WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE CLASS OF 2024?

August 15, 2024

A Level results day is always filled with emotions, and this year was no exception! Our Class of 2024 has finally seen the results of their two years of dedication and hard work. It’s an exciting time as they embark on the next chapter of their lives. There have been some truly remarkable individual achievements, and our 2024 cohort should be incredibly proud of what they’ve accomplished. We chatted with a few of our students to hear what today’s results mean to them…

Friends Forever

Dylan, Hal and Alex have known each other for over 10 years and were rarely found without each other in and around school. They even opened each other’s results at GCSE and today for their A Levels.

Dylan, Alex and Hal, with friends Hugo and Chester

Name

Dylan Parsons

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Dylan – 2D Art & Design (B), Psychology (B) and Religious Studies (B)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

These grades are definitely far more than I expected so I am really pleased!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts to study Acting (Musical Theatre)

What has taken you down that path?

I’ve been told I was that annoying youngster who was always on stage, so I guess that has translated into acting!

What’s the dream job?

Actor

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Without a doubt it was to be the incredible performance opportunities I’ve had during my time here.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

The final scene of the final performance of Guys and Dolls and the bows at the end – what an incredible moment.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

I say ‘my childhood’ and by that I mean I feel I have grown up at the school and now leave as an adult.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Splendiferous

Name

Hal Major

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

3D Art & Design (A), History (A) Psychology (B)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

They were WAY better than expected!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Foundation Course in Art and Design at the University of the Arts London

What has taken you down that path?

I don’t entirely know! It was more because I didn’t like Fine Art so I swapped to 3D and loved it.

What’s the dream job?

Product Designer

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Friendship or acting

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

I loved my 3D Art exam – it was stressful but equally I got to spend three whole days in the workshop building and being creative, which was so much fun.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Old friendships and by that I mean being at the same school as my friends for so long – I have been at the same school as Alex for 11 years

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Joy

Name

Alex Ivory

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Art & Design (Photography) (A), English Literature (B) and Religious Studies (B)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

Definitely not what I was expecting – I thought I’d get an ACC, so I’m really happy.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

I’m going to be a Gap Student in the Lower school and then whenever the wind takes me!

What has taken you down that path?

When I was really young I watched the film Jaws and loved it – I thought it was so cool. From then on I’ve wanted to make films which make kids feel the same as I did back then.

What’s the dream job?

Film maker

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

I loved doing an artistic A level – it gave me the freedom to be creative.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

The 2022 Greece trip which was awesome.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

2D lessons

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Mr Douglas-Field

Studying STEM!

We are pleased to see many of our STEM pupils heading to universities throughout the country. We hear from a few of them to see where STEM can take you…

Sarvine was pleasantly shocked by her results!

Name

Sarvine Theiventhira

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths (A*), Further Maths (A) and Physics (A)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

Genuinely shocked! I was not expecting this at all! I am thrilled.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Civil Engineering at the University of Southampton

What has taken you down that path and what might you want to do in the future?

Up until GCSE I was going to do medicine but when opened my GCSE results I decided I actually didn’t like biology! So I chose to do subjects I do like but equally wanted to do something for society. My uncle who is a Civil Engineer in the US told me about his job and sent me some information, which really opened by eyes to the importance of the job for society, e.g. facilitating transport / access to food and water, etc. Which really inspired me as whatever I do I want to make the world better place.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The teachers and my friends – which have provided a really strong support system. Overall it has been a great experience for which I am so grateful.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

I’ve been here 7 years so it’s definitely too hard to choose just one memory there have been so many!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Friends and assembly. Really just the whole Harry Potter lifestyle!

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Lovely

Rosemary was thrilled to get 4 A*s

Name

Rosemary Zhang

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths (A*), Further Maths (A*), Physics (A*) and Chemistry (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I am so shocked! I can’t believe it.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Mathematics at University

What has taken you down that path and what might you want to do in the future?

Maths has always been my favourite subject helped by the fact that the teachers here are super encouraging. At one stage I thought about Engineering as a degree but quite I wanted something where I could also be creative and maths to me is the perfect balance between creativity and science – there is a rigid structure to it but on a deeper and more complex level it requires a lot of creativity to understand complex problems.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

It is a lovely environment and everyone is so nice. I have also loved all the extra curricular opportunities to be musical and take part in the wider school life.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

I don’t have one specific memory – I would say everything!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

I love the school traditions such as assembly in cathedral.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Rewarding

Maddie's mum gives her a well done kiss!

Name

Maddie Hallam

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Biology (A*), Geography (A*) and Chemistry (A)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I worked really hard so I was hoping for good results, so I am really pleased.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Natural Sciences at Durham University

What has taken you down that path?

I think Natural Sciences is a great course given that I am not sure about the dream job, as it gives me a lot of flexibility and will allow me the chance to have a taste of different things. I chose Durham because it is a really lovely place and I’ve heard good things about it.

What’s the dream job?

Not sure yet!

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

I’ve been here since Form 3 so there is a lot but I would say it’s the friends I’ve made along the way.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

The classes for certain subjects have been really fun.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The little bubble of our community here in The Close.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Amazing!

