GSCE RESULTS 2022: INDIVIDUAL SUCCESS STORIES

August 25, 2022

After two extraordinary years, it was a delight to see our pupils receive their GCSE results today and there have been some outstanding individual performances including:

  • 1 candidate with 12 x 9
  • 2 candidates with 11 x 9
  • 7 candidates with 10 x 9
  • 19 candidates with 10 x 8 or 9
  • 36 candidates with 9 x 8 or 9

We caught up with a few of our pupils to find out more about their individual achievements…

Jay Ambadkar


Jay achieved an incredible set of 12 x grade 9s in his GCSEs and says they were better than he ever expected. Out of only 13 pupils in England to achieve 12x grade 9s at GCSE, this result is even more impressive. Jay will go on to take Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry at A Level and is most excited for Sixth Form because he will be able to study subjects that he enjoys and have a chance to explore other interests he has outside of these subjects in his free periods. Alongside this, Jay is working towards his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award (which involves him volunteering in his local library) and he has rather excitingly started the new Sixth Form year as Head of Erpingham Society - a great achievement.

Maddie Hallam



Maddie was delighted with her results, which she says were better than she hoped for. Maddie achieved 9 x grade 9 and 1 x grade 7 and will go into Sixth Form to study Biology, Chemistry and Psychology. She says she hopes then to go on to university to study Biotechnology or “something sciency”. Meantime, she is looking forward to Sixth Form life, especially meeting the new pupils who are joining the school to study for their A Levels.


Jonathan Ikazaboh



Jonathan achieved 4 x grade 9, 4 x grade 8 and 2 x grade 7 and will study Maths, Physics and Economics at A Level. In the future, he would like to work with statistics and data studies, but in the meantime, he says he is looking forward to going into the Sixth Form “to study subjects I am passionate about.” Jonathan is also a keen sportsman and is on the school’s first rugby team. 


Evie Hayward



Evie achieved 2 x grade 9, 2 x grade 8, 3 x grade 7 and 2 x grade 6 and will go on to Sixth Form to study Geography, RS, Psychology and 2D Art. Her long term goal is to be a primary school teacher or a graphic designer. Evie is looking forward to entering Sixth Form, in particular the free periods as she says she loves studying in her own time. When she is not focusing on her academic studies, Evie plays the flute and was part of the school’s cheerleading squad.


Madeline Pike



Madeline achieved 5 x grade 9, 3 x grade 8 and 2 x grade 7 and will go on to study Biology, Chemistry and either Physics or Maths. Madeline is a keen sportswoman and plays on the school’s netball team, as well as water polo outside school. In addition, she is active in the school’s extra curricular programme and performed circus skills in the Senior Dance Festival and Gala Night last year.


Chester and Hugo Dimoglou



Chester and Hugo are one of 5 sets of twins in this cohort and the brothers each achieved an impressive 10 grade 9. They are both looking forward to Sixth Form and say they particularly like the opportunity of narrowing down the subjects; Chester will study Spanish, Maths, Theatre Studies and English, and Hugo will study Maths, Economics, Theatre Studies and Physics. The brothers also both enjoy performing arts and were an impressive double act hosting the Senior School Dance Festival, as well as taking part in Legally Blonde the Musical.


Kaitlin Wolmarans



Kaitlin achieved 6 x grade 9, 3 x grade 8 and 1 x grade 5 and is going to study 2D Art, 3D Art, English Literature and Psychology in Sixth Form. Beyond that she is considering either university or an apprenticeship. She says she is looking forward to A Levels and expanding her knowledge about subjects she loves. She is also looking forward to being in the Sixth Form and the independence it brings. As well as her studies, Kaitlin loves dancing, including disco, street and commercial; she is also in the school netball team.


Finney Harrod


Finney was thrilled with his results and will go onto Sixth Form to study Spanish, German and Business Studies. He says he is really looking forward to Sixth Form as it is an exciting chance to study subjects he has chosen more in-depth. He is also looking forward to being in the senior production of Footloose when he returns to school in September. Finney wanted to say “Thank you to all the teachers, as well as my friends, who have all been so supportive, and especially to my parents.”. In the future he hopes to do something in the sporting world, either through sports journalism or as a player liaison.


