The chapel bells mark the hours across the medieval cathedral precinct where Norwich School occupies one of England's most historically distinguished settings. Since 1096, when Bishop Herbert de Losinga established an episcopal grammar school, these grounds have nurtured some of Britain's most remarkable minds: Lord Nelson, Sir Edward Coke, and later, the Norwich School of painters who revolutionised British landscape art. In the 21st century, the school combines this weight of history with brisk contemporary energy. With approximately 1,170 pupils aged four to eighteen, Norwich School ranks 196th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it comfortably in the top 5%. The independent day school earned the highest possible grading in all areas of its 2023 ISI inspection. For families seeking an academically ambitious education in a setting of genuine architectural and cultural significance, with access to substantial facilities and strong pastoral structures, Norwich School delivers consistently.
The school's setting is immediately distinctive. Surrounded by the cloisters, vaults, and stone work of a living medieval cathedral, pupils move through lessons beneath centuries-old arches. This is not theatrical nostalgia; the physical environment genuinely shapes daily experience. Morning assemblies occur in the cathedral itself. Students encounter Norwich's Christian heritage not as abstract concept but as living context. The Head Master, Steffan Griffiths, arrived in September 2011 from Magdalen College School, Oxford, where he served as Usher. A Classicist educated at University College, Oxford, Griffiths brings intellectual seriousness and an unusual breadth to the role: he has read English Literature to first-class honours level from the Open University, played hockey for England at international level, and maintains active engagement with drama and the wider community. His appointment signalled a school confident in both its heritage and its future.
The 2023 ISI inspection, Norwich School's most recent comprehensive review, found the school achieved the highest possible grading in all areas of Educational Quality. The inspection process at ISI schools does not yield a single overall judgement like Ofsted, but rather detailed evaluation of each standards domain. Norwich School's 2023 report confirmed excellence across curriculum, teaching, pastoral care, wellbeing, and governance.
The atmosphere reflects what the school explicitly aims for: "academic depth and co-curricular breadth, along with the provision of opportunities for leadership and service within a loving, compassionate community." This is not merely promotional language. Pupils report genuine community cohesion. The house system provides continuity: eight named houses in the Senior School (Brooke House, Coke House, Nelson House, Parker House, Repton House, School House, Seagrim House, and Valpy House) provide pastoral oversight, with housemasters and tutors monitoring academic progress and general welfare. Each tutor group typically contains six to eight pupils, meeting daily for registration and weekly for longer pastoral sessions. In the Lower School, three houses (Conisford, Heigham, and Magdalen, named after Norwich's historic gates) serve the same function.
Behaviour is calm and purposeful. Pupils understand that effort, not merely natural ability, determines success. There is pressure to achieve, but the school consciously avoids becoming a "hot house." The school's phone policy, notably, Year 4 pupils (roughly age 8-9 upwards) cannot use mobile phones during the school day, reflects deliberate choice to encourage face-to-face relationships and deep focus.
Norwich School ranks 196th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 5%. In 2024, 70% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9-7 (A* or A), compared to the England average of 54%. This represents consistently strong performance. The school entered approximately 700 GCSE candidates across its cohort. Students pursue a broad curriculum, with option blocks allowing meaningful choice in subjects beyond the core English, Mathematics, and Sciences. The school's Christian character means Religious Studies is offered across all year groups, though is not compulsory for examination.
A-level performance places the school at 220th (FindMySchool ranking), in the top 10% in England. In 2024, 52% of grades achieved A* or A, and 78% achieved grades A-B. This places Norwich School above the England average for A-level attainment. Twenty+ subjects are available at A-level, including Classical Greek, Russian, History of Art, and Chinese. Most pupils study three A-levels; some pursue four.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
77.6%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
70.21%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum follows traditional academic lines, with strong emphasis on language, history, sciences, and mathematics. The school refounded in 1547 by Edward VI placed Classical education at its heart. That inheritance remains visible: Classics remains a thriving discipline, with take-up at GCSE and A-level significantly above national norms. However, the 19th-century shift towards breadth has been sustained. The school explicitly teaches toward examination success without reducing education to grade achievement.
Teachers demonstrate strong subject expertise. Lessons combine direct instruction with structured opportunity for pupils to think independently. The 2023 ISI inspection noted particularly the quality of teaching in sciences and languages. Differentiation ensures that pupils working at various levels can progress appropriately. Learning support is available for pupils requiring additional help; the school notes it provides support to pupils with diagnosed learning difficulties and sensory or physical needs, though specific staffing ratios and specialist therapies are not detailed on the main website (families should contact the school directly for detailed SEND provision).