Name

Naraen Prabhakar

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Maths (A*), Further Maths (A*), Biology (A*) and Chemistry (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

It is a bit of a shock, especially having seen how high some of the grade boundaries are this year, so I am delighted.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

MORSE (Maths, Operational Research, Statistics and Economics) at Warwick University

What has taken you down that path?

I did look into medicine but I really have enjoyed Maths so much and it has always been my favourite subject – so I was driven really by the desire to do something I love! Hence numbers.

What’s the dream job?

Not sure at the moment – something to do with numbers for sure!

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The countless opportunities for getting involved – I really enjoyed being a prefect.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

The Leavers Ball – it was so fun to see everyone having such a good time.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

All the friends I’ve made – I’ve known some of my friends here for 14 years!

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Can I have two? Supportive and inspirational!

Jay with family

Name

Jay Ambadkar

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Further Maths (A*), Maths (A*), Chemistry (A*) and Physics (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

They were definitely the results I was hoping for but I also needed these grades to get to my first choice.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Maths and Computer Science at Imperial College, London

What has taken you down that path?

They are the subjects I enjoy studying.

What’s the dream job?

That is yet to be decided! Definitely something in tech but I am not sure which direction that will take at this time.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

I’ve liked a lot of things but what stands out for me is the teaching and the sense of community.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

I can’t narrow it down to just one memory – I have been very happy.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

I am looking forward not back!

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Good!

Name

Imie James

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Biology, Chemistry and Physics

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I am pleased because my grades have got me into my first choice of university.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Bio Medicine at the University of East Anglia

What has taken you down that path?

I love helping people – it’s always been part of who I am. It started when I volunteered in the library working with younger children, since when I have volunteered with Able2B for over two years.

What’s the dream job?

I would love to be a doctor specialising in paediatrics – I love working with children

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

All the opportunities and experiences I have been lucky enough to take part in and the amazing staff for helping and supporting me throughout my journey. Particularly the opportunity Mr White gave me to set up my Send a Smile campaign which I have run for 5 years, and the chance to join the orienteering team which I have captained for the last 2 years.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Singing at the Fashion Show – I had wanted to do something like that for so long but never had the courage to do it so I am so proud of myself for facing my fears and I actually really enjoyed it.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The people and seeing the cathedral every day.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Epic

Getting Creative

We are hugely proud of the Carter Centre, with its amazing facilities across all Art and Design disciplines (2D, 3D, Photography, Ceramics, Fine Art, Textiles, Graphics, and more) and the Blake Studio, where our drama pupils spend so much time rehearsing and performing. We are even more proud of the pupils who have done so well in creatives this year. We hear from a few of them here…

Lauren shares the good news with a friend

Name

Lauren Carter

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Drama and Theatre, Classical Civilisation and Maths – I am really happy with my results

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I was definitely hoping for good results but I wasn’t expecting this at all – I am so pleased!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts to study Musical Theatre

What has taken you down that path?

There is a fantastic story that my mum tells that when I was 4 my music teacher chased my mum and told her to get me singing lessons! And I’ve loved music and singing ever since.

What’s the dream job?

To be a musical theatre performer

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The creative opportunities – I particularly loved playing Adelaide in Guys & Dolls, which was like nothing I’d ever done before.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

It was in Year 7 - during every tutor group session we played Frustration; we even had a song about it!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The Drama team – they are the nicest people I’ve ever met and they have been so supportive.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Busy!

Bea shares her results with her mother and grandmother

Name

Bea Wilson

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Fine Art (A*), 3D Design (A*) and Graphic Communications (A*)

(Bea achieved 100% in all three of her exams)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

The arts are done slightly differently – teachers gave me 100% before moderation so today was about finding out if the moderators had changed the results. I am obviously so pleased they didn’t!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Ceramics at Cardiff Metropolitan

What has taken you down that path?

Originally I chose Biology, Maths and Fine Art and Graphic Communication but I felt more confident with arts so I changed. The teaching was really good and I enjoyed it. I am lucky that my parents are so supportive.

What’s the dream job?

I would love to teach ceramics to adults and children – the aim is to do something I enjoy.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

A lot! I have particularly enjoyed the environment – so much so that my friends and I have visited The Close in the Summer! I have made some really good friends who I know I will be in touch with for a long time.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Leading the House Shout! We sang Build Me Up Buttercup and came second – I was terrified in the moment but it was such fun as well.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Seeing friends every day. I will also miss spending time in the Carter building – which felt like a second home, where I know everyone and love spending time there.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Crazy

Liv got what she needed for the next stage in her dream to be a presenter!

Name

Liv Massey

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Religious Studies (A), Drama and Theatre (A) and English Literature (B)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

They are TOTALLY unexpected – way more than I even hoped for. I am in shock!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Journalism at Sheffield

What has taken you down that path?

I’ve always wanted to be on screen and being part of Close Conversations Podcast Club for my Community Service option and having experience in the schools radio room really inspired me. I may not be good at sport or singing but I can talk! So why not do it for a career!!

What’s the dream job?

TV or radio presenter

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The friends I’ve made and being in this environment every day – the Cathedral and the Close make it very easy to romanticise being at school.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

The first Gala Night I did. Singing on that stage as the sun set, I remember thinking how lucky I am to be at this school.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The opportunities they give you here and the support you get.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

An explosion! Which sounds odd but honestly, coming here is like a firework going off.

