Onward Routes for our Upper Sixth - Non UCAS Success Stories

April 1, 2025

Here at Norwich School we are delighted to celebrate the talented diversity of our Upper Sixth cohort as offers for onward routes continue to come in. Following on from blog posts on law and girls’ STEM university offers, we have chosen to focus on offers pupils have for non UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service in the UK) routes.

With expert guidance from Mr Croston, pupils have received offers from leading universities in several countries outside of the UK. Congratulations in particular to Uma Patel (offer for Dentistry at the Universidad Catolica de Valencia, Spain), Edward Chan (Architecture at Hong Kong University), Bosco Tang (Dentistry at Hong Kong University) and Helen Ng (Computer Science at UST, University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong).

A huge variety of exciting opportunities with employers are now available to school leavers, almost all combining paid employment with training and further qualifications. The number of degree apprenticeships available in the UK is now four times what it was five years ago; our pupils who gain offers for these will work for a leading employer who trains them, pays them and pays for them to complete a full university degree alongside their employment. We are very fortunate to have Mrs James supporting pupils as they apply for these highly competitive programmes.

This blog post asks three pupils about their offers for non UCAS routes: Ava deCooper Wride has a full rugby scholarship for Quinnipiac University (USA), Archie Taylor has an accountancy degree apprenticeship offer from Price Bailey and Hugo Pattinson has an engineering degree apprenticeship offer from Airbus.

Ava deCooper Wride

Tell us about the US university offer that you've received i.e. what course(s) at which unis, what is the scholarship

I’m pleased to share that I’ve received an offer from Quinnipiac University, located in Connecticut on the East Coast (of the USA). I’ve been awarded a full academic and athletic scholarship, which I’m really grateful for. I haven’t decided on a major yet, as I’ll have the chance to explore different options during my first year before making a decision.

How did you secure this fantastic achievement? What did the application/selection process involve and when?

I began to build relationships with coaches in Lower 6. I achieved this through frequent calls and video footage submissions while also registering with the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). My coaches in England provided references, and I completed an online application followed by a face-to-face interview call. Eventually, I was invited on a three-day trip to meet the coaches and players in October 2024, which allowed both sides to assess if it was the right fit.

How did Norwich School help you during this application process?

There was a significant amount of paperwork involved, as Quinnipiac University were keen to assess my academic profile. This process included academic and character references from various teachers. Also character references from my sports coaches at school. Finally, a transcript of my grades and predicted grades, was compiled and submitted by Mr Croston.

What attracted you to studying in the USA? Tell us a bit more about the rugby out there.

One of the biggest reasons I was drawn to studying in the USA is how seriously they take collegiate sports. The level of funding, media coverage, and overall competitiveness is on a completely different scale compared to the UK. Women’s rugby, especially 7s, is also growing rapidly there, which makes it an exciting time to be part of the sport. I’ll be competing in Division 1 (D1), the top league, and training five days a week, with matches most weekends. The travel varies - many D1 universities that I will play are on the East Coast, but some tournaments, like the Tropical 7s in Florida, require trips across the country.

Tell us about the rugby you currently play - which club/side, any highlights to date.

Currently, I play club rugby for Norwich. I’ve also had the opportunity to play for Saracens, and I’m now in the PDG phase of the England Pathway, continuing to develop my game at a higher level.

You're a talented all-around sportswoman who holds a sports scholarship here. Which sports have you represented Norwich School (and/or any local/county sides..?) for and at what level? How have these other sports and/or the sports scholarship programme here helped your rugby?

At Norwich School, I’ve had the opportunity to play a wide range of sports, from tennis to cricket to hockey. However, the sport I’ve been most involved in has been netball. Outside of school, for netball, I play for Norfolk United and was previously part of the Saracens Mavericks pathway. I believe that playing multiple sports has really contributed to my development in rugby and vice versa - I think that playing any sport helps build game sense and a strong understanding of fundamental skills. Norwich School has also played a big role in my overall athletic growth. Through Athletic Development, I’ve improved my conditioning, and I’ve also gained valuable knowledge in areas like sports nutrition and psychology. All of this has helped me stay fit, healthy, and continue progressing in my sport.

Archie Taylor

Tell us about the degree apprenticeship offer you have received.

I have received an offer from Price Bailey. I am based in the Norwich office in the outsourcing department. In this programme I will work a full-time job allowing me to gain hands-on experience while earning a level 7 qualification (masters equivalent) this will last for 5 years.

