About Norwich School
Norwich School is an independent, co-educational day school for pupils from four to eighteen.
Our ethos is rooted in our beautiful surroundings, in the inspirational presence of the great Cathedral and in a remarkable history of almost 1000 years. However, our true essence is established every day by the supportive atmosphere created by our inspirational staff, by our broad curriculum, by our excellent facilities and finally by the pupils themselves.
The school is split into two distinct sections. The Lower School is the base for around 250 pupils aged 4-11 (Reception–Year 6), while the Senior School encompasses close to 900 pupils aged 11-18 (Years 7-13). In the Senior School, pupils benefit from the unique city centre location in the shadow of Norwich Cathedral, which is also the setting for assemblies, events and concerts throughout the school year. The Lower School is on its own site on the Lower Cathedral Close beside the river Wensum, a short walk from the Senior School.
Norwich School is committed to:
- Nurturing and developing knowledgeable, reflective young people who are capable of understanding difficult concepts and expressing complex and profound ideas;
- Providing a rich, broad and varied education that develops the diverse talents of all;
- Equipping our young people for a lifetime of leadership.
Fun facts...
The roots of Norwich School can be dated right back to the origin of Norwich Cathedral in the 11th century, as it was established by Herbert de Losigna, the first Bishop of Norwich.
The school was re-founded in the 16th Century when it was moved to its current site.
It was in the 19th century that the school became independent of the city and the curriculum was modernised and broadened.
The most famous former pupil, or Old Norvicensian as we call them, is Lord Horatio Nelson, memorialised with an impressive statue outside the Head’s office.
Life in Norwich
The ‘fine city’ of Norwich is the most complete medieval city in England and is well known for its beautiful historic architecture, including two Cathedrals, St Andrew’s Hall, Dragon Hall and Norwich Castle. The centrepiece is the iconic 900-year-old Norman Cathedral, with its impressive spire, home to the famous Norwich peregrine falcons.
Norwich is high on the list of places to shop in the UK, boasting two shopping malls, a thriving independent shopping quarter and the largest open air market in England, as well as the Art Nouveau Royal Arcade, which was opened in 1899, and now home to a range of independent shops and eateries. Over 250 years old, the independent department store, Jarrolds, is one of the city’s most recognisable buildings. There is also a flourishing restaurant scene with many national chains, as well as a multitude of local independent bistros, cafes and street food stalls.
Norwich also enjoys a flourishing independent arts, music and cultural scene, which includes the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, the Hostry Festival and the multi-award-winning Norwich Science Festival. In addition
Living in and around Norwich gives easy access to the stunning Norfolk coastline the Norfolk Broads and Norfolk Forests, while London can be reached by train in two hours.
Norwich has the second largest cathedral close in England, the area of which totals 44 acres offering a wonderful green oasis at the heart of the city. The school buildings are set around the Close, with the Cathedral at the centre.
The Cathedral Close
Entry to the Upper Close is via either of the impressive archways, the Erpingham or Ethelbert gates. The former, leads directly to the ornate West Door of the Cathedral, with the Head’s study to the left. A lane leads from the Ethelbert gate through the Upper Close, down to the Lower Close and towards the river.
The Close is also home to a range of businesses and a number of residential properties, some of which date back to the 14th century. There is limited vehicle access meaning the Close really does offer a space of tranquillity at the city’s centre.
The county of Norfolk
Famous for its ‘big skies’ Norfolk is a rural county but is highly accessible, just 2 hours on the train from central London.
The county has so much to offer, including the internationally renowned and unique Norfolk Broads, an impressive 100 miles of award winning sandy beaches and an enviable portfolio of stately homes, including Sandringham, Blickling and Holkham Hall. The county is also home to a number of picturesque market towns and an abundance of idyllic villages with transport links to the city in the form of trains and buses. Norfolk has over 650 medieval churches which is the largest concentration anywhere in the world and it also has the highest number of churches with round towers in the country.
There is so much to see and do in Norfolk, it is the ideal place for young couples, families and retirees alike.