Kaitlin with friend Max Nicholls who is going to study Law

Name

Kaitlin Wolmarans

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Kaitlin – Psychology (A*), Art & Design (Photography) (A*), Art & Design (3D Design) (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I did not expect to do so well! I worked really hard and obviously wanted good grades but I am obviously delighted with 3A*s!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Psychology at Sheffield University

What has taken you down that path?

I love social psychology and how we interact with our environment . This has definitely been inspired by Dr Wolsey who made lessons so enjoyable and made me want to do it forever!

What’s the dream job?

I would like to work in a creative agency

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The connections with my teachers, my friends, different departments – I’ve had so many laughs and memories since joining in Lower 4.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Being on Narnia (Fourth Form playground) duty with my fellow prefects and joining in the games with the Fourth Formers who were such fun.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Staff and the Refectory food . The Cathedral. The views. The atmosphere. There is so much!

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Spectacular

Two’s Company

We have twins in many years throughout the school but the class of 2024 boasted more than most with no less than four sets of twins graduating this year. We managed to catch up with the Dimoglou brothers and Hill sisters to find out their plans for the future.

Brothers Hugo and Chester both got 3 A's!

Name

Hugo Dimoglou and Chester Dimoglou

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Hugo – Maths (A), Economics (A) and Physics (A)

Chester – Maths (A), English Literature (A) and Drama & Theatre (A)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

Hugo – I was very surprised by physics and happy I managed to pull through!

Chester – They are definitely the results I was hoping for and glad I managed to convert all that revision into the results I wanted.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Hugo – Music, Multi Media and Electronics at Leeds University

Chester – The Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts to study Musical Theatre

What has taken you down that path?

Hugo – I downloaded some sound software on my computer for fun and really enjoyed it, which has sparked a real passion for the industry.

Chester – A mix of being in school productions over the years and my Independent Project, which involved looking at the industry from different angles.

What’s the dream job?

Hugo – I would love a job that has something to do with sound and recording studios

Chester – Acting or filmmaking

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Hugo – friendships

Chester – performance opportunities (and friendships of course!)

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Hugo – Cathedral every morning

Chester – playing Miss Trunchball in Matilda The Musical and working on my Independent Project.
What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Hugo – being close to everyone

Chester – the location

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Hugo - friendships

Chester – the Cathedral

Livi and Tilly share their happy news

Name

Livi Hill and Tilly Hill

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Tilly – Art & Design (Art, Craft and Design) (A*), Art & Design (Photography) (A*) and Art & Design (3D) (A)

Livi – Psychology, PE and 2D

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

Tilly – They are better than I expected – it’s only seeing it on paper that makes it feel real!

Livi – I am really happy with my results because they got me into my first choice.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Tilly – Events and Experience Management at York St John

Livi – Sports Coaching at Loughborough College

What has taken you down that path?

Tilly – My love for theatre and the experience Norwich School has given me with live performance confirmed I wanted to go in that direction

Livi – I want to share my love for sport with everyone and help people find the sport they love.

What’s the dream job?

Tilly – Stage Manager

Livi – Sports Teacher

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Tilly – the opportunities – it’s incredible to reflect on all the things I have been able to do here.

Livi – Everything!

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Tilly – Definitely has to be stage managing Gala Night this year, which was extra special as it was my last big event before leaving.

Livi – Cheerleading in Paris

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Tilly - the atmosphere

Livi – the Supportive environment

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Tilly and Livi – amazing

And now for something completely different…

Name

Max Nicholls

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Max – Economics (A*), English Literature (A), Physical Education (A)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I am very shocked especially with English – I needed 90% in the exam which was a tall order, so I am really happy. I did work really hard!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Law at Durham University

What has taken you down that path?

I think it was the mock law trials at school that initially sparked my interested and then I was lucky enough to get some work experience which further ignited my interest, especially in corporate law.

What’s the dream job?

Corporate lawyer

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Where do I start?? There is a massive list of all the amazing opportunities I’ve had – rugby, Podcast Club, Gartley Society…..to name but a few.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

For me it was beating Greshams at rugby in the final minute in Lower 6! However, I suspect the peoples choice might be my role as the baby Jesus in the Sixth Form Nativity!!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

The staff and the food in the Refectory – thanks Darren, Gareth and team!

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

(The) Best

Daniel with his mum

Name

Daniel Conway

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

History (A), Economics (A*) and Physical Education (A*)

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

Way better than I thought I’d done. I needed 3 A’s and after the mocks I was worried, so I am very happy today!

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

History at Bristol University

What has taken you down that path?

I enjoy history – my dad and his family are historians and as a family we have been to a lot of museums which definitely sparked my enthusiasm and interest.

What’s the dream job?

I’m still working it out! I definitely want to do something that interests me. I’ve been an Outdoor Education Watersports Instructor part time over the summer and that is something I love doing, so I really don’t know at the moment!

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

The opportunities – sport, especially rowing, 8th Norwich Scouts, leadership opportunities (I was Head of Brooke House). I think all these things have made me into the person I am now. Plus, doing a lot has helped me to manage and prioritise my time which is an important life skill – I was the only U6 pupil in the boys rowing team and training didn’t stop just because of A Levels, so I had to be super organised to ensure that I could fit everything in. I am grateful for that.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

Controversially perhaps for some, I always enjoy cup run – possibly because I won it every year I’ve raced it!!