You also applied through UCAS for 'normal' degree course and have received several offers from top universities. What attracted you to applying to employers for a degree apprenticeship as a preferred route to this?

I was particularly drawn to the degree apprenticeship route because of its combination of practical experience and academic study. The opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in real world setting, earn a salary while earning industry recognized qualifications without student debt and have the chance to become financially independent at the age of 18 was a big pull factor. Additionally working at Price Bailey will allow me to develop professional networks early in my career, putting me in a strong position for the future. Also, as the graduate market becomes increasingly competitive, I will have 5 years of professional work experience and if all goes well an offer to stay on at Price Bailey with no student debt.

How did you apply for your degree apprenticeships and what did the application process involve?

Overall, I applied to 23-degree apprenticeships (as they are highly competitive) by researching firms that offer a good, structured program with good career progression. The application process typically involved submitting an online application, followed by personality quizzes, situational judgement tests and potentially a numerical test depending on the industry. Then there will usually be a video interview stage where you film your answer to a question that you have around 2 minutes to prepare for. After this I was invited to an in-person assessment centre day where there are typically 5-20 people there going for a limited number of roles. This day will vary from different industries, but my day consisted of a 25-minute numerical test, a Q&A with the hiring managers and then 2 group tasks where we had to collaboratively find solutions to a business's problems from sources supplied to us and then give a 10 minute presentation to the hiring managers. This was mainly testing problem solving ability and most importantly the ability to work well collaboratively in a team. After this I was invited to an online interview with a younger person at the firm and an older experienced partner, this typically lasts from 20-45 minutes. The process is very rigorous and time-consuming, but it provided a great insight into the expectations of the industry.

How did Norwich School help you achieve this offer?

To begin with I spoke to Mrs James about career opportunities through apprenticeships as I was confident that was the path I wanted to take. Mrs James then provided support with CV writing and checking that it was good quality. After this when I made it to the assessment centre, I was able to reach out to her to ask for advice on how I should present myself and go about the day. Then when I made it to the interview stage, I had a mock interview with Mrs James and went through any questions I had, which helped with my confidence going into the real thing.

How will your degree apprenticeship work?

The job mixes on the job training alongside academic studying. I will be working 5 days a week with the option to work from home whenever convenient while studying for the ACA qualification which has a typical duration of 5 years. The firm provides study help alongside work; I will get time off work to attend lectures and take exams, while the rest of the revision I am responsible for doing outside of working hours. Over the course of the program, I will work towards professional qualifications, while gradually taking on more responsibilities within the firm.

What else have you been involved in at Norwich School outside of academic work? Will you be able to continue these activities when you start your degree apprenticeship in the autumn?

Beyond academics, I have been heavily involved in cricket and rugby at Norwich School, playing in the 1^st team for both. While my apprenticeship will require commitment, I plan to continue to play cricket for Norfolk U18s and Lowestoft Town 1^st XI. Maintaining a work-life balance is important so I will maintain a consistent gym and running routine on the side. The structured nature of the degree apprenticeship allows for flexibility, enabling me to manage professional and personal commitments effectively.

Hugo Pattison

Tell us about the degree apprenticeship offer you have received.

I have been offered an Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with Airbus.

I learned of degree apprenticeships though attending several careers fairs. At these I was able to talk to current degree apprentices and I found out about all of the various benefits of the courses alongside the working environment, this alongside the pay and lack of student debt made degree apprenticeships appeal to me massively.

How did you apply for your degree apprenticeships and what did the application process involve?

I applied directly through the company’s careers website. The Airbus application process required me to submit a CV and a covering letter, followed by a virtual assessment centre that included group work and an individual interview.
This process did vary slightly compared to applications for other companies.

How did Norwich School help you achieve this offer?

Through Mrs James I completed the Apprenticeship Academy which helped me to establish good interview habits and to answer questions concisely and to the point. I also believe that mock interviews in Lower 6 helped to set me up for this process.

How will your degree apprenticeship work?

I will be working at Airbus' East Factory, moving through several rotations in different departments of engineering throughout the site.

What else have you been involved in at Norwich School outside of academic work? Will you be able to continue these activities when you start your degree apprenticeship in the autumn?

I have played rugby throughout my time at Norwich School and more recently become a member of the Boat Club (rowing). At this point I am unsure which pursuits I will keep up once I've left school but I will certainly be doing something!

