Valpy House

Welcome to Valpy House!

"I have been a teacher at Norwich School since 2007 and have been Head of Valpy since 2020. As well as teaching Maths, I also coach hockey, athletics and orienteering, in additon to helping on DofE expeditions, and sharing my love of nature and wildlife with pupils. I hope that the House system at Norwich School encourages pupils to get involved in a wide range of activities during their time with us. In Valpy, we try to monitor the whole picture and encourage everyone not to be afraid to have a go, whether this is in a science lab, on stage or on the sports field."

House History

The Georgian saviour of Norwich School

Reverend Edward Valpy, Headmaster 1811–29, aroused strong emotions in pupils. Some remembered him with ‘cordial gratitude, respect and even affection’, dedicating a window on the north side of the school Chapel to his name. Fond alumni called the original ON club ‘The Valpeian Society’ in his honour. Others, such as Sir James Brooke whose window now faces Valpy’s in the Chapel, saw him as a tyrant, rooted in the worst excesses of Georgian disciplinarianism.

Regardless, Valpy was undeniably a scholar of considerable merit, publishing extensively in Latin and his books remaining long in print and going through multiple editions. Similarly, his seemingly miraculous efforts at attracting large numbers of boarders to the school from the local gentry resulted in a much-needed spike in the school roll, after a period of lengthy and worrisome decline. Such numbers were not replicated until well into the 20th century.

House News

What A Celebration of House Music!

By Eleanor Lewis • October 13, 2026

After two full and joyous days of music-making, Repton House emerged victorious! It was wonderful to be back in The Halls for House Song, a much-loved celebration that sees every pupil take to the stage. The Music Department has been buzzing throughout two weeks of rehearsals, culminating in beautifully blended part-song performances and a fantastic array of hastily formed bands for the Instrumental Ensemble class. The solo classes were equally special, showcasing an incredible standard of performance alongside a wonderful spirit of encouragement and support. Congratulations to Alena, L6, for winning the Bernard Burrell Award for best overall solo performance. A massive thank you to all our House Music Captains for their immense hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm in bringing this brilliant event together. And congratulations to Repton House again on a well-deserved victory!

Repton Operation Christmas Child - Shoe Box Appeal November 2025

By Eleanor Lewis • November 18, 2025

Mrs Curtis, keen to again achieve the remarkable success of the 2024 shoe box appeal, challenged Repton to donate (toys, stationery, clothing, soap and flannels etc.) again this year. The operation aimed to fill at least one shoe box per Repton tutor group, with items useful or uplifting to the struggling children of the world, and to send them to these children in need. Last term the donations began, and a mountain of gifts donated by many generous Reptonites and their families formed in the JBR. The Repton tutor groups also got hands-on and put together the shoe boxes that the donations were each packed into, which was then done by a hard-working team of pupils. Boxes were organised and labelled by this team, who then on each box left warming messages such as: ‘Happy Christmas from Repton House, Norwich School, UK.’ Last year, Mrs Curtis anticipated that 7 boxes would be filled – one from each tutor group - and was met with the welcome surprise of a total of 40 boxes. This year, in a display of special festive kindness and thanks to the generosity the students showed, the team managed to fill a staggering 50 boxes, smashing the appeal, and demonstrating that when everyone chips in, a real difference can be made. We may never see the effect of this year’s donations; however, we can only hope that they lifted many Christmas spirits across the world. In which case, a massive thank you is due to all who donated, pupils, parents and friends, and of course to Mrs Curtis, who organised the appeal and drove the 50 packed boxes to our local drop-off point! Report by Theo Hunter (L6 Repton)

Friendly Competition and Teambuilding for Lower 5 at Bramley Lakes

By Eleanor Lewis • October 3, 2025

Despite the grey skies and constant drizzle, the opportunity to be crowned as the winning Lower 5 tutor group of Bramley Lakes, 2025, meant that all pupils gave it their all to bring home the coveted shield. Within their House tutor groups, and supported by tutors and pastoral prefects, the competition was fierce, and the lead chopped and changed throughout the day. Each group was being scored on their communication, effort, peer support and positivity. Activities included, trebuchet building, crate stack and other high ropes challenges, axe throwing and archery. Water balloons were fired from the trebuchets at rival Lower 5 tutor groups, with particular pupils getting even more soaked in the wet weather. It was a pleasure to see all tutor groups working together, and making the most of the day. Despite Nelson's best efforts, it was Coke that triumphed in the end, retaining their crown from the previous three years! Can Coke go for an unprecedented five in a row next year? Only time will tell.