Norwich High School for Girls applauds exceptional 2024 GCSE Results

Posted on 22nd August 2024

Norwich High School for Girls is delighted to announce remarkable success in this year’s GCSE examinations.

The outstanding results are a reflection of the perseverance, commitment and hard work shown by Norwich High students throughout their studies.

97% of all results were grade 9-4, with 22% 9, 39% 9-8, 57% 9-7 and 75% 9-6.

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ accomplishments this year. Their GCSE success is a direct result of their relentless effort and the unwavering support provided by our dedicated staff. These results are a springboard for exciting future opportunities in our Sixth Form and beyond.”

Alison Sefton, Head of Norwich High School for Girls GDST

Head of Year 11 Marie Hood added: “It’s been a privilege to watch the students grow and develop through their time in the Fifth Form at Norwich High, and I’m confident that they will continue to thrive as they take their next steps. I know they have the foundation to achieve great things. Congratulations to each and every one of them!”

Case Studies

We are also proud to highlight some of the individual successes within this year’s results:

Straight 9s for Francesca and Sienna

Special congratulations to academic scholar Francesca Sablowski, who achieved an impressive 11 GCSEs at grade 9. Francesca received The Dr Rutledge Memorial Prize for Fifth Form Science at this year’s Prizegiving. With aspirations of becoming a vet, she gained valuable work experience in the field over the summer. Francesca will continue her studies at Norwich High Sixth Form. We also commend Sienna Francis, who earned nine GCSEs at grade 9 and will pursue her A Levels at Norwich High Sixth Form with an academic scholarship.

The stage is set for a great future for Kezia

Congratulations to Kezia Dubberley, who joined Norwich High School for Girls in Year 10 and has excelled with nine grade 9s and one grade 8 in her GCSEs. Kezia has truly flourished at Norwich High, seizing every chance to pursue her passions for music and drama. She has appeared in several productions, including Macbeth, and won The Coward Piano Prize this year. Kezia will continue her journey at Norwich High Sixth Form, where she has been awarded academic, drama, and music scholarships for Year 12.

The outgoing Year 11 cohort contains multiple talented performing arts students, all of whom have performed exceptionally well in their exams.

Evie Murray and Mia Atkinson have a passion for acting, having starred in numerous productions, including The Addams Family Musical and our Showstopper variety show. Academic Scholar Evie also represented the school at the GDST Chrystall Prize Public Speaking Competition this year. She earned an impressive 10 GCSEs at 100% 9-7 with eight at grade 9. Mia also excelled, achieving 10 GCSEs, including a grade 9 in both English Language and Performing Arts. Both have been awarded drama scholarships for Sixth Form at Norwich High.

Congratulations to Music Scholar Isabella Grubb, who has been an invaluable part of Norwich High School since joining in Year 7. In addition to her role on the school council, Isabella has showcased her talents on both the piano and flute at numerous school events, including the carol service, alumnae reunions, and open days. Her dedication was recognised with The Clouting Award for Outstanding Service to Choral Work and the Make it Happen Award at our 2024 Prizegiving. Isabella achieved an impressive ten GCSEs, including four at grade 9. She will continue her studies at Norwich High Sixth Form supported by a music scholarship.

Dancers Izzy Aukland and Becca Warnes also impressed. Izzy, who dedicates around 20 hours a week to studying contemporary dance outside of school, spent part of her summer completing the Leadership and Entrepreneurship Accelerator Programme (LEAP) in Jersey. This two-week female leadership course, hosted by the Jersey College for Girls Foundation, was an opportunity Izzy earned through a competitive scholarship. She achieved an impressive 100% 9-7 in her nine GCSEs, including five at grade 9. Becca, a skilled tap dancer and active member of the school council, achieved 10 GCSEs with 100% 9-6 grades, including a 9 in Fine Art. Both have earned drama scholarships for Sixth Form.

The Norwich High rock band achieved 50 GCSEs between them, of which 100% were grade 9-6 and 15 were grade 9. The rock band included Esmee Hummel, Holly Huang, Arya Puvanachandra and twins Natalie and Ivy Platten. It’s twin success for Natalie and Ivy who gained 10 GCSEs each with 100% 9-7 and ten 9 grades between them.

Embracing opportunities

As we have seen in previous years, it is often those students who embrace all the opportunities on offer at Norwich High who see some of the highest exam results.

“This year’s results clearly highlight the value of pursuing hobbies and passions, even during challenging and pressurised times. Whether it’s rowing, rugby, equestrian, dance, leadership, or volunteering, engaging in co-curricular activities provides balance and a vital outlet that supports mental well-being. Our students who have effectively balanced their academic responsibilities with a busy school life have once again excelled. The skills they have developed will not only benefit them in Sixth Form but will also serve them well in life beyond Norwich High.”

Helen Dolding, Deputy Head Pastoral and Co-Curriculum

Well done to members of the equestrian team; Eliza Peake gained 10 GCSEs with five 9s; sport scholar Kate Barrett gained 10 GCSEs with seven 9s, Alex Mealing Mills gained 10 GCSEs with four 9s; and Evie Marcantonio gained 10 GCSEs.

Three of our female rugby players received excellent results. Sport scholar Daisy Phillippo gained nine GCSEs with a 9 for both English Literature and Performing Arts. Rebecca Green gained 11 GCSEs and Millie Buckley gained nine GCSEs.

Congratulations to rower and STEM specialist Eleanor Barnes who gained 11 GCSEs, 100% at grade 9-8 with seven 9s. Eleanor is going on to study for her A Levels with an academic scholarship at Norwich High School for Girls Sixth Form.

Students look forward to success at Norwich High Sixth Form

“We are thrilled to welcome the majority of our outgoing Year 11 students into our Sixth Form this year. Their excellent results are a testament to their consistent hard work, and we are excited to support them as they take on new challenges and opportunities in their Sixth Form studies. The dedication they’ve shown during their GCSEs gives us great confidence that they will continue to excel and make the most of everything our Sixth Form has to offer. We look forward to helping them achieve continued success in the years to come.”

Hazel Packer, Director of Sixth Form at Norwich High School for Girls GDST

Norwich High School for Girls will be holding their annual Open Morning on Saturday 28th September, and their Sixth Form Open Evening on Monday 7th October. Students and their families are invited to visit the school to tour the facilities across the 14 acre site on Newmarket Road, and to meet staff and students alike. Find out more and book your place at https://www.norwichhigh.gdst.net/admissions/open-events