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.
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
Recently Pre-Reception and Upper One pupils had an enriching experience observing the peregrine falcons which live on the spire of Norwich Cathedral. They visited the Watchpoint, a viewing station run by the Hawk and Owl trust and learned that the falcon pair currently have two chicks. Pupils were able to view both parent birds bringing food to the chick, and they had the opportunity to watch them being fed close-up, through telescopes. Using binoculars, they also observed the various other birds that live in and around the Cathedral Close. Pupils also examined models of different birds of prey, such as a kestrel and a hobby, noticing how they are adapted to catch their prey. To complete their visit, the children had fun trying on model wings of various UK birds of prey and even tested them out by going on a short 'flight' around the Lower Close. Thanks to the Hawk and Owl Trust for providing pupils with this excellent encounter with the fascinating wildlife that we share the Cathedral Close with.
The Lower School library was transformed last week into an enchanted wood as Upper 1- Upper 2 pupils stepped into the pages of The Faraway Tree and enjoyed a magical after‑school adventure. Children arrived dressed as their favourite characters — from Moon‑Face to Silky the Fairy — ready to climb into a world of imagination and wonder. The journey began at the foot of the Faraway Tree, where pupils tip‑toed past the Angry Pixie, and were careful not to get splashed by Dame Washalot’s famously dirty water. From there, they travelled through a series of whimsical lands at the top of the tree, each offering a hands‑on activity inspired by Enid Blyton’s beloved stories. In the Land of Goodies, pupils decorated tree shaped biscuits with icing and sprinkles. The Land of Birthdays invited everyone to make a special wish and create their own crown, and finally, children designed their own fairy doors for the magical creatures they imagined living inside the Faraway Tree. The event ended in the Land of Goodies with pupils eating their biscuits and having a drink of fruit punch. It was a joyful celebration of creativity, reading and childhood imagination and this adventure will hopefully inspire many more children to read these wonderful books.
On 21 May, the Lower School was filled with music, enthusiasm and confidence as pupils from Lower 1 and Upper 1 took to the stage for their Informal Concert. The evening provided a wonderful opportunity for our young performers to showcase the progress they have made this year, performing in front of family, friends and staff in a warm and supportive atmosphere. From piano solos and violin ensembles to guitar performances and vocal numbers, the programme reflected both the variety of musical talent within the Lower School and the growing confidence of our pupils. Many performers were appearing in concert for the very first time, making the evening an especially memorable occasion. The audience enjoyed a wide-ranging programme including Clair De Lune, The Rio Samba, Naughty, Golden, Cyber Space Detective, Berry Smoothie, War Drums, Sun City, Drifting By, and An Important Person. Traditional favourites such as Old Macdonald, Twinkle Twinkle and Frère Jacques also delighted the audience, alongside colourful character pieces including Kristabel Kangaroo Visits Korea, Bluebird, The Trombone Player, Finger Strum, At the Show, Chiming Bells and Allegro Moderato. The evening was a celebration not only of musical achievement, but also of the courage and commitment shown by every pupil who performed. Congratulations to all involved on an enjoyable and successful concert.
Lower School Gallery
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