On Thursday 20 October, our school community gathered for prizegiving in the Cathedral. We asked Jay Ambadkar, who was one of only 13 students in England to achieve 12 grade 9s at GCSE to reflect on an evening of celebration:

"On Thursday evening, I was fortunate enough to be among the Norwich School pupils, parents, members of staff and distinguished guests gathered in Norwich Cathedral for the school’s annual Prizegiving event.

The evening began with a relaxed atmosphere before beginning with addresses from the Red Gowns, Heads of School, the Head and Patrick Smith (the chairman of governors); these included reflections on the achievements of the school, from sport to the creatives, as well as what it means to be a member of the school community. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to all of the fantastic events that Norwich School has attended and hosted over the last year.

Following this, prizes began to be handed out to around 160 recipients. These ranged in discipline from subject prizes to co-curricular recognitions, such as for service to the community or sporting achievement, many generously sponsored by the school’s benefactors. Awards included recognition in the field of academic achievement, sport, drama, dance, music and school life, as well as an amazing 37 pupils who were recognised for outstanding achievement at GCSE; I was lucky enough to be recognised for attaining 12 grade 9s at GCSE, one of 13 in England. However, a huge congratulations must go to each and every person who was awarded a prize on Thursday!

During the ceremony, the congregation also heard euphonious musical interludes from Colette Maxwell Preston and Pippa Garrod, on cello and voice respectively.

On the whole, this year’s Prizegiving was an enjoyable event that celebrated a year of success for the entire school community."