The England Flag: An Address from Revd Child

June 19, 2026

(This assembly was delivered two days after England’s first world cup match of 2026, with a large England flag draped over the front of the pulpit.)

God says: “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:6)

You may have noticed that I’ve decorated the pulpit this morning. I want to start by asking you this question: what was the first thing that went through your mind when you saw this England flag?

Right now, of course, there’s a good chance that it reminded you of the England men’s football team, who kicked off their World Cup on Wednesday. Perhaps seeing this gave you a surge of national pride. (4-2: the first time we’ve scored that in a World Cup since 1966.) On the other hand, if you don’t think of this so much as your flag – for instance, if you’re from a different UK nation or from Europe – then this flag may stir feelings of rivalry.

Context is everything. To see the flag flown on Windsor Castle on St George’s day in 2026 is very different to seeing the red cross on the front of crusader shields in the 13th century. Seeing the flag displayed on a church or a town hall is different to seeing it cable-tied to lampposts and painted on roundabouts. There was a spate of this a year ago which spread across the country. ‘Flagging’, as it became known, started in the month after the England Women’s football team won the Euros. (You may remember that moment of national pride – Chloe Kelly’s winning penalty, Hannah Hampton’s heroics in goal, Lucy Bronze somehow playing through the tournament with a fractured tibia. It’s just been announced that six members of that team will receive an MBE for their services to football and to the country.) Of course, all this meant that there were lots of England flags available to buy in the shops. And when they started going up in the streets, some people said it was patriotism. But it wasn’t just patriotism – there was also something more sinister and territorial going on. The context shifted, and the flags became associated with anti-immigration and extremist politics.

All of that meant that, when I went into Home Bargains to buy this flag for my assembly, it felt like the shop staff were giving me funny looks. ‘What is he?’ they seemed to be asking themselves. ‘Is he an England fan… or is he a racist?’

There is a scene in the excellent TV drama Dear England, which is on iPlayer at the moment, where the then England manager Gareth Southgate hangs a St George’s flag in the goalmouth and gets all the players to discuss it. He begins by pointing at the flag and saying: ‘These things can be emotive and complicated.’ To get some perspective on all this complexity, I want to step away from England for a moment, and take note of a different nation in a different time – the Old Testament nation of Israel in the Bible.

One of the developing themes of the Bible is what God’s chosen people think their nation is for. There are times where they retreat into self-isolation – they feel a need to pull up the drawbridge and protect their identity. But there are other times when they realise their blessings are for sharing with the world, rather than clinging onto. ‘It is too small a thing,’ God says to his people in that reading we heard earlier, it is too small a thing just to be concerned with the tribes of Israel.

‘I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.’

In other words, the blessing that God’s people have is for spreading, not for desperately protecting. Christians believe that the ultimate expression of this is in the person of Jesus Christ, born a Jew, but a saviour for all peoples – the ‘salvation that reaches to the ends of the earth.’

Returning to England, I think we can learn something from our local heroine Edith Cavell, whose grave is outside the east end of the cathedral. She famously said before her wartime execution, ‘Patriotism is not enough. I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone.’ Perhaps we could adapt that line as: ‘Patriotism alone is too small a thing.’

No doubt the meaning of the England flag will continue to change as history unfolds. But here are my hopes for it. I hope that the current world cup tournament will reclaim the flag of St George from the tensions of last summer, and that it would help us feel united as a country, not divided. And I hope that as a country, we would discover generosity and hospitality towards other nations in the style of Isaiah 49. I hope we become the sort of country that is patriotic and outward-looking at the same time.

In the end I want to live in a world where, when I buy a flag like this from Home Bargains, the staff think to themselves, ‘there goes a good person.'

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An Exciting Aerial Silks & Tumbling Showcase

By Eleanor Lewis • June 29, 2026

Over 30 pupils took to the stage for a breath-taking aerial silks and tumbling performance, inspired by iconic films and set against the stunning backdrop of the cathedral. Demonstrating incredible strength, flexibility and bravery, the performers captivated the audience with their skill, confidence and creativity. From graceful aerial routines high above the ground to dynamic tumbling sequences, every child embraced the challenge and performed with determination and enthusiasm. The spectacular setting made the performance even more memorable, creating a truly magical experience for both the children and the audience. We are immensely proud of every performer for their commitment, courage and teamwork in delivering such an unforgettable showcase.

An Exhibition by Norwich Based Artist, Gray Rose, in The Crypt

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.

Gold DofE Practice Expedition at the Start of the Summer Break

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.

Coming Up at the Crypt - HORIZONS by TOPstitch

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)

Another Year, Another Fantastic Norfolk Summer School!

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!

Norwich Lower School Gardeners Win National Award

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.”

