On Thursday 11 December 2025, in the Cathedral Close we welcomed 12 Special Schools to the annual Special Schools Nativity Carol Service - our Lower Six pupils had such fun performing the Nativity story to a full Nave of around 400 Norfolk pupils and school staff. The audience enjoyed listening to beautiful songs from the Norwich Cathedral Choristers and enthusiastically joined in with some well-known carols together. Some of the many highlights include pupils from Harford Manor turning on the Christmas lights whilst also assisting the Three Kings with the gifts. Budge even made an appearance to check out the manger and to say well done to the cast at the end. The donkey (performed by Daisy) opened the show and between her and Budge they certainly entertained the audience from beginning to end! Ashley Grote, Master of Music from the Cathedral says: “The annual carol service for Special Schools is one of my highlights of Christmas at the Cathedral and, in many ways, it’s the most important carol service we do. It’s a privilege for us to be able to sing for all these wonderful children and for their amazing carers, and to bring some of the joy of Christmas to them through our singing” Rebecca Price, one of our parent volunteers who has been helping with the Community Service programme this year says: "It was wonderful to be involved in the service, and I feel very proud of how the students put together their performances. It was joyful to see so many children, and their supporters, enjoying the service, and a big thank you to the cathedral team for making the experience accessible and engaging for all." Will - (who played Joseph, our U6 pupil who was part of the nativity performance for the 2nd year in a row) says ‘I had a great time, and seeing how happy the experience made the kids was really heartwarming’ Daisy (Donkey) ‘I had a very fun time and loved how much uplifting and entertaining the kids were’ Benji (Angel Gabriel) 'I really enjoyed helping with the nativity to bring Christmas joy to all the kids' Izi (Mary) ‘I loved performing the nativity and seeing the children’s faces light up’

For many in the wider Norwich School community, the December Carol Service in the cathedral is the surest sign that Christmas is on its way. Following the tradition of Nine Lessons and Carols, we heard the narrative thread of the coming of Christ through the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament gospels, read by pupils, parents, teachers and a school governor. The Chapel Choir sang a carefully rehearsed repertoire – different every year – from the lively melody of John Rutter’s Angels’ Carol to the melancholy harmonies of Warlock’s Bethlehem Down.  A generous collection at the end of the service will allow us to make a special Christmas donation to three of the charities Norwich School has been supporting during 2025. Of course the service was also a chance to catch up with old friends and fellows, made all the easier with mince pies and drinks in the refectory afterwards.