One School. Many Routes.

August 13, 2026

A Level results day is always an emotional occasion, and this year was no different. For the Class of 2026, it marked the culmination of two years of dedication, perseverance and hard work and there was much to celebrate. From pupils who have been with us from Lower 1 to those who have joined us for Sixth Form, it is inspiring to hear their reflections of their time in Cathedral Close and learn about their planned next steps. We caught up with just a few of this year’s leavers to find out more about their individual journey.

Born to Perform!

At Norwich School, performing arts are a vibrant part of school life. Across music, drama and dance, pupils have countless opportunities to develop their talents, build confidence and express their creativity both on stage and behind the scenes and we are proud to have inspired some of this year’s cohort to go on and continue Performing Arts beyond school.


Name

Will Clarke


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

2D Photography (A*), Theatre Studies (A), English (A)


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

They were a lot better than I’d hoped!


What’s next?

East 15 in Loughton to do Drama.


What has taken you down that path?

Norwich School! I started doing plays in Year 9 and really enjoyed it and it was like a chain reaction. The more plays I did, the more I wanted to do. Until there was nothing else I wanted to do.


What’s the dream job?

In a dream world, an actor – stage or screen or both!


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

The people – friends but staff as well.


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

Gala night this year was utterly incredible. It started well with the World Cup match right before and we won, and after that the evening was a blur of performing, crying and hugging.


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Too much - the people, my friends, the community.


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

Ineffable!


Name

Melissa Hawkings


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Music (A*), English (A*), Spanish (A)


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I felt the exams went well so I was hopeful but I didn’t have an expectation.


What’s next?

Cambridge University to study Music


What has taken you down that path?

I have always loved music and grew up playing the piano and horn, so it was the most natural choice to go to university to study something I really enjoy.


What’s the dream job?

I would love to be an orchestral musician.


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

The sense of community and feeling supported by all my friends. Plus the multitude of musical opportunities which I wouldn’t have had if it wasn’t for Norwich School.


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

I particularly remember the first year I was in Gateway orchestra in Middle 5 and looking up to all the musicians in Upper 6 and thinking they were the coolest people alive and wanting to be like them!


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

All the musical groups and the teachers, especially my Music teacher, Mr Stamp, who has been an inspiration.


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

Surprising.



Name

Rachel Dean


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths (A*), Theatre Studies (A) and English (B)


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

They are definitely what I was hoping for!


What’s next?

I am not sure so I am having a gap year but I do want to go to university and it will be to study something creative.


What has taken you down that path?

I wanted a year to build some life skills and look into what the world is like to help me decide what I want to do at university and beyond.


What’s the dream job?

NO IDEA!


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

There are just SO many things to do, especially in performing arts and it’s even more special because of the people you meet whilst you are doing it.


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

Gala Night this year. It was bittersweet as it was one of the last things we did as a year group but it was really lovely seeing so many people I love all together.


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The people – they are all awesome!


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

Joyful!

Making Their Mark

For some pupils, Norwich School begins in Sixth Form. These inspiring individuals have embraced every opportunity on offer, demonstrating the remarkable accomplishments that can be achieved during their time here.


Name

Lily Minns


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Business (B), Psychology (A), 3D Design (A* - I got full marks which I am thrilled about as I had never done Art before A Level)


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

Really happy! Weirdly, I wrote down my predicted grades last night and these are exactly what I wrote.


What’s next?

I am going to join the Suffolk Police in a Degree Apprenticeship starting in September.


What has taken you down that path?

I come from a family of public servants – I have military parents and my mother is a carer. So I grew up wanting to be like them but also wanting to do something a little different. The police really appealed to me – it is the idea of being in a position to help others.


What’s the dream job?

Detective.


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

The atmosphere amongst pupils to strive for more. If I went to a different school, I don’t believe there would be that same push to achieve your dreams.


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

There are so many to choose from! But I would say my first day – I was so worked up and nervous about joining and knowing no one but I loved it and was so excited to come back the next day.


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

I will definitely miss the community – you can talk to anyone anywhere and they would talk and help you.


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

Challenging … but in a good way!