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An Afternoon of Magic at the Lower School Carol Service

By Eleanor Lewis • December 12, 2025

The Lower School carol service at Norwich Cathedral was a truly magical occasion, set against a dusky backdrop that heightened the sense of joy and wonder. The cathedral’s soaring arches and glowing stained glass offered the perfect setting for a celebration filled with Christmas spirit and joy. The service opened with a solo of Once in Royal David’s City by U3 pupil Zoe Asamoah, whose clear and expressive voice resonated beautifully through the vast space, setting a moving tone for the afternoon. The Lower 2 tableau was equally enchanting, their poise and reverence bringing the Christmas story vividly to life. What followed was a series of performances that were both heartfelt and uplifting. The Little Voices Choir, Infant Choir, Chamber Choir, and School Choir each sang with warmth and precision, contributing their own distinctive character to the service. A highlight for many was the whole school’s rendition of Away in a Manger, with singers positioned throughout the cathedral, even along the side aisles, the piece created a shimmering, almost ethereal atmosphere that seemed to wrap the entire congregation in peace. As the service came to a close, selected members of U3 performed a hauntingly beautiful version of The Candle Song. With the cathedral lights dimmed and a single candle glowing softly, their perfectly blended voices created a moment of profound stillness and reflection. The afternoon was a testament to the talent, dedication, and sincerity of everyone involved, leaving all who attended with a deep sense of joy and quiet contemplation.

The Christmas Jumper Competition with a Twist...

By Eleanor Lewis • December 12, 2025

The Lower 4 Christmas Jumper Competition is always an event of great anticipation, and this year was no exception. Adorned with baubles, tinsel and whatever else Fourth Form could find (including Mariah Carey), the tutors made their way to the Blake for a catwalk never to be forgotten. However, this year had a twist with the additional competition of the Fourth Form Tutor Challenge. For the tutor challenge we had a range of performances from a mini play with a murder mystery, a Christmas ‘Guess Who’ quiz, a musical number and even a conducting dinosaur! Congratulations to all pupils who took part and especially to the tutors for taking to the runway and to the performances with such enthusiasm. Congratulations to L42 who won this year’s jumper competition, following behind in 2 nd place was L43. For the tutor challenge we had L41 in 1 st place and L44 in 2 nd! We look forward to seeing what the pupils come up with next year….

Lower School Chamber Choir Sing the Lights to Remember Service

December 12, 2025

On Thursday 11 November the Lower School Chamber Choir sang at the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity Lights to Remember Service. This annual event is an opportunity for the people of Norfolk to remember and give thanks for the lives of those who have received hospice care, as well as acknowledge with gratitude the exceptional work of everyone involved with Priscilla Bacon Lodge – staff and volunteers from Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust, and the staff, volunteers, donors, fundraisers and supporters of the Charity. Norwich Lower School Chamber Choir have been invited to sing at the event for a number of years, and this year was no exception. Led by Head of Lower School Music, Mr Vine, the choir dazzled with a beautiful performance of ‘Sweet Silent Night’ by Andy Beck. Hugo Stevenson, Head of Fundraising and Communications at the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity said: “It is always an absolute joy to welcome Norwich School Chamber Choir to this flagship event for the charity. Once again they delivered a wonderful performance and added something really special to the service. Our sincere thanks to Mr Vine, Mrs Barclay and the children.”

Last Day of Term - Jolly Jumpers and Festive Food

December 12, 2025

Lower School pupils excitedly celebrated the last day of the Michaelmas term on Friday 12 December, enjoying their Christmas lunch in a fine array of festive knitwear! There was a party atmosphere in the Refectory with decorations, paper crowns and Christmas songs, all in view of the beautifully illuminated tree. Turkey, roast potatoes and cranberry sauce were all on the special menu, followed by yule log for pudding. Everyone at the Lower School would like to wish our whole community a restful and relaxing Christmas and we will see you all again in 2026!

