There were two pupils for whom getting their A Level results this year was particularly special, as they have been through school together since the age of 3.

Issy Rushen and George McKean first met at the tender age of 3, when they found themselves in primary school together. Although George ended up at a different school for a time, they kept running into each other in so many different social circles until they found themselves at Norwich School together. We caught up with them to find out how Results Day was for them and what their plans are for the future.

What did you study?

Issy – Music, Psychology and Geography.

George – Maths, Further maths, physics and Chemistry.

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

Issy – My results were exactly what I was hoping for - I actually really outdid myself in Music, which I'm really proud of.

George – I am happy with my results – they are about where I was expecting.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Issy – I'm going to Royal Holloway next year for Psychology and Development - my first choice!

George – Newcastle University to study Physics.

What’s the dream job?

Issy – I want to do a PhD and be an Educational Psychologist.

George – Follow up my degree with a PHD and probably go into particle or theoretical physics research.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Issy – The thing I've loved most is all of the music opportunities. I've been in a musical, an opera, I've sung in choirs and I've been to some incredible places and sung some amazing things.

George - There is a lot to love. For me it is the constant encouragement from all staff. I would have to add that I have always enjoyed the Music Department – I played in Jazz Band and the orchestra with my double bass and I loved spending time there. It’s a very special place.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Issy – My best moment was definitely being the lead in Footloose this year. I honestly had the time of my life, and I got to wear red cowboy boots and sing Holding Out for a Hero every night. It was the most surreal and magical experience of my life.

George – Beating Mr Griffiths at Bridge! 

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Issy – The thing I'll miss most is the music department. I met the most amazing people and teachers and I've been able to do so much in just 2 years of being here.

George – The buildings in the Cathedral Close.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Issy – I'm not sure there's a word that does it justice, but if i had to pick one - Transformative.

George – Unique.

Finally, how would you sum up your friendship:

Issy – George is like a brother to me. We definitely bicker like siblings do, but I know I can call him if I'm in trouble and he'll always be there for me - we're family. He knows all of my weird quirks and he knows when I just need a hug. I have no doubt that we will stay in touch, life just always seems to lead us back to the same places.

George - I have known Issy since the age of 3 or 4 when we started at prep school together. Issy has always been like a sister to me, despite subsequently going to separate schools and living in different areas over the years, we’ve always been able to sit down and have a catch up like we’d only just seen each other. Issy can read me like a book and points out she knows my mind better that I do! I feel that if I ever needed someone to talk to I could go to her and she knows I am here for her too. For some reason life seems to keep us in contact and I’m sure it will continue to do so.