL at 15. Tom Bush Bunbury selection. Bella Lewis Superb Norfolk season with 25 wickets including a 5-wicket haul against Harrow CC. Bella Borges Leads the overall Norfolk pathway batting run totals with over a 1000 runs for Norfolk u15, U18 and also the women’s squad. 153 for the U18’s against Suffolk. 102 for the U15’s against Cricket East and 5 wickets for 13 runs 119 against Herfordshire. Staff achievements - Alfie Cooper and the Norfolk Men’s winners of the national T20. Richard Sims selection and 50 runs scored for the England over 40 team against Scotland.
By Eleanor Lewis August 22, 2025
Lower 6 pupil, Kwame Bekoe, has represented England U18s in the 2025 U18 International Series in South Africa this summer. Kwame started at lock in the opening fixture against Georgia, before coming off the bench to make a strong impact in the second match against France. His performances earned him a place in the starting XV for England’s clash with tournament hosts South Africa on Saturday 16 August. Kwame is a member of the Leicester Tigers Academy and has been a standout player for the school’s First XV since joining the side in Upper Fifth. To celebrate his success, we asked him a few questions... How long have you been playing rugby? I started rugby at 9 years old with Norwich Rugby Football club. So I've been playing for about 8 years now. How often do you train? In season I'll train with school 2-3 times a week and with tigers 1-2 times a week. I also try and go to the gym at least 5 days a week. How did you get into the Leicester Tigers Academy? I officially got into the academy in year 11 after attending numerous developmental training sessions hosted by tigers since the start of year 10. I was put forward by my rugby club coach to be apart of these sessions and was kept through the pathway after multiple selections until I was selected for the academy. How did you get selected for the U18 International Series in South Africa? Fortunately, I was selected for the England U17 may development camp after missing out on being selected for the first camp in April. It was a four day camp with a match on the fourth day and this camp determined which players out of the 46 on camp would play in the summer series. How did it go? It was a great two weeks with a great group of talented players. Unfortunately we didn’t come away with a win but everyone got better as players and had a wonderful experience playing at international level. What was the best part? The best part for me was after the France game having a dinner party with all the teams (Georgia, Ireland, France, England and South Africa) and having a good time singing and dancing with all the players. What was the most challenging? The most challenging part for me was matching the physicality of the national teams as they were all exceptionally strong and maintained a relentless level of intensity throughout the games. It was also challenging to memorise all the calls and plays that we used for the 3 games. How has Norwich School supported your rugby journey? Norwich has helped especially with providing transport to training with tigers. They have also supported me with sports scholarship programme to help with mentally and physically preparing myself before matches. The coaches have also taught me a lot since joining in year 7 and some skills that I still use to this day. What's next? Hopefully I will be selected for more England Camps towards the end of the year and being selected for the U18 Six Nations in 2026. What are your future prospects in Rugby? I hope to continue playing rugby at a high level in order to improve and become the best player I can be.
By Eleanor Lewis 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. 
By Eleanor Lewis August 21, 2025
We are pleased to announce very strong GCSE results for 2025. From the cohort of 132 candidates, overall percentages are as follows: 29% at grade 9 54% at grades 9-8 (A*) 74% at grades 9-7 (A*-A) 88% at grades 9-6 (A*-B) 98%: overall pass-rate (grades 9-4) Outstanding individual performances included:  4 candidates with 11 x 9 or better; 10 candidates with 10 x 9 or better; 35 candidates with at least 9 x 8 or 9. Steffan Griffiths, Head, commented, “Our GCSE Class of 2025 have worked very hard for these results and they now thoroughly deserve their success. Well-supported at home and at school, they have laid terrific foundations to make the most of our Sixth Form, whether academically or in other aspects of our holistic provision. We look forward to supporting them as they make this exciting transition.” Assistant Head (5th Form), Andrew Curtis, said, “I offer sincere congratulations to our Upper Five pupils on their excellent results. They have been diligent in their academic work, but they have also contributed strongly in sport, drama, music, dance and school clubs. Perhaps most importantly, they have built strong friendships which will stand them in good stead for the future. They have much to offer as they move into our 6th Form and I wish them all well.
By Eleanor Lewis August 14, 2025
Emotions ran high on A Level results day, and rightly so, as our Class of 2025 reached a major milestone after two years of hard work and commitment. Today marks the beginning of an exciting new journey as they step into the future, armed with the results of their hard work. Over 95% of pupils achieved their first or second choice onward route and there are also some truly outstanding personal triumphs. No question, the pupils in this year’s cohort have every reason to feel proud. We caught up with a few of them to hear first-hand what these results mean and how they’re feeling as they look ahead. 
Norwich School and the Close
August 14, 2025
The school is pleased to announce strong A Level results. The cohort of 177 U6 candidates have achieved the following: 24% of grades at A*; 52% of grades at A*-A; 82% at A*-B; 94% at A*-C; 100% at A*-E. Outstanding individual performances included: 5 candidates with 4 A*; 16 candidates with 3A* or more; 54 candidates with 3A or more. These results are enabling positive next steps. Even before improvements from the UCAS Clearing process have been absorbed, 80% of leavers have secured their first choice onward route and over 95% have achieved their first or second choice.  The Head, Steffan Griffiths, said, “I am delighted for the Class of 2025; they have been terrific in so many areas of school life, acting as positive role models in our community and offering much in arenas such as sport, music, drama, dance and service. It is fitting that they now round off their time in Cathedral Close with strong academic results, too, thereby opening up all sorts of exciting individual onward routes. All at school wish them well”. Richard Peters, Head of Sixth Form, commented, “This cohort of pupils committed to a concerted spell of hard work, so I am pleased that they have been appropriately rewarded with these impressive results. They enjoyed support of families at home and teachers in school, to whom I am grateful. I offer sincere good wishes for our leavers’ next steps”. NB: specific grade percentages will be published when the subject paper review process has been completed.