Name

Emmanuel Milne


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Biology (A*), Chemistry (A), Maths (A)


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I think these were realistic for me.


What’s next?

I am having a gap year during which I will be volunteering in Thailand and then I am going to Cardiff University to study Medicine.


What has taken you down that path?

The job offers everything I enjoy – serving people is a privilege, plus there are academic challenges. I am really looking forward to studying about the body and humans.


What’s the dream job?

I want to be a GP.


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

The community and friends … and the food. I am also looking forward to ON activities and staying connected.


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

Singing I Vow to Thee My Country and Jerusalem at final assembly.


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Lunchtimes, as they were such a time for the community to come together and to spend time relaxing with friends.


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

Memorable.


Name

Hetty Holden


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Art (A*), 2D Graphic Design (A*) and Maths (A).


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

With the Arts it’s nice having coursework so you know where you are heading and I am very happy with Maths.

What’s next? I am having a year out and then I am going to Sheffield to do Architecture.


What has taken you down that path?

I am having a year out as I have always wanted to go travelling and I have chosen Architecture because it is somewhere between Maths and Art and the patters and structure really appeal to me. Plus I have always loved taking in my surroundings – something which has definitely been created studying in the amazing Cathedral Close.


What’s the dream job?

I am really looking forward to the course and then I’ll see where it takes me. As long as it is any form of architecture.


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

The community and the ethos.


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

That’s such a hard question; I have loved playing netball and got so far with that. But every day, I don’t think anything can beat our tutor group every morning.


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Just this summer I have already realised how much I am going to miss seeing my friends every day and the convenience of having everything around me as I have done at school.


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

Togetherness – everyone is so happy for each other no matter what they are doing,


Name

Mia Scarborough


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

2D Photography (A*), 3D Design (A*), Psychology (B).


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I was already pretty sure of my grades with Art and Design but I was unsure about Psychology so I am happy.


What’s next?

London College of Fashion to do Menswear Design.


What has taken you down that path?

I had always wanted to do something to do with fashion and thought I would do some kind of communications role, but being at Norwich School and actually doing the design has made me fall in love with it. So now I can’t imagine not doing something practical. I want to do menswear as it is so unexplored and there is so much space for freedom.


What’s the dream job?

Creative Director of a menswear brand.


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

The freedom I have been given by the Art and Design department. They have always pushed me to do what I want with no boundaries so when I come up with an idea, they say go for it and help me with it. I couldn’t have asked for more!


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

It’s so hard because there are so many. I joined in Lower 6 and have loved every single moment of it. I wish I had come here sooner.


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The teachers – especially my 3D teachers – they have literally changed my life. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be doing what I am doing.


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

Fun.

From First Day to Final Term

These pupils have embraced every stage of Norwich School life, progressing from Lower School through to Sixth Form. As they leave with outstanding results and exciting plans for the future, their achievements reflect the many opportunities and experiences that have shaped their journey.


Name

Tom Irvine


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Biology (A*), Chemistry (A*) and Physics (A*)


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

It’s what I was hoping for but not was I was expecting as I was a bit worried about Biology.


What’s next?

University of Cambridge to study Medicine.


What has taken you down that path?

Helping people for sure, but I love science and with Medicine you can combine science with human interaction.


What’s the dream job?

I think I would like to go into hospital medicine as a consultant – perhaps in surgery or anaesthetics.


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

The friends I’ve made and the people around me.


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

I take away 11 years’ worth of fond memories!


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Familiarity. After so long at the school everything and everyone is so familiar and welcoming. I will miss coming here and knowing where everything is and who everyone is.


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

Opportunities



Name

India-Rose Fox


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Biology (A*), Chemistry (A*), Maths (A)


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I was definitely hoping for this much but was not expecting these grades. It was a shock, that’s for sure!


What’s next?

Nottingham University to study Medicine.


What has taken you down that path?

I think it has been a combination of things. I have always enjoyed watching programmes like 24 Hours in A&E and I’ve had a few trips to hospital myself, plus I did some work experience and I really enjoyed seeing what doctors get to do and the difference they make.


What’s the dream job?

A surgeon of some sort.


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

The opportunity to do literally everything I want – whether that’s sport, music or other things I’ve been involved in. It’s all been possible, alongside studies.


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

It’s impossible to answer as I’ve been here 11 years and there are so many fond memories!


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The cricket team – it’s been so much a part of my life.


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

Unreal.



Name

Daisy Massey


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Theatre Studies (A*), Psychology (A) and 2D Photography (A*)


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

Obviously I was keeping my fingers crossed but these results are totally unexpected!


What’s next?

I am following in my sister’s footsteps and going to Sheffield University to study Journalism.


What has taken you down that path?

I have always loved talking and I am nosy, so I love interviewing people!


What’s the dream job?

TV presenter.


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

Making the friends I have. Meeting so many different people throughout school has definitely made me a better person.


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

In 2D when I made the whole class get up and do the conga – even the quiet people did it!


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The people. The chocolate cake and the chicken burger.


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

Wholesome

A Calling for Care

Our 2026 leavers are obviously a caring bunch with 12 pupils going onto study healthcare degrees such as medicine. With some of them joining us for Sixth Form, others have been in the Cathedral Close since their early days in the Lower School but they all have one thing in common – a desire to help others in their future career.

Name

Sruthi Santhosh


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Biology (A*), Psychology (A*), Chemistry (A)


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I wasn’t expecting them but they are definitely what I was hoping for - I needed an A* in Bioligy for my first choice of university and I didn’t think I’d get it, so I am very happy!


What’s next?

Medicine at UCL.


What has taken you down that path?

I have always wanted to do Medicine and my experiences at Norwich School have definitely helped confirm this. I did volunteering with Able2B through school and I also did work experience in medicine, all of which confirmed this as my top choice. I have especially loved working with children.


What’s the dream job?

I don’t know what I want to specialise in – it’s such a long course I think it will take a while to decide, but perhaps specialising in children’s medicine.


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

The opportunities. Being able to do a wide range of things from volunteering to musicals and sport. Plus making so many friends.


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

This whole last year has been particularly specials, especially being Head of House and going on trips like Eaton Vale and Bramley Lakes. It’s been a wonderful chance to get to know so many people.


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

I will miss the Cathedral and being in assemblies, but also just being in lessons with friends and teachers.


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

Buzzing



Name

Isio Emore


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Biology (A*), Chemistry (A*), Maths (A)


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

A lot better! I was expecting to go into clearing!!


What’s next?

Medicine at UCL.


What has taken you down that path?

I have done some medical work experience as well and thought it was amazing, especially the surgical work which was awesome. A lot of people view Medicine as studying just to be a doctor but there is so much more to it than that – you can do anything with a medical degree, such as clinical work, medical technology and start-ups. There is so much to learn!


What’s the dream job?

Honesty can’t say – Doctor but more than that I would like to be an entrepreneur. I would love to give key note talks.


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

I love that everyone takes an interest in everyone and everyone speaks to everyone. We are just one big community.


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

Qualifying for the Netball nationals. We had always managed to qualify for the regional stage so to finally get to nationals was magical!


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The whole Norwich School experience; the buildings, the memories, the friends, the familiarity of every day – it feels like home.



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

Awesome. If you can think of a situation where everything good comes at you all once – Norwich School is that feeling.



Name

Sissi Chan


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Biology (A*), Chemistry (A), Maths (A)


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I’m really happy.


What’s next?

I’m going to apply next year to do Dentistry. So I am hoping to do plenty of work experience in my gap year.


What has taken you down that path?

I really enjoy the sciences and practicality of dental work. I have also done dental work experience and really enjoyed it.


What’s the dream job?

Orthodontics would be interesting but I will keep my options open.


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

The community here is amazing.


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

Meeting so many people and making friends.


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The people and my friends.


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

Incredible.


STEM Success

At Norwich School, STEM learning extends far beyond the classroom. Through outstanding facilities in Horsefair House and inspiring teaching, pupils develop the confidence to investigate, experiment and excel. These pupils are now building on that foundation as they pursue STEM-related degrees and careers.


Name

Georgia Lloyd


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

PRE (A*), Psychology (A*) and Maths (A*)


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

They were definitely what I was hoping for but I am completely shocked!


What’s next?

Psychological and Behavioural Science at the University of Cambridge.


What has taken you down that path?

I’ve always been fascinated by the mind and the link between science and philosophy, and I felt the course combined these really well.


What’s the dream job?

Tough question. I could go into research and that’s something I’d like to explore. Also interested in doing a doctorate in counselling and cognitive psychology.


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

The community and all the extra opportunities. Plus the food is also very good – I love the lasagne.


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

Helping lead house shout and coming 7th but having a great time doing it. We sang Paradise by George Ezra.


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Being around every day and the people.


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

Exciting


Name

Josie Dixon


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Biology (A*), Maths (A*), Physics (A).


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I am very happy.


What’s next?

Marine Biology at St Andrews.


What has taken you down that path?

I have wanted to do it for ages. I love the ocean and the fact that only 5% of it is discovered. I can’t wait to learn more.


What’s the dream job?

Marine biologist specialising in marine mammals.


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

The sense of community and also all the opportunities.


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

Getting to the national netball finals was incredible – especially that we finally managed to do it in our last year.


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The people, especially as I am going to be so far away.


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

Too much to narrow it down to one word!



Name

Jeremy Lo


What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths, Physics and Computer Science.


Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I got the results I was hoping for so I am really happy.


What’s next?

Bristol for University to study Computer Science.


What has taken you down that path?

I’ve been interested in computers and robotics from a very young age, right back in Lower School when I was learning about PowerPoint or Scratch. I like the planning and organisation it involves, and I have always enjoyed problem solving and puzzles.


What’s the dream job?

Cyber security at GSHQ, or perhaps coming back to school to teach.


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

There is so much! The environment, such as assemblies in the Cathedral. The staff are so helpful, kind and offer so much encouragement. Supportive peers. I have also loved Cross Country – and the camaraderie of fellow pupils and coaches supporting and cheering for you on. Plus the opportunities school has given me, such as musical concerts and masterclasses, and academic competitions.


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

A very memorable assembly I did for Chinese New Year. I was due to sing a song but moments before we discovered the piano was broken and the speakers weren’t working. We just somehow improvised and despite it being slightly off beat, people said they really liked it!


What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Friends, and people in general, especially staff such as Mr Hudson and Miss Seago.


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

I need a thesaurus but in one word I would say uplifting.

Norwich School Pupil Successful in Guildhall Young Artists’ Composition Competition

By Eleanor Lewis • September 22, 2026
The final of RELEASE 2026 , Guildhall Young Artists’ (GYA) composition competition, was held on Saturday 12 September at Guildhall School’s Milton Court Concert Hall. The event was hosted by Jeffery Wilson, founder and Creative Director of RELEASE, and actor and Guildhall alumna, Sophia Roberts, and featured premiere performances of twelve new compositions. The finalists were chosen by an adjudicating panel consisting of saxophonist and owner of Saxtet Publications, Tom Bruton, Deputy Head of Electronic and Produced Music and Lead Professor of Film Music at Guildhall School Barbara De Biasi, composer, orchestrator, and arranger Matthew Sheeran, and Sub-director of Studies and Teaching Associate at St John's College, Tim Watts. Upper 5 pupil, Isaac S, won the ‘Release the Song’ category with his setting of two Shakespeare songs. Hear them here on YouTube. He will receive mentoring from ‘Audio Network’ professionals and attend an orchestral session at Abbey Road as well as a live masterclass with Paul Ressel and a cash prize. Isaac was also awarded second place with his string quartet Burnt Norton. Isaac commented: "The joy of the whole thing is that it's such an eclectic competition, there's been a really wonderful breath of entries and it offers opportunities to young composers in all genres, forms and all media. There are so many opportunities across a whole breath of disciplines out there and it represents many of them. It's wonderful to have more recognition wanting to go into composition professionally later in life."

An Exciting Start to the Year with the Clubs and Societies Fair

September 22, 2026
The start of the Academic Year is a very busy time as we return to school life following the summer break. One of the highlights of the start of term is the Clubs and Societies Fair. It is an event full of enthusiasm, hub bub and excitement. This year was no exception as we held the Fair on Tuesday 8 September in our Upper King Street building. The Fair is an opportunity for pupils, new and returning, to go around stalls representing our various Clubs and Societies and find out more about their aims and activities. Over six locations 30 clubs and societies created table top displays showcasing their club or society. It is always pleasing to see pupils leading the stands and talking to other pupils about the activity that they enjoy and are representing. There is no better advocate for that particular activity. Our Games Department were on hand to talk about the vast array of activities that pupils can join. The Music Department had a rolling backdrop of images from concerts and recitals. It was wonderful to hear during the course of the Fair one of our Fourth Form pupils who took to the piano for an impromptu gifted performance. Two of our activities, KS3 Textile Club and Community Knitting Club covered a table in the items that they have made, all colourful and many of the pieces had been designed by pupils. Ms Scott, along with some of our Sixth Form pupils, showcased our EDI societies. Warhammer and The Fellowship: Dungeons and Dragons had a display of their games. Our Cubing Club was represented, and it was wonderous to watch a group of pupils completing their cubes which such dexterity and enthusiasm. In the Café, our DJ Club provided the musical accompaniment keeping us all entertained. This year it was wonderful to welcome back Writers’ Bloc. This has proved a very popular activity and we look forward to reading the creative works from the group, there maybe a budding Dame Julia Donaldson within our midst. Following the Clubs and Societies Fair, pupils are invited to formally register for the activities via SOCS. We have 120 Co-Curricular activities taking place before school, during break and lunchtimes and also after school. With healthy membership at the majority of the activities with some over subscribed. Our Clubs and Societies are now up and running. Our SOCS platform holds all the up to date information regarding the Co-Curricular Clubs and Societies. Those pupils who have registered for lunchtime clubs often need early lunchcards. This year during the various early lunchtime collection sessions, queues of pupils collected early lunchcards. For some pupils, part of the fun is collecting a card for each day of the week. We hope all pupils enjoy joining in these activities which provide opportunities to develop new interests, skills and form new friendships.

Ian Hayward (NS 12-25) Completes Solo Kayak Circumnavigation of Mainland Britain

By Sonja Mitchell • September 21, 2026
This amazing feat saw Ian travel over 2,200 miles, with 141 solo days at sea!

Aspiring Medics Enjoy an Informal "Meet the Doctor" Event with Dr Ward

By Eleanor Lewis • September 21, 2026
We were fortunate to welcome Dr Sean Ward from Sheringham Medical Practice this morning for an informal "Meet the Doctor" event. Dr Ward is also Clinical Director for Sheringham, Holt and Fakenham Medical Practices and a teaching fellow Norwich Medical School and has vast experience with both patients and medical students. He was able to pose questions and suggest responses which certainly stimulated the brain first thing on a Monday morning! Sean offered his time after receiving a number of enquiries from pupils who are interested in pursuing a medical career and deciding it would be easier to speak to everyone at the same time. The hour-long meeting was relaxed and full of interesting conversation, questions and food for thought, including the building of three new hospitals in East Anglia, all with private rooms instead of traditional wards - all to prevent the spread of infection, and incredible use of robotics in surgery, allowing surgeons to perform intricate operations from another country. The message from Sean was very clear; medicine and healthcare are never "just one career". Whether research based, or in a practical role, whether working for the NHS or even as a medic for the armed forces, there is endless opportunity to learn and develop. Training or university is just the beginning!

A Celebration of History and Culture

By Sonja Mitchell • September 18, 2026
As part of the national Heritage Open Day scheme, Norwich School was delighted to open its Air Raid Shelter, Crypt and school Chapel to visitors this month.

A Musical Start to the Michaelmas Term

By Eleanor Lewis • September 17, 2026
The new Michaelmas Term got off to a fantastic musical start with our first Informal Concert, featuring a wonderful selection of performances from pupils in Upper 3. The concert showcased an impressive range of instruments and musical styles, with performances on piano, cello, guitar and French hunting horn, alongside some confident vocal performances. The programme took the audience on a real musical journey — from the instantly recognisable fun of Wallace and Gromit and The Muppets Theme, to the beautiful The Swan by Saint-Saëns and the atmospheric Sunrise by William Carroll. There was plenty of variety too, with a traditional take on Old McDonald , the lively Sparkling Splashes and Smooth Water , Burgmüller’s charming Petite Réunion and the much-loved Cavatina . The vocal performances brought their own energy and character, including songs by Stephen Sondheim and Bruno Mars. It was particularly lovely to see pupils sharing their music so confidently at the very beginning of a new school year. Informal Concerts provide a relaxed and supportive opportunity for young musicians to perform to an audience, build confidence and celebrate the progress they are making with their instruments and voices. Director of Music for the Lower School Mr Vine said 'a huge well done to everyone who performed. What a brilliant way to begin another term of music-making!' The next Informal Concert will be on Thursday 24 September featuring pupils from Lower 3.

Summer of Cricket Success

By Eleanor Lewis • September 15, 2026
It has been a fantastic summer of cricket, with several strong performances across the Norfolk County age group programme and some notable achievements involving members of the Norwich school community. Our 1st XI captain represented the Norfolk Lions against Suffolk 2nd XI while Lucas B, Max C, Charlie M, Vihaan R, Jaivir A, William J, Freddie P, and Josh B all represented the Norfolk boys age-group squads with success. In the girl’s programme, Isobel S continued her run-scoring form with two more centuries while Charlotte P, Lucy H, Orla B, Georgina D, Rosie B and Bella L alongside On’s India Fox and Niamh Rushton enjoyed excellent season for representing Norfolk. Bella B was selected for an England schools U17 squad that competed in the National school’s competition against Ireland and Scotland where they were crowned eventual winners of the Ebony Rainford-Brent T20 trophy, a fantastic achievement. Our cricket staff also enjoyed an outstanding summer with Mr Alfie Cooper, current Swardeston CC captain, earned his Norfolk County Cricket cap and finished as the leading Minor counties run scorer in the three-day format, that included two centuries. Meanwhile, Mr Richard Sims, our 1st XI Girl’s coach, represented England over-40’s in their Triple Crown competition against Wales, Scotland and Ireland. We wish Mr Sims every success as he travels to Guyana in late October to represent England over-40’s in the World Cup. It has been a memorable summer for the Norwich school cricket programme, and certainly one to celebrate.

Ways into the Cathedral - an Address from Rev Child

By Eleanor Lewis • September 11, 2026
I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’ (Psalm 122:1) We’ve been in the cathedral a fair bit since term started. I want to start with a question for you to think about, whether you’re new here or whether you’ve been around for a while: How many different ways into the cathedral do you think there are? When you came in this morning, you had a choice of two doorways – the two west corners at the back. On the first day of term, for a bit of pomp and ceremony, we opened the main west doors to allow a procession in and out. There are other ways in through the gift shop; or through the north or south transepts. All the way up at the east end there’s a door that leads from Edith Cavell’s grave outside to the inside of the military chapel. There used to be a suspended walkway from upstairs in the Bishop’s Palace across to the first floor level in here to save the bishop getting rained on. I’m actually not sure myself how many ways into Norwich Cathedral there are now. If you know the answer – or if at some point you have a spare ten minutes to walk round the building counting the doorways – perhaps you could let me know. Many years ago, before I lived and worked in Norwich, before I was even a priest, I visited Norwich Cathedral with a group of year 6 children from South London. They were in Norfolk on their week-long school journey to experience something different to their usual. I don’t remember which door we came in that day. But I do remember that I was a bit concerned about one of the pupils in the group. His name was Daniel. He was the naughty one. I was worried he was going to find the cathedral boring and start messing around. As it turned out, I was completely wrong. We started our tour in the cloisters – the outdoors space on the south side surrounded by walkways and pillars. Our guide was a retired teacher who guessed that, before we saw the stained glass windows or the bishop’s cathedra, we might like to see a game played by the monks who originally lived here. It was a very simple game – the monks would stand on the ledges in the cloisters and swing round the pillars like apes. (We know that they did this because their feet wore grooves into the stone that you can still see today.) Our guide had already spotted Daniel, and he asked him to demonstrate swinging round the pillars. Sure enough, Daniel’s feet naturally fitted into the grooves as he moved. From that moment, he was fascinated. I think partly because he simply wasn’t expecting there to be fun in the cathedral. But with the help of the guide, Daniel found his own way into this place. Later we were shown some hidden medieval graffiti. Right in the middle of it we happened to find Daniel’s initials, carved by someone centuries ago. It was wonderful to watch Daniel feeling like he belonged here. However many literal doorways there are, I hope you can all find your own figurative way into this cathedral. If you have some kind of a maths brain, the physics and the proportions around us are extraordinary. A while ago Dr Leeder gave an assembly on how many Smarties you can fit in this space. Let the numbers inspire you. If you’re someone who likes Art and Design, there’s no shortage of craftmanship in here that you can get up close to. It’s not all in the past; even today you might see a modern stonemason winching a block of stone up the scaffolding outside to repair centuries of rain and wind erosion. Be inspired by the necessary work of people who are really good at 3D Design. If you’ve just started a course in Psychology, ask yourself why human beings are motivated to begin buildings like this in the first place. The first ever Bishop of Norwich, buried at the east end, was consumed by shame and guilt; he began the construction of this cathedral as a penance. Just about everything we teach is represented: languages, like Latin and a little Anglo-Norman; or poetry, written on the walls; or music, of course; or history, in bucketloads. It’s all here, waiting for you to spot something that catches your interest, and which will take you further in. What is generally true in education is true here: there are many ways in. Just choose your doorway. I want to close by reading part of an email that I got from an ON recently. This is someone who has been away from Norwich School for two decades and now lives in Australia; these are his recollections. Looking back, it is quite remarkable that a load of teenagers meet in the cathedral in the morning… I barely noticed how unusual this was at the time, but the very act of starting the day within an enormous, time-tested cathedral and singing together has by itself a very unifying and edifying effect. When catching up with my peers occasionally, one repeated theme that emerges is how we miss the sense of the transcendent that pervaded school life in the cathedral close. It's so easy to become busied up with urban life and work… longing for meaning and fullness and forgetting where it comes from. You may know that on this date 25 years ago – the 11th September 2001, or 9/11 – there was an attack on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington which sent shock waves around the globe. We keep this anniversary in mind as we come to our prayer for this morning, which is the Benedictine Prayer for Peace. Benedictine prayer for peace We would like to be people of peace; to walk the paths of peace our whole life long, and to lead others into the ways of peace. May there be peace in our hearts, peace in our homes, peace in our sorely troubled world. May we be peace-makers, ready to take the first step in ending bitterness, being the first to hold out our hands in friendship and forgiveness. May peace, grace and love permeate our daily living. In the fullness of time, may we know the reward of being peacemakers.

World Suicide Prevention Day

By Sonja Mitchell • September 10, 2026
Sophie Todd (09-19) launches Norfolk and Waveney Mind's campaign, 'Hope lives here'