Matthew Hudson



Matthew achieved an impressed 10 x grade 9 and is planning to study History, German, Politics and Graphics. He is really looking forward to Sixth Form, where he says he is most looking forward to the freedom to study independently. Matthew also has a strong community spirit and volunteered for the Library last year.


Liv Hill & Tilly Hill


Liv says she is delighted with her results and was particularly happy to achieve a 9 in Sports Science and 2D Design, which she is going on to study at A Level, along with Psychology. Liv says she is really excited about Sixth Form and the prospect of making new friends with pupils joining in the new academic year. A keen sports person, Liv is in the schools cricket and hockey teams and plans to go to Loughborough to study Sports Science Coaching and Exercise. Liv is also a twin and says that with five sets of twins in the year group, there is lots of friendly rivalry and fun!


Tilly’s immediate response when she opened her results was “Mum, have I got the right results?”. So it is fair to say she is delighted with 2 x grade 9, 3 x grade 8 and 3 x grade 7. Tilly is going into Sixth Form to study 2D Art, 3D Art and Sports Science and plans to do a creative course at a university which offers sports as well as outstanding arts provision, so she can continue with her passion for cricket and hockey. In addition to sports, Tilly is a keen photographer and is launching a new photography club in the next academic year. She is also looking forward to studying in Sixth Form and focusing on subjects that she most enjoys.

