Notre Dame High School, Norwich Review 2026: Catholic Tradition Meets Contemporary Ambition

In the heart of Norwich's historic city centre stands a school shaped by 160 years of Catholic education. Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1864, the school still bears their influence in its mission to teach young people "what they need to know for life." Today, Notre Dame educates around 1,600 students across Surrey Street, its sprawling Victorian and modern campus occupying land that once contained orchards and small farms when the Sisters lived on-site. The chapel, in continuous use since 1896, anchors the school's religious life, while contemporary facilities — the St Peter's Science Building, the St Paul's Sports Hall, and the modern St Mary's Sixth Form Centre — reflect decades of strategic investment. The school's Good rating from Ofsted in February 2024, paired with an Outstanding grade for personal development, signals a school balancing rigorous academics with genuine pastoral care. Mixed-gender and non-selective, Notre Dame serves families across Norfolk seeking a school where Catholic values integrate naturally into daily life.

The architectural layers of Notre Dame tell a story of evolution. The Victorian heart of the campus dates to the school's founding; the Georgian mansion foundations predate even that. Yet walking through the grounds reveals not a museum but an active, purposeful community. Recent significant investment — the refurbished Drama Studio within St Paul's Building (completed 2006), the purpose-built St Mary's Centre for Sixth Formers (2006), and the ongoing modernisation of science and languages facilities — demonstrates institutional commitment to contemporary learning. The school occupies one of the largest private gardens in Norwich's city centre; in spring, the wild crocus lawns draw comment from visitors arriving up the main drive.

Under the leadership of Mr Tom Pinnington, the school projects a warm, welcoming ethos while maintaining clear academic expectations. The school's Catholic character is genuine without being exclusionary. Collective worship occurs regularly, and the chapel serves as a genuine spiritual hub rather than a historical relic. Staff describe a community where pupils feel empowered to express themselves, with the school's Ofsted inspection confirming this culture is authentic. The Gospel values — faith, hope, forgiveness, and peace — feature prominently in policy and conversation, yet the school actively welcomes families of all faiths, with over a quarter of students reporting first languages other than English, creating a genuinely multicultural community.

Behaviour is consistently described as good. Students move calmly between lessons; the atmosphere is purposeful without feeling pressurised. The school's status as part of the St John the Baptist Catholic Multi Academy Trust since 2016 has strengthened partnerships with other Catholic schools regionally, enabling shared resources and best practice, though Notre Dame maintains its distinct identity and character.

GCSE Performance

Students entering GCSE demonstrate solid progress against their starting points. The school's Attainment 8 score of 57.5 reflects strong performance across the core eight qualifications. In the most recent data, 42% of pupils achieved grades 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate subjects — English, mathematics, sciences, languages, and humanities — a figure exceeding the England average of 41%. Progress 8 scores of +0.6 indicate pupils progress above average from Key Stage 2 to Key Stage 4, positioning Notre Dame significantly above the national baseline.

The school ranks 612th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% of schools nationally (top 13% percentile). Locally, it ranks 5th among Norwich secondary schools. This positions Notre Dame in the strong tier of comprehensive secondary schools, with results that exceed both local and national expectations. Subject specialism in languages, reflecting the school's specialist school status awarded in 2000, is evident in the breadth of language offerings and uptake at GCSE.

A-Level Performance

At A-level, the school serves approximately 400 students in Years 12 and 13. The A* grade proportion sits at 9%, with 21% achieving A grades, meaning 30% of entries reach the very top grades. When combined with B grades (28%), just under 58% of A-level entries achieve A*-B, compared to the England average of 47%. The school ranks 739th in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 35% of schools, suggesting solid mainstream sixth form performance rather than selective excellence.

Over 25 subjects are available at A-level, including both traditional academic subjects (Classical Studies, Economics, Further Mathematics) and contemporary options (Media Studies, Psychology, Sociology). The Extended Project Qualification and Renaissance Programme offer enrichment beyond standard A-levels. University destinations data reflects the effectiveness of this breadth: 50% of sixth form leavers progress to university, with a further 5% to further education and 27% to employment or apprenticeships.

The curriculum at Notre Dame follows the national framework with notable investment in specialist teaching. The school's linguistic specialism is evident across all key stages, with French beginning at Key Stage 3 and a strong Modern Languages department offering Spanish, German, and Latin. The St Catherine's Building, dedicated to languages, opened in 1996 and underwent significant refurbishment as part of the 2006-2008 development programme, providing specialist multimedia facilities that allow authentic language learning.

Science teaching benefits from the St Peter's Building, completed in 1994 with extensive laboratory provision. The school operates a traditional separate sciences model rather than combined science, enabling greater depth in each discipline. The school's commitment to STEM is particularly evident in the F1 in Schools programme, a flagship activity where pupils design and build Formula-style racing cars, competing at regional and national levels — calendar entries show F1 STEM Racing Regionals at both January and February. This bridges academic learning with real-world engineering, with pupils aged 14-18 engaging in project management, materials science, and competitive problem-solving.