A Thought-Provoking Session for our Lower 6 Pupils on the Academic Subject of Law Delivered by a Distinguished Oxford Professor

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.

Gala Night 2026

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!

Rowing Report for Trinity 2026

By Eleanor Lewis • July 9, 2026

The Summer Term has been one of the most successful in recent years for Norwich School Boat Club, with pupils competing with distinction at regional, national and international-level events while achieving several historic milestones for the club. The term began with Bedford Regatta, where 55 rowers raced in 17 crews across 14 events. For many of our J14 athletes, this was their first experience of side-by-side regatta racing, and they embraced the challenge superbly. Five crews reached the semi-finals and four progressed to finals, with the Senior Boys’ 1st Quad winning the Open Quad event. The Senior Girls’ 1st Coxed Four, the J14 Girls’ Quad and the Senior Boys’ 2nd crew also produced outstanding performances, while our coxes demonstrated excellent skill navigating Bedford’s demanding course. At the National Schools’ Regatta on the 2012 Olympic course at Dorney Lake, Norwich School enjoyed some of its strongest performances to date. The J14 Girls’ Octo finished 11th overall, while several J14 Boys Octo were 13th and the J15 boys and girls Coxed Fours were 15th and 13threpectively. The Senior Boys’ 2nd Quad finished an impressive 8th nationally, and both the Senior Boys’ 1st Quad and Senior Girls’ 1st Coxed Four reached Championship A Finals, each finishing 8th in the country—the highest Championship placing ever achieved by these crews. Success continued at Star Regatta, where 18 crews reached nine finals and secured four victories. Highlights included wins for the J14 Girls’ Double, the Senior Boys’ 1st Quad, the Senior Boys’ Double and the J17 Double, alongside several closely contested finals demonstrating the strength and depth of the squad. The Senior Girls made club history at Henley Women’s Regatta by becoming the first Norwich School sweep crew ever to qualify for the event. After an impressive victory in their opening race, they pushed the eventual National Schools’ champions, Wallingford Rowing Club, all the way in a thrilling quarter-final. At Peterborough Junior Regatta, our younger athletes also impressed, with Edward H and Tilek MQ winning silver in the J14 Double. Another landmark achievement came at Henley Royal Regatta, where the Senior Boys’ 1st Quad became the first Norwich School quad to compete at this prestigious event. Drawn against Canadian champions Ridley College, they produced one of the closest races of the regatta, losing by just one foot after an outstanding performance that earned widespread praise. Finally, congratulations go to Ellie T, James H and Nicholas C for their outstanding progress through the GB Under-19 trial process. Ellie, the first Norwich School girl to progress through the trials process, has the Race-offs on Wednesday, while James and Nicholas advanced to Final Crew Formation following exceptional performances throughout the season. These achievements reflect the commitment, resilience and teamwork shown by every member of the Boat Club. The progress made this year provides an excellent foundation for the future, and everyone involved should be immensely proud of a truly memorable season.

An Exciting Change for Sports Day 2026

By Eleanor Lewis • July 9, 2026

This year's Sports Day got off to a fantastic start with a series of section-based activities designed to encourage teamwork, resilience and mass participation. Pupils competed enthusiastically in the Mile Relay, Tug of War Championship and Hybrid Fitness Challenge, creating an exciting atmosphere from the very beginning of the day. It was incredible to see the Lower Close filled with a sea of house colours, as every team demonstrated outstanding determination, teamwork and school spirit. The smiles, laughter and encouragement shared throughout the morning perfectly captured the spirit of the event. In the afternoon, attention turned to the traditional track and field competitions, alongside a range of much-loved "Old School Sports Day" activities. The standard of competition was exceptionally high, with several long-standing school records being broken. The Senior Girls produced a series of outstanding performances: Minnie Aset a new 200m record with a time of 30.87 seconds. Kat DM broke the 400m record, finishing in 1:07.52. In a remarkable 800m race, both Bea G (2:35) and Minnie A(2:36) finished inside the previous school record. The 1500m also saw Minnie A setting a new record of 5:38, closely followed by Bea G in 5:39, with both athletes bettering the previous record. In the Inter Girls competition, Jennifer Mardle established a new shot put record with an impressive throw of 11.61m and had a discus throw of 32.20m. The Junior Girls also celebrated a record-breaking performance as Rosie Brew set a new javelin record with a throw of 26.09m. Congratulations to all of our pupils for their enthusiasm, effort and sportsmanship throughout the day. Whether competing for records, representing their house, or simply taking part, every student contributed to making Sports Day 2026 a tremendous success. A huge thank you also goes to the staff, officials and supporters whose help made the event possible. It was a fantastic day enjoyed by everyone, showcasing the talent, determination and community spirit that make our school so special.