December 12, 2025
On Thursday 11 November the Lower School Chamber Choir sang at the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity Lights to Remember Service. This annual event is an opportunity for the people of Norfolk to remember and give thanks for the lives of those who have received hospice care, as well as acknowledge with gratitude the exceptional work of everyone involved with Priscilla Bacon Lodge – staff and volunteers from Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust, and the staff, volunteers, donors, fundraisers and supporters of the Charity. Norwich Lower School Chamber Choir have been invited to sing at the event for a number of years, and this year was no exception. Led by Head of Lower School Music, Mr Vine, the choir dazzled with a beautiful performance of ‘Sweet Silent Night’ by Andy Beck. Hugo Stevenson, Head of Fundraising and Communications at the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity said: “It is always an absolute joy to welcome Norwich School Chamber Choir to this flagship event for the charity. Once again they delivered a wonderful performance and added something really special to the service. Our sincere thanks to Mr Vine, Mrs Barclay and the children.”
December 12, 2025
Lower School pupils excitedly celebrated the last day of the Michaelmas term on Friday 12 December, enjoying their Christmas lunch in a fine array of festive knitwear! There was a party atmosphere in the Refectory with decorations, paper crowns and Christmas songs, all in view of the beautifully illuminated tree. Turkey, roast potatoes and cranberry sauce were all on the special menu, followed by yule log for pudding. Everyone at the Lower School would like to wish our whole community a restful and relaxing Christmas and we will see you all again in 2026!
By Eleanor Lewis December 12, 2025
It has been an excellent term for Norwich School rugby, with all squads showing clear development, strong teamwork, and impressive determination. The junior teams enjoyed a highly successful season, including standout wins and an unbeaten U13A campaign. Across both age groups, players demonstrated growing confidence, cohesion, and attacking flair. Our inter squads showed real character, with the U14s and U15s producing notable victories and displaying resilience throughout a challenging fixture list. The U15A County Cup triumph was a particular highlight. Among the seniors, both the 1st and 2nd XV worked tirelessly despite disruptions. The 1st XV delivered several outstanding performances, including a memorable last-minute victory over Gresham's. We also thank our departing Upper Sixth players for their leadership and commitment. Overall, it has been a term marked by progress, pride, and exceptional team spirit across the whole rugby programme.
By Ben Stokes December 12, 2025
The Boat Club started the half term with the Seniors racing at the GB U19 Benchmark Head Race. With the rowers who had achieved the 2k ergo cut off, this was the first opportunity to show boat moving capabilities. Ellie Thwaites and James Howard pleaced 4th in their respective J17 Trialist category and Nicholas Conway won the J18 and overall event. For those not trialling, racing at a GB event gave them valuable experience. The Seniors then raced the inaugral Junior Fours Head of the River on the Tideway. With 2 boys crews and 2 girls crews facing some rather wet conditions, the Girls Coxed Four placed an excellent 6th place in J18 and the Boys Coxless Quad won the J18 event. The J15s and Seniors raced at Hampton Head (another damp day!) with the J15s placing well in their categories with other 40 crews in some events. Singles, Doubles and Quads were raced. The Seniors also raced a range of events, with a number of 2nd, 3rd and 4th places. There were wins for James and Nick in the Coxless Pair and for Ellie, Charlotte, Amelie, Jess and Darcy in the Coxed Four. The Boys and Girls 1st VIII s then raced at Wallingford Head, the first VIIIs race of the year- well done to all for a busy but successfull weekend of racing. Last weekend saw all the Boat Club race at our Invitational Yare Eights Head of the River. The J14s in an Octo and Quad demonstrated the great progress they have made since taking up the sport at the start of term. The 1st VIIIs (Boys and Girls) beat their respective UEA Eights. Ellie Thwaites, Nicholas Conway and James Howard have all acheived the 5k Ergo Score to progress through to the February GB U19 Trials.
By Eleanor Lewis December 11, 2025
Our annual Languages Carol Contest this half-term has been another great success. Each Upper 4 class prepared and recorded a Christmas Carol in French, German, Spanish or Mandarin. The 4th form then watched the videos and voted on their favourite song, with voting criteria of pronunciation, entertainment value and "Christmassy-ness", with different groups clearly aiming at different criteria. We are pleased to announce that the winning song was the French version of "Last Christmas" performed by Ms Niesch’s U4 French class. We were all impressed by their beautiful clear singing and catchy dance routine . Well done to all of the U4 Language classes and we look forward to seeing what the L4 can do next year. 
By Eleanor Lewis December 11, 2025
On Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 December, a cast of Inters pupils put on a brilliant production of Piers Torday’s ‘The Box of Delights’. The pupils took to the stage with confidence and enthusiasm, encouraged with a message from Piers Torday himself - I’m so thrilled you have chosen to stage my adaptation of John Masefield’s wonderful Christmas story, and I hope you have all enjoyed getting it to the stage.” The Blake was set out differently in this instance, with the production employing traverse staging, which allowed for an immersive performance in which all cast members were always present. This worked wonderfully in addition to the stylised ensemble pieces and physical theatre throughout the piece, the cast became a company. This Christmas tale was brought to life with great skill, particularly through the characterisation and dynamic between protagonist and antagonist – Cole Hawkings and Abner Brown. Kay Harker, played by Rowan Kidd, compellingly led the story and engaged audiences throughout, supported brilliantly by Christina Sawh and Alejandro Olmo Ochoa who played Maria and Peter respectively. Of course, the performance’s success must be attributed to every cast member, all pupils performed with professionalism and finesse. Director, Eva Wright, commented; “I am immensely proud of the cast for their dedication and trust in the creative process. Their collaborative spirit was key to solving the challenges of bringing this play filled with magic, and the seemingly impossible, to life in the Blake Studio.”