End of Michaelmas 2025 - Head's Address

By Eleanor Lewis • December 12, 2025

In his End of the Michaelmas Term address, the Head focused on two key things – kindness and participation. Everyone in the Cathedral was moved as he brought to life random acts of kindness observed on the London Underground. Pupils and staff alike then had a super time putting into practice the participation element of his address, as the Red Gowns got the whole congregation enjoying an interactive version of the 12 Days of Christmas! “So, the tail end of term is finally upon us. Each term obviously has its own shape and this one is characterised by the darkening evenings, the overlap with Advent, and by its brute length. There is always something of the endurance race about this, our longest term, so well done to everyone on getting through it! And now attention can turn towards the upcoming Christmas holiday. As you get ready for it, I pick out two features: kindness and participation. The first, kindness. We associate such a quality with this time of year: “Oh come on, it’s Christmas!” Yet, just like any other time of year, kindness is to be measured in actions every bit as in attitude. It may be apocryphal, but I heard that London Underground’s policy for people stranded on the platform with a bag, pram or such like when the lifts are not working is to stand by the stairs and wait for someone to help. I really want this to be true and, after all, you do not see someone at the bottom of the stairs with a large bag for long; normally, someone will come past and offer to carry it upstairs. This got me investigating random acts of kindness on the Underground further. It turns out that the artist Michael Landy conducted a project celebrating such acts in 2011-12. The artist explained, ‘Sometimes we tend to assume that you have to be superhuman to be kind, rather than just an ordinary person.’ So, to unsettle that idea, Acts of Kindness catches those little exchanges that are almost too fleeting and mundane to be noticed or remembered. Landy is fascinated by the way we tend to disappear into our own bubble on the Tube, disconnected from the people around us. One day, he recalls, while sitting in a Tube train absorbed in his own world, he suddenly became aware of two strangers, one trying to help the other. For Landy it was a life-enhancing event. Landy defines kindness as going beyond yourself to acknowledge someone else’s needs and feelings. ‘It’s a gesture of trust between two people’, he said. ‘There’s a risk in that. It requires courage and acceptance on both sides. ‘That’s what “kindness” means – we’re kin, we’re of one kind.’ Here are four examples from Landy’s project: Running down the stairs to catch the train that had just pulled in, I hadn’t noticed my iPod falling out of my pocket until I was inside the carriage, watching a stranger pick it up off the wet platform floor. He looked up at me through the closing doors (while I had already assumed that I probably wouldn’t be seeing it again) and mouthed the words ‘I’ll wait here!’ through the glass. And he did. In December 1993 my 5 year old daughter rushed onto a Tube train ahead of me and before I could follow her with my other child the doors closed and the train pulled out of the station as I ran alongside, banging on the doors in a panic. I caught the next train and got off at the next stop to find my little girl being consoled by a group of young teenagers en-route to a concert who had got off the train to stay with her until I found her. They had to dash off to get to the show and I think I was crying too much to thank them properly, so I welcome this opportunity to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU! While on my second maternity leave, after 2 changes and 3 tubes I got to Finsbury Park only to find me, the toddler and the baby in the pram at the bottom of 3 flights of stairs. My heart sank. I wasn’t too happy to see 2 hooded young men loping down the stairs but as they got to bottom, they asked if they could help by taking the pram leaving me to carry the toddler. They carried it up the 3 flights safely and even missed their train to do so! I always think of them when people use the term ‘hoodie’ as a generic term for violent youth because their kindness made my day and challenged my lazy assumptions. I woke up to a phone call from my dad telling me my much-loved grandpa had died. On the Tube over to my parents I couldn’t stop crying. The woman sitting next to me asked if I was ok, and I told her my grandpa had died that morning. She took my hand and held it for the rest of the journey. I have never forgotten how comforted I felt by this small, intimate act. Such acts of generosity and kindness are certainly what I expect in our community while we are together: to go beyond the minimum in order to be helpful, thoughtful and sensitive to each other. I therefore encourage you to reflect on these stories and think about how you can be kind in your actions at Christmas and into 2026. The next three weeks are a great opportunity to practise this behaviour at home as there are always lots of chances to lean in and help. The second feature of Christmas I want to highlight is participation and joining in, perhaps with a little dose of silliness thrown in. It is an opportunity for friends and family to enjoy some harmless fun, spend time together and, hopefully, remind ourselves not always to take things seriously. I hope that got you into the Christmas spirit. Do have an excellent break and remember to practice your random, practical acts of kindness.”

Rugby Round Up at the End of Michaelmas 2025

By Eleanor Lewis • December 12, 2025

It has been an excellent term for Norwich School rugby, with all squads showing clear development, strong teamwork, and impressive determination. The junior teams enjoyed a highly successful season, including standout wins and an unbeaten U13A campaign. Across both age groups, players demonstrated growing confidence, cohesion, and attacking flair. Our inter squads showed real character, with the U14s and U15s producing notable victories and displaying resilience throughout a challenging fixture list. The U15A County Cup triumph was a particular highlight. Among the seniors, both the 1st and 2nd XV worked tirelessly despite disruptions. The 1st XV delivered several outstanding performances, including a memorable last-minute victory over Gresham's. We also thank our departing Upper Sixth players for their leadership and commitment. Overall, it has been a term marked by progress, pride, and exceptional team spirit across the whole rugby programme.