By Eleanor Lewis August 5, 2025
Nick Conway, L6 pupil, has been selected to represent Great Britain at the Under 19 Junior World Championships in the Men’s Eight racing in Trakai, Lithuania, which is taking place from 6-10 August. This is a very proud moment for the Boat Club program and the School as a whole, as Nick is the first Sixth Form rower from Norwich School to be selected for the Junior World Championships. To celebrate this achievement, we caught up with Nick in the lead up to the Championships... How long have you been rowing? I’ve been rowing for 2 1/2 years since starting lent term in L5. However, rowing has been a part of my life from a young age through my parents. How often do you practice/train? As a boat club we have 14 sessions a week, where we train as a whole boat club, both girls and boys squads together, which helps build a strong community and group. How has Norwich School helped you on your rowing journey? Norwich School have helped me develop by providing elite coaching by various members of the sports department, most of all, Mr Carter-Mayers, our senior rowing coach, along with my academic teachers who have been supportive along the way. How did you get selected to represent GB in U19 Junior World Championships? Selection was decided by a week of testing and racing up to 8 times a day. Through the results from then and throughout various trials this year the selectors build a ranking of the top 7 rowers, which they will take to the worlds championships. Thankfully I was in this group to be selected. How have you been preparing for the event? Since leaving for selection camp on the first week of the summer holidays I’ve been down in London and Reading at the national training centre. I have been rowing with my crew and getting familiar with each other ready for when we take on the rest of the world on the 7th of August. Throughout these 4 weeks we’ve come together well, with a few rocky patches, but nonetheless feeling confident as we enter competition week. We wish Nick the best of luck!
By Eleanor Lewis July 31, 2025
5 - 16 August Open daily 10:00 - 16:00 Closed Sundays. Free admission. Reepham Artists and Makers are a collective of artists and makers based in and around Reepham, Norfolk. They have been exhibiting together since 2017 in galleries and other venues. They work in textiles, ceramics, painting, silver-smithing, glass, wood, gilding and sculpture. Many of the group display and sell as individuals but also come together as a group. Meeting on a regular basis, the artists work together on exhibitions, run workshops within their disciplines and have social visits to galleries and exhibitions in and around Norfolk. Jackie Watson - Ceramics • Sue Johnston - Paintings and Textile Art • Carolyn Penney - Glass and Metal Work • Sara Kenyon - Painter and Water Colourist • Linda Sadler - Ceramics and Textiles • Jane Bygrave - Ceramics • Emily Longhurst - Artist, Working in wood, acrylics and gilding • Tamara Goulding - Lacemaker
By Eleanor Lewis July 14, 2025
Friday 4 July, Independence Day in America, happened to be a memorable day of independence for some of our community, as it heralded the last day of school for our Upper Sixth pupils. And it wasn’t just the pupils sharing this special day – parents and guardians were welcomed to the Close to share in the celebrations. Some pupils had been through the entire Norwich School journey, reflecting on 11 years growing up in the Close, whilst others had experienced a packed and exciting two year Norwich School journey, having joined in Sixth Form. Whatever the ‘length of service’, however, the mixed emotions amongst leavers were shared – excitement for the future, sadness and trepidation as such an important chapter of their lives drew to a close, pride at having reached such a milestone and a touch of exhaustion at the end of such an important academic year. A beautiful sunny day dawned, with an early breakfast for the pupils and a special address from the President of the Horatio Society, Jacob Stevenson, who wished his peers well and encouraged them to embrace their new status as Old Norvicensians (ONs). Jacob also handed out awards as voted for by the pupils themselves including, to name but a few, Most Likely to Start A Charity, Best Bromance, Most Likely to Headline Glastonbury and Most Likely to End Up Back at Norwich School (an easy win for Joel Newman who returns next year as a Lower School Gap Student!). They then headed to tutor group where they were presented with their Valedictory Reports – as written by their Head of House and the Head. Parents and Guardians then joined the celebrations for a brunch on the Refectory lawn before filing into the Cathedral for a very special Farewell Assembly. It was hard to spot a dry eye as parents and pupils joined in singing I Vow To Thee My Country and Jerusalem, and the Head delivered a moving and inspirational address. The congregation were then upstanding and clapped continuously as the Upper Sixth filed out of the Cathedral for the very last time, exiting the West Doors, where they were greeted with a farewell and handshake from the Head. The Upper Close was buzzing as families reunited with one another, hugging and crying as they shared the emotion of such a significant day. Overall, however, despite the tears, it was a day for celebration – to toast a job well done to the Class of 2025 who gave it their all and embraced every opportunity on their Norwich School journey. Corks popped and there were photos a-plenty as families embraced a last chance to take pictures in the Norwich School uniform, before departing for perhaps a rest or a power nap, before dressing in their finest and heading for Norwich City Football Club for the Leavers Ball.  Over 300 parents, staff and pupils attended a magnificent evening, with a sumptuous three course meal, entertainment and a live band which kept everyone on the dancefloor until 1am. There was an after party, but we will leave it at that…! Wishing the Class of 2025 every success for the future and stay in touch. Remember. You are all ONs for life!
By Eleanor Lewis July 12, 2025
Three groups undertook their practice expedition at the end of term. The weather kept to the predictions, being warm and sunny. On the hottest day the groups left camp early, with altered routes to ensure water could be topped up several times. They all coped very well, arriving in campsites and shade before the highest temperatures were reached. The fourth group arrived and the first groups returned to Norwich. The training was repeated with a short walk to refresh and learn navigational skill, followed by some first aid training. The next day the group walked to their next campsite, where they adopted an 8th member which you can see with the team below!
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