Senior pupils benefit from dedicated sixth form space and time for independent study. The school offers the "Independent Project," an extended piece of individual research culminating in a dissertation-style work. Some sixth formers undertake an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The Sixth Form also offers university advice and guidance through the "Apply Plus" programme, which mentors students through the application process to selective universities, including Oxbridge preparation.
In The Close, Norwich, university progression in 2024 was 64% for sixth form leavers at Norwich School. Beyond this headline, the school publishes selective destination data. The majority of leavers progress to Russell Group universities. In the measurement period, 5 students secured places at Oxbridge (specifically, 5 at Cambridge and 0 at Oxford). Beyond Oxbridge, leavers regularly secure places at Durham, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Bristol, and other leading institutions. The school also reports occasional leavers to universities abroad (Hong Kong and the Netherlands are cited as examples). This reflects both academic strength and the school's small international cohort (approximately 15 international pupils, primarily in the sixth form via homestay arrangement rather than on-campus boarding).
Approximately 10% of GCSE pupils depart after Year 11, typically choosing local sixth form colleges, vocational study, or (occasionally) boarding schools elsewhere. The vast majority remain within the school system, a testament to retention and satisfaction.
Pupils typically transfer from Lower to Senior School within Norwich School. The school's structure allows genuinely smooth progression. The Lower School operates as a distinct phase (ages 4-11) with its own head and pastoral team, but shares facilities, staff expertise, and ethos with the Senior School. Transfer is automatic for the vast majority; departure is rare and occurs only where the school judges a child's needs cannot be adequately met.
Primary pupils progress to secondary schools across Norfolk and beyond. Town Close Preparatory School notes that the most popular secondary destination for its leavers in 2024 was Norwich School, followed by Norwich High School for Girls and other leading independents and grammars. This indicates Norwich School's reputation locally and its appeal to families seeking continuity within the independent sector.
Total Offers
9
Offer Success Rate: 27.3%
Cambridge
6
Offers
Oxford
3
Offers
The curriculum offers both breadth and specialisation. At GCSE, pupils must study English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, and Combined or Separate Sciences. The school enters pupils for individual sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) rather than the combined option, giving stronger grounding for those progressing toward STEM. Beyond mandatory subjects, pupils choose from option blocks including Languages (French, Spanish, German, Mandarin Chinese), Humanities (History, Geography, Religious Studies), and Creative subjects (Art, Music, Drama, Design Technology). This structure encourages well-rounded study.
The school explicitly resists the notion that education is solely preparation for examinations. Community service is embedded: sixth formers must undertake weekly-timetabled community service activities, with placements offering direct contact with the wider Norwich community. Duke of Edinburgh Awards run across all three levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold), with numerous pupils completing multiple awards. The school publishes that Young Enterprise scheme participation is standard, indicating entrepreneurship is cultivated alongside traditional academics.
Extracurricular life at Norwich School is richly developed. The school allocates substantial resources to clubs, societies, music, drama, and sport. The Friends of Norwich School parent organisation pledges approximately £15,000 annually to support these activities, a remarkable level of institutional parent investment.
Music occupies a prominent position in school life. The school educates the Cathedral Choristers, a formal role that underscores the music provision. The school publishes a robust music programme spanning ensemble performance, individual tuition, and community engagement.
Ensembles include:
Music students have regular performance opportunities. The school hosts the Norwich Baroque partnership, evidenced on the website, indicating affiliation with the early music movement. This suggests strengths in Baroque performance practice and historically informed interpretation beyond the typical school music programme.
Drama is equally substantial. The school mounts multiple productions annually:
This represents professional-level performance infrastructure. Multiple venues indicate rotating access and genuine integration with Norwich's cultural institutions. The scale suggests casts of 40+ students per production, meaningful creative roles beyond lead parts, and technical theatre training.
STEM provision extends well beyond standard science teaching. The school offers:
The school's 2023 ISI report specifically noted the strength of teaching in sciences, suggesting laboratory provision, practitioner expertise, and engagement with contemporary scientific practice.
Sports are integral to school life, offered on a "participation and performance" model. Every pupil is encouraged to engage; talented athletes receive additional support.
Sports facilities include:
Team sports include:
Sports Enrichment and Supported Sports Programmes provide scholarship-style support for exceptional athletes, enabling academic-athletic balance.
The school publishes recent success records: Football First XI achieved a mixed but improving season with competitive fixtures against other leading independent schools. Rowing has demonstrated particular success, with J18 crews placing in national rankings and Seniors competing successfully at major head races.
Named clubs and societies evidence the breadth on offer:
The breadth indicates a culture where pupils' interests, whether athletic, artistic, intellectual, or service-oriented, can find expression. The school consciously avoids a single "type" of pupil; diversity of interests is actively cultivated.
The school helps organize an annual regional arts festival running late June to early July, partnering with EPIC Studios, The Garage, Norfolk County Music Service, the Cathedral, Norwich Puppet Theatre, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, and Writers' Centre Norwich. The 2013 inaugural festival was officially launched by Dame Judi Dench, indicating the reach and ambition of this community-facing initiative.
Senior School (Years 7-13): £8,142 per term = £24,426 per year
Lower School:
Fees have been frozen at 2024/25 levels for Lower School and increased below inflation for Senior School. The school explicitly states it has worked to minimize fee increases given economic pressures on families.
Additional charges include: lunch (approximately £1,037-£996 per year depending on year group), external examinations (approximately £650 per GCSE, £450 per A-level), transport (bussed routes available at variable cost), and uniform. Before School Club is £3 per session; After School Care (16:00-18:00) is £7 per session.
The school offers means-tested bursaries and merit-based scholarships.
Bursaries are available at all entry points and can extend to full fee remission in cases of exceptional need. The school does not publish the percentage of pupils receiving bursaries, but emphasizes commitment to supporting families demonstrating genuine need.
Scholarships are awarded for academic, music, sport, art, and all-round achievement at entry points 11+, 13+, and 16+. These typically provide 10-25% fee reduction. The school notes scholarships are merit-based and emphasise enrichment as well as direct financial value, with benefits including subsidised music lessons, sports psychology coaching, performance platforms, and exhibition opportunities. Scholarships can combine with bursaries for families meeting both merit and need criteria.
Sibling discount: From September 2025, families with three or more children attending Norwich School simultaneously are eligible for a 20% reduction for the third child and 25% for the fourth child onward.
Fees data coming soon.
Entry points are at ages 4+ (Pre-Reception), 7+, 11+ (Lower School entry to Senior), 13+ (direct entry to Middle School), and 16+ (sixth form).
From age six, candidates sit written papers and are interviewed, with the process scaled appropriately for their age. The school does not publish specific pass marks or detailed assessment rubrics; families should contact admissions directly for specifics. The school is selective and consistently full to capacity. Places sometimes become available mid-year, but main entry is seasonal.
Lower to Senior progression is automatic for the vast majority. The 2023 ISI report confirmed the school's strong transition processes.
Sixth form entry from external schools does occur, with approximately 150+ sixth form pupils recruited each year from the local area. Entry requirements include a minimum GCSE performance and subject-specific prerequisites (e.g., A-level Mathematics typically requires GCSE Mathematics grade 7 or above; A-level sciences require GCSE science passes).
The school is selective and sought-after. The last distance offered (admissions criterion) varies annually depending on catchment demand. The school does not publish a rigid distance criterion; instead, places are allocated after looked-after children and those with EHCPs naming the school, then by distance from school gates as a tiebreaker. Families should contact admissions to verify current distance likelihood.
Pastoral structure is the backbone of school life. The house system provides continuity of care. Each pupil belongs to one house throughout their time at the school, fostering belonging and identity. Housemasters (active teachers with pastoral responsibility) oversee each house; tutor groups within houses are led by tutors who see pupils daily and weekly for pastoral time.
The school emphasises wellbeing explicitly. Pupils report generally positive wellbeing experiences. The 2023 ISI report noted strength in pupil wellbeing provision and safeguarding oversight. The school's explicit curriculum includes Pupil Personal Development, taught across the school.
Behaviour is managed through a clear policy aligned to school values. The school publishes that mobile devices are restricted during the school day for Year 4 pupils, a deliberate choice to foster face-to-face interaction and focus.
School Day: The Senior School day typically runs 8:30am to 3:30pm, with lessons during morning and afternoon blocks. The Lower School operates similar hours (exact times should be confirmed with the school).
Wraparound Care: Lower School offers Before School Club (07:30-08:00, £3 per session, cereal, toast, and fruit provided, no booking required) and After School Care (until 18:00, £7 per session additional charge).
Location: 71a The Close, Norwich NR1 4DD. The school occupies the historic cathedral precinct in central Norwich. Transport links include regular buses and the main railway station is approximately 1 mile away. The school operates its own minibus routes throughout Norfolk; families should check current timetables and charges with transport team.
Parking: Limited on-site parking; families are encouraged to use public transport, school buses, or walking where possible.
Selective entry and high demand: The school is consistently oversubscribed. Entry is competitive and requires successful performance in entrance assessments. Families should prepare children appropriately and be realistic about chances; the school's acceptance rate is selective.
Fee burden: At £24,426 per year for Senior School (before additional charges), Norwich School sits at the higher end of independent day school fees. While bursary support is available, families should carefully assess affordability before commitment. The school has frozen Lower School fees and kept Senior School increases below inflation, but affordability remains a genuine consideration for many families.
Mobile phone restrictions for Year 4: While aimed at promoting focus and relationships, some pupils find this restriction onerous. The school's rationale is sound, but families preferring greater personal device access should be aware.
Active participation expected: The school culture emphasizes engagement in academic, cultural, sporting, and service opportunities. Pupils are expected to contribute to house life, take part in community service, and participate in at least one club or society. Families seeking a more low-key approach should recognize the school's intentional culture of involvement.
Cathedral setting: While architecturally remarkable, the Cathedral Close is a busy religious and tourist site. Pupils move between lessons in and around the cathedral precinct, which some may find stimulating and others distracting. Families should visit during a school day to experience the daily reality.
Norwich School combines genuine academic strength with real cultural and historical significance. Nine centuries of continuous operation, ISI recognition of excellence across all areas, GCSE performance in the top 5% in England, and A-level results well above average demonstrate educational substance. The pastoral system is genuine, not merely bureaucratic; houses provide continuity of care, and housemasters and tutors maintain close oversight of pupil progress and wellbeing. Music, drama, and creative arts are integral to school life rather than add-ons; sports provision is genuinely inclusive (participation for all) whilst supporting elite athletes seriously. Fees are substantial, but bursary and scholarship support exists, and sibling discounts from 2025/26 onwards acknowledge family costs.
Best suited to families seeking an intellectually rigorous, well-rounded independent education in a historic cathedral setting with strong pastoral care and genuine co-curricular engagement. The school works well for pupils who thrive on structure, community participation, and access to excellent teaching. Less suitable for families requiring maximum flexibility in school day timing, those uncomfortable with selection processes, or those seeking a less institutionally structured environment.
The main challenge is securing a place; admission is competitive. Once admitted, the education provided is excellent and the community notably strong.
Yes. Norwich School earned the highest possible grading in all areas of its 2023 ISI Educational Quality inspection. GCSE results (70% grades 9-7 in 2024) place the school in the top 5% in England (FindMySchool data). A-level attainment (52% A*/A in 2024) places it in the top 10% in England. Five students secured Oxbridge places in the measurement period, with the majority of sixth formers progressing to Russell Group universities. The school has maintained a strong academic tradition while developing rich co-curricular provision.
Senior School (Years 7-13) fees are £24,426 per year (£8,142 per term). Lower School fees range from £11,100 per year (Pre-Reception) to £21,726 per year (Years 3-6). These fees are for tuition only; additional charges include lunch, uniform, transport, and external examinations. Means-tested bursaries and merit-based scholarships are available at all entry points. From September 2025, families with three or more children receive a 20-25% discount on third and subsequent children's fees.
Entry is selective and consistently oversubscribed. The school is typically full to capacity. Main entry points are at ages 4+ (Pre-Reception), 7+, 11+, 13+, and 16+. All candidates from age 6 upwards sit written papers and interviews appropriate to their age. Families should contact admissions directly for specific assessment details and realistic entry chances. The school's selective nature means admission is not guaranteed; preparation and realistic expectations are important.
The school offers rugby, hockey, netball, football, cricket, rowing, sailing, tennis, dance, athletics, and basketball. Facilities include Daynes Sports Centre (indoor), Redmayne Playing Fields (outdoor), and partnership access to UEA Sportspark. Club activities include Cross-Country Club, Boat Club, and numerous non-sport clubs (DJ Club, Random Acts of Kindness, Photography, Societies for Politics, Amnesty International, etc.). The school explicitly operates a "participation and performance" model, sport for all, with additional support for elite athletes. All pupils are encouraged to participate.
Yes. The school educates the Norwich Cathedral Choristers, indicating formal integration with the cathedral music tradition. The school offers ensemble performance (multiple orchestras and chamber groups), individual tuition, and regular performance opportunities in professional venues (Norwich Baroque, the Playhouse, the Puppet Theatre). The Friends of Norwich School parent organization allocated £15,000 in 2022/23 for music equipment and activities, demonstrating institutional investment.
The school occupies a historic site in Norwich Cathedral Close. Facilities include Daynes Sports Centre (indoor multi-use sports hall), Redmayne Playing Fields (outdoor pitches), access to UEA Sportspark, and multiple teaching and performance spaces. The school has named houses providing pastoral bases (Brooke House, Coke House, Nelson House, Parker House, Repton House, School House, Seagrim House, Valpy House). Libraries and subject-specialist teaching areas are distributed across the cathedral precinct. Modern facilities exist alongside historic architecture; the school manages a blend of heritage setting and contemporary teaching infrastructure.
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