By Eleanor Lewis December 11, 2025
The Lower School Christmas Fair on Saturday was a wonderful event, full of festive fun and brilliant community spirit. The children did an amazing job running their stalls and favourites such as the bottle tombola and raffle proved as popular as ever. Thanks to the hard work and support of our pupils, parents and staff, £3,251 was raised for The Hamlet Centre in Norwich. A huge thank you to everyone involved - a fantastic amount and a fantastic morning!
By Eleanor Lewis December 11, 2025
On Thursday 11 December 2025, in the Cathedral Close we welcomed 12 Special Schools to the annual Special Schools Nativity Carol Service - our Lower Six pupils had such fun performing the Nativity story to a full Nave of around 400 Norfolk pupils and school staff. The audience enjoyed listening to beautiful songs from the Norwich Cathedral Choristers and enthusiastically joined in with some well-known carols together. Some of the many highlights include pupils from Harford Manor turning on the Christmas lights whilst also assisting the Three Kings with the gifts. Budge even made an appearance to check out the manger and to say well done to the cast at the end. The donkey (performed by Daisy) opened the show and between her and Budge they certainly entertained the audience from beginning to end! Ashley Grote, Master of Music from the Cathedral says: “The annual carol service for Special Schools is one of my highlights of Christmas at the Cathedral and, in many ways, it’s the most important carol service we do. It’s a privilege for us to be able to sing for all these wonderful children and for their amazing carers, and to bring some of the joy of Christmas to them through our singing” Rebecca Price, one of our parent volunteers who has been helping with the Community Service programme this year says: "It was wonderful to be involved in the service, and I feel very proud of how the students put together their performances. It was joyful to see so many children, and their supporters, enjoying the service, and a big thank you to the cathedral team for making the experience accessible and engaging for all." Will - (who played Joseph, our U6 pupil who was part of the nativity performance for the 2nd year in a row) says ‘I had a great time, and seeing how happy the experience made the kids was really heartwarming’ Daisy (Donkey) ‘I had a very fun time and loved how much uplifting and entertaining the kids were’ Benji (Angel Gabriel) 'I really enjoyed helping with the nativity to bring Christmas joy to all the kids' Izi (Mary) ‘I loved performing the nativity and seeing the children’s faces light up’
By Eleanor Lewis December 10, 2025
For many in the wider Norwich School community, the December Carol Service in the cathedral is the surest sign that Christmas is on its way. Following the tradition of Nine Lessons and Carols, we heard the narrative thread of the coming of Christ through the Old Testament prophets and the New Testament gospels, read by pupils, parents, teachers and a school governor. The Chapel Choir sang a carefully rehearsed repertoire – different every year – from the lively melody of John Rutter’s Angels’ Carol to the melancholy harmonies of Warlock’s Bethlehem Down.  A generous collection at the end of the service will allow us to make a special Christmas donation to three of the charities Norwich School has been supporting during 2025. Of course the service was also a chance to catch up with old friends and fellows, made all the easier with mince pies and drinks in the refectory afterwards.
By Eleanor Lewis December 10, 2025
The 1 st XI enjoyed an unbeaten second half of term, finishing off with a solid set of statistics over the course of the season. Winning 5, losing 3 and 1 draw whilst scoring 22 goals in the process. The 2 nd XI came away with 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats which is commendable following its reintroduction after a five year absence. The First XI experienced a mixed but encouraging season, with 5 wins 1 draw and 3 losses and many new faces being brought into the team. After starting off the season with an explosive 5–5 draw with the ONs, the team struggled through defeats to Perse and Kimbolton before bouncing back with a determined 1–0 win over Wymondham College. Momentum grew with a solid 3-1 victory against Gresham’s, despite a setback against Langley. The side finished the season impressively, beating Culford 3-1, dominating Ipswich High School 6-0, and a composed 2-1 win against Woodbridge to round off the season. Massive thanks to the U6 boys that played their final games this season, Ethan Buskell, James Moore, Joe Crotty, Sam Colman, Tom Chester, Ben Griffiths, Harry Philpott and Billy Faircloth. We look forward to the exciting future of Norwich School football as we try to build further next season. - Billy Faircloth (U6S) 1st XI Captain The 2nd XI had a positive year for football this year taking home an equal record after 2 wins,2 draws and 2 losses. There was a strong start to the season with a 3-2 win at home against The Perse which set morale high for the rest of the season. Then came a tough battle at Wymondham College and 2 consecutive draws – a complete stalemate at Gresham’s and at Langley which was relentlessly fought back and well deserved against a well-rounded team. A dip in form at Culford made everyone determined to finish the season on a high and in the final game of the season a strong 7-4 victory over Woodbridge sealed the season in upbeat spirit. - Alex Purling (L6B) 2nd XI Captain
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