MixedIndependent

Norwich School

Norwich, Norfolk, East of England · NR1 4DD

Tracing its origins to 1096, Norwich School is among the oldest schools in the country, set within the heart of Norwich and bound up with the city's cathedral. A large, mixed independent for ages 11 to 18, it draws around 1,194 pupils and was rated excellent by the ISI, with personal development also judged excellent. The pupil-to-teacher ratio of roughly 12 to 1 allows close attention, and a sizeable sixth form of 341 anchors the upper years. Its Christian character runs deep, not least through a chorister tradition tied to the cathedral.

1,194

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£24,426

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Mixed
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 11-18
Pupils: 1,194
Pupil:teacher ratio: 12
Location: Norwich, Norfolk, East of England
Website: http://www.norwich-school.org.uk/
Telephone: 01603 728442

Entrance & admissions

Entry age: 11

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Headteacher

Head Mr Steffan Griffiths

Latest results

Attainment 8

12.1

National average 46.9

GCSE grade 5+ (English & Maths)

National average 47%

GCSE grade 9-7

74%

A-level A*-A

52%

A-level A*-B

82%

Teaching & academics

Results at the top end are strong, with 74% of GCSEs graded 7-9 and 52% of A-levels at A*-A, rising to 82% at A*-B. The sciences, mathematics, history, English and economics are well subscribed in the sixth form, suggesting a pupil body confident across both arts and sciences. Around 13% of pupils receive SEN support, and the school positions pupil-owned devices as learning tools while restricting phone use for the youngest year group.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils: 341

Popular A-level subjects

MathematicsBiologyChemistryPhysicsHistoryEnglish LiteratureEconomics

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-level

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 13.25%
EHC plans: 0.17%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

Academic ScholarshipsSports ScholarshipsMusic ScholarshipsHeadmaster's Awards

Languages

FrenchChinese

Popular GCSE subjects

MathematicsEnglishSciencesHistoryGeography

Sport

Main sports

RugbyCricketHockeyNetball

Beyond the classroom

Sport is prominent, with rugby, cricket, hockey and netball forming the core of the programme. Music carries particular weight given the school's choral links, and dedicated music scholarships and chorister bursaries underline that commitment. Languages extend beyond the usual, with French and Chinese both on offer.

Ethos & heritage

Founded: 1096
Religious character: Christian
Boarding: No

Mobile phone policy

Fourth form are not allowed to use their phones during the school day. School encourages use of pupil owned devices as a teaching and learning tool. School recognises that mobile devices are sometimes used for medical purposes or as an adjustment for pupils with disabilities or special educational needs.

Money matters

Day fees (per year): £15,192 - £24,426
Bursaries up to: 100% of fees

Means tested bursaries available, occasionally up to 100 per cent. Cathedral choristers (boys) have a 50 per cent bursary during their time in the choir.

Inspection reports

ISI rating: excellent
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 22 April 2025

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A historic city school with genuine academic ambition and a living cathedral tradition. Strong scholarship and bursary provision, including occasional full awards, widens its reach beyond the fee level alone.

The Passmate verdict