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

Being able to see everyone every day – now everyone is going in different directions you realise how important friendships and connections are.

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Inspirational

Name

Charlie Jeffs

What did you study and are you happy to share your results?

Politics, Economics and Religious Studies

Were the results what you were expecting / hoping for?

I am happy with my results as they are what I need to get to the next stage of my life.

What’s next? Uni / year off / apprenticeship, etc

Liberal Studies at Waseda University in Tokyo

What has taken you down that path?

It was a combination of factors. I want to go into diplomacy so I thought it would be better to study abroad to get a more international perspective. Plus, the course is gives me greater freedom in what I choose to study – I am not restricted to a single subject, meaning I can do lots of humanities and I can later specialise in a field like International Relations. I have never been to Japan but I have been learning Japanese since December and attending Japanese language exchanges every weekend. It’s a fun language although it is hard but it’s more than worth it to engage with the culture and people.

What’s the dream job?

Diplomacy – would love to be a diplomat and eventually hopefully an ambassador.

What have you loved most about being a pupil at Norwich School?

Where do I even begin? The quality of education is fantastic. Plus, of course, the wonderful location and beautiful buildings. I have had lovely teachers – who know their subject very well and very often go way beyond the syllabus. Plus the school encourages academic curiosity.

What is your fondest memory of your time at Norwich School?

The time I have spent with my friends – we even had a band, although never played in public! Plus I’ve had many memorable moments in lessons and going on school trips has also been fantastic.

What will you miss most about being at Norwich School?

I will genuinely miss the teachers. I owe them so much and they are genuinely wonderful people The Cathedral surroundings are also very different to what I can expect in Japan but I am looking forward to my next adventure!

Can you sum up your Norwich School experience in one word?

Enlightening – simply just in terms of how much my horizons have been opened and how differently I see the world receiving this quality of education

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On the Front of the Book - An Assembly from Rev Child

By Eleanor Lewis • September 19, 2025

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-27) There’s a saying that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. Years ago I met someone who doesn’t like that saying very much. That’s because his job is to design book covers. I watched him lead a really interesting seminar where he showed us some of his designs. He explained how his artwork was trying to sum up – on just one piece of laminated, folded paper - the message and themes of all the other pages in the book. Just occasionally, some book covers do this by choosing a key phrase from the book and putting it in large letters on the front. A famous example is Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell, where some editions had a cover that read: ‘Big Brother is Watching You’. If you know the story then you’ll recognise that as the sinister propaganda message that no-one can get away from. Some copies of the Lord of the Rings had printed on the front ‘One ring to rule them all’. And The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams had just two words on the cover of some editions – ‘DON’T PANIC’. It begins to make sense when you discover that some of the characters in the story are using a space travel guide (the Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy) which is designed to help you through any difficult situation. And what makes the guide so successful and popular is that its first principle is on the front cover. Whatever happens – DON’T PANIC. Have a look at the cover of your hymn book for a moment. What do you think? We’ve gone for a pretty classic look. The name of our school in gold embossed lettering, and the school crest complete with a motto in Latin for a classy finish. Sometimes I wonder – entirely hypothetically – how we might redesign the cover. If you were going to put a few words on the front, one essential message that everyone in the school was going to see at the beginning of every day, what would it be? Here are a few suggestions I got from people around the school, some more serious than others: · “Show Love” · “Shine Bright!” · “Treat others as you would like to be treated” · “Do some work in your study periods” · “Wake Up!” Actually, I think the words ‘DON’T PANIC’ might work here too. I hope you’re realising, now that we’re a few weeks into term, that panicking is never worth it – and if you’re tempted to panic then sharing your problem and talking to someone almost always helps. Maybe that would be good to remember at the start of the school day. This also reminds me of one of my favourite passages from the Bible, the words of Jesus we heard just now: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? … Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” I’ve had times myself where those words from the Sermon on the Mount have given me some perspective. Perhaps part of that passage would work well on the front of our hymn books – that wouldn’t be a bad thing to keep remembering. We’re not about to reissue the school hymn books with a new cover any time soon. But there’s nothing stopping you imagining a message on the front of the hymn book – whatever you need that message to be. “Don’t panic.” “Do not worry.” “Show love.” Why not have a few helpful words in your mind’s eye every time you pick up these blue books in the morning?

Air Raid Shelter Open to Visitors

By Sonja Mitchell • September 19, 2025

As part of Heritage Open Days we were delighted to open the Air Raid Shelter and Norwich School Chapel to visitors this month.

Lower 2 Experience Stone Age Life!

By Eleanor Lewis • September 12, 2025

Lower Twos had a wonderful Stone Age Day, immersing themselves in activities such as tool-making, fishing techniques, and learning about the hides. They built a fire, cooked fish over it, which they all then tried, and some even bravely tried the eyeballs! Using tools and instruments made from bone, the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and are eager to continue exploring this era in their Topic lessons throughout the Michaelmas term.

The role of languages to build a better world – the scintillating return of the Norfolk Cambridge Society to Norwich School

By Eleanor Lewis • September 11, 2025

Norwich School has an established tradition of working with partner organisations to host high-quality lectures on our site. We are particularly proud of our links with the prestigious Norfolk Cambridge Society, whose long-running series of 23 lectures has been amazing. The 24 th public lecture took place in the Blake Studio on 11 September 2025 in front of a capacity audience comprising school pupils, parents, staff, alumni, and interested members of the city’s intelligentsia. It was of particular interest to the Norwich School community that the speaker was one of our own: Old Norvicensian Professor Charles Forsdick , Drapers Professor of French at the University of Cambridge and Lead Fellow for Languages at the British Academy. He has published widely on travel writing, colonial history and literature, penal culture and slavery, all reflective of his lifelong humanitarianism. His topic was “The Role of Language Skills in Building a Better World“ in which he discussed the growing importance of language skills in an increasingly complex and dangerous world. Charles is well known as an academic of great insight and erudition, combined with natural talent as a brilliant communicator, a lively sense of humour and a profound social conscience. His love of languages has firm roots in the teaching he received at Norwich School. Indeed, his hometown of East Dereham featured prominently in his talk, and his links to the school and to Norfolk remain strong, Following his talk and over refreshments a lively debate continued, discussing a wide variety of thorny issues brought up in his talk. These included the short-sightedness of monolingualism, the value of languages to improving vaccine take-up during the pandemic, our woeful language proficiency versus our European neighbours and challenges with current grade boundaries in language A Levels. It was a pleasure welcoming the Norfolk Cambridge Society and an illustrious speaker of such calibre on site for such a compelling event. We greatly look forward to next term’s lecture to take place on 5 February 2025: How AI Works and How it will Transform our Lives given by Neil Lawrence , DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge, Senior AI Fellow at the Alan Turing Institute and Visiting Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Sheffield. Booking is now open, and tickets are selling fast. See this link: Lecture: How AI Works and How it will Transform our Lives – Norfolk Cambridge Society . - Jonathan Pearson, Development Director ( jpearson@norwich-school.org.uk )

A Vibrant Welcome Service for New Pupils

By Eleanor Lewis • September 7, 2025

On the first Sunday of term new pupils and their families were greeted with refreshments and invited to a Welcome Service in the cathedral. The reflective words of evening prayer were accompanied by an poignant address from the Head, Steffan Griffiths, and two pieces beautifully sung by Norwich School’s Chapel Choir. Various pupils led the readings and placed familiar objects from school life on the cathedral’s altar during the prayers, expressing their hopes for the year ahead. The service was a chance to sit back and reflect but also to look ahead to an exciting term and academic year. We hope everyone enjoyed the service and that our Norwich School families had a taste of what goes on in our services and assemblies.

Tom Little KC, Prizegiving Speaker 2025, Reflects on his Time at Norwich School

By Eleanor Lewis • September 5, 2025

On Friday 5 September, we were honoured to welcome Tom Little KC. as guest speaker for Prizegiving 2025. Tom is one of the most senior and respected King’s Counsel in the country. He is now the First Senior Treasury Counsel, where he frequently appears in Court of Appeal and Supreme Court in cases of general public importance. An illustrious career has seen him secure successful prosecutions in some of the country’s most high profile and challenging criminal cases, including the appalling kidnap, rape and murder of Sarah Everard in 2021 and the brutal murders of sitting MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. He is also a former pupil at Norwich School, an ON, and enjoys close links to Norfolk. We followed up with Tom after Prize Giving….. When were you at Norwich School? From 1982 to 1991. What House were you in? Coke What did you study for A Level and what did you go on to study at University? History, English and Politics. I studied History at Nottingham University before then undertaking the Law Conversion Course. Can you tell us a few career highlights since leaving school? Being appointed Treasury Counsel in 2012, taking silk in 2017 and the successful prosecution of Wayne Couzens in 2021. What was your fondest memory of being a pupil at NS? Success and camaraderie on the cricket pitch including taking 8 wickets against Culford. What were your greatest life lessons learnt whilst at school? The importance of hard work, independence and teamwork. Are you still in touch with friends you made at the school? Yes, with a number of them including my oldest friend Oliver Duval who I have known since we were less than a year old and whom I see regularly. Returning as a visitor to the school for Prizegiving, what are the biggest changes you noticed? An even greater range of extra-curricular activities, the clear success of the school and positive advantage that the school is not just an all boys school as it was in my time. Looking back, what nuggets of advice would you give a young pupil today? There is nothing that you cannot do from Norwich School. You can read Tom Little’s inspirational address here: Good evening everyone. It is a huge privilege and honour to have been asked as an ON to present the prizes this evening. I left Norwich School 34 years ago but tonight it still seems like yesterday, that on a Summer’s Day in 1991 when the West Door opened and I processed down the Cathedral at the front for what I thought would be the last time in my life. I was carrying the Cross as a Chapel Choir Chorister. I had sung in that Choir for 8 years. Today I have been given the chance to turn the clocks back and to process yet again, but without a cassock, surplus and ruff but this time as your Principal Guest. 35 years ago was the last time I spoke in this Cathedral. It was in the Lower Sixth. I remember walking up those steps of the pulpit. It was a relatively daunting experience. But one thing that I want to say today and which is consistent with what I will say tonight is that Norwich School prepared me for that: whether it was singing as a chorister (and being told that you are singing a solo and even if you fluff it up you do it again and you do it well) or whether it was debating as part of the debating team or whether it was just part of school life and being tested and challenged by John Willday in Politics classes, whatever it may have been it prepared me to walk up those steps. I was a bit nervous. I don’t get quite so nervous these days, as the day job involves a bit of talking, but the school prepared me for that and for everything. You can and should all be very proud of your achievements and successes. They reflect so well not just on you, but also on your parents for the support and encouragement they give and to the efforts of this great school and its teachers and all of its support staff that have been referred to already. Indeed, it is a school that I am proud to have been part of all those years ago and without which I have no doubt that I would not have been able to have done what I have done in my career. It is the breadth of the education at this school and in particular the extra-curricular activities that set me on my way. I had, I think, looking back an assured Norwich School confidence. It is something that nearly all my friends from that year have. I have no idea where on earth it comes form, but we all have it. A belief, certainly that I had, that anything and everything was possible if you tried hard enough. I should also say this – not only should you be proud, but you should all be pleased that things have moved on from the Prize Days in my day. Back then it occurred in the Summer, invariably on a boiling hot day in St Andrews Hall. Every pupil had to attend. It seemed like it took all day. There was always a very long speech from the principal guest who seemed to be some old buffer, who appeared to be as old as the hills and who went on and on. I cannot believe that I now run the risk of being regarded by you as some old buffer. I can promise you though that this will not be a long speech. Indeed, in those days there were only about a third as many prizes but it still went on forever. I was looking back in advance of speaking today about my time at Norwich School. I had thought I had only won two prizes but in fact I won three when I went back through the old Norvicensians. The prize that I had forgotten about is the only one that still exists. The Cater Prize for German. That is still going strong and which Lucy Hornbrook was awarded tonight. In those days it was a prize for effort in German rather than for achievement. I would not have won it if it had been for achievement. The other two prizes I won were the Stepheson Prize for Local History which I won twice. That does not exist anymore I see. You had to write a very long essay on Local History. I am fairly sure that I was the only entrant in the two years that I won because in the only other year I entered another pupil beat me. So, in reality you have all already beaten me in your achievements tonight by the prizes you have been awarded tonight. There is much nostalgia in much that I have said and am going to say. I was struck by the number of former teachers, and also Chris Brown as headmaster, whose names appear in the prizes that have just been awarded. They bring back memories in particular Mike Wilson and the wall bars. That is something that you would not understand unless you were at school in the 1980s and 1990s. There are three topics that I want to cover briefly. Like any good advocate should do, I will tell you what they are and then briefly develop the topic. First , and which has been trailed already, the importance of the law and the rule of law Second whatever you want to go on to do, thinking like an advocate will always help you Third why you should not ignore law as a potential career The importance of law and the rule of law The rule of law when I was at Norwich School was very much run by one man, Alan Arnold. He was the Deputy Headmaster who would put the fear of God into you whether you had done something wrong or even if you hadn’t done anything wrong. We live in uncertain and unsettled times. That means that respect for law and order and the rule of law is more important than ever. Lawyers are not universally popular and there are a number of aspects of the current application of the ECHR which are problematic. However, the rule of law is integral to our national and economic security. It prevents abuse of power, tyranny and potential chaos. It allows individuals and the Government to be held to account if appropriate. Lawyers and Judges are integral to that, and they are not the enemies of the people. Shakespeare in Henry VI Part 2 famously wrote “Kill all the lawyers”. In fact, that statement when properly understood in its context was supportive of lawyers because the need first of all to kill not just some of the lawyers but all the lawyers was by those wanting to seize power and control. Beware all criticisms of lawyers and Judge. Some may be justified but not all of them. Why thinking like an advocate is likely to help you whatever career you choose Advocates should think logically. It is the art of persuasion in order to win. Persuading the jury that the person I am prosecuting is guilty of the charge they face. That involves a lot of thought and preparation. Thinking about the points to make. The order in which to make them and the link between them. You also have to think about points the other side will make and seek to be able to answer or demolish them or to acknowledge they have force but why on this occasion they are not critically important. That logical approach is important when writing essays at A level and University, but it goes well beyond that. Many other jobs involve similar skills of presentation and persuasion. In some respects, I am no more than a salesman selling my case. So whether it is marketing or to win a contract or as a Politician or to encourage your fellow partners or staff about a particular course of action you should think like an advocate. Important decisions in life should be taken with careful and logical reflection having weighed up the pros and cons. You are also never too young to start to think like a lawyer. As I said it is integral to essay writing but even before that persuading your parents of why you really should be allowed to do something that you would like to do (like going to a party) but they are dubious or not happy about. Stroppiness and stamping your foot does not work in Court and it will not work at home. Think about the points that your parents will make about why you cannot do something and work out what logical points you can make against them. I appreciate by giving that last piece of advice I am running the risk of alienating a large part of the audience here this evening. Sorry. Don’t ignore the possibility of becoming a lawyer I was called to the Bar in 1997. So nearly 30 years ago. I can hand on heart say that I still love my job. That is rare in life. I still jump out of bed every morning looking forward to the day ahead and the rollercoaster world of prosecuting a murder or terrorism trial at the Old Bailey. It is enormously enjoyable and hugely rewarding professionally. We will always need lawyers and your success in whatever subject means you have the acumen to succeed as a lawyer. Whilst AI will have an impact in certain areas of law it will never replace the need for an advocate in Court nor many other legal roles. So do not be put off. And do not be put off by this. I always thought I wanted to go to Oxford. They rightly rejected me. But when I was at Nottingham University the careers advisor said ‘do not go to the Bar you did not go to Oxbridge and so you will not succeed’. That careers advisor did not appreciate that my Norwich School assuredness and drive and determination meant that I was not going to accept his negligent advice and so on I went. That is a reflection on the education I received at Norwich School. I want to finish where I started with some more nostalgia about the success that you can have at this school and importantly after this school. Rather than get an ABC car or more accurately a Veezu car at Norwich station when I arrived earlier today I walked along the river and over Bishop Bridge and into the Close. Past the Lower Close reminiscing on many cricket matches played on that field including my last catch in the Upper Sixth to win the game. Then up to the Barberolli Room recalling winning the House Music solo singing Competition (but having heard Lana sing this evening I would not have won against her) and then down to the Chapel. Then to the Refectory. I was concerned. The food in my day was awful. Much has changed at Norwich School including the food which this evening was excellent. Looking back now I loved my time here. Cherish your time at this great School but be assured that you can build on your successes today and be assured like me that anything and everything is possible at and after Norwich School.

Head's Address from the Start of Michaelmas 2025

By Eleanor Lewis • September 3, 2025

Welcome to the start of the new academic year. Whether this is a return or your first year, it is a delight to have the 25/26 Norwich School community together in the Cathedral. Some of you are entering your last year of school and are already thinking specifically about UCAS applications, apprenticeships and predicted grades. Our new Lower Sixth have the exciting prospect of new subjects, new uniform, new friends and new opportunities. Others are in the middle of or entering the GCSE years and focusing on setting up strong work habits to cope with an increasing workload. Further down the school, you may be starting Lower Five or Lower Four and thinking about how the bigger year-groups will work out, both academically and socially. Upper Four are involved here too; no longer the youngest in the school, we look to you to be welcoming and set a good example to those around you. Whichever stage you are at in your Norwich School journey, I hope you are ready to make the most of another year of education in Cathedral Close, this extraordinary learning environment that we are fortunate to enjoy. I saw a phrase over the holiday which may prove a helpful guideline as you establish your priorities. It was written in the changing room of the British and Irish Lions rugby team during their summer tour of Australia. The phrase was “We go beyond” and I invite you to reflect on it: “we go beyond”. Initially, I thought it was a simple encouragement to try hard, something which is necessary in a sport as physically exacting as rugby union, as we are seeing on our TV screens as the Red Roses attempt to win their home women’s World Rugby Cup. However, these encouragements for effort can quickly morph to a post-game stereotype of “giving 110% and being over the moon at the end of the day”. I would not draw such glib platitudes to your attention. I am also cautious to draw attention to changing room culture; we have made much progress at Norwich School in recent years to leave behind the macho toxicity that can sometimes be found there. However, the head coach, Andy Farrell, is a renowned motivator so I reflected more on what might be behind the phrase, regardless of one’s interest in rugby. For those unfamiliar with the Lions rugby tour concept, it only happens once every four years as the home nations of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland produce a composite side made up of the best players from each team. It is a romantic concept which is unusual in modern elite sport, tying into supper table conversations about the best team and the fantasy league or FIFA game models which are so popular. The challenge to create tactical and attitudinal cohesion from players who are typically on opposite sides must be significant; “we go beyond” is a call both to demand more of oneself and to contribute to the overall dynamic in order to create a culture of success. What might such a process mean in practice for us at Norwich School? Some of you may remember your Welcome Service from the start of the year and, if you are joining this term, do come with your families on Sunday afternoon as it is a lovely occasion. In it, I use the following phrase in my address: “Be the one to do the extra practice question, the extra lap, the extra rehearsal but also to be the one to volunteer, to help your friend, to open the door, to offer a smile”. It is perhaps our version of “going beyond”: involving yourselves in the different things we offer, both in and out of the classroom, but also contributing more than one might expect in our community; being helpful and supportive to others; assisting others in the way that you would want to be assisted, especially when things are hard. If each of us takes such an approach, we will create an extraordinary community in action for the coming year, one where expectations are exceeded and the sum is greater than its parts. This line of thinking opens up an extra dimension of Andy Farrell’s strapline for the Lions: “We go beyond” becomes a voyage of exploration where we go to places that have not yet been visited and accomplish achievements that had not been anticipated. The Lions certainly wanted to set precedents, securing their legacy by being unbeaten. I am no less ambitious for Norwich School in this coming year: if each of us “goes beyond”, we might take ourselves further than was thought possible, both individually and collectively. Much of the planning and attitude we show is in our control and I hope you talk to your family, friend and teachers in order to set exciting targets for yourselves. However, we should all acknowledge that we cannot be in charge of everything and we should be ready to react during the coming year. I like the sailing phrase: “we cannot control the wind but we can adjust the sails”. Part of “going beyond” is an appropriate individual and collective reaction to our changing environment. So I finish with an encouragement for you to practise enjoyment, to be intentional about creating time and space for things that make you smile, give you pleasure or help you to unwind. “Going beyond” should not be a relentless chore and I am keen that you experience joy at school and at home in the year ahead. Christine Webber, the EDP columnist, talks about enjoyment as a muscle which needs exercising: “build high spots into every day…keep a check on how often you smile (at someone or something)…when you put effort into keeping up your levels of enjoyment, you become more likely to notice and take pleasure in happy happenings”. I agree with this, so my key concluding message is to encourage you to be productive and ambitious for the coming year (remember “we go beyond”), but this should not be instead of or at the expense of looking after yourselves. Indeed, the ideal is that we enjoy our programme of activities sufficiently that we want to commit to going be yond in them. Overall, there should be enough space and rest to allow your whole programme to be sustainable. It is great to start the year with you and I look forward to seeing you around school in the coming days

Cricket Catch Up from the Summer Break

September 1, 2025

Cricket Catch Up from the Summer Break It has been wonderful to see the Norwich School contingent for Swardeston perform so well. Lawry Williams (who was named man-of-the-match) led their U19 squad with Lewis, Ollie and Deeran to victory in their T20 competition on Monday 25 August, winning the Norfolk Cricket Foundation Vitality Club U-19 T20 Trophy. We have had several players involved with Norfolk, England Over 40’s and Bunbury’s over the years… Highlights include - Ollie Longdon Scoring 87 and 90 at Bunbury in the 2-day fixture. Maiden 50 in the EAPL at 15. Tom Bush Bunbury selection. Bella Lewis Bella was an amazing captain for the U15 girls this year and currently leads the Norfolk youth wicket taking stats with 28 wickets including 5 for 21 against Harrow. Bella Borges Bella scored an amazing 1,086 runs for the 2025 season over three ages groups including U15, U18 and Norfolk Ladies first XI. This has made her top of the batting for all of Norfolk Youth. Best of Bella's Stats: 153 for the U18’s against Suffolk. 102* for the U15’s against Cricket East and 5 wickets for 13 runs. 119 against Herfordshire for the U15s. 80* off 26 balls v Cambridgeshire for U15’s. 59 v Shropshire for ladies first XI. Not only impressive batting but bowling too, taking 23 wickets including the 5 for 13 off her 4 overs in the U15 T20 game v Cricket East. Staff achievements - Alfie Cooper and the Norfolk Men’s winners of the national T20. Richard Sims selection and 50 runs scored for the England over 40 team against Scotland.

Kwame Bekoe (L6) Represented England in the U18 International Series

By Eleanor Lewis • August 22, 2025

Lower 6 pupil, Kwame Bekoe, has represented England U18s in the 2025 U18 International Series in South Africa this summer. Kwame started at lock in the opening fixture against Georgia, before coming off the bench to make a strong impact in the second match against France. His performances earned him a place in the starting XV for England’s clash with tournament hosts South Africa on Saturday 16 August. Kwame is a member of the Leicester Tigers Academy and has been a standout player for the school’s First XV since joining the side in Upper Fifth. To celebrate his success, we asked him a few questions... How long have you been playing rugby? I started rugby at 9 years old with Norwich Rugby Football club. So I've been playing for about 8 years now. How often do you train? In season I'll train with school 2-3 times a week and with tigers 1-2 times a week. I also try and go to the gym at least 5 days a week. How did you get into the Leicester Tigers Academy? I officially got into the academy in year 11 after attending numerous developmental training sessions hosted by tigers since the start of year 10. I was put forward by my rugby club coach to be apart of these sessions and was kept through the pathway after multiple selections until I was selected for the academy. How did you get selected for the U18 International Series in South Africa? Fortunately, I was selected for the England U17 may development camp after missing out on being selected for the first camp in April. It was a four day camp with a match on the fourth day and this camp determined which players out of the 46 on camp would play in the summer series. How did it go? It was a great two weeks with a great group of talented players. Unfortunately we didn’t come away with a win but everyone got better as players and had a wonderful experience playing at international level. What was the best part? The best part for me was after the France game having a dinner party with all the teams (Georgia, Ireland, France, England and South Africa) and having a good time singing and dancing with all the players. What was the most challenging? The most challenging part for me was matching the physicality of the national teams as they were all exceptionally strong and maintained a relentless level of intensity throughout the games. It was also challenging to memorise all the calls and plays that we used for the 3 games. How has Norwich School supported your rugby journey? Norwich has helped especially with providing transport to training with tigers. They have also supported me with sports scholarship programme to help with mentally and physically preparing myself before matches. The coaches have also taught me a lot since joining in year 7 and some skills that I still use to this day. What's next? Hopefully I will be selected for more England Camps towards the end of the year and being selected for the U18 Six Nations in 2026. What are your future prospects in Rugby? I hope to continue playing rugby at a high level in order to improve and become the best player I can be.

GCSE Results Day 2025 - We Hear From Some of our Pupils Who Received Their Results Today...

By Eleanor Lewis • August 21, 2025

It was a real pleasure to welcome back our 2025 GCSE pupils today as they collected their results. The atmosphere was full of excitement, with many smiling faces as pupils celebrated their hard-earned successes. We are enormously proud of such a strong performance from this year’s cohort, including: 29% of our pupils achieved a grade 9 Over half our pupils (54%) achieved grades 9-8 74% of our pupils achieved grades 9-7 There were also some outstanding individual performances, including 10 candidates with 10 x grade 9 or better and 35 candidates with at least 9 x grades 8 or 9. We caught up with some of the pupils to learn more about their personal successes and hear about what lies ahead for them.