Rowing Report

By Ben Stokes • December 12, 2025

The Boat Club started the half term with the Seniors racing at the GB U19 Benchmark Head Race. With the rowers who had achieved the 2k ergo cut off, this was the first opportunity to show boat moving capabilities. Ellie Thwaites and James Howard pleaced 4th in their respective J17 Trialist category and Nicholas Conway won the J18 and overall event. For those not trialling, racing at a GB event gave them valuable experience. The Seniors then raced the inaugral Junior Fours Head of the River on the Tideway. With 2 boys crews and 2 girls crews facing some rather wet conditions, the Girls Coxed Four placed an excellent 6th place in J18 and the Boys Coxless Quad won the J18 event. The J15s and Seniors raced at Hampton Head (another damp day!) with the J15s placing well in their categories with other 40 crews in some events. Singles, Doubles and Quads were raced. The Seniors also raced a range of events, with a number of 2nd, 3rd and 4th places. There were wins for James and Nick in the Coxless Pair and for Ellie, Charlotte, Amelie, Jess and Darcy in the Coxed Four. The Boys and Girls 1st VIII s then raced at Wallingford Head, the first VIIIs race of the year- well done to all for a busy but successfull weekend of racing. Last weekend saw all the Boat Club race at our Invitational Yare Eights Head of the River. The J14s in an Octo and Quad demonstrated the great progress they have made since taking up the sport at the start of term. The 1st VIIIs (Boys and Girls) beat their respective UEA Eights. Ellie Thwaites, Nicholas Conway and James Howard have all acheived the 5k Ergo Score to progress through to the February GB U19 Trials.

The Languages Carol Contest 2025

By Eleanor Lewis • December 11, 2025

Our annual Languages Carol Contest this half-term has been another great success. Each Upper 4 class prepared and recorded a Christmas Carol in French, German, Spanish or Mandarin. The 4th form then watched the videos and voted on their favourite song, with voting criteria of pronunciation, entertainment value and "Christmassy-ness", with different groups clearly aiming at different criteria. We are pleased to announce that the winning song was the French version of "Last Christmas" performed by Ms Niesch’s U4 French class. We were all impressed by their beautiful clear singing and catchy dance routine . Well done to all of the U4 Language classes and we look forward to seeing what the L4 can do next year.

Inters Star in the Box of Delights

By Eleanor Lewis • December 11, 2025

On Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 December, a cast of Inters pupils put on a brilliant production of Piers Torday’s ‘The Box of Delights’. The pupils took to the stage with confidence and enthusiasm, encouraged with a message from Piers Torday himself - I’m so thrilled you have chosen to stage my adaptation of John Masefield’s wonderful Christmas story, and I hope you have all enjoyed getting it to the stage.” The Blake was set out differently in this instance, with the production employing traverse staging, which allowed for an immersive performance in which all cast members were always present. This worked wonderfully in addition to the stylised ensemble pieces and physical theatre throughout the piece, the cast became a company. This Christmas tale was brought to life with great skill, particularly through the characterisation and dynamic between protagonist and antagonist – Cole Hawkings and Abner Brown. Kay Harker, played by Rowan Kidd, compellingly led the story and engaged audiences throughout, supported brilliantly by Christina Sawh and Alejandro Olmo Ochoa who played Maria and Peter respectively. Of course, the performance’s success must be attributed to every cast member, all pupils performed with professionalism and finesse. Director, Eva Wright, commented; “I am immensely proud of the cast for their dedication and trust in the creative process. Their collaborative spirit was key to solving the challenges of bringing this play filled with magic, and the seemingly impossible, to life in the Blake Studio.”

The Lower School Christmas Fair 2025

By Eleanor Lewis • December 11, 2025

The Lower School Christmas Fair on Saturday was a wonderful event, full of festive fun and brilliant community spirit. The children did an amazing job running their stalls and favourites such as the bottle tombola and raffle proved as popular as ever. Thanks to the hard work and support of our pupils, parents and staff, £3,251 was raised for The Hamlet Centre in Norwich. A huge thank you to everyone involved - a fantastic amount and a fantastic morning!