Welcome to Norwich Lower School

The Lower School is in the Lower Close (on the east side of the Cathedral) and caters for boys and girls aged 3-11. Its impressive facilities and wonderful opportunities give pupils an excellent start to their Norwich School education.

The vast majority of pupils from the Lower School progress to the Senior School at the age of eleven. Entry is based on the recommendation of the Head of the Lower School and there is usually no requirement to sit the formal entrance examination.

FAQs

Come and join us! You are invited...

Every week, we open our Early Years to families with children aged 2–4 for a gentle morning of play and exploration. Little ones can follow their curiosity through a variety of inviting activities, while parents enjoy a relaxed chat over a coffee and a pastry. It’s completely free to join, with refreshments available for all. You’re welcome to register online or simply turn up on the day.

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Latest news from the Lower School

By Eleanor Lewis July 7, 2026
After qualifying for the National Finals at the East Area Prep School Athletics Championships, held at Bedford International Stadium, Thomas secured 1st place in the U12 Discus with an impressive throw of 25m. As a result, Thomas then went on to represent the school at the National Finals, hosted at the iconic Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. After his first three throws, he was sitting in 2nd place. Under the competition rules, only the top eight athletes after three rounds earned a fourth and final throw. Saving his very best until last, Thomas produced a sensational final throw of 28m to claim the gold medal and become the U12 National Discus Champion!  Having only taken up the discus in April, this is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the dedication, hard work and commitment Thomas has shown in such a short space of time. Congratulations , Thomas – a fantastic accomplishment and one to be incredibly proud of!
By Eleanor Lewis July 6, 2026
On a beautifully warm and sunny day, the Lower School pupils brought music and joy to the residents of Abbeyfields with a delightful outdoor performance on the lawn. With umbrellas providing welcome shade, the setting was filled with a wonderful sense of community as pupils and residents gathered together. The programme opened with Lower 2 Little Voices, who gave an energetic and vibrant rendition of El Cumbanchero from Havana, immediately lifting spirits. This was followed by the ever-entertaining School Dinners, whose fun and characterful performance showcased an impressive four-part harmony, much to the resident's delight. Then, a special highlight came from U3 pupil Betsy Chuan, who gave a poised and expressive solo piano performance of Ballade pour Adeline, capturing the attention of all present. Finally, the Lower School Chamber Choir continued the programme with a more reflective set, performing O Moon and The Water is Wide, demonstrating some beautiful harmony and blended singing. They concluded their performance with the ever popular Scottish Riddle. The afternoon was filled with smiles, warm applause, and meaningful conversations afterwards, as pupils took time to chat with residents about music, tennis and the World Cup! It was a truly uplifting occasion, celebrating music, connection and community in the most joyful way. 
By Eleanor Lewis June 25, 2026
A warm Lower School Hall was alive with music, laughter, and a touch of theatrical flair as children from Lower 2 and Upper 2 took to the stage for a truly delightful concert last night. The evening opened with a confident piano performance of Rocking the Boat , quickly followed by the wonderfully imaginative The Dinosaurs Bedtime March , which had the audience picturing a parade of sleepy prehistoric creatures. The ever-popular Sun City by P. Wedgwood made several cheerful appearances throughout the programme, each performance bringing its own sparkle. There was elegance and poise in The Ballet Dancer , while a charming cello rendition of Gavotte by Gossec added a touch of classical sophistication. The audience was then treated to, I Love Coffee , which was delivered with great character and more than a hint of humour. Film fans in the room were delighted by a violin performance of Hedwig’s Theme by John Williams, transporting everyone straight into a world of magic. This was followed by more lively piano pieces, including the flowing The River Flows in You and the crisp Allegretto by Bartok. The energy lifted even further with Way Out West and The Machine , before a bold trumpet performance of the James Bond Theme by M. Norman had toes tapping and imaginations racing with spy adventures. The concert continued with the spirited Tarantella Twist on the piano and a relaxed guitar piece, Fingers and Thumbs by G. Whitworth. A light and playful flute performance of A Tisket A Tasket added a traditional touch, followed by more confident piano playing including Lightly Row and Le petit mendiant . One of the highlights of the evening was a lively vocal duet of The Lady is a Vamp by the Spice Girls, which brought plenty of smiles and a real sense of fun to the hall. Throughout the concert, the children showed not only their growing musical skills but also great courage and enthusiasm. It was a joy to see such a variety of instruments and styles on display, and the supportive audience created a wonderfully warm atmosphere. Well done to all performers for an entertaining and memorable afternoon of music and well done to all pupils in the Lower School who have showcased their musical instruments throughout the year. 
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Lower School Gallery