Friends of Norwich School (FONS)
The Friends of Norwich School (or FONS for short) is a registered independent charity (charity number: 1170059)
Our community is open to all parents, guardians, carers and grandparents from the Lower School and the Senior School, current and past, as well as to friends from the wider community who support Norwich School.
Our mission is simply to support Norwich School and to provide fellowship amongst the community.
We do this by hosting regular events (coffee mornings, social events such as our legendary biennial ball and periodic raffles) and running professionally the successful Second-Hand Uniform Shop, both of which are of particular help to new parents.
Funds raised though these activities allows us to support the school generously in three key areas: to funding bursary support to foster social inclusion and diversity; to provide grants to fund equipment for a multitude of clubs and societies for pupil enrichment and to encourage participation; and to provide an annual prize fund to inspire achievement.
We hope to be a force for good in the school community and we hope you will join us.
We would be pleased to hear from anyone with ideas or who wishes to help out in any voluntary capacity.
About Us
The Friends of Norwich School is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (1170059) run by Trustees:
The Head:
Steffan Griffiths
The Head of the Lower School:
John Ingham
The Development Director:
Jonathan Pearson
Three general elected Trustees:
Madelé de Lange
(Outgoing Chair), Natasha Duvall (Chair Elect), Jonathan Hook
(Treasurer),
Janine Taylor (Company Secretary)
To find out about what the Friends have been up to, for upcoming or recent events, and how funds are being spent, please follow the Friends Facebook and Twitter pages or send an email:
Facebook: Search ‘Friends of Norwich School’
Twitter: @NorSchFriends
Email: friends@norwich-school.org.uk
Events
FONS Inaugural Coffee Morning
18 September, 08:30 – 10:00
Fourth Form Garden
Parents and families old and new are welcome to our inaugural coffee morning of the new academic year. Do join the community over coffee and croissants. No need to book - just turn up. Parking in the Upper Close.
FONS Winter Quiz
Friday 10 October, 18:30 – 22:00
School Refectory
Your annual opportunity to dust off your encyclopaedic knowledge of trivia and pit yourself against some other crack parent teams. Singles, couples or teams welcome. Enjoy a truly fun evening of outrageous competitiveness and mayhem lead by John Ingham and team over a quiz and a supper, all for a good cause.
Tickets and final details to follow in September – but this is always a sellout event so be sure to Save the Date!
FONS Coffee Morning
Tuesday 14 October, 08:30 – 10:00
Venue TBC
This month’s coffee morning will have a musical twist, with a chance to see the small performance space at No 1 Almary Green and explore the former Chapel above the Ethelbert Gate (our Barbirolli Room). A musical interlude given by a talented pupil is also planned.
All welcome. No need to book - just turn up. Parking in the Upper Close.
Mulled Wine and Mince Pies with Friends of Norwich School
Wednesday 3 December, 15:00 – 16:30
Norwich School Crypt
A festive end of term treat. Join the Friends of Norwich School for mince pies and mulled wine during a private viewing of the art exhibition happening in our very own Crypt gallery.
All welcome. No need to book - just turn up.
Second Hand Uniform Shop
Friends of Norwich School volunteers run a Second Hand shop for parents. All items provided by parents are either donated or sold on a 50/50 basis. The shop sells a wide range of pre-used uniform and sportswear, in addition to specialist footwear (Astro/rugby/hockey etc) and sports equipment/protection alongside Scouts kit. The income generated by the sale of second hand items not only supports a wide variety of projects for pupils within the school but is a very useful service for parents and pupils alike.
Sale dates
We are pleased to announce that the Uniform Shop will be open again this term at 15 Upper King Street, you can find the dates and timings below, please note that timings differ depending on the dates!
OPENING TIMES - Michaelmas 2025
- Saturday 30 August, 09:00-13:00
- Tuesday 2 September, 13:00-17:30
- Wednesday 3 September, 15:00-16:30
- Wednesday 10 September, 16:00-18:00
- Tuesday 23 September, 15:00-16:30
- Wednesday 8 October, 15:00-16:30
Location
We are located on the first floor of 15 Upper King Street. Access to this school building is restricted so parents will need to press the buzzer for access. There is no on-site parking available for weekday sales but may be available at other times, we’ll let you know in parent email.
Contacting Us
You can also email friendsshop@norwich-school.org.uk with any queries you may have but please note we do not reserve items or advise on stock levels as these are constantly changing.
Donations
Items you would like to sell or donate can be dropped off at the shop when open or 71A Reception during business hours. For T & C's on donating/sale of items, please refer to the information on Parent Portal, under the 'School Uniform' page.
Where does your money go?
We are proud that finds raised through the activities of FONS go towards improving the experience of the pupils and further afield. Some examples of how funds raised are used, see below:
