Onward Routes for Our Upper 6 Cohort - Girls in STEM

March 27, 2025

Here at Norwich School we are delighted to celebrate the talented diversity of our Upper Sixth cohort as UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) offers continue to roll in. 

 

Following on from Norwich School successfully hosting several Norwich Science Festival events during the February half term, we have chosen to focus on case study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Medicine) offers in this blog post. STEM is very strong at Norwich School with consistently large numbers of both girls and boys choosing Sciences, Maths and Further Maths for A level: 73 of last year’s Upper Sixth cohort took Maths A level with an average of 47 taking each of the three Sciences. 

 

Many Upper 6 boys and girls have received exciting offers from highly competitive universities to study STEM courses. Nationally only 26% of STEM graduates are female, yet at Norwich School the gender split continuing STEM post-18 is much more even. We have therefore chosen to celebrate the achievements of girls in STEM in this blog post. The Med Soc (Medical Society) that recently arranged for Chair of the NNUH, Tom Spink, to speak is run by two Lower 6 girls, the Vet Society that meets each week was started up and is led by two other Lower 6 girls. Two Upper 6 girls (Amelia Braidwood and Freya Osborne) have recently been selected to take part in the selection process for the UK’s team at the International Biology Olympiad following their gold awards in the British Biology Olympiad. With so many girls gain STEM offers ranging from Automotive Engineering, Biomedical Sciences and Computer Science to Zoology, it was difficult to choose a few pupils to hear from, but we hope younger pupils will be inspired by the application journeys and successes of Georgia, Freya, Lily and Lily. 



Georgia Hodgson


Can you tell us about the university offers that you've received so far? i.e. what course(s) at which unis. 


Currently, I’ve received offers from Cambridge, Imperial, UCL and UEA for Medicine and Warwick for Biomedical Sciences!  


On top of the usual UCAS application form, what else have you had to do as part of the admissions process to be considered for these highly competitive courses? 


For my medicine applications, I’ve had to take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) entrance exam, which happened over the summer (between Lower 6 and Upper 6), and complete interviews at all four universities. These interviews involved learning about current NHS affairs, exploring skills from work experience/volunteer work and, for Cambridge, applying scientific knowledge from A Levels. 
 

How did Norwich School help you during the university application process? 


Norwich School provided support during Lower 6 in the form of Apply Plus sessions, in which we were encouraged to think ahead about work experience, volunteering and super-curriculars; I found these sessions very insightful as I learnt a lot about the application process pre-emptively and was able to tackle my UCAS application a lot better as a result! During Upper 6, there was also support for interview preparation for medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine applicants as we were able to take part in a mock interview, which helped me to identify my weaker areas and gave me an idea of how to prepare and what’s involved.  
 

Which other activities in sixth form helped strengthen your application? 


Volunteering was a key experience that supported my application; I had undertaken some volunteering at Able2B, as well as partaking in community service through school. These experiences provided valuable learning opportunities that I was able to reflect on in my application and discuss at the interview. I also shadowed doctors in a hospital, which gave me a realistic view of what medicine entails that I could tie into my personal statement and interview answers, and excited and motivated me about the prospects of entering a career in medicine! On top of these, I completed and presented an 8000-word research project on the link between depression and cardiac health, entered several STEMM Olympiads and completed the Youth STEMM Award. 


Outside of medicine-related activities, what have you been involved in at Norwich School during sixth form? 


During sixth form at Norwich School, I’ve led the Debating and Erpingham Societies, as well as taken up my new role in Upper 6 as Head of School and EDI. These have helped me develop other skills, especially those in communication and organisation, and have been a lot of fun! A particular highlight was being part of a team ranked 26th internationally at a debating competition! 
 

Which offer do you think you will pick as your CF (conditional firm) and what most excites you about that course? 


I’m hoping to CF Cambridge’s medicine course! I find a lot of aspects of the course exciting; however, a particular aspect is the opportunity to intercalate in the 3rd year! I think this will help to broaden my knowledge and understanding of medicine and science as a whole, and the chance to research is an exciting prospect! I also look forward to participating in supervisions and discussing the subject with incredible scientists and researchers! 


 Lily Yu


Can you tell us about the university offers that you've received so far? i.e. what course(s) at which unis.


I have had offers from UCL and Durham to study Earth Science and from Imperial College London and Bristol to read Geology. 


On top of the usual UCAS application form, what else have you had to do as part of the admissions process to be considered for these highly competitive universities?  


I volunteered in Sedgwick Museum for two months during summer holidays which was fantastic experience. To study the history of the geological landscape in the area, I also attended a geology & geography camp in the Lake District which proved to be great experience which also looked great on my personal statement. In Lower 6, I also completed the Gold Independent Project ‘To what Extent does Ocean Acidification Influence the Colour of the Ocean?’. Researching this area furthered my knowledge in the field. 

 

How did Norwich School help you during the university application process? 


The school were really helpful in managing and supporting my application as well as answering any questions that I had. Mrs Warren and Mr Pearce were both helpful, as well as Mr Croston who specialises in helping international students and Old Norvicensians. 


Which other activities in sixth form helped strengthen your application? 


I think going to a range of talks and lectures proved to really help my application, as well as getting a strong set of predicted grades. Reading around the subject was also particularly academically enriching, and it also gives you a selection of things to talk about at interview as well as on your personal statement. 


Outside of academic activities, what have you been involved in at Norwich School during sixth form? 


Outside of academic activities, I have been involved in the Amnesty Group, where we have organised fundraising for a plethora of charities and events such as the Amnesty Variety Evening, which is always great fun. I also love to be in nature, so I recently completed the expedition for DofE Gold and looking forward to going to Buckingham Palace to receive my award! In Sixth Form, I have also really enjoyed rowing at Whittingham, in the week as well as on Saturdays. I typically row in a single but also enjoy rowing as part of a double, quad or eight. 


Which offer do you think you will pick as your CF (conditional firm) and what most excites you about that course?

 

For my conditional firm, I will accept UCL, on account of its excellent learning environment, course structure and work-life balance. Studying in London is particularly nice, and I’m looking forward to starting in September. 



 Lily Nguyen


Can you tell us about the university offers that you've received so far? i.e. what course(s) at which unis.


I've applied for Electrical and Electronic Engineering. I've received offers from Bristol, Newcastle, Nottingham and Sheffield, and I'm interviewing for Loughborough in early April.  


How did Norwich School help you during the university application process? 


My teachers were very helpful with editing and making changes to my personal statement. I also had support from staff on where to strategically apply to get the most out of the five university options. And my teachers wrote strong references to support my application.  


Which other activities in sixth form helped strengthen your application? 


I have participated in and gained Silver Industrial Cadets Qualification, involving me attending talks, watching lectures, and culminating in a research project on the UK's transition to green energy. I've also been able to present this research project at Erpingham and turn it into a Longbow article. I've also participated in the Cityzen Competition and Engineering Education Project. I've also done two research projects, my Independent Project was on safety systems in Formula 1, and I also did a research project as part of my physics practical qualification, looking into the drivetrains of Formula 1 and Formula E cars, and looking at their similarities and differences. 


Outside of academic activities, what have you been involved in at Norwich School during sixth form? 


I've been involved in Chapel Choir, and a bit of Gateway Players. I've also been an active member of the school boat club, having competed in major races, such as National Schools and Henley Women's and currently being in the process of doing GB trials.  


Which offer do you think you will pick as your CF (conditional firm) and what most excites you about that course? 


Bristol will be my conditional firm. They continually update their modules (one of my year 1 modules will be new for my entry cohort), and I like the wide range of topics that my degree covers, covering both the hardware and software side of electronics. I enjoy programming, but not enough to do a degree in it! I also like the final year individual research project, allowing you to research any topic that interests you.  


Freya Osborne


Can you tell us about the university offers that you've received so far? i.e. what course(s) at which unis. 


I have received offers to study Veterinary Medicine at the University of Liverpool, the Royal Veterinary College, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Surrey. 



On top of the usual UCAS application form, what else have you had to do as part of the admissions process to be considered for these highly competitive universities?  


I had to complete numerous extra forms to document the work experience that I had completed, as well as doing a Situational Judgment test for Surrey and an interview for each vet school I applied. I had two virtual interviews and two in person interviews. 


How did Norwich School help you during the university application process? 


Norwich School has subject specialists who are there to give you advice and feedback on your applications to university, for example improving your personal statement. They also are great people to speak to if you need ideas on how to make your application more competitive. Norwich School held a mock MMI (multiple mini interview) for each of the veterinary medicine/medicine/dentistry applicants which gave us a chance to practise our interview skills in front of unknown people. Some of the questions they asked me were really similar to some of the ones I was asked in my real interviews! 


I was lucky to have an interview invitation in the October half term, way before anyone was expected to give them out so I had a chance to complete an online mock interview with our Head of UCAS. This was great as it gave me the opportunity to have a go at an interview in the same style as my real one. 


Which other activities in sixth form helped strengthen your application? 


I spent a lot of my holidays completing work experience in vet practices as well as gaining experience in a stables, dairy farm and a doggy day care. I was fortunate to get a part time job at Wroxham Barns which gave me over 300 hours of experience with a range of species of animals. This is also a customer facing role which helped me gain skills in interacting with the public - a vital skill for a veterinary surgeon. 


In Lower 6, we were given an opportunity to complete an independent research project. I chose to research brachycephalic (flat faced) dogs and the ethics surrounding them. This also gave me the opportunity to present my project to an audience and it also gave me a great thing to discuss during my interviews. 
 

Outside of academic activities, what have you been involved in at Norwich School during sixth form? 


During my time in sixth form, I've been involved in many extra-curricular activities such as performing in the senior musicals and plays, singing in three school choirs, and volunteering with the 8th Norwich Sea Scouts as a Young Leader. These give me a great break from my applications and studies and provide me with transferable skills which I can use in my university career such as teamwork and communication.  
 

Which offer do you think you will pick as your CF (conditional firm) and what most excites you about that course? 


I am going to pick the University of Liverpool as my firm choice because I really like the vet community that they have there, as well as the other societies that the university has, for example their musical theatre society. The course really excites me as it has a focus on practical, clinical skills from day 1 and the vet school has great facilities for all disciplines of veterinary medicine. I like how they have an equal focus on small animal, equine and production animal medicine as I am not too sure of which type of veterinary medicine I want to go into. 

By Eleanor Lewis 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.
By Eleanor Lewis August 13, 2026
The school is pleased to announce strong A Level results. The cohort of Upper 6 candidates have achieved the following: 24% of grades at A*; 53% of grades at A*-A; 80% at A*-B; 92% at A*-C; 98% at A*-E. Outstanding individual performances included: 2 candidates with 4 A*; 12 candidates with 3A* or more; 52 candidates with 3A or more. The Head, Steffan Griffiths, said, “I am delighted for the Class of 2026; they have been a wonderful year-group, setting high standards in our community across all areas of our provision, including sport, music, drama, dance and service. As is evident in these strong results, impressive academic progress has matched their extensive co-curricular activity, onward individual routes are equally exciting and we look forward to staying in touch so that we can hear of their future successes”. Richard Sims, Head of Sixth Form, commented, “This cohort of young people have been good friends to each other and exemplary role models to younger pupils. I am pleased that they have now finished their time in Cathedral Close with pleasing academic results, too. Throughout their studies, they have enjoyed support from families at home and teachers in school; on the pupils’ behalf, I pass on my gratitude to them. I close by offering 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 3, 2026
Now you've finished Year 13, what are you planning to do next?  I am planning to do a gap year where I have applied to get involved with Uppingham school for a creative student placement. I have also applied for work experience with Christie’s. For now I am volunteering with local galleries as well as Leicester Museum and Gallery for training, helping run workshops, volunteering and selling artwork at markets as well as open calls. The degree I plan on doing is Fine art with Art History at Leeds University or at Manchester Metropolitan. Now you've been through the process of applying for UCAS, what did you find most helpful? Was there a particular session or piece of advice which stood out for you? The advice I got from my teachers there was very useful as the themes and ideas explored within lessons helped to push me into the right direction for contextual knowledge for my personal statement. The interview preparation I found most useful (especially how we had 2 practice ones) as they allowed me to reflect on aspects I could improve, making me feel better prepared in what I should say within them. What advice would you give someone in Year 12 who is thinking of applying to university next year? Definitely attend summer school as it gives you the knowledge and preparation needed for applications and interviews for uni. If you are unable to, there is plenty information online as well. If you are applying to creative courses I would suggest getting involved within your local arts community like we did with the Sainsbury’s centre within the course as you will gain experience as well as relationships with artists and people who are passionate about their practice. Opportunities within the future for collaboration may be possible through this too and is always useful for exhibitions in your later career. Get involved with the courtauld gallery (they offer EPQ and A-Level qualifications) as well as the Association for Art History as they offer vital information via workshops for careers within the creative sector. Is there anything else you'd like to share with us about your experience of the Summer School and/or applying for university? An amazing opportunity where I gained information about the history of the art surrounding the area as well as studies currently underway at the Sainsbury’s Centre. The experience made things for me seem more possible as summer school s within my city are not available. I loved learning about the themes explored within the lessons and still use the information noted today for essays. Everyone was very helpful and open to sharing their experiences as well as advice. Thank you!
By Eleanor Lewis July 28, 2026
Gray Rose is a Norwich-based artist with a focus mainly on the celebration of florals and the world around us. 'Blessed Bloom' is a rich amalgamation of religion and flora. Each piece in this collection reflects the compositional principles within Renaissance devotional art. Florals now occupy the positions once held by figures in the original pieces. Petals take on gestures, stems hold posture, and bloom becomes body. Humanity traced through the language of flowers. These works explore transformation as a shared condition: to grow, to change, to wither, to return. An unbroken cycle of growth, decay and spiritual renewal. In Christian art, the body has long functioned as a vessel for suffering, transcendence, and devotion. By removing the body, the sacred is not lost but displaced - embedded instead in the rhythms of the natural world. Where the human body is finite, the natural world persists through continual transformation - temporal, yet unending. An unbroken cycle of growth, decay and spiritual renewal. 
By Eleanor Lewis July 17, 2026
The first 3 groups travelled up for their Gold Practice expedition on Tuesday. They undertook some first aid refresher training and a navigating walk. On Wednesday they set off on their first day's walk, accompanied by a staff member for the first half to help them work as a team. The weather is warm with a cooling breeze. On day 2 they were met with the challenge of Kinder Scout. Two groups met having spent the night at different campsites. We carried water up to ensure they can top up and keep hydrated. Gold practice expedition 1 and all groups impressed with their navigation, time-keeping and high spirits. The groups all met at Mam Tor in passing, filling water-bottles and exchanging stories. The last day for the first 3 groups went well. They had to leave their campsites at 07:30 and walk back to the initial campsite. They cleaned and dried tents and trangia before handing them back in. The second 2 Groups arrived in god time, give the opportunity for a group photo. Very many thanks to Keith and Mike who drove the school coach up for their last time. Also a big thank you to Tom White (teacher) and Emily White (ON) for giving their time to help with the first practice. After a short break for lunch, Mr Bluett and Mr Gregor Macgregor recommenced by taking the new groups on their training walk before some First Aid refresher training. On Sunday they undertook their first day's walk, initially accompanied, to their next campsite. Both groups did well, making good time and arriving in high spirits.
By Eleanor Lewis July 16, 2026
TOPSTITCH is a group of local textile artists . The exhibition represents a years work exploring the theme of Horizons using textile stitch and mixed media. Themes include climate change and the local landscapes as well as personal journeys. Members of the group will be available each day at the gallery. Work will be for sale as well as cards and small items You can find out more about TOPstitch at www.topstitchnorwich.wordpress.com Our guest exhibitor is Debbie Lyddon Debbie is an artist based in North Norfolk whose inspiration comes from being out in the natural world – from walking, noticing, collecting, being curious and learning. She makes mixed media cloths, sculptures, installations and drawings which originate from thoughts and memories that are a consequence of experiencing place and paying attention. 4 — 15 August 2026 — Open Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm (Closed Sundays)
By Eleanor Lewis July 20, 2026
Another year, another fantastic Norfolk Summer School! What an absolute privilege to welcome 138 Year 12 students from 20 schools across the region, for three days of enriching academic activity in Cathedral Close. It was exciting to see so many young people come together from so many different settings but with one common purpose: to supercharge their journey to higher education. Attendees enjoyed expert-led subject tutorials, one-to-one clinics, and practice interviews, as well as talks on personal statements, student finance, the Oxbridge teaching system, degree apprenticeships, and studying in London. Perhaps most of all, though, they enjoyed the meeting of minds as they explored the subjects they love in the company of academic kindred spirits. The week was delivered by an impressive team: subject specialists from Norwich School (staff and alumni), medical students, law specialists, and the outreach lead from the University of East Anglia, and interview coaches from AVIVA. With keynote addresses from Nigel Cushion (Nelson's Spirit), Dr Gabriel Astorga (2025 Future Presenter Award winner at the Amplify X New Voice Awards), and Martin Schmierer (Norwich City Councillor and Lord Mayor, 2018–19), students left inspired and empowered to take their next steps. On behalf of the Partnerships Team at Norwich School and the 138 brilliant young people, we extend enormous thanks to the following sponsors who so generously make the Norfolk Summer School possible: Alderman Norman’s Foundation, Norwich Freemen’s Charity, R. C. Snelling Charitable Trust, Jarrolds, Norwich School, The Paul Bassham Charitable Trust, The Charles Littlewood Hill Trust, Norfolk Cambridge Society, and Old Norvicensians Mark Schofield (ON 75–85) and John Walton (ON 54–65). Here's to next Summer!
By Eleanor Lewis July 14, 2026
Norwich Lower School is proud to announce that the Little Roots allotment has been named a winner in the Bees’ Needs Champions Awards 2026, a national recognition scheme led by DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). The Little Roots allotment has received one of the 2026 Bees’ Needs Champion Awards in recognition of its commitment to supporting pollinators and enhancing biodiversity through practical environmental action. The prestigious award celebrates organisations that are making a positive difference for bees and other pollinating insects by creating and protecting habitats, raising awareness, and encouraging community involvement. Recognised in the Communities category, Little Roots was commended for its efforts to create pollinator-friendly spaces and enrich local habitats. Through initiatives such as wildflower planting, habitat creation and the addition of a pond, the Little Roots allotment is helping to create an environment that not only enriching for people, but for wildlife too. The Bees’ Needs Champion Awards celebrate the work of organisations across the country that are taking action to support pollinators. Protecting pollinators is essential for maintaining a healthy environment, supporting biodiversity and ensuring thriving green spaces for future generations. Commenting on the award, Mr Worton and Mrs Morgan said: “Protecting our pollinators is essential for a healthy environment and thriving communities. Through our biodiversity initiatives, we are helping to safeguard important habitats while creating greener, more vibrant spaces that pupils and wildlife can enjoy. We are delighted to receive this national recognition for our efforts.” The awards were presented on 14th July, at RHS Wisley, to tie in with Bees’ Needs week. Mr and Mrs Boothby were presented with the award by Mary Creagh MP, the Defra Minister for Nature. The Norwich Lower School gardeners have also recently been recognised in two separate gardening competitions at the recent Royal Norfolk Show. Lower One and Upper One were thrilled to be awarded a gold medal for outstanding exhibit in the School Gardening competition; their entry featured a beautifully designed wheelbarrow display inspired by Beatrix Potter’s Mr McGregor’s garden, created in celebration of 160 years since Beatrix Potter’s birth. In the School Growing competition over forty pupils eagerly took part, nurturing their basil, calendula and radish plants at home with care and commitment in the weeks leading up to the Show. The best examples from each category were then selected and taken to the Showground, where they were judged against entries from other schools. Norwich School pupils were delighted to win all three categories which they entered.  Mrs Morgan said: “We are incredibly proud of our pupils for their creativity, perseverance and teamwork and we are delighted to celebrate winning four gold medals at this year’s Royal Norfolk Show! Outdoor learning and gardening skills are interwoven throughout the Lower School curriculum, and our successes at both the Bees’ Needs Champions awards and the Norfolk Show are a testament to this.”
By Eleanor Lewis July 9, 2026
We were thrilled to welcome back to Norwich School on 09 June 2026 Professor Peter Mirfield, highly respected Emeritus Professor of Law at Jesus College, Oxford University. Pulling on his many years of experience, Professor Mirfield delivered, for a fourth successive year, a practical and very informative session on the academic subject of Law to a group of the school’s budding Lower 6 lawyers organised by Development Director, Mr Pearson, and Deputy Head of UCAS, Mr Pearce. The intent of the session was to offer inspiration, and to help our Sixth Formers make informed choices for their studies beyond Norwich School. Following lunch in the new Upper King Street refectory with pupils to break the ice, his tutorial kicked off with an introduction to this popular academic subject and included examples of the necessary critical rigour and skills required to study this subject. This was enlightening, as Law is not a subject taught at school and always requires an informed leap of faith by those committing to study this subject at tertiary level. Subsequently, Professor Mirfield led an in-depth discussion on a celebrated and particularly contentious legal case that went to Appeal (Fagan v Metropolitan Police Commissioner) and concluded with thought-provoking worked examples relating to the Theft Act 1968. As with previous years, analysis provoked lively discussion and mature insights from those in the room. Professor Mirfield was characteristically patient and lucid in his explanations. Now in his mid-seventies, and having just recently retired from all formal teaching at Oxford, this session at Norwich School marked the very final act of his illustrious fifty-year career of teaching Law. This was marked by warm applause from our appreciative young audience. The school wishes Peter well in retirement and we look forward to on-going social interactions with Peter and his wife Jean as their 37 year association with the school continues in different guises.
By Eleanor Lewis July 9, 2026
Rosie B, Lower 6, reports on her experience of Gala Night 2026 below! This year, roughly 800 people filled the Lower School Close to watch Gala Night: one of the closing events of the Gather Festival. Pupils from both the senior and lower school took the pieces they had done across the year in an all singing, all dancing extravaganza! The night was kicked off by a flashmob, choreographed to Never Forget by Take That. Followed by two of the senior school choirs G-Force and The Close Shaves which had the whole crowd snapping their fingers and clapping along. As well as incredible and exiting dance routines from The Lower School, Junior Dance Company and Boys Dance to songs like Best of Both Worlds and Rocketman. Many more performances followed, medleys from the cast of Oliver! Jr and High School Musical J r were loved by the audience, these musicals from earlier in the Gather festival were dynamic and heart-warming and it was lovely to see these talented casts perform them one last time. Other highlights included the Norwich School Diamonds Cheer Team, coming off the back of winning 3rd place in a national competition, an electrifying taster for Bandfest later in the week, the Lower School Choir and more routines from the Senior Dance Company and Musical Theatre Night - and that’s before the interval! Particular spotlight needs to be paid to the Upper 3 musical medley from Matilda , not only did the cast perform an incredible selection of songs (the future of musical theatre at NS is bright!) they were also joined by some of our Upper 6 leavers (Ben G, Will C, Rachel D, Lana K, Rosie P and Sophie M) for an extremely emotional rendition of When I Grow Up which the Lower 6 also performed at their final assembly- there wasn’t a dry-eye in sight! During the interval there were selections from Jazz Night. Afterwards we enjoyed more dances like Traitors by the Lower School Dance Company and the Upper 6 Leavers dance: Miss Celie’s Pants and The Party! by the Senior Dance Company. Lily Mei M sang a ballad to Beautiful by Christina Aguilera and the night was finished with a revival of November’s fantastic Senior Musical; the cast of Jesus Christ Superstar returned one last time to delight the audience with some of the best tracks of the show. Stars of the musical like Louis B, Ben G, Isla B, Will C and so many more, all gave it their all one last time to end this amazing night with an absolutely show-stopping performance!
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