Tom White Addresses Pupils on Aspiring Towards a Brighter Future

By Eleanor Lewis • September 9, 2026
I'm wearing my Make America Great Again hats today and you will be forming an opinion of what that represents. Costume is very powerful, and a MAGA hat is almost like a flag. I don't know, I must try to be balanced, and there might be Donald Trump fans in your family. In social situations, I signal my hostility to MAGA with a frown. Can I recommend that to you? When you are part of a conversation that you know is unkind, don't be a bystander. Very often a frown is a powerful and effective response that sends a very clear signal without provoking a bigger argument. It’s called frown power. Maybe we should put the ‘Great’ back into Britain. That’s a gentle joke on the people who say that sort of thing, since it indicates that they don't know what Great Britain means. Excuse me a moment while I explain. There is a large group of about 150 inhabited islands off the coast of northwestern Europe. Collectively they are called the British Isles. There are two big ones: the one on the left(west) is called Ireland. The one on the right is called Great Britain, because it is the biggest of the British Isles. This morning you are resident in a country called the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Great Britain isn't going to stop being Great anytime soon. My assembly today aims to encourage you to imagine an even better Britain: not by looking back into an imagined past, but to inspire you to work towards a future version that's even better than the present, or the past. Today I have a dreadful story to tell you about a disaster in Wales that took place almost exactly 60 years ago. Just because quite a lot of things are bad now, it doesn’t mean that everything is getting worse, or that things used to better. Things that are normal today: health and safety, counselling, accountability, litigation, compensation – were almost completely absent 60 years ago. I’m 56, so while 60 years ago sounds like ancient history if you are 12, it isn’t all that long ago in reality. On that dreadful day in October 1966, it had been raining hard for weeks. The 240 pupils of the Aberfan Junior School wound their way through the back lanes of miners’ terrace houses on their way to morning assembly. You probably know that coal mining built industrial Britain. But by 1966, the coal industry had been in long decline and several pits had shut. The mining workforce had fallen from its peak, but pit jobs kept Aberfan going. The National Coal Board had control of UK mining and wielded great power. It had a firm grip on government, and it was held in what now seems uncomfortable reverence. The working man knew his place; authority knew best. Numerous complaints had been made to the Coal Board about the dangers of one of the seven gigantic spoil tips that loomed high above the village. Every mining community had its tips of waste material dug from the mines. The entire south Wales valleys landscape was jagged with them. The one above Aberfan had slipped three years previously when an ominous crater appeared at the top. A bulge had formed at the foot of the tip as a stream that was unable to drain away liquefied the tip into thick, black quicksand. The Coal Board brushed the complaints aside. Everyone knew that if they made a fuss, the mine would be closed. If the disaster had come 20 minutes earlier, the junior school below the tip would have been empty. In the classrooms lights began to flicker and sway before there was an ominous roar. A glistening black avalanche consumed everything in its path and then ruptured a water main, engorging it further and increasing the speed of its descent towards the school. A survivor said later, “one minute we were young innocent children of eight years of age … and then at twenty past nine we were totally different people and would never be the same again.” I have decided to leave most of the witness testimony out of this assembly. One of the first police officers on the scene recalls being rigid with shock. "A huge bank of water was coming directly towards us," she said. "It was like a tsunami, it was terrifying”. The crisis whistle sounded in the colliery and miners, their headlamps still lit, ran to the school where women were clawing at the slurry trying in vain to reach the children. News reports described the site resembling an earthquake or the aftermath of a high explosive bomb. I can’t tell you what the parents went through, but one rescuer recalled: “It goes to show how primitive it all seems; I wrote up a notice and pinned it to the chapel door informing parents that death certificates will be issued at the local fish and chip shop”. The waiting took 15 days to identify 144 bodies. The handful of surviving children did not really have a formal education for many years. Time and again, testimonies from the past describe the same thing – no one talked about what happened. This was an age of a stiff upper lip, embodied by the tough, macho miners themselves. Psychological help was stigmatised and viewed with suspicion. A local GP described the village as consumed with guilt, psychological problems, alcoholism and nervous breakdowns. All of that went untreated. What followed was a saga of cruelty and indignity. Donations to the Aberfan Disaster Fund poured in from all over the world but the money was taken away and the bereaved were initially refused help to pay for their children’s gravestones. The Coal Board initially offered £50 of compensation for each dead child before raising it to the "generous offer" of £500. A more substantial sum, it was advised, would have destroyed the working-class recipients not used to large amounts of money. The NCB chairman insisted to reporters that it was “impossible to know that there was a spring in the heart of this tip” although everyone else seemed to know and Ordnance Survey maps proved it. The tribunal that followed concluded the disaster was “a terrifying tale of bungling ineptitude by many men charged with tasks for which they were totally unfitted, of failure to heed clear warnings, and of a total lack of direction from above”. No one lost their jobs, was demoted or fined. This is obviously a horrible story. I’m telling you because you need to know, and it’s an antidote to thinking that Britain was such a brilliant place in the past. I could have chosen any number of examples. The 70s, 80s and 90s featured behaviour and events that I can scarcely believe are true from today’s perspective. And of course, the main reason I’m telling you is because you represent the Britain of the future. We won’t move forwards by nostalgic memories of some phoney past. As future leaders and people who will serve our communities, it’s your job to present an attractive vision of a better society that we can all work towards. Our speaker at prizegiving, Chanel Contos, was an inspiring example of a youthful changemaker. And the obvious first step is for you to be the change you want to see in the world.
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