Norwich High School for Girls proudly marked its 150th anniversary in school on Monday 24th February with a day of celebration, reflection and community spirit. The milestone event brought together students, staff and alumnae to honour the school’s rich history and enduring legacy.

The day commenced with a whole school assembly in Eaton Grove Hall, where Head, Alison Sefton, addressed the community, reflecting on the school’s journey over the past century and a half. She also shared the fascinating provenance of the school hymn, To Be a Pilgrim, and its connection to girls’ schools. During the assembly, staff and students participated in the first reading of the school’s Inclusion Poem, which has now been permanently installed in the stairwell as a symbol of the school’s commitment to inclusivity and belonging. The poem was the inspiration of Mr Matt Bull, our Diversity and Inclusion Lead, who earlier in the academic year asked staff and students to complete the sentence “Inclusion is….”. The responses were used to create the poem. Well done especially to four-year-old Imogen from our Nursery, who recited part of the poem alongside Head Girl, Inayah. To capture the spirit of the occasion, the Head Girl Team led a chorus of Happy Birthday and took a whole-school selfie, uniting the entire community in celebration.

As part of the commemoration, all students and staff received exclusive 150th anniversary pin badges, designed especially for the event.

A highlight of the morning was the unveiling of a brand-new timeline installation, offering a visual journey through the school’s storied past. Alongside this, an exhibition curated by Archivist Tom Greenwood was set up in the Conservatory, showcasing a collection of artefacts from the school’s archives. The exhibition provided a fascinating insight into the school’s heritage, with students enjoying guided visits throughout the day.

Celebratory treats were also in abundance, with the school’s dedicated catering team providing a selection of cakes for staff and cupcakes for students, ensuring that the festivities were enjoyed by all.

In the afternoon, the entire school came off timetable to engage in a special anniversary-themed carousel of activities. Senior School subject departments designed engaging sessions to reflect on the school’s legacy and future. Additionally, four alumnae, including Mary Edwards, a remarkable former student in her early 90s who attended Norwich High between 1941 and 1948, returned to share their experiences and inspire current students.

Norwich High School for Girls also launched its 150th-anniversary bursary campaign, reinforcing its commitment to widening access to education. The school has witnessed first-hand the life-changing impact bursaries can have on students, both academically and beyond the classroom.

To commemorate this significant milestone, the school is fundraising for five new transformational bursaries, continuing the pioneering spirit of “girls first” education established by its founders.

By supporting this initiative, alumnae and friends of Norwich High can help create life-changing opportunities for future generations of girls.

Find out more by watching our video below and hearing from Bee and Lillian, bursary recipients at Norwich High School for Girls.