Teachers are expected to have expert subject knowledge, and the Ofsted report confirmed this is evident in classroom practice. Lessons follow clear structures with high expectations for independent thinking. For students requiring additional support, the school's SEND provision operates within mainstream teaching, with specialist staff embedded in departments rather than withdrawn into separate units.

University Destinations

Over half of sixth form leavers progress to university. The school's tracking data shows consistent placement at research-led institutions, with particular strength in selective universities. In the most recent cohort, 21 students applied to Oxbridge, with offers made to 3 candidates and 1 progressing to either Oxford or Cambridge. This Oxbridge conversion rate of 33% reflects the competitive nature of applications — not all Oxbridge offers convert to acceptances — but signals that the school's teaching equips students capable of competing for places at the nation's most selective universities.

Beyond Oxbridge, leavers regularly secure places at Russell Group universities, including Imperial College, Edinburgh, Durham, and Bristol. The school's strong languages provision, particularly in Modern Languages, opens pathways to competitive courses in International Relations, Modern Languages, and area studies at leading universities. Three form groups of approximately 120 students per year group feed into sixth form, with roughly 50% continuing to university, suggesting a cohort of approximately 60-75 university entrants annually.

Post-16 Pathways

For those not pursuing university, 27% of sixth form leavers enter employment directly, while 6% begin apprenticeships. The school's location in Norwich's growing professional sector — financial services, electronics, engineering, and media industries all represent significant employment clusters — provides pathway opportunities. The school's Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) team coordinates support for all pathways, including apprenticeship coaching and employer engagement.

Notre Dame's extracurricular provision reflects both the school's Catholic tradition and contemporary educational practice. This is not a list of clubs but a carefully curated community of activities in which genuine commitment is evident.

Music and Performing Arts

Music occupies a central place in school life. The school maintains a chapel choir with a long tradition of liturgical performance, as well as a senior concert orchestra, both performing regularly at school events and external competitions. Individual music teaching occurs in the specialist music practice rooms within the main building, with approximately 40% of pupils learning at least one instrument. The Drama Studio, completed in 2006 within the St Paul's Building, provides a dedicated performance space with professional lighting and sound equipment. Annual dramatic productions showcase student talent, with recent productions drawing casts of 60+ performers, backed by student-operated orchestras.

STEM and Technology

The F1 in Schools programme stands as the school's signature STEM activity. Pupils aged 14-18 form engineering teams of 8-12, designing and manufacturing a single-seater racing car to compete against other schools' entries. The programme encompasses project management, materials science, mechanical engineering, and financial planning. Teams must maintain detailed engineering logbooks, present to judges, and operate within strict budget constraints. Competition occurs at regional and national levels, with the school hosting prepatory events throughout the academic year. This is not theoretical learning but genuine hands-on engineering, with pupils spending dozens of hours in workshops developing prototypes and refining designs.

Beyond F1, the school supports STEM clubs including coding and robotics groups, with evidence of engagement in local and regional competitions. The school's specialist Science facilities — St Peter's Building with its laboratory suite — provide dedicated space for project work.

Leadership and Community

The School Council provides elected representation from every year group, with students taking active roles in decision-making. The Head Students and Deputy Head Students, elected annually, lead meetings and represent pupil voice to senior leadership. Year Councils comprise elected representatives from each form group, enabling grassroots feedback. Prefects undertake pastoral duties, managing chapel activities and supporting younger students. The Sixth Form Council, operating within the dedicated Sixth Form common room area, coordinates social activities and welfare within Years 12-13. Leadership roles permeate the school structure, offering genuine responsibility rather than ceremonial positions.

Community Engagement and Charity

The CAFOD Club connects students to Catholic social teaching through charity fundraising and awareness campaigns. Club members engage with global justice issues, coordinate school fundraising events, and maintain connections with overseas partner schools. The Chaplaincy Crew, a student-led pastoral support group, works alongside the school's lay chaplain and pastoral staff to create a supportive community. Both groups reflect the school's mission to develop young people with "hearts as wide as the world."

The Culture Club provides space for exploring diverse cultures represented within the school community, celebrating the substantial proportion of international students and promoting intercultural dialogue. Activities include cultural celebrations, guest speakers, and social events showcasing the school's multicultural character.

Sports and Physical Education

All-weather tennis courts, a gymnasium with weights room, and the St Paul's Sports Hall (1985, extensively refurbished 2006) provide the facilities infrastructure. The hall, sized for four badminton courts, hosts netball, badminton, basketball, and volleyball teams. Students have access to basketball courts and participate in various school teams, though detailed team structures are not published on public sources. The school's location in Norwich's city centre limits on-site pitch provision; PE staff coordinate access to local facilities for football, rugby, and other grass sports.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme runs throughout the school, with students pursuing Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. The programme supports personal development through expeditionary, practical, and social components, aligning naturally with the school's values of service and personal growth.

Entry at 11+ (Year 7)

The school is non-selective; all pupils from its primary feeder schools progress through the standard Norfolk Local Authority coordinated admissions system. Applications are oversubscribed, with the school receiving 586 applications for 204 places in the most recent data, representing demand of 2.87 times oversubscription. Entry is determined by distance and siblings criteria after looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school.

Sixth Form Entry (16+)

Entry to the sixth form opens to students from outside the school as well as internal progression. The school offers approximately 25 A-level subjects. Applications open in October, with details available on the school website. The sixth form application process accepts pupils with strong GCSE results; specific grade requirements are published by subject, typically requiring grade 6 or above in related subjects.

Local Context

Located on Surrey Street in Norwich city centre, the school occupies a highly accessible location served by frequent bus routes and walking distance from Norwich railway station. The city centre location means restricted on-site parking but excellent public transport connectivity. The school explicitly notes that students are welcome to purchase lunch from the numerous food outlets near the school, reflecting its urban location as an asset rather than a constraint.

School Hours

The standard day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm, with sixth form students having additional access to the Learning Resource Centre from 8am opening. The library is available 4 days weekly until 5pm and Friday until 4:30pm.

Specialist Facilities

The school operates across seven named buildings: St Peter's (Science and Technology, completed 1994), St Paul's (Sports Hall, Drama Studio, 1985 with 2006 refurbishment), St Julie's (Reception and Administration, 1996), St Catherine's (Modern Languages, 1996), Lady Julian Building (Library and Careers Centre, refurbished 1995), and St Mary's (Sixth Form Centre, completed 2006). Additionally, specialist music practice rooms, a gymnasium and weights room, a Specialist Drama Studio, a Chaplaincy, and a Learning Resource Centre provide facilities for both mainstream and enrichment activity.

School Meals

Catering is provided on-site, with a refurbished cafeteria within St Mary's Building. Sixth form students also have access to external food outlets within Norwich's city centre.

Uniform

The school operates a formal uniform policy; details are available on the admissions pages.

The Ofsted inspection in February 2024 rated the school Outstanding for personal development, a notable strength. Students report feeling safe, supported, and valued. The school operates a form tutor system with tutor groups of approximately 20-25 pupils, providing continuity of pastoral relationships. Assistant Directors of Year manage each year group, supported by form tutors and a dedicated Student Welfare Team.

The school employs a Lay Chaplain and dedicated pastoral support staff. Mental health support is available, with referrals typically initiated through form tutors or year-group staff. The Chaplaincy Crew provides peer support, while the school's active counselling provision offers confidential support for students navigating personal challenges. Behaviour is consistently good; the school's restorative approaches to discipline emphasise dialogue and understanding over punishment.

The school's Catholic ethos creates an environment where students of all faiths feel welcome but also experience genuine spiritual community. Weekly Mass or liturgy attendance features in the school calendar; individual form groups attend periodic chapel services.

Catholic Identity: The school's Catholic character is genuine and pervasive. Daily prayer, regular Masses, and explicit religious teaching form part of school life. While families of all faiths are welcome and respected, those uncomfortable with a Catholic environment should carefully consider this factor.

Oversubscription: Entry at Year 7 is highly competitive, with nearly 3 applications per place. Distance is the determining criterion after the protected categories. Families should realistically assess whether proximity to Surrey Street is likely to secure admission.

City Centre Location: Lack of on-site pitch space means some PE occurs away from school. The location is excellent for public transport but means no car parking ease. During breaks, students have access to nearby city centre amenities, which some families appreciate but others view as a distraction.

Sixth Form Transition: The sixth form admits external students, so there is no automatic progression from Year 11 to Year 12. While internal students have priority, explicit GCSE grade requirements mean some do not progress. The cohort changes significantly between Year 11 and Year 12.

Notre Dame High School is a Catholic comprehensive with genuine institutional strength. Strong results, an outstanding personal development culture, and real extracurricular depth reflect a school executing its mission effectively. The founding principles — teaching young people "what they need to know for life" and developing "hearts as wide as the world"—are evident in daily practice, not merely rhetoric. The school balances academic rigour with pastoral care, tradition with contemporary relevance.

Best suited to families seeking a non-selective secondary school with Catholic values, strong academics, and genuine community. The school particularly appeals to families for whom Catholic education is important but where non-selective admission is preferred. The oversubscription barrier and city-centre location are practical considerations. For those within the catchment area with alignment to Catholic education, Notre Dame delivers a thoroughly credible